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In the gastric mucosa, chronic inflammation due to Helicobacter pylori infection promotes gastrocarcinogenesis. Polysaccharides of Caulerpa lentillifera are well-characterized by broad antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory potentials. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether the low molecular sulfate polysaccharides of C. lentillifera (CLCP) exhibit any anti-adhesive activity against H. pylori. After a hot water extraction and purification process, two purified polysaccharide fractions (CLCP-1 and CLCP2) were studied based on structural characterization and bioactivity determination. The results implied that except for the molar ratio, CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 contain high sulfate, mannose, galactose, xylose, glucose levels, and low protein levels. The molecular weight and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) assays confirmed that CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 are sulfate polysaccharides with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 963.15 and 648.42 kDa, respectively. In addition, CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against H. pylori. CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 could significantly promote macrophage proliferation and decrease the production of nitric oxide (NO) through downregulated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Meanwhile, CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 in this study showed efficiently protected gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells against H. pylori with the inhibition of the IL-8/NF-κB axis. These findings suggested the effect of Caulerpa lentillifera polysaccharides on H. pylori adhesion, a potential supply of nutrients for eradication therapy through the reduction of cell count and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Lamb loss and dyctocia are two major challenges in extensive farming systems. While visual observation can be impractical due to the large sizes of paddocks, number of animals and high labour cost, wearable sensors can be used to monitor the behaviour of ewes as there might be changes in their activities prior to lambing. This provides sufficient time for the farm manager to nurse those ewes that are at risk of dyctocia. Aim: The objective of this study was to determine whether the behaviour of a pregnant ewe could predict the time of parturition. Methods: Two separate trials were conducted: the first trial (T1), with 32 ewes, included human/video observations, and the second trial (T2), with 165 ewes, conducted with no humans present, to emulate real extensive farming settings. The ewes were fitted with tri-axial accelerometer sensors by means of halters. Three-dimensional movement data were collected for a period of at least 7 and 14 days in T1 and T2 respectively. The sensor units were retrieved, and their data downloaded using ActiGraph software. Ewe behaviour was determined through support vector machine learning (SVM) algorithm, including licking, grazing, rumination, walking, and idling. The behaviours of ewes predicted by analysis of sensor data were compared with behaviours determined using visual observation (video recordings), with time synchronisation to validate the results. Deep learning and neural-network algorithms were used to predict lambing time. Key results: The concordance percentages between visual observation and sensor data were 90 ± 11, 81 ± 15, 95 ± 10, 96 ± 6, and 93 ± 8% ± s.d. for grazing, licking, rumination, idling, and walking respectively. The deep-learning model predicted the time of lambing with 90% confidence via a quantile regression method, which can be interpereted as 90% prediction intervals, and shows that the time of lambing can be predicted with reasonable confidence approximately 240 h before the actual lambing events. Conclusion: It was possible to predict the time of parturition up to 10 days before lambing. Implications: The behaviour of ewes around lambing time has a direct effect on the survival of the lambs and therefore plays an important part in animal management. This knowledge could improve the productivity of sheep and considerably decrease lamb mortality rates. Understanding behaviour of ewes around lambing time has a direct effect on the survival of lambs. To our knowledge, this is first report of predicting lambing time of ewes using wearable motion sensors at least 7 days prior to lambing. We believe this finding of advance warning of lambing time would be of interest to farmers directly as they can take necessary measures and overall improve the performance of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing applications, demands, and capabilities of drones, in practice they have only limited autonomy for accomplishing complex missions, resulting in slow and vulnerable operations and difficulty adapting to dynamic environments. To lessen these weaknesses, we present a computational framework for deducing the original intent of drone swarms by monitoring their movements. We focus on interference, a phenomenon that is not initially anticipated by drones but results in complicated operations due to its significant impact on performance and its challenging nature. We infer interference from predictability by first applying various machine learning methods, including deep learning, and then computing entropy to compare against interference. Our computational framework begins by building a set of computational models called double transition models from the drone movements and revealing reward distributions using inverse reinforcement learning. These reward distributions are then used to compute the entropy and interference across a variety of drone scenarios specified by combining multiple combat strategies and command styles. Our analysis confirmed that drone scenarios experienced more interference, higher performance, and higher entropy as they became more heterogeneous. However, the direction of interference (positive vs. negative) was more dependent on combinations of combat strategies and command styles than homogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWith the proliferation of personalized recommendation systems (PRS) such as Facebook, Amazon, and TikTok, the academic community has increasingly focused on AI-based recommendation systems. However, there remains a dearth of research that elucidates the adverse effects of AI-based recommendation algorithms and the underlying mechanisms through which these effects influence psychological and behavioral responses, particularly in terms of purchasing behavior. Drawing upon the Stressor-Strain-Outcome (SSO) model, this study aims to scrutinize the purported features of “greediness” and “bias” inherent in such algorithms, thereby investigating their impact on users’ negative psychological and behavioral responses. This investigation collected 473 online responses and used the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to empirically analyze the research model. The findings suggest that greedy and biased recommendation algorithms engender information narrowing, redundancy, overload, technological intrusiveness, and concerns about information disclosure. These stressors are associated with negative psychological and behavioral responses among users, which ultimately influence purchasing resistance behaviors on short video platforms. Consequently, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the adverse implications of AI recommendation algorithms and provide valuable information for companies that offer short-form video applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study of coronary artery disease (CAD), the mechanism of plaque formation and development is still an important subject for investigation. A limitation of current coronary angiography (CAG) is that it can only show static images of the narrowing of arterial channels without identifying the mechanism of the disease or predicting its progression or regression. To address this limitation, the CAG technique has been modified. The new approach emphasizes identifying and analyzing blood flow patterns, employing methodologies akin to those used by hydraulic engineers for fluid or gas movement through domestic or industrial pipes and pumps. With the new technique, various flow patterns and arterial phenomena—such as laminar, turbulent, antegrade, retrograde, and recirculating flow and potentially water hammer shock and vortex formation—are identified, recorded, and classified. These phenomena are then correlated with the presence of lesions at different locations within the coronary vasculature. The formation and growth of these lesions are explained from the perspective of fluid mechanics. As the pathophysiology of CAD and other cardiovascular conditions becomes clearer, new medical, surgical, and interventional treatments could be developed to reverse abnormal coronary flow dynamics and restore laminar flow, leading to improved clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Persistent mortality in adults hospitalized due to acute COVID-19 justifies pursuit of disease mechanisms and potential therapies. The aim was to evaluate which virus and host response factors were associated with mortality risk among participants in Therapeutics for Inpatients with COVID-19 (TICO/ACTIV-3) trials. Methods A secondary analysis of 2625 adults hospitalized for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection randomized to 1 of 5 antiviral products or matched placebo in 114 centers on 4 continents. Uniform, site-level collection of participant baseline clinical variables was performed. Research laboratories assayed baseline upper respiratory swabs for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA and plasma for anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen (viral Ag), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Associations between factors and time to mortality by 90 days were assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results Viral Ag ≥4500 ng/L (vs <200 ng/L; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.07; 1.29–3.34), viral RNA (<35 000 copies/mL [aHR, 2.42; 1.09–5.34], ≥35 000 copies/mL [aHR, 2.84; 1.29–6.28], vs below detection), respiratory support (<4 L O2 [aHR, 1.84; 1.06–3.22]; ≥4 L O2 [aHR, 4.41; 2.63–7.39], or noninvasive ventilation/high-flow nasal cannula [aHR, 11.30; 6.46–19.75] vs no oxygen), renal impairment (aHR, 1.77; 1.29–2.42), and IL-6 >5.8 ng/L (aHR, 2.54 [1.74–3.70] vs ≤5.8 ng/L) were significantly associated with mortality risk in final adjusted analyses. Viral Ag, viral RNA, and IL-6 were not measured in real-time. Conclusions Baseline virus-specific, clinical, and biological variables are strongly associated with mortality risk within 90 days, revealing potential pathogen and host-response therapeutic targets for acute COVID-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking, cycling, and feeder bus/tram for first- and last-mile (FLM) train access are often considered to have better health benefits, lower cost, and less environmental impacts than driving. However, little is known about the road safety impacts of these FLM access modes, particularly at a network level. This paper aims to investigate the impacts of train commuters' access modes on road safety in Victoria, Australia. Macroscopic analyses of crash outcomes in each zone (i.e., Statistical Area Level 1) were performed using negative binomial (NB) and spatially lagged X negative binomial (SLXNB), accounting for potential indirect effects of mode shares in adjacent zones. This macroscopic analysis approach enabled the consideration of the safety effects across the network. The results showed that the SLXNB models outperformed the NB models. Commuting by train, either with walking or car as FLM access mode, was negatively associated with both total and severe crashes. In addition, commuting by train with feeder bus/tram access mode was negatively associated with severe crashes. Interestingly, commuting by train with cycling access mode was negatively associated with total crashes, with a larger effect when compared to walking and car access modes. Overall, the results suggested promoting active transport as FLM train access mode would lead to an improvement in road safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the determinants of blockchain technology adoption in small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises. This study also investigates the moderating effect of technology optimism. Results from a sample of 550 enterprises indicate that technological factors (i.e., relative advantage and compatibility), organizational factors (i.e., top management support, organizational readiness, and employee blockchain technology knowledge), and environmental factors (i.e., competitive pressure, customer pressure, and government support) positively affect intention to adopt blockchain technology. These relationships are moderated by technology optimism. Interestingly, perceived complexity and adoption cost are insignificant determinants of blockchain technology adoption. This study contributes to the literature by explaining the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions (i.e., managers’ technology optimism) under which technological, organizational, and environmental factors predict the adoption of blockchain technology among small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises. Moreover, the findings provide implications for hospitality and tourism managers in adopting and implementing blockchain technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cocoa pod borer (CPB) Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae) is one of the major constraints for cocoa production in South East Asia. In addition to cultural and chemical control methods, autocidal control tactics such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) could be an efficient addition to the currently control strategy, however SIT implementation will depend on the population genetics of the targeted pest. The aim of the present work was to search for suitable microsatellite loci in the genome of CPB that is partially sequenced. Twelve microsatellites were initially selected and used to analyze moths collected from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. A quality control verification process was carried out and seven microsatellites found to be suitable and efficient to distinguish differences between CPB populations from different locations. The selected microsatellites were also tested against a closely related species, i.e. the lychee fruit borer Conopomorpha sinensis (LFB) from Vietnam and eight loci were found to be suitable. The availability of these novel microsatellite loci will provide useful tools for the analysis of the population genetics and gene flow of these pests, to select suitable CPB strains to implement the SIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last two decades, several cases of venous thrombosis (VTE) after a prolonged period at a computer have been described, denominated as "eThrombosis". Video gaming on a computer has become very popular and can be a social activity where several players gather to play against each other or in a virtual environment for several days ("LAN (i.e., Local Area Network) parties") where the participants are sedentary and consuming calorie-rich food items. The aim of this study was to investigate potential coagulation activation during a 42 h LAN party. Nine male gamers volunteered for the LAN party. Citrated blood was sampled before and every 6 h, and plasma was analyzed for thrombin generation, thrombin–antithrombin complexes (TAT), prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), and D-dimer. Thrombin generation increased slightly but not significantly during the LAN party, whereas the coagulation activation markers were unchanged. These results do not indicate that the coagulation system is activated significantly during 42 h of gaming with minimal physical activity. Although increased activity cannot be excluded, it does not directly indicate a risk of VTE in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer features have been linked to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Assessing the status of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene carriers in patients contributes to accurate diagnosis, disease prognosis as well as appropriate targeted treatment methods. This study evaluated the prevalence of these mutations in Vietnamese prostate cancer patients and assessed their correlation with clinical features. A cross-sectional study was performed at Bach Mai Hospital between 2021 and 2022. We enrolled 60 prostate cancer patients. Next-generation gene sequencing was used to identify BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Patients with somatic gene mutations underwent further germline mutation analysis. We also reported a case series following the British Medical Journal guidelines, detailing the clinical course of such patients. Patients with BRCA2 pathogenic variants revealed no BRCA1 mutations, although different mutations were identified. Two patients showed germline mutations. Patients with BRCA mutations were younger (average age: 66.2 years) than those with non-mutations (72.1 years) at diagnosis. High Gleason scores, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases were more prevalent in the mutation group. One patient with germline BRCA mutation had aggressive prostate cancer and early resistance to non-PARPi (Poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors) treatments. We provide preliminary data on BRCA mutations in Vietnamese patients with prostate cancer, suggesting that BRCA2 mutations correlate with aggressive disease characteristics. Our findings further elucidate the clinical implications of these mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA) is working to develop kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) that can meet the sensitivity targets of a far-infrared spectrometer on a cryogenically cooled space telescope. An important ingredient for achieving high sensitivity is increasing the fractional-frequency responsivity. Here, we present a study of the responsivity of aluminum KIDs fabricated at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Specifically, we model the KID's temporal response to pair-breaking excitations in the framework of the Mattis–Bardeen theory, incorporating quasiparticle recombination dynamics and the pair-breaking efficiency. Using a near-IR laser, we measure time-resolved photon pulses and fit them to our model, extracting the time-resolved quasiparticle density and the quasiparticle recombination lifetime. Comparing the fit to the known energy of the laser provides a measurement of the pair-breaking efficiency. In addition to photon-sourced excitations, it is important to understand the KID's response to phonon-sourced excitations from cosmic rays. We measure the rate of secondary cosmic rays detected by our devices and predict the dead time due to cosmic rays for an array in L2 orbit. This work provides confidence in KIDs' robustness to cosmic ray events in the space environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A timely and comprehensive review that summarizes the recent materials challenges and advances in the entire green hydrogen ecosystem. • Current bottlenecks and fundamental challenges that require urgent breakthroughs in the entire green hydrogen ecosystem are identified. • Practical and goal-oriented approaches to the material revolution in green hydrogen-related technologies are provided. • Promising safety and cost management strategies from the materials perspective of the entire green hydrogen ecosystem are analyzed. Green hydrogen (H 2) is one of the most promising candidates to combat the global energy crisis because of its high energy density, sustainability and abundance on earth. Large-scale green H 2 ecosystems that empower the global transition towards a carbon–neutral energy society are highly desired, yet challenging, to be deployed. Limitations such as relatively low production and storage efficiencies from renewable technologies, high transportation and utilization costs and safety concerns regarding H 2 handling greatly restrain the development of green H 2 ecosystems. Revolutions in materials science and technology are crucial to tackle these issues and construct practical green H 2 ecosystems. Though reviews focus exclusively on the material development in individual sectors of the H 2 ecosystem, they lack a review focusing on the material challenges and advances in the green H 2 ecosystem in a comprehensive and instructive manner. It is pivotal to providing constructive and universal solutions for common material challenges in green H 2 technologies, bringing together efforts from all relevant fields and exploring new opportunities and breakthroughs. Herein, this review features cutting-edge material advances and identifies the critical material challenges throughout the entire green H 2 ecosystem, including renewable H 2 production, purification, storage, transportation, application and safety and cost management. Promising strategies proposed in material progress in the past five years are analyzed to address the material challenges and provide practical and goal-oriented approaches to the material revolution in green H 2 -related technologies. In-depth insights into cost management are also covered in this review to inspire the translation of advances in materials science into practical large-scale green H 2 ecosystems. This is the very first comprehensive and goal-oriented review that presents an overall picture of the entire green H 2 ecosystem, as well as the role and specific material requirements and advancement in each part of the ecosystem. In this way, this review will identify the current bottlenecks or fundamental challenges that require urgent breakthroughs in the entire green H 2 ecosystem instead of focusing on a particular part so that more effort can be directed to those directions to achieve fast advancement. It will pave the way for building up a green and sustainable H 2 economy in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the combined middle and inferior meatal antrostomy (MIMA) in management of patients with maxillary fungal sinusitis. Material and Methods: Design: retrospective cross sectional study. Setting and subjects: From September 2018 to March 2021, fifty-five patients with non-invasive maxillary fungal sinusitis, who underwent transnasal endoscopic combined MIMA. Methods: The study compared patients' pre- and post-operative subjective symptoms, including nasal obstruction, discharge, facial pain or pressure, halitosis, anosmia, and other non-specific symptoms. Endoscopic characteristics of recurrent fungal maxillary sinusitis and postoperative complications were also observed. Closure of the IMA site was evaluated at three and six months post-surgery and patients were categorized into three groups based on closure degree. Results: All clinical symptoms, including nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, nasal pruritus, anosmia, halitosis, sneezing, facial pain, ophthalmic and otologic symptoms, were resolved over six months after combined MIMA in majority of cases (94 − 100%). After three and six months, the postoperative endoscopic evaluation revealed recurrent fungal maxillary sinusitis in 1.8% and 5.4% of cases, respectively. Partial stenosis of the inferior antrostomy was observed in 7.2% and 16% of cases, while complete stenosis was noted in 3.6% and 7.2% of cases after three months and six months. Conclusions: The combined MIMA is effective and has better outcomes than the medial meatal antrostomy approach alone without additional operative time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlighted with improved long-term thermal and environmental stability, all-inorganic metal halide perovskites exhibit tunable physical properties, cost-effective synthesis, and satisfactory optoelectronic performance, attracting increasing research interest worldwide. However, a less explored feature of these materials is their strong spin–orbit coupling (SOC), which is the hidden force influencing not only band structure but also properties including magnetoresistance, spin lifetime, and singlet-triplet splitting. This review provides an overview of the fundamental aspects and the latest progress of the SOC and debate regarding Rashba effects in all-inorganic metal halide perovskites, providing critical insight into the physical phenomena and potential applications. Meanwhile, crystal structures and photophysics of all-inorganic perovskite are discussed in the context of SOC, along with the related experimental and characterization techniques. Furthermore, a recent understanding of the band topology in the all-inorganic halide perovskites is introduced to push the boundary even further for the novel applications of all-inorganic halide perovskites. Finally, an outlook is given on the potential directions of breakthroughs via leveraging the SOC in halide perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are many methods for the asymmetric synthesis of monosubstituted allylic fluorides, construction of enantioenriched 1,2‐disubstituted allylic fluorides has not been reported. To address this gap, we report an enantioselective synthesis of 1,2‐disubstituted allylic fluorides using chiral diene‐ligated rhodium catalyst, Et3N ⋅ 3HF as a source of fluoride, and Morita Baylis Hillman (MBH) trichloroacetimidates. Kinetic studies show that one enantiomer of racemic MBH substrate reacts faster than the other. Computational studies reveal that both syn and anti π‐allyl complexes are formed upon ionization of allylic substrate, and the syn complexes are slightly energetically favorable. This is in contrast to our previous observation for formation of monosubstituted π‐allyl intermediates, in which the syn π‐allyl conformation is strongly preferred. In addition, the presence of an electron‐withdrawing group at C2 position of racemic MBH substrate renders 1,2‐disubstituted π‐allyl intermediate formation endergonic and reversible. To compare, formation of monosubstituted π‐allyl intermediates was exergonic and irreversible. DFT calculations and kinetic studies support a dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation process wherein the rate of isomerization of the 1,2‐disubstituted π‐allylrhodium complexes is faster than that of fluoride addition onto the more reactive intermediate. The 1,2‐disubstituted allylic fluorides were obtained in good yields, enantioselectivity, and branched selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are many methods for the asymmetric synthesis of monosubstituted allylic fluorides, construction of enantioenriched 1,2‐disubstituted allylic fluorides has not been reported. To address this gap, we report an enantioselective synthesis of 1,2‐disubstituted allylic fluorides using chiral diene‐ligated rhodium catalyst, Et3N ⋅ 3HF as a source of fluoride, and Morita Baylis Hillman (MBH) trichloroacetimidates. Kinetic studies show that one enantiomer of racemic MBH substrate reacts faster than the other. Computational studies reveal that both syn and anti π‐allyl complexes are formed upon ionization of allylic substrate, and the syn complexes are slightly energetically favorable. This is in contrast to our previous observation for formation of monosubstituted π‐allyl intermediates, in which the syn π‐allyl conformation is strongly preferred. In addition, the presence of an electron‐withdrawing group at C2 position of racemic MBH substrate renders 1,2‐disubstituted π‐allyl intermediate formation endergonic and reversible. To compare, formation of monosubstituted π‐allyl intermediates was exergonic and irreversible. DFT calculations and kinetic studies support a dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation process wherein the rate of isomerization of the 1,2‐disubstituted π‐allylrhodium complexes is faster than that of fluoride addition onto the more reactive intermediate. The 1,2‐disubstituted allylic fluorides were obtained in good yields, enantioselectivity, and branched selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate strong negative electrothermal feedback accelerating and linearizing the response of a thermal kinetic inductance detector (TKID). TKIDs are a proposed highly multiplexable replacement to transition-edge sensors and measure power through the temperature-dependent resonant frequency of a superconducting microresonator bolometer. At high readout probe power and probe frequency detuned from the TKID resonant frequency, we observe electrothermal feedback loop gain up to L ≈ 16 through measuring the reduction of settling time. We also show that the detector response has no detectable non-linearity over a 38% range of incident power and that the noise-equivalent power is below the design photon noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the antecedents of turnover intention among Vietnamese nurses at a hospital in Quang Ninh Province, North Vietnam. This study evaluates the relationship between home–work interface (HWI) and working conditions (WC) on intrinsic job satisfaction (IJS) and extrinsic job satisfaction (EJS), the relationship between intrinsic job satisfaction (IJS) and extrinsic job satisfaction (EJS) on affective commitment (AC) and turnover intention (TI), and the relationship between affective commitment (AC) and turnover intention (TI). The study employs cross-sectional data and a questionnaire survey to collect the data. The 306 qualified questionnaires were collected, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the research model and test the hypotheses. The study reveals that working conditions and the home-work interface affect intrinsic job satisfaction. Intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction affect affective commitment. Interestingly, affective commitment and intrinsic job satisfaction were not significantly affecting turnover intention. The present study develops and empirically examines a conceptual framework by providing theoretical insight and managerial implications into the turnover intention's antecedents in Vietnamese nursing care at the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the development, sensory status, and brain structure of children with congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection (CZI) at two years and preschool age. CZI was defined as either ZIKV RNA detection or positive ZIKV IgM and neutralization test in the cord or neonatal blood. Twelve children with CZI born in 2017–2018 in Vietnam, including one with Down syndrome, were assessed at 23–25.5 months of age, using Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), ASQ:Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE-2), Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, automated auditory brainstem response (AABR), and Spot Vision Screener (SVS). They underwent brain CT and MRI. They had detailed ophthalmological examinations, ASQ-3, and ASQ:SE-2 at 51–62 months of age. None had birthweight or head circumference z-score < −3 except for the one with Down syndrome. All tests passed AABR (n = 10). No ophthalmological problems were detected by SVS (n = 10) and detailed examinations (n = 6), except for a girl's astigmatism. Communication and problem-solving domains in a boy at 24 months, gross-motor area in a boy, and gross-motor and fine-motor areas in another boy at 59–61 months were in the referral zone. Brain CT (n = 8) and MRI (n = 6) revealed no abnormalities in the cerebrum, cerebellum, or brainstem other than cerebellar hypoplasia with Down syndrome. The CZI children were almost age-appropriately developed with no brain or eye abnormalities. Careful and longer follow-up is necessary for children with CZI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparan sulfate (HS) contains variably repeating disaccharide units organized into high‐ and low‐sulfated domains. This rich structural diversity enables HS to interact with many proteins and regulate key signaling pathways. Efforts to understand structure‐function relationships and harness the therapeutic potential of HS are hindered by the inability to synthesize an extensive library of well‐defined HS structures. We herein report a rational and expedient approach to access a library of 27 oligosaccharides from natural aminoglycosides as HS mimetics in 7–12 steps. This strategy significantly reduces the number of steps as compared to the traditional synthesis of HS oligosaccharides from monosaccharide building blocks. Combined with computational insight, we identify a new class of four trisaccharide compounds derived from the aminoglycoside tobramycin that mimic natural HS and have a strong binding to heparanase but a low affinity for off‐target platelet factor‐4 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparan sulfate (HS) contains variably repeating disaccharide units organized into high‐ and low‐sulfated domains. This rich structural diversity enables HS to interact with many proteins and regulate key signaling pathways. Efforts to understand structure‐function relationships and harness the therapeutic potential of HS are hindered by the inability to synthesize an extensive library of well‐defined HS structures. We herein report a rational and expedient approach to access a library of 27 oligosaccharides from natural aminoglycosides as HS mimetics in 7–12 steps. This strategy significantly reduces the number of steps as compared to the traditional synthesis of HS oligosaccharides from monosaccharide building blocks. Combined with computational insight, we identify a new class of four trisaccharide compounds derived from the aminoglycoside tobramycin that mimic natural HS and have a strong binding to heparanase but a low affinity for off‐target platelet factor‐4 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is not clear what the most effective implementation strategies are for supporting the enactment and sustainment of depression care services in primary care settings. This type-II Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness study will compare the effectiveness of three system-level strategies for implementing depression care programs at 36 community health stations (CHSs) across 2 provinces in Vietnam. Methods: In this cluster-randomized controlled trial, CHSs will be randomly assigned to one of three implementation conditions: (1) Usual Implementation (UI), which consists of training workshops and toolkits; (2) Enhanced Supervision (ES), which includes UI combined with bi-weekly/monthly supervision; and (3) Community-Engaged Learning Collaborative (CELC), which includes all components of ES, combined with bi-monthly province-wide learning collaborative meetings, during which cross-site learning and continuous quality improvement (QI) strategies are implemented to achieve better implementation outcomes. The primary outcome will be measured based on the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation quality, and Maintenance) using indicators on implementation, provider, and client factors. The secondary outcome examines factors associated with barriers and facilitators of quality implementation, while the tertiary outcome evaluates the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of services provided in the ES and CELC conditions, relative to UI condition for depression care. A total of 1,296 clients receiving depression care at CHSs will be surveyed at baseline and 6-month follow-up to assess mental health and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., depression and anxiety severity, health function, quality of life). Additionally, 180 CHS staff and 180 non-CHS staff will complete pre- and post-training evaluation and surveys at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. Discussion: We hypothesize that the additional implementation supports will make mental health service implementation superior in the ES and CELC arms compared to the UI arm. The findings of this project could identify effective implementation models and assess the added value of specific QI strategies for implementing depression care in primary care settings in Vietnam, with implications and recommendations for other low- and middle-income settings. More importantly, this study will provide evidence for key stakeholders and policymakers to consider policies that disseminate, scale up, and advance quality mental health care in Vietnam. Trial registration: NCT04491045 on Clinicaltrials.gov. Registered July 29, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health outcomes among Agent Orange/dioxin (dioxin) victims are significant due to many individuals requiring daily assistance, informal care, and rehabilitation support. This study aimed to identify the information needs of informal caregivers of dioxin victims in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Quynh Phu district, Thai Binh province – an area with a large number of dioxin victims, from June 2019 to June 2020. Quantitative data were collected from 124 caregivers of victims via structured interviews. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interview guides with in-depth interviews (IDI) (n = 36) and two focus group discussions (FGD) (n = 12). Results: The results demonstrated that all caregivers of dioxin victims were family members, predominantly older (71.8%), 61.5 years old on average, living on low incomes (87.9%), and were farmers (80.7%). Almost all participants (96.8%) reported having information needs, particularly concerning dioxin's harms, nutrition, dioxin-related policies and rehabilitation, and psychological support for patients. Caregivers reported that they would like to receive information via health staff counselling (85.0%), television (75.0%), and community loudspeaker (65.8%). Notably, the majority of caregivers reported the need for information regarding psychological support (70.0%). These findings are consistent with qualitative data, which identify an urgent need to provide information, especially through health staff and digital resources. Conclusion: Many families with dioxin victims lived with little support and information, highlighting their high demand for information about care and rehabilitation. Thus, the healthcare system should promote information support, policy, and psychological support for caregivers and victims. An online support system for caregivers and victims is also recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish-borne trematodes (FiBT) are an important group of zoonotic parasites negatively affecting human health, mainly in Asia. Most studies on FiBT have applied a cross-sectional design, which provides weaker evidence on potential risk factors for transmission than a cohort study. This cohort study aimed to estimate the incidence and identify associated risk factors for FiBT infection in Vietnam. Between April 2018 and May 2019, two communes in Yen Bai province, a highly endemic area for FiBT, were visited for sampling. Participants with a negative stool result for FiBT at baseline, were invited for follow-up and data collection, at months 4, 9, and 13. Stools were examined using Kato-Katz and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques to detect FiBT eggs, whereas a questionnaire was used for interviewing participants to determine the risk factors for FiBT infection during each follow-up period. The incidence risk and the incidence rate were calculated, and univariate and multivariable models were run to identify the risk factors for FiBT. A total of 194 people, negative for FiBT eggs at the baseline survey, were invited to participate in the study, and 111 people agreed to enroll in the follow-up. The incidence risk at months 4, 9, and 13 was 9.0%, 6.4%, and 5.1%, respectively. We finally used data from 95 participants for the risk factor analysis, excluding 16 people lost for the follow-up. Overall, 20 people became infected with FiBT (IR = 21.1%). The incidence rate of FiBT infection was 21.4/100 person-year. In the univariate analysis, consumption of raw fish was the main risk factor (RR = 4.59, 95%CI = 1.95–10.82), followed by being male (RR = 3.41, 95%CI = 1.56–7.45) and drinking alcohol (RR = 3.25, 95%CI = 1.49–7.11). In the multivariable analysis, only consumption of raw-fish dishes was significantly associated with FiBT infection. The people who consumed raw fish were 3.44 (95%CI = 1.11–10.70) times more at risk of infection with FiBT as compared to individuals who did not consume raw fish. It can be concluded that the FiBT incidence is high in the study area. More awareness campaigns are needed to stop eating raw fish in these areas to reduce FBT infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern manufacturing has to cope with dynamic and changing circumstances. Market fluctuations, the effects caused by unpredictable material shortages, highly variable product demand, and worker availability all require system robustness, flexibility, and resilience. To adapt to these new requirements, manufacturers should consider investigating, investing in, and implementing system autonomy. Autonomy is being adopted in multiple industrial contexts, but divergences arise when formalizing the concept of autonomous systems. To develop an implementation of autonomous manufacturing systems, it is essential to specify what autonomy means, how autonomous manufacturing systems are different from other autonomous systems, and how autonomous manufacturing systems are identified and achieved through the main features and enabling technologies. With a comprehensive literature review, this paper provides a definition of autonomy in the manufacturing context, infers the features of autonomy from different engineering domains, and presents a five-level model of autonomy — associated with maturity levels for the features — to ensure the complete identification and evaluation of autonomous manufacturing systems. The paper also presents the evaluation of a real autonomous system that serves as a use-case and a validation of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous hepatic rupture is a rare complication associated with preeclampsia and is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and a low platelet count (HELLP syndrome), with a nonspecific clinical presentation and high mortality rate. We present the case of a 34-year-old primigravida woman in whom spontaneous hepatic rupture associated with HELLP syndrome was accidentally detected during cesarean delivery. The patient was successfully managed with liver packing and transcatheter arterial embolization, followed by plasmapheresis. Spontaneous hepatic rupture should be considered in any HELLP syndrome patient presenting with epigastric or right upper quadrant pain and early signs of hemodynamic instability. A multimodal approach can help achieve good clinical outcomes in patients with this rare presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A practical strategy for the iodine-promoted synthesis of bis(1-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridyl)arylmethane and its derivatives has been developed. These compounds exhibit high cytotoxicity toward various cancer cell lines and moreover they are promising ligands for the Cu-catalysed synthesis of quinolines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three undescribed 9,10-seco-isopimarane diterpenoids, marginols I–K, and an unprecedent isopimara-8(9),15-diene diterpene, 14- epi -boesenberol F, together with a known 9,10-seco-isopimarane diterpenoid, kaemgalangol A, were isolated from the rhizomes of Vietnamese Kaempferia marginata. Marginols I and J contained a naturally very rare 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-5-ol ring, while marginol K had a naturally rare oxepan-2-one ring in its structure. The unprecedented structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques, including HR-ESI-TOF-MS, UV, IR, and 1D and 2D NMR. The absolute configurations of marginols I–K and 14- epi -boesenberol F were determined by ECD calculations. The NO production inhibitory assay revealed that the isolated compounds, except marginol J, exhibited NO inhibitory activities with IC 50 values ranging from 65.06 to 87.70 μM against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Four unreported diterpenoids, together with one known were isolated from the Kaempferia marginata rhizomes. [Display omitted] • Five isopimarane diterpenoids were isolated from Vietnamese Kaempferia marginata. • Among them, three were undescribed 9,10-seco-isopimarane diterpenoids. • Two unreported contained a naturally very rare 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-5-ol ring. • One unreported had a naturally rare oxepan-2-one ring. • The isolated four compounds showed potent NO production inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is one of the leading cancers and causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Due to its high prevalence and mortality rate, its clinical management remains a significant challenge. Previously, the in vitro anticancer activity of Aspiletrein A, a steroid and a saponin from Aspidistra letreae, against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was reported. However, the anticancer molecular mechanism of other Aspiletreins from A. letreae remains unknown. Using in silico network pharmacology approaches, the targets of Aspiletreins were predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction database. In addition, key mediators in NSCLC were obtained from the Genetic databases. The compound-target interacting networks were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape, uncovering potential targets, including STAT3, VEGFA, HSP90AA1, FGF2, and IL2. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis demonstrated that several pathways were highly relevant to cancer pathogenesis. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamic analyses revealed the interaction between key identified targets and Aspiletreins, including hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals interaction. This study provides potential targets of Aspiletreins in NSCLC, and its approach of integrating network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and molecular docking is a powerful tool for investigating the mechanism of new drug targets on a specific disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoline derivatives are important moieties in bioactive molecules and advanced materials. However, an efficient strategy to synthesize quinoline derivatives remains challenging. Herein, we describe an efficient and practical method for the synthesis of quinolines by Cu‐catalyzed cyclization of 2‐amino benzyl alcohol with ketones (or secondary alcohols) via an acceptorless dehydrogenation pathway. Interestingly, a range of highly functionalized quinolines is prepared in good yields using low catalyst loading under relatively mild conditions. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out to investigate mechanistic insights for the acceptorless dehydrogenation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of symptom-rhythm correlation (SRC) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging. Therefore, we performed a novel mobile app-based approach to assess SRC in persistent AF. Consecutive persistent AF patients planned for electrical cardioversion (ECV) used a mobile app to record a 60-s photoplethysmogram (PPG) and report symptoms once daily and in case of symptoms for four weeks prior and three weeks after ECV. Within each patient, SRC was quantified by the SRC-index defined as the sum of symptomatic AF recordings and asymptomatic non-AF recordings divided by the sum of all recordings. Of 88 patients (33% women, age 68 ± 9 years) included, 78% reported any symptoms during recordings. The overall SRC-index was 0.61 (0.44–0.79). The study population was divided into SRC-index tertiles: low (<0.47), medium (0.47–0.73) and high (≥0.73). Patients within the low (vs high) SRC-index tertile had more often heart failure and diabetes mellitus (both 24.1% vs 6.9%). Extrasystoles occurred in 19% of all symptomatic non-AF PPG recordings. Within each patient, PPG recordings with the highest (vs lowest) tertile of pulse rates conferred an increased risk for symptomatic AF recordings (odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% coincidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.52) and symptomatic non-AF recordings (OR 2.93, 95% CI 2.16–3.97). Pulse variability was not associated with reported symptoms. In patients with persistent AF, SRC is relatively low. Pulse rate is the main determinant of reported symptoms. Further studies are required to verify whether integrating mobile app-based SRC assessment in current workflows can improve AF management. • In persistent atrial fibrillation patients, simultaneous mobile app-based symptom and rhythm monitoring revealed a relatively low overall symptom-rhythm correlation, which was mainly driven by a majority of atrial fibrillation recordings which were asymptomatic. • Patients with chronic heart failure and diabetes more often had a lower symptom-rhythm correlation. • Extrasystoles can explain a minority of symptomatic non-atrial fibrillation photoplethysmography recordings. • Pulse rate, but not pulse variability, is the main determinant of reported symptoms during atrial fibrillation and non-atrial fibrillation photoplethysmography recordings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored psychological predictors that may impact viewers' decision to watch television shows on the basis of perceived racial or ethnic representation. 1998 undergraduate students selected from a list of motivations for watching television that included race-specific motivations such as "a character is of my race/ethnicity." Participants also completed attitudinal measures of colorblind racial ideology, social dominance orientation, ethnic identity, and ethnic stigma consciousness. Analysis revealed that prejudicial beliefs predicted less salience for racial representation when making choices about television watching, while deeper connection to one's ethnic group predicted greater salience for representation when making these choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synergistic multilayer membrane design is necessary to satisfy a multitude of requirements of an ideal wound dressing. In this study, trilayer dressings with asymmetric wettability, composed of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) base membranes coated with oligomer chitosan (COS) in various concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), are fabricated for wound dressing application. The membranes are expected to synergize the hygroscopic, antibacterial, hemostatic, and biocompatible properties of PCL and COS. The wound dressing was coated by spraying the solution of 3% COS and 6% PVP on the PCL base membrane (PVP6–3) three times, which shows good interaction with biological subjects, including bacterial strains and blood components. PVP6–3 samples confirm the diameter of inhibition zones of 20.0 ± 2.5 and 17.9 ± 2.5 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The membrane induces hemostasis with a blood clotting index of 74% after 5 min of contact. In the mice model, wounds treated with PVP6–3 closed 95% of the area after 10 days. Histological study determines the progression of skin regeneration with the construction of granulation tissue, new vascular systems, and hair follicles. Furthermore, the newly-growth skin shares structural resemblances to that of native tissue. This study suggests a simple approach to a multi-purpose wound dressing for clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine reduced otitis media with effusion in infants. • Otitis media with non-vaccine type was transiently increased in post-vaccine period. • Timely vaccination and higher herd immunity can increase the effect. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in young children and is associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. We aimed to determine the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction on the prevalence of OME and OME associated with vaccine-type (VT) or non-VT. Population-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted in pre- (2016) and post-PCV periods (2017, 2018, and 2019) at selected communes in Nha Trang, Vietnam. For each survey, we randomly selected 60 children aged 4–11 months and 60 aged 14–23 months from each commune. Nasopharyngeal sample collection and tympanic membrane examination by digital otoscope were performed. S. pneumoniae was detected and serotyped by lytA qPCR and microarray. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Firth's logistic regression, stratified by age group. Over the four surveys, 2089 children had a bilateral ear examination. Compared to pre-PCV, the prevalence of OME reduced in 2018 (OR 0.51, 95 %CI 0.28–0.93) and in 2019 (OR 0.53, 95 %CI 0.29–0.97) among the <12-month-olds, but no significant reduction among the 12–23-month-olds. The prevalence of OME associated with VT pneumococcus decreased in 2018 and 2019 (2018: OR 0.14, 95 %CI 0.03–0.55; 2019: OR 0.20, 95 %CI 0.05–0.69 in the <12-months-olds, 2018: OR 0.05, 95 %CI 0.00–0.44, 2019: OR 0.41, 95 %CI 0.10–1.61 in the 12–23-months-olds). The prevalence of OME associated with non-VT pneumococcus increased in the 12–23-month-olds in 2017 (OR 3.09, 95 %CI 1.47–7.45) and returned to the pre-PCV level of prevalence in 2018 and 2019 (OR 0.94, 95 %CI 0.40–2.43 and 1.40, 95 %CI 0.63–3.49). PCV10 introduction was associated with a reduction of OME prevalence in infants but not in older children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable large-scale cell detection and segmentation is the fundamental first step to understanding biological processes in the brain. The ability to phenotype cells at scale can accelerate preclinical drug evaluation and system-level brain histology studies. The impressive advances in deep learning offer a practical solution to cell image detection and segmentation. Unfortunately, categorizing cells and delineating their boundaries for training deep networks is an expensive process that requires skilled biologists. This paper presents a novel self-supervised Dual-Loss Adaptive Masked Autoencoder (DAMA) for learning rich features from multiplexed immunofluorescence brain images. DAMA's objective function minimizes the conditional entropy in pixel-level reconstruction and feature-level regression. Unlike existing self-supervised learning methods based on a random image masking strategy, DAMA employs a novel adaptive mask sampling strategy to maximize mutual information and effectively learn brain cell data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effort to develop a self-supervised learning method for multiplexed immunofluorescence brain images. Our extensive experiments demonstrate that DAMA features enable superior cell detection, segmentation, and classification performance without requiring many annotations. In addition, to examine the generalizability of DAMA, we also experimented on TissueNet, a multiplexed imaging dataset comprised of two-channel fluorescence images from six distinct tissue types, captured using six different imaging platforms. Our code is publicly available at https://github.com/hula-ai/DAMA. • We present a novel information-theoretic self-supervised method for multiplexed brain image analysis. Our theoretical analysis shows that the proposed objective function maximizes the mutual information between the input image and self-supervised labels. • We design the first adaptive mask sampling strategy for self-supervised learning models. We explain how this adaptive sampling helps the model focus on underrepresented features and improve the representation. • Extensive experiments on cell detection and classification are provided to validate the effectiveness of DAMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) interact within their host posing the concern for impacts on heterologous viruses following vaccination. We aimed to estimate the population level impact of their interaction. We developed a dynamic age-stratified two-pathogen mathematical model that includes pathogen interaction through competition for infection and enhanced severity of dual infections. We used parallel tempering to fit its parameters to 11 years of enhanced hospital-based surveillance for acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) in children under 5 years old in Nha Trang, Vietnam. The data supported either a 41% (95%CrI: 36–54) reduction in susceptibility following infection and for 10.0 days (95%CrI 7.1–12.8) thereafter, or no change in susceptibility following infection. We estimate that co-infection increased the probability for an infection in <2y old children to be reported 7.2 fold (95%CrI 5.0–11.4); or 16.6 fold (95%CrI 14.5–18.4) in the moderate or low interaction scenarios. Absence of either pathogen was not to the detriment of the other. We find stronger evidence for severity enhancing than for acquisition limiting interaction. In this setting vaccination against either pathogen is unlikely to have a major detrimental effect on the burden of disease caused by the other. Author summary: Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cause large burdens of disease. Instead of acting independently, there may be short term cross-protection between them. The evidence of this to date comes from ecological studies which are unable to test the mechanism, or biological studies that are unable to determine the population level impacts of such cross-protection. We create a mathematical model that simulates the circulation of these two viruses, and allows for cross-protection between them. We then fit this model to hospital reported cases of confirmed infection from Nha Trang, Vietnam in order to estimate whether any cross-protection exists in this setting. We show that there are two possibilities—either no interaction or moderate interaction that can result in the observed circulation patterns. However, we further show that co-infection results in an increased reporting rate, presumably due to increased severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infants are at highest risk of pneumococcal disease. Their added protection through herd effects is a key part in the considerations on optimal pneumococcal vaccination strategies. Yet, little is currently known about the main transmission pathways to this vulnerable age group. Hence, this study investigates pneumococcal transmission routes to infants in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Vietnam.Methods and Findings: In October 2018, we conducted a nested cross-sectional contact and pneumococcal carriage survey in randomly selected 4- to 11-month-old infants across all 27 communes of Nha Trang. Bayesian logistic regression models were used to estimate age specific carriage prevalence in the population, a proxy for the probability that a contact of a given age could lead to pneumococcal exposure for the infant. We used another Bayesian logistic regression model to estimate the correlation between infant carriage and the probability that at least one of their reported contacts carried pneumococci, controlling for age and locality. In total, 1,583 infants between 4 and 13 months old participated, with 7,428 contacts reported. Few infants (5%, or 86 infants) attended day care, and carriage prevalence was 22% (353 infants). Most infants (61%, or 966 infants) had less than a 25% probability to have had close contact with a pneumococcal carrier on the surveyed day. Pneumococcal infection risk and contact behaviour were highly correlated: If adjusted for age and locality, the odds of an infant's carriage increased by 22% (95% confidence interval (CI): 15 to 29) per 10 percentage points increase in the probability to have had close contact with at least 1 pneumococcal carrier. Moreover, 2- to 6-year-old children contributed 51% (95% CI: 39 to 63) to the total direct pneumococcal exposure risks to infants in this setting. The main limitation of this study is that exposure risk was assessed indirectly by the age-dependent propensity for carriage of a contact and not by assessing carriage of such contacts directly.Conclusions: In this study, we observed that cross-sectional contact and infection studies could help identify pneumococcal transmission routes and that preschool-age children may be the largest reservoir for pneumococcal transmission to infants in Nha Trang, Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), insulin resistance (IR) increases the risk of developing manifest type 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with complications in both mother and fetus. Objectives: This research aimed to evaluate the associations between IR evaluated by 3 indices (namely updated homeostasis model assessment model (HOMA2), QUICKI, and McAuley's index) and the diabetes risk factors and the fetal growth indices in Vietnamese women with GDM. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 370 women with GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women from January 2015 to May 2019. IR was calculated by HOMA2 (HOMA2-IR), QUICKI, and McAuley's index. Fetal anthropometric measurements were assessed via ultrasound which was performed and interpreted by ultrasound experts. Results: In the simple regression analysis, McAuley's index illustrated had statistically significant correlations to the highest number of risk factors of diabetes mellitus compared with HOMA2-IR and QUICKI indices. Moreover, McAuley's index correlated statistically significantly to the highest number of fetal ultrasound measurements factors such as including biparietal diameter (BPD) (r = −0.271, P <.001), head circumference (HC) (r = −0.225, P <.001), abdominal circumference (AC) (r = −0.214, P <.001), femur length (FL) (r = −0.231, P <.001), estimated fetal weight (EFW) (r = −0.239, P <.001) and fetal estimated age (r = −0.299, P <.001). In the multivariable analysis, the McAuley's index contributed the greatest to AC (Standardized B of −0.656, P <.001). Conclusion: The McAuley's index was significantly associated with a higher number of more risk factors for diabetes mellitus as well as fetal ultrasound sonography findings measurements than compared with HOMA2-IR and QUICKI indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Characterising dengue virus (DENV) infection history at the point of care is challenging as it relies on intensive laboratory techniques. We investigated how combining different rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can be used to accurately determine the primary and post-primary DENV immune status of reporting patients during diagnosis. Methods and findings: Serum from cross-sectional surveys of acute suspected dengue patients in Indonesia (N:200) and Vietnam (N: 1,217) were assayed using dengue laboratory assays and RDTs. Using logistic regression modelling, we determined the probability of being DENV NS1, IgM and IgG RDT positive according to corresponding laboratory viremia, IgM and IgG ELISA metrics. Laboratory test thresholds for RDT positivity/negativity were calculated using Youden's J index and were utilized to estimate the RDT outcomes in patients from the Philippines, where only data for viremia, IgM and IgG were available (N:28,326). Lastly, the probabilities of being primary or post-primary according to every outcome using all RDTs, by day of fever, were calculated. Combining NS1, IgM and IgG RDTs captured 94.6% (52/55) and 95.4% (104/109) of laboratory-confirmed primary and post-primary DENV cases, respectively, during the first 5 days of fever. Laboratory test predicted, and actual, RDT outcomes had high agreement (79.5% (159/200)). Among patients from the Philippines, different combinations of estimated RDT outcomes were indicative of post-primary and primary immune status. Overall, IgG RDT positive results were confirmatory of post-primary infections. In contrast, IgG RDT negative results were suggestive of both primary and post-primary infections on days 1–2 of fever, yet were confirmatory of primary infections on days 3–5 of fever. Conclusion: We demonstrate how the primary and post-primary DENV immune status of reporting patients can be estimated at the point of care by combining NS1, IgM and IgG RDTs and considering the days since symptoms onset. This framework has the potential to strengthen surveillance operations and dengue prognosis, particularly in low resource settings. Author summary: Combined NS1, IgM and IgG dengue rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have previously been shown to accurately diagnose those experiencing dengue virus (DENV) infections at the point of care and are now available as single commercial kits. Using such kits to additionally determine those experiencing primary (first) or post-primary (second, third or fourth) dengue infections however remains challenging as accurate immune status classification currently relies on laboratory analysis. We used logistic regression modelling methods to estimate RDT positive and negative outcomes according to corresponding PCR and ELISA laboratory-based methods, which showed high sensitivity and specificity. Dengue RDT outcomes were then predicted among a large sample of suspected dengue case reports, to calculate the probability of being primary or post-primary for dengue according to every possible set of dengue RDT outcomes, by day of fever. Different RDT outcomes, at certain stages of infection, were indicative of primary and post-primary immune status. Using our framework to determine dengue immune status at the point of care in low resource settings, regional surveillance systems could estimate and monitor dengue transmission intensity. Additionally, this framework could potentially support dengue prognosis and identify primary cases who would benefit from current vaccination regimes to prevent subsequent secondary infections associated with severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstruction of seismic data is an important but challenging task in seismic data processing. Different machine-learning-based algorithms have been developed to solve this ill-posed problem and achieved great progress. However, most machine-learning-based methods rely on supervised learning where a good training dataset with many complete shot-gathers are required to train the model. Although the generative model has been used for unsupervised learning and reconstructing signals in a shot-gather, it fails to accurately resolve the fine features, especially when aliasing is the main concern. In addition, multiple shots’ interpolation problems have not been fully investigated by the unsupervised machine-learning-based approaches. In this work, we propose a self-supervised learning method using a blind-trace network and two antialiasing techniques (automatic spectrum suppression and mix-training) for seismic data reconstruction. The method is validated using challenging and realistic scenarios. Test results show that the method can be applied to single-shot or multiple shots’ cases and adapt well to different decimation patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The seroprevalence pattern by age is consistent with the age at infection in the recent cases. • The risk of diphtheria remains high in Vietnam given the low seroprevalence. • The vaccine immunity was estimated to be protective for 5 years after the 4th dose of DTP vaccine. • A school-entry booster dose (5-7 years) is recommended in Vietnam. Background: Diphtheria cases reported in Central Vietnam since 2013 were mainly in children aged 6-15 years, which may reflect an immunity gap. There is little information on population immunity against diphtheria in countries without a school-entry booster dose. We aimed to measure the age-stratified seroprevalence of anti-diphtheria toxoid antibodies, quantify the change in antibody levels in individuals over time, and estimate the length of protective immunity after vaccination in well-vaccinated communities in Vietnam. Methods: An age-stratified seroprevalence survey among individuals aged 0-55 years was conducted at Nha Trang, Vietnam. The same participants were followed up after two years to quantify the change in antibody levels. IgG was measured using ELISA. The length of protective immunity after vaccination was estimated using a mixed-effect linear regression model with random intercept. Results: Overall seroprevalence was 26% (95%CI:20-32%). Age-stratified seroprevalence was 68% (95%CI:4-11%), 7% (95%CI:4-11%), 12% (95%CI:7-19%), 33% (95%CI:27-40%), and 28% (95%CI:17-43%) among those aged ≤5, 6-15,16-25, 26-35, and 36-55 years, respectively. The antibody levels declined by 47% (95%CI:31-59%) over two years, and the predicted duration of vaccine-derived protective immunity after receiving four doses was 4.3 years (95%CI:3.5–5.3) among participants aged six years or younger. Conclusion: Given the low seroprevalence and short period of vaccine protection, a school-entry booster dose (5-7 years) is recommended in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new complexes of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) with bis(2-pyridyl)-di(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene (KT1), bis(µ2-chloro)-dichloro-bis(2-(2,2-di(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)vinyl)pyridine)-di-copper(II) (CuKT1), dichloro-2-(2,2-di(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)vinyl)pyridine-zinc(II) (ZnKT1) and hexakis(µ2-chloro)-dichloro-tetrakis(2-(2,2-di(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)vinyl)pyridine)-tetra-cadmium(II) (CdKT1) were synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results reveal that ZnKT1 is a mononuclear complex, while CuKT1 and CdKT1 are binuclear and tetranuclear complexes, respectively. The central metal ions are surrounded by two N atoms of bis(2-pyridyl)-di(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene and Cl− ions including pendant and bridged ones. In the ZnKT1 complex, a distorted tetrahedral geometry is formed with Zn(II) as central ion and two chloride ions plus two nitrogen atoms of KT1 as surrounding atoms. CuKT1 is a binuclear complex with two square pyramids formed around the two Cu(II) ions. CdKT1 is a tetranuclear complex with two Cd(II) cations having coordination number six (distorted octahedral geometry) and the other two having coordination number five (distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry). The anticancer activity tests on four cancer cell lines, including KB, Hep-G2, Lu and MCF-7, show that ZnKT1 and CuKT1 are active against Hep-G2 and Lu but do not considerably damage KB and MCF-G7. CuKT1 has a considerable effect on two cancer cell lines, Hep-G2 and Lu, with IC50 values of 16(2) and 13(1) μM, respectively. CdKT1 exhibits excellent activity against all four cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 3.5(2) to 8.8(5) μM, which are lower than those of cisplatin. These complexes exhibit low cytotoxic activity on the normal cell line HEK-293A with IC50 values ranging from 10(1) to 74(5) µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this paper, we report on the role of catalyst ink composition on the performance of wholly hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. • There is a clear correlation between BET surface area, pore-volume, and catalyst coated membrane (CCM) performance. • The CCM performance is in the order Ink-MeOH > Ink-EtOH > Ink-iPrOH. Meoh-based inks, however, lead to catalyst layers with relatively high ionic resistance. • The high ionic resistance of Meoh-based inks can be mitigated using low surface area, Vulcan XC-72, catalyst support. • Using low surface area carbon supports the ionomer content can be significantly reduced without compromising the fuel cell performance. Herein, we study catalyst ink composition on the current-voltage characteristics of fuel cells incorporating fully hydrocarbon-based membrane-electrode-assemblies. The membrane and ionomer used for these studies is sulfo-phenylated poly(phenylene) biphenyl (sPPB-H+). Fuel cell current-voltage characteristics vary depending on the nature of the dispersing medium of the ink with single-cell power densities increasing for inks prepared from MeOH > EtOH > iPrOH, based on 3:1 alcohol:water mixtures. This correlates with the catalyst layer's higher BET- surface area, porosity, electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and lower cathodic charge transfer resistance. Despite this, MeOH-based catalyst inks yield catalyst layers with relatively high ionic resistance, which is postulated to result from the poor integrity of ionomer films coating C/Pt aggregates within the catalyst layer. This deficiency is mitigated using low surface area Vulcan XC-72 catalyst support. Using low surface area carbon supports, a satisfactory proton conduction network can be established in the catalyst layer with ionomer contents as low as 2.5 wt% (∼0.023 mg ionomer cm-2), with a > 10% increase in peak power density (H 2 /Air) compared to a conventional D520-Nafion®-based MEA containing 30 wt% ionomer in the catalyst layer (∼ 0.28 mg cm-2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) studies have revealed patterns of functional brain dysconnectivity in psychiatric disorders such as major depression disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ). Although these disorders have been mostly studied in isolation, there is mounting evidence of shared neurobiological alterations across them. To uncover the nature of the relatedness between these psychiatric disorders, we conducted an innovative meta-analysis of dysconnectivity findings reported separately in MDD, BD and SZ. Rather than relying on a classical voxel level coordinate-based approach, our procedure extracted relevant neuroanatomical labels from text data and examined findings at the whole brain network level. Data were drawn from 428 rsfMRI studies investigating MDD (158 studies, 7429 patients/7414 controls), BD (81 studies, 3330 patients/4096 patients) and/or SZ (223 studies, 11,168 patients/11,754 controls). Permutation testing revealed commonalities and differences in hypoconnectivity and hyperconnectivity patterns across disorders. Hypoconnectivity and hyperconnectivity patterns of higher-order cognitive (default-mode, fronto-parietal, cingulo-opercular) networks were similarly observed across the three disorders. By contrast, dysconnectivity of lower-order (somatomotor, visual, auditory) networks in some cases differed between disorders, notably dissociating SZ from BD and MDD. Findings suggest that functional brain dysconnectivity of higher-order cognitive networks is largely transdiagnostic in nature while that of lower-order networks may best discriminate between mood and psychotic disorders, thus emphasizing the relevance of motor and sensory networks to psychiatric neuroscience. • Shared and distinct dysconnectivity in the mood disorder and psychosis continuum. • Innovative meta-analysis based on neuroanatomical labels including 428 studies. • Transdiagnostic dysconnectivity of higher-order neurocognitive networks. • Increased dysconnectivity of lower-order sensory-motor networks in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a concern for sheep production and are associated with significant economic losses globally, driving the need for effective management strategies. The aims of this research were first to determine the influence of GIN infections on sheep grazing behaviours, specifically grazing time (GT) and grazing event length (GL), and then to estimate the genetic and phenotypic correlation between faecal egg counts (FEC) and salivary specific IgA activity vs GT and GL. Data were collected from 146 Merino sheep on a commercial farm in Victoria, Australia. Faecal, saliva and body weight (BW) were collected at four time points (A: Oct 2019, B: early May 2020, C: late May 2020, and D: Jul 2020), while tri-axial accelerometer sensors recorded GT and GL for the length of 26 days between B and C. Univariate linear regression and Bayesian Generalised Linear Mixed Model, estimated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo, were used to assess the relationships between the behaviours and infection indicators. We found an increase in the logarithm of FEC was associated with a significant rise in grazing time (p < 0.05), suggesting compensatory behaviour in infected sheep. GT also accounted for 6% of the FEC variation. In contrast, the effect of IgA on GT was not significant (p > 0.05). There was a positive genetic and phenotypic correlation estimated between GT and FEC, however, the High Posterior Density interval for the genetic and phenotypic correlations between GT and FEC indicates some uncertainty in these estimates. These results imply that sheep may modify their grazing strategies as an adaptive response to parasitic infections to ease the impact on their nutritional intake. This study improves our understanding of how natural GIN infections affect sheep behaviour and highlights the potential to use animal behaviours as a precision livestock farming tool and in breeding for resilience against parasites. • Gastrointestinal nematode infection increases time spent grazing in sheep. • Grazing time accounts for 6% of FEC variability. • The genetic and phenotypic correlation between grazing time and FEC is positive. • Grazing time, the length of grazing event, IgA level and FEC were heritable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]