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The paper presents the results of the development of a neutron detector for radiation protection purposes. Monte Carlo simulations, using MCNP5 code, were performed to optimize the configuration of the neutron detector. The developed detector consists of a 3He proportional counter embedded in a multi-layer moderator made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and Cadmium. The characteristics of the developed neutron detector including neutron fluence response and ambient dose equivalent response were calculated, analyzed and compared with those from other neutron survey meters. The simulation model and computed results were assessed through experimental measurements at the Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory of the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INST). A good agreement between the simulated and experimental results was observed within 9.3% for 241Am-Be source and four simulated workplace neutron fields.

This study examined the impact of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s ecosystem vitality (EV) on its agricultural exports to the rest of the world. Using a sample of the six major ASEAN countries (ASEAN-6) (including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) and their 72 trading partners for the period 2007–2016, we found robust evidence of a positive relationship between the quality of EV and the volume of agricultural exports. At the sectoral level, the quality of EV had the most substantial effects on the ASEAN’s exports of SITC-0 (food and live animals) and exerted the least impact on the ASEAN’s exports of SITC-2 (crude materials, inedible, except fuels). This empirical evidence implies that natural resource-intensive products are more sensitive to the quality of EV. At the country level, EV has the most potent effect on the ASEAN’s agricultural exports to high-income countries and the least impact on the ASEAN’s agricultural exports to low-income countries. To promote agricultural exports, especially to high-income countries, our empirical results suggest that ASEAN countries need to build specific and effective plans for conservation of environment and management of sustainable ecosystems. JEL Classification: C33, F14, and Q56

The X-linked hyper IgM syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) due to mutations in the CD40LG gene. Hyper IgM syndrome is characterized by the absence or decreased levels of IgG and IgA and normal or elevated IgM levels in serum. Affected patients become susceptible to infections such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and skin ulcer types. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only treatment currently available and ideally performed before the age of 10 years. Early, accurate diagnosis will contribute to the effective treatment for patients with hyper IgM. The patients from different Vietnamese families who have been diagnosed with hyper IgM at The Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Department, Vietnam National Hospital Pediatrics, were performed a genetic analysis using whole exome sequencing. The mutations were confirmed by the Sanger sequencing method in patients and their families. The influence of the mutations was predicted with the in silico analysis tools: PROVEAN, SIFT, PolyPhen-2, and MutationTaster. In this study, two novel mutations (p.Thr254fs and p.Leu138Phe) in the CD40LG gene were found in Vietnamese patients with X-linked hyper IgM syndrome. Our results contribute to the general understanding of the etiology of the disease and can help diagnose the different forms of PID.

This study aims at quantifying the determinants of Vietnam’s potential exports to the EU, taking agricultural commodities as a case study. In order to achieve this, we employed a stochastic frontier analysis to estimate Vietnam’s potential agricultural exports, and a system GMM approach to analyze the determinants of the estimated potential agricultural exports of Vietnam. The results showed that Vietnam’s potential agricultural exports to the EU have been high and on an upward trend. In addition, factors such as financial market development, trade freedom, technological readiness, and labor freedom have positive impacts on Vietnam’s potential agricultural exports to the EU. Measures to improve the financial market development, remove trade barriers, increase technological capability, and promote labour freedom are strongly suggested in order to enable Vietnam’s agricultural exports to attain its maximum level.

Background: The Asia Pacific Society for Immunodeficiencies (APSID) conducted nine primary immunodeficiency (PID) Schools in 5 years since inauguration to provide PID care training for early career physicians in Asia Pacific, a region with divergent needs in PID resources and training. Objective: To identify differences in PID patient care resource and training needs across Asia Pacific and propose a corresponding action plan. Methods: The Human Development Index (HDI) indicates the degree of socio-economic development in each country/region. Information related to investigations and learning issues were extracted from the abstracts and personal statements from all Schools and mapped onto resource and training needs. Correlations between HDI and country/region-specific parameters were tested by two-tailed Pearson correlation. Results: A total of 427 abstracts were received in nine Schools between 2015 and 2020, predominantly on immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity. Genetic confirmation was described in 61.8% of abstracts, and its absence negatively correlated with HDI (r = -0.696, p = 0.004). Essential immunologic and genetic tests were not available in 25.4 and 29.5% of abstracts, respectively, and their absence negatively correlated with HDI (r = -0.788, p < 0.001; r = -0.739, p = 0.002). HDI positively correlated with average testing level (r = 0.742, p = 0.002). Cases from medium-HDI countries/regions focused on learning how to investigate a patient for PIDs in cases of severe or atypical infections, whereas those from very-high-HDI countries/regions, from which most faculty members originated, listed hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy, newborn screening, and research as learning issues more frequently. Conclusion: There are unique HDI-related PID resource and training needs in each country/region. APSID proposes HDI group-specific strategies to improve PID care and education in her member countries/regions. Further quantitative analysis of needs in PID care in Asia Pacific is needed for lobbying governments to increase their support for PID care and research.

In the Camau Peninsula, groundwater is an important freshwater source, which has been being exploited and used widely, playing a very important role in the progress of socio-economic development in the localities in the Peninsula. However, due to the local natural characteristics, the law of distribution of good quality water is complicated by the presence of saltwater layers in the aquifers, causing many difficulties in the exploitation and usage of the fresh groundwater. The paper uses data collected from the studies of specialized agencies and localities that have been implemented so far. The study results show that potential groundwater exploitation reserve is 11,340,100m3/day and secure exploitable groundwater reserve is 741,500m3/day for the entire Camau Peninsula.

International audience; Background: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is fatal unless treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Delay in diagnosis is common without newborn screening. Family history of infant death due to infection or known SCID (FH) has been associated with earlier diagnosis. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical features that affect age at diagnosis (AD) and time to the diagnosis of SCID.Methods: From 2005 to 2016, 147 SCID patients were referred to the Asian Primary Immunodeficiency Network. Patients with genetic diagnosis, age at presentation (AP), and AD were selected for study.Results: A total of 88 different SCID gene mutations were identified in 94 patients, including 49 IL2RG mutations, 12 RAG1 mutations, 8 RAG2 mutations, 7 JAK3 mutations, 4 DCLRE1C mutations, 4 IL7R mutations, 2 RFXANK mutations, and 2 ADA mutations. A total of 29 mutations were previously unreported. Eighty-three of the 94 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. Their median AD was 4 months, and the time to diagnosis was 2 months. The commonest SCID was X-linked (n = 57). A total of 29 patients had a positive FH. Candidiasis (n = 27) and bacillus CalmetteGuerin (BCG) vaccine infection (n = 19) were the commonest infections. The median age for candidiasis and BCG infection documented were 3 months and 4 months, respectively. The median absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was 1.05 x 10(9)/L with over 88% patients below 3 x 10(9)/L. Positive FH was associated with earlier AP by 1 month (p = 0.002) and diagnosis by 2 months (p = 0.008), but not shorter time to diagnosis (p = 0.494). Candidiasis was associated with later AD by 2 months (p = 0.008) and longer time to diagnosis by 0.55 months (p = 0.003). BCG infections were not associated with age or time to diagnosis.Conclusion: FH was useful to aid earlier diagnosis but was overlooked by clinicians and not by parents. Similarly, typical clinical features of SCID were not recognized by clinicians to shorten the time to diagnosis. We suggest that lymphocyte subset should be performed for any infant with one or more of the following four clinical features: FH, candidiasis, BCG infections, and ALC below 3 x 10(9)/L.

Objective The prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) in Vietnam is unknown. To fill this void, we assessed the prevalence of serological markers of CD autoimmunity in a population of children in Hanoi. Setting The outpatient blood drawing laboratory of the largest paediatric hospital in North Vietnam was used for the study, which was part of an international project of collaboration between Italy and Vietnam. Participants Children having blood drawn for any reason were included. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 2 years, acquired or congenital immune deficiency and inadequate sample. A total of 1961 children (96%) were enrolled (838 females, 1123 males, median age 5.3 years). Outcomes Primary outcome was the prevalence of positive autoimmunity to both IgA antitransglutaminase antibodies (anti-tTG) assessed with an ELISA test and antiendomysial antibodies (EMA). Secondary outcome was the prevalence of CD predisposing human leucocyte antigens (HLA) (HLA DQ2/8) in the positive children and in a random group of samples negative for IgA anti-tTG. Results The IgA anti-tTG test was positive in 21/1961 (1%; 95% CI 0.61% to 1.53%); however, EMA antibodies were negative in all. HLA DQ2/8 was present in 7/21 (33%; 95% CI 14.5% to 56.9%) of the anti-tTG-positive children and in 72/275 (26%; 95% CI 21% to 32%) of those who were negative. Conclusions Coeliac autoimmunity is rare in Vietnam, although prevalence of HLA DQ2/8 is similar to that of other countries. We hypothesise that the scarce exposure to gluten could be responsible for these findings.