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By bestowing honours, states produce subjects. But what kind of subjects are created if those honoured do not seek state honours, because they find the honours not worth the responsibilities they have to shoulder, or because they do not internalise the state's values that the honours embody? Building on ethnographic materials from Vietnam, this article explores how some who receive honours are "grateful coerced subjects" on whom state honours are imposed through social pressure, persistent persuasion, or as a matter of fait accompli they cannot refuse. The bestowal of honours exposes them to pressure from the wider society to comply with state's goals and values to prove themselves worthy of the honours, in ways they find physically burdensome and morally problematic. Yet the coerced subjects do not hold a grudge against the state, and even feel grateful to the state for conferring honours on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cleavage of viral surface proteins by furin is associated with some viruses' high virulence and infectivity. The human papillomavirus (HPV) requires the proteolytic processing of its capsid proteins for activation before entry. Variability in reactivity with furin and other proprotein convertases (PCs) among HPV types was investigated. HPV16, the most prevalent and carcinogenic HPV type, reacted with PCs with the broadest selectivity compared to other types in reactions of pseudoviral particles with the recombinant PCs, furin, PC4, PC5, PACE4, and PC7. Proteolytic preactivation was assessed using a well-established entry assay into PC-inhibited cells based on the green fluorescent protein as a reporter. The inhibition of the target cell PC activity with serpin-based PC-selective inhibitors also showed a diversity of PC selectivity among HPV types. HPV16 reacted with furin at the highest rate compared to the other types in time-dependent preactivation reactions and produced the highest entry values standardized to pseudoviral particle concentration. The predominant expression of furin in keratinocytes and the high reactivity of HPV16 with this enzyme highlight the importance of selectively targeting furin as a potential antiviral therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of progressively sophisticated tools complemented by the integration of live cell imaging enhances our understanding of the four-dimensional (4D) nucleome, revealing elaborate molecular interactions and chromatin states. Yet, the dynamics of chromosomes in relation to nuclear organelles or to each other across cell cycle in living cells are underexplored. We have developed photoconvertible GFP H3-Dendra2 stably expressing in PC3M cells. The nuclear lamina and perinucleolar associated heterochromatin or diffuse chromosome regions were photoconverted through a single-point activation using a confocal microscope. The results demonstrated a dynamic nature for both types of chromosomes in the same cell cycle and across mitosis. While some chromosome domains were heritably associated with either nuclear lamina or nucleoli, others changed alliance to different nuclear organelles postmitotically. In addition, co-photoconverted chromosome domains often do not stay together within the same cell cycle and across mitosis, suggesting a transient nature of chromosome neighborhoods. Long-range spreading and movement of chromosomes were also observed. Interestingly, when cells were treated with a low concentration of actinomycin D that inhibits Pol I transcription through intercalating GC-rich DNA, chromosome movement was significantly blocked. Treatment with another Pol I inhibitor, metarrestin, which does not impact DNA, had little effect on the movement, suggesting that the DNA structure itself plays a role in chromosome dynamics. Furthermore, inhibition of Pol II transcription with α-amanitin also reduced the chromosome movement, demonstrating that Pol II, but not Pol I transcription, is important for chromosome dynamics in the nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An endotracheal tube cuff pressure between 20 and 30 cmH2O is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated respiratory infection (VARI). We aimed to evaluate whether continuous cuff pressure control (CPC) was associated with reduced VARI incidence compared with intermittent CPC. Methods We conducted a multicenter open-label randomized controlled trial in intensive care unit (ICU) patients within 24 hours of intubation in Vietnam. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either continuous CPC using an automated electronic device or intermittent CPC using a manually hand-held manometer. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of VARI, evaluated by an independent reviewer blinded to the CPC allocation. Results We randomized 600 patients; 597 received the intervention or control and were included in the intention to treat analysis. Compared with intermittent CPC, continuous CPC did not reduce the proportion of patients with at least one episode of VARI (74/296 [25%] vs 69/301 [23%]; odds ratio [OR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI].77–1.67]. There were no significant differences between continuous and intermittent CPC concerning the proportion of microbiologically confirmed VARI (OR 1.40; 95% CI.94–2.10), the proportion of intubated days without antimicrobials (relative proportion [RP] 0.99; 95% CI.87–1.12), rate of ICU discharge (cause-specific hazard ratio [HR] 0.95; 95% CI.78–1.16), cost of ICU stay (difference in transformed mean [DTM] 0.02; 95% CI −.05 to.08], cost of ICU antimicrobials (DTM 0.02; 95% CI −.25 to.28), cost of hospital stay (DTM 0.02; 95% CI −.04 to.08), and ICU mortality risk (OR 0.96; 95% CI.67–1.38). Conclusions Maintaining CPC through an automated electronic device did not reduce VARI incidence. Clinical Trial Registration NCT02966392. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of people are surviving critical illness throughout the world, but survivorship is associated with long-term disability. In high-income settings physical rehabilitation is commonly employed to counter this and improve outcomes. These utilize highly-trained multidisciplinary teams and are unavailable and unaffordable in most low and middle income countries (LMICs). We aimed to design a sustainable intensive care unit (ICU) rehabilitation program and to evaluate its feasibility in a LMIC setting. In this project patients, care-givers and experts co-designed an innovative rehabilitation programme that can be delivered by non-expert ICU staff and family care-givers in a LMIC. We implemented this programme in adult patient with patients with tetanus at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City over a 5-month period, evaluating the programme's acceptability, enablers and barriers. A 6-phase programme was designed, supported by written and video material. The programme was piloted in total of 30 patients. Rehabilitation was commenced a median 14 (inter quartile range (IQR) 10–18) days after admission. Each patient received a median of 25.5 (IQR 22.8–34.8) rehabilitation sessions out of a median 27 (22.8–35) intended (prescribed) sessions. There were no associated adverse events. Patients and staff found rehabilitation to be beneficial, enhanced relationships between carers, patients and staff and was deemed to be a positive step towards recovery and return to work. The main barrier was staff time. The programme was feasible for patients with tetanus and viewed positively by staff and participants. Staff time was identified as the major barrier to ongoing implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on ethnographic fieldwork in Vietnam's northern upland region, this article uses the case of state programs of poverty reduction for the country's ethnic minorities to add insights to scholarly understandings of the composition and workings of socialist states in today's Asia. Scholars have widely rejected the idea of Asian socialist states as monolithic, totalising entities in favour of seeing those states as internally divided. However, they have mostly examined how Asian socialist states are divided vertically into the central government and local authorities, which either manipulate central policies for local interests or side with villagers to defy central superiors. The approach leaves the central government relatively intact as a unified, coherent whole. This article argues that the Vietnamese state is equally divided at the central level by documenting ethnographically the striking lack of coordination and synchronisation amongst central agencies responsible for implementing poverty reduction programs. This dysfunction is caused by what I term 'centralised–decentralisation', meaning that each of those central agencies has remarkable autonomy to decide how to implement the programs assigned to them, even in ways in conflict with other central state organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on ethnographic fieldwork in a northern Vietnamese village, this article explores how rural households have negotiated the opportunities and uncertainties of marketisation (Đổi Mới). I focus on the surprising ways local households have handled the state's push to diversify livelihoods and adopt commercial home-based sidelines: by means of being đa gi năng, a local term that means 'keeping many livelihood options and never putting all eggs in one basket'. In pursuit of đa gi năng, local households have actively adopted home-based production even when they were doing well with paddy farming and faced no subsistence crisis. However, they have evaded what state officials want most: specialising in a single home-production enterprise in rational maximising ways to accumulate transformational wealth. The idea of đa gi năng calls into question two contrasting universal approaches to rural households' motivations for livelihood diversification: either a desperate search for survival by passive victims of market forces, or a quest for wealth accumulation by rational maximisers without careful judgement of potential risks to one's family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article makes a case for Vietnam as a distinctive example of late- and post-socialist marketization, a painful experience that has brought widespread immiseration to rural societies within and beyond Asia. Building on extensive ethnographic fieldwork in a northern Vietnamese village, I explore a hitherto under-researched aspect of Vietnam's massive social and economic transformation in the 30 years since the onset of market transition or Renovation (Đổi mới): the surprising ways in which rural households have negotiated both the risks and opportunities of the state's push to de-cooperativize and marketize village livelihoods. The state expects that a minority of rich farmers will rapidly move into large-scale, mechanized farming, while the majority will abandon small-scale subsistence farming to specialize in trade or participate in industrial waged employment. Surprisingly, all village households insist on being đa gi năng , that is, on retaining multiple livelihood options instead of following the official modernization scripts. Their refusal to follow state plans is not market-averse 'resistance', but something rarely documented in the literature on peasant life in marketizing contexts: a local sense of agency and taking personal responsibility for the security and long-term welfare of their families, in the face of highly unpredictable state policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high CMCs and low aggregation numbers of ionic micelles in the extreme electrolyte environment of ionic liquids (ILs) seem to be at odds with the effect of dilute aqueous electrolytes, which lower CMCs and promote elongated micelles. We hypothesise that the driving force for micellisation in ILs is determined by their underlying amphiphilic nanostructure, and that this can be controlled by mixing with water. CMCs and micelle sizes of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) are determined in mixed solvents comprising water and the ionic liquids ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), ethanolammonium nitrate (EtAN), and propylammonium nitrate (PAN) over a wide composition range. Their behaviour is compared with aqueous electrolytes up to their solubility limit. CMCs are determined by a variety of techniques, and their relative strengths critically evaluated. Micelle morphology is determined by small-angle neutron scattering. In water-rich mixtures, ILs do behave like simple electrolytes. Counterion binding dominates, both lowering the aqueous CMC and favouring a sphere-rod transition. However, even at modest concentrations, IL cations become incorporated into the micelle, causing the CMC to pass through a minimum, and arresting the sphere-rod transition. The efficiency of the cation depends on its amphiphilicity. As the IL content increases further, its role as a component of the bulk solvent becomes dominant: Only here does IL nanostructure influence micellization, as it increases alkyl chain solubility (EAN, PAN) and hence raises the CMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on ethnographic fieldwork in a northern Vietnamese village, this article explores a rural protest against the appropriation of arable land for a development project. The focus is on villagers' collective memories of an exceptional protest staged in 2010. The aim of the protest was to pressure local district authorities to increase the compensation villagers agreed to take three years earlier. While originally accepting compensation when their holdings were appropriated to build an industrial park, they later considered that the compensation paid was unfair and that some funds were misappropriated. They were aware that the likelihood of getting additional compensation was small and the risk of repression high. In tracing their struggle, the article argues that villagers did not seek to retain land as their primary subsistence source or as cherished ancestral land. Neither were they driven by an abstract sense of justice. Rather, they represented themselves as active, responsible decision-makers, determined to risk their own safety to bring their family a better future. They therefore employed an "extremely rightful" form of resistance rarely documented in the scholarship on Asia. They not only confined actions within officially sanctioned channels, but also underplayed all oppositional intentions against central and local authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease that still commonly occurs in many low-income and middle-income countries, although it is rare in high-income countries. The disease is caused by the toxin of the bacterium Clostridium tetani and is characterised by muscle spasms and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Global vaccination initiatives have had considerable success but they continue to face many challenges. Treatment for tetanus aims to control spasms and reduce cardiovascular instability, and consists of wound debridement, antitoxin, antibiotics, and supportive care. Recent research has focused on intravenous magnesium sulphate and intrathecal antitoxin administration as methods of spasm control that can avoid the need for ventilatory support. Nevertheless, without access to mechanical ventilation, mortality from tetanus remains high. Even with such care, patients require several weeks of hospitalisation and are vulnerable to secondary problems, such as hospital-acquired infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the complex moral choices of those who have negotiated the encounter between marketisation and distinctive religious traditions within and beyond Asia. I focus on the dramatic rise in the worship of the Goddess of the Treasury in northern Vietnam since the onset of marketisation. She is believed to possess a special power: to grant those who borrow a sum from her symbolic treasury the same amount as real profit and actual wealth through earthly business activities. I show that the Goddess's rise does not reflect the universalising effects of marketisation, but instead how Vietnamese religious ideas of faithfulness and sincerity continue to inform worshippers' choices as active moral agents. Rather than robotic doers of market principles or passive followers of 'superstitious' beliefs in rejection of market changes, worshippers are creative actors who innovatively employ traditional moralities in novel ways to meet their present-day quest for economic prosperity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses the case of a northern Vietnamese village to explore how rural households in Asia have negotiated both the opportunities and challenges of marketization and capitalist industrial modernity. I focus on the Vietnamese state's push to marketize village livelihoods by means of mass establishment of industrial parks comprising largely Foreign Direct Investment factories in the countryside. The state expects young villagers to abandon low-value agricultural livelihoods and treat factory work as their only livelihood strategy and the lifetime warranty of their well-being. Yet while young villagers have been responsive to new opportunities of industrial employment, they have all treated factory work in ways very different from what the state expects: merely as one of their household's diverse portfolio of livelihood options. I argue that villagers have handled the encounter with industrial modernity in ways rarely documented in the literature on marketization in rural Asia: as 'actively cautious' decision-makers, who actively pursue industrial employment to improve their family's living standards, and carefully maintain a portfolio of livelihood strategies to protect the family's well-being from the many insecurities of the industrial workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized and incorporated with polyethylenedioxythiophene:poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and carbon nanotube (CNT) to form a composite that can be used for humidity sensors. The 600 nm thick composite films contained bulk heterojunctions of CNT/GQD and CNT/PEDOT:PSS. The sensors made from the composites responded well to humidity in a range from 60 to 80% at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. With a CNT content of 0.4 wt.% (GPC-1) to 0.8 wt.% (GPC-2) and 1.2 wt.% (GPC-3), the sensitivity of the humidity sensing devices based on CNT-doped graphene quantum dot-PEDOT:PSS composites was increased from 4.5% (GPC-1) to 9.0% (GPC-1) and 11.0% (GPC-2), respectively. The fast response time of the GPC sensors was about 20 s and it was much improved due to CNTs doping in the composites. The best value of the recovery time was found to be of 40 s, for the GPC composite film doped with 1.2 wt.% CNT content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin aging occurs through two main pathways, intrinsic and extrinsic. These pathways have significant interaction in contributing to the aging phenotype, which includes skin laxity, wrinkling, pigmentation irregularities, and the appearance of neoplastic skin lesions. Here, we review the critical role that oxidative stress plays in skin aging, including its effects on signaling pathways involved in skin matrix formation and degradation, proteasome activity, as well as DNA structure. Furthermore, we discuss the recent literature surrounding the prevention and treatment of skin aging. Although current research is suggestive of the role of antioxidants in anti-aging skin therapies, further research is much needed to explore its role in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is instructive and describes the important differential diagnoses to be aware of which mimic BCC and affect the oral mucosa, namely peripheral ameloblastoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. We were thrilled to read the case reported by Regan and colleagues[1] on their experience of managing a patient with intraoral extension of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) identified during Mohs surgical excision of a lesion on the right upper cutaneous lip. [Extracted from the article]

A 31-year old man presented with swelling and purpura of the dorsum of the hands following sun exposure. There was a preceding lifelong history of photosensitivity, but this episode, which occurred after the recent commencement of oral iron therapy, and after recent alcohol ingestion, was much more severe than any preceding episode. Skin biopsy performed 48 h after the onset of symptoms showed features consistent with the early stages of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Direct immunofluorescence showed homogeneous thick staining of the vessel walls with IgG, IgM and IgA, together with abundant perivascular fibrinogen. A subsequent periodic acid-Schiff ( PAS) stain on the skin biopsy revealed thickening of the walls of dermal vessels, which was not discernible in routinely stained (hematoxylin/eosin) sections. The diagnosis of erythropoietic protoporphyria ( EPP) was confirmed by significantly elevated erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels and positive plasma fluorimetry. The diagnosis of porphyria may have been missed by routine skin microscopy if not for the additional information provided by clinical history, direct immunofluorescence and PAS stain. The pathogenesis and histopathology of acute and chronic vascular changes in EPP are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The endogenous opioid and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) systems, present in the central amygdala (CeA), are implicated in alcohol consumption. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the hypothesis that, in CeA, alcohol stimulates CRH release, which then stimulates β-endorphin release. Materials and methods: Rats were unilaterally implanted with a guide cannula to aim microdialysis probes in CeA. Experiment 1: rats received an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of various ethanol doses (0.0, 2.0, 2.4, or 2.8 g ethanol/kg body weight) and microdialysates were sampled at 30-min intervals to determine the effects over time of acute alcohol on the extracellular CRH concentrations in CeA. Experiment 2: phosphate-buffered saline, CRH, or CRH receptor (CRHR) antagonists (antalarmin or anti-sauvagine-30) was microinjected into CeA followed by a saline or 2.8 g/kg ethanol IP injection to determine the effects of CRHR activation or blockade in CeA on the basal and alcohol-stimulated release of β-endorphin. CRH and β-endorphin dialysate contents were determined using specific radioimmunoassays. Results: Acute alcohol induced a delayed increase in the extracellular CRH levels in CeA. Behavioural data showed no difference in locomotion between alcohol- and saline-treated rats. However, a transient increase in grooming was observed which did not correspond with alcohol-induced changes in CRH. Local CRH microinjections increased the extracellular β-endorphin concentrations in CeA. CRHR1 and CRHR2 blockade with microinjections of antalarmin and anti-sauvagine-30, respectively, attenuated the alcohol-induced increase of extracellular β-endorphin in CeA. Conclusions: Acute alcohol exerts indirect actions on CRH release and induced interactions of the CRH and β-endorphin systems in CeA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) co-express dynorphin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Moreover, the activity of both the CRH and dynorphin systems in CeA is altered by alcohol treatments, effects suggesting interactions between the CRH and dynorphin systems. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of (1) activating CRH receptors (CRHRs) by microinjection of CRH in CeA and (2) blocking CRHRs by local microinjections of CRHR antagonists in the CeA on the alcohol-induced changes in the extracellular concentrations of dynorphin A1-8 with in vivo microdialysis experiments. Microdialysis probes with a microinjection port were implanted in the CeA of alcohol-naïve Sprague–Dawley rats. Microinjections of CRH or antalarmin, a CRH receptor type 1 (CRHR1) antagonist, or anti-sauvagine-30, a CRH receptor type 2 (CRHR2) antagonist, at the level of CeA were followed by an intraperitoneal injection of either saline or 2.8g ethanol/kg body weight. The content of dynorphin A1-8 was determined in dialyzate samples obtained prior to and following the various treatments using a specific radioimmunoassay. Activation of CRHRs in CeA induced an increase in the extracellular concentrations of dynorphin A1-8. Moreover, acute alcohol administration increased the extracellular concentrations of dynorphin A1-8 in CeA, an effect that was attenuated by blocking CRHR2 with anti-sauvagine-30 microinjection but not blocking CRHR1 with antalarmin microinjection. Therefore, the findings suggest an interaction between the CRH and dynorphin A1-8 systems at the level of CeA in response to acute alcohol exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The high prevalence of drug resistance necessitates the development of novel antifungal agents against infections caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens, such as Candida albicans. Elucidation of apoptosis in yeast-like fungi may provide a basis for future therapies. In mammalian cells, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been demonstrated to generate reactive oxygen species, leading to immediate oxidative modifications of biological molecules and resulting in apoptotic cell death. In this report, we assess the in vitro cytotoxicity and mechanism of PDT, using the photosensitizer Pc 4, in planktonic C. albicans. Confocal image analysis confirmed that Pc 4 localizes to cytosolic organelles, including mitochondria. A colony formation assay showed that 1.0 μ m Pc 4 followed by light at 2.0 J cm−2 reduced cell survival by 4 logs. XTT (2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxyanilide) assay revealed that Pc 4-PDT impaired fungal metabolic activity, which was confirmed using the FUN-1 (2-chloro-4-[2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-(benzo-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-methylidene]-1-phenylquinolinium iodide) fluorescence probe. Furthermore, we observed changes in nuclear morphology characteristic of apoptosis, which were substantiated by increased externalization of phosphatidylserine and DNA fragmentation following Pc 4-PDT. These data indicate that Pc 4-PDT can induce apoptosis in C. albicans. Therefore, a better understanding of the process will be helpful, as PDT may become a useful treatment option for candidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selectively bred lines of alcohol-preferring alko alcohol (AA) and alcohol-avoiding alko nonalcohol (ANA) rats have been used to demonstrate differences in relevant neurotransmitters which could account for their difference in alcohol consumption. Studies have demonstrated differences in distinct components of the endogenous opioid system in various brain regions associated with the process of reinforcement between the AA and ANA lines of rats. The goal of this current study was to investigate the hypotheses that the AA and ANA rats will show differences in the release of β-endorphin at the level of nucleus accumbens (NAC) and in locomotor activity in response to acute systemic administration of ethanol. AA and ANA rats were unilaterally implanted with a guide cannula to aim microdialysis probes at the level of NAC. Intraperitoneal injections of 0.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g ethanol/kg body weight were administered. Dialysate samples were collected at 30-min intervals prior to and following the injection. Radioimmunoassay specific for β-endorphin was used to determine the dialysate β-endorphin content. The 2.5-g/kg ethanol dose induced a transient increase in extracellular β-endorphin at the level of NAC of AA but not of ANA rats. The 2.5-g/kg ethanol dose also attenuated locomotor activity in the AA but not in the ANA rats. The lack of an increase in the β-endorphin concentration in the NAC of ANA rats in response to ethanol may partially account for their lower alcohol consumption and lower alcohol-induced attenuation of locomotor activity compared to AA rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our current focus on the effects of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using silicon phthalocyanine Pc 4 photosensitizer on malignant T lymphocytes arose due to preclinical observations that Jurkat cells, common surrogate for human T cell lymphoma, were more sensitive to Pc 4-PDT-induced killing than epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Mycosis fungoides (MF) as well as Sezary syndrome (SS) are variants of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in which malignant T-cells invade the epidermis. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of Pc 4-PDT in peripheral blood cells obtained from patients with SS and in skin biopsies of patients with MF. Our data suggest that Pc 4-PDT preferentially induces apoptosis of CD4+CD7- malignant T-lymphocytes in the blood relative to CD11b+ monocytes and nonmalignant T-cells. In vivo Pc 4-PDT ofMF skin also photodamages the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is experimental evidence that indicates that the endogenous opioid system of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) may mediate some of the reinforcing effects of ethanol. However, the precise interactions of ethanol with the endogenous opioid system at the level of the CeA have not been investigated. The aim of the current study was to investigate the hypothesis that acute systemic ethanol administration will increase the release of endogenous opioid peptides at the level of the CeA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Rats were implanted with a unilateral guide cannula to aim microdialysis probes at the CeA. Intraperitoneal injections of saline and various doses of ethanol (0.8, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, and 2.8 g ethanol/kg body weight) were administered to the rats. Dialysate samples were collected at 30-min intervals at distinct time points prior to and following treatment. Radioimmunoassays specific for β-endorphin, met-enkephalin, and dynorphin A1–8 were used to determine the effect of ethanol on the content of the opioid peptides in the dialysate. We report that the 2.8-g/kg dose of ethanol induced a long-lasting increase in β-endorphin release from 60 min onwards following administration and, later, an ongoing increase in dynorphin A1–8 release. None of the ethanol doses tested elicited significant changes in dialysate met-enkephalin content compared to the saline treatment. Acute systemic ethanol administration induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in β-endorphin and dynorphin A1–8 release at the level of the CeA, which may be involved in ethanol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cathepsin D (hCatD) is an aspartic peptidase with a low pH optimum. X-ray crystal structures have been solved for an active, low pH (pH 5.1) form (CatDIo) [Baldwin, E. T., Bhat, T. N., Gulnik, S., Hosur, M. V., Sowder, R. C., Cachau, R. E., Collins, J., Silva, A. M., and Erickson, J. W. (1993) Proc Nail. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90, 6796-6800] and an inactive, high pH (pH 7.5) form (CatDhi) [Lee, A. Y., Gulnik, S. V., and Erickson, J. W. (1998) Nat. Struct. Biol. 5, 866-871]. it has been suggested that ionizable switches involving the carboxylate side chains of E5, E 180, and D 187 may mediate the reversible interconversion between CatDhi and CatDlo and that Y10 stabilizes CatDhi [Lee, A. Y., Gulnik, S. V., and Erickson, J. W. (1998) Nat. Struct. Biol. 5, 866-871]. To test these hypotheses, we generated single point mutants in "short" recombinant human pseudocathepsin D (srCatD), a model kinetically similar to hCatD [Beyer, B. M., and Dunn, B. M. (1996) J. Biol. Chern. 271, 15590-15596J. E180Q, Y10F, and DI87N exhibit significantly higher kcat/Km values (2-, 3-, and 6-fold, respectively) at pH 3.7 and 4.75 compared to srCatD, indicating that these residues are important in stabilizing the CatDhi. E5Q exhibits a 2-fold lower kcat/Km compared to srCatD at both pH values, indicating the importance of ES in stabilizing the CatDlo. Accordingly, full time-course "pH-jump" (pH 5.5-4.75) studies of substrate hydrolysis indicate that E180Q, D187N, and Y10F have shorter kinetic lag phases that represent the change from CatDhi to CatDlo compared to srCatD and ESQ. Intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence reveals that the variants have a native-like structure over the pH range of our assays. The results indicate that E180 and D187 participate as an electrostatic switch that initiates the conformational change of CatD10 to CatDhi and Y10 stabilizes CatDhi by hydrogen bonding to the catalytic Asp 33. ES appears to play a less significant role as an ionic switch that stabilizes CatDlo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study conducted to show that by reducing extracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) concentration, sustained elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ in thapsigargin treated cells can be prevented. Reference to the hypothesis that Bcl-2 regulates the movement of Ca2+ through endoplasmic reticulum (ER); Suggestion that ER calcium pool depletion may trigger apoptosis; What these findings indicate; Details on a model of how Bcl-2 preserves Ca2+ homeotasis in the ER.

Viral proteins inhibit apoptosis in host cells by a variety of mechanisms. This report proposes an additional mechanism, based on the interaction of a mutant mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) envelope glycoprotein precursor, Pr74, with the stress protein GRP78 (BiP) within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (J. Biol. Chem. 268 7482-7488, 1993). We show that WEHI7.2 (W7.2) mouse lymphoma cells, which do not express Pr74, are more sensitive to cell death induction by the glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone (dex), than W7MG1 cells, which were derived by infecting W7.2 cells with MMTV and therefore express Pr74 under control of the glucocorticoid-inducible MMTV promoter. Moreover, W7ENV/N cells, derived by stably transfecting W7.2 cells with a constitutively expressed cDNA encoding mutant Pr74, were less sensitive to dex-induced cell death than control transfectant W7-ENV/- cells. Among multiple W7-ENV/N subclones, susceptibility to dex-induced cell death was inversely related to the level of Pr74 synthesis. The interaction of Pr74 with GRP78 induces an increase in GRP78 synthesis. Thus, the repression of cell death associated with Pr74 expression may be secondary to elevated synthesis of GRP78, a stress protein previously implicated in protection against cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue shock (DS) is the most severe complication of dengue infection; endothelial hyperpermeability leads to profound plasma leakage, hypovolaemia and extravascular fluid accumulation. At present, the only treatment is supportive with intravenous fluid, but targeted endothelial stabilising therapies and host immune modulators are needed. With the aim of prioritising potential therapeutics, we conducted a prospective observational study of adults (≥16 years) with DS in Vietnam from 2019–2022, comparing the pathophysiology underlying circulatory failure with patients with septic shock (SS), and investigating the association of biomarkers with clinical severity (SOFA score, ICU admission, mortality) and pulmonary vascular leak (daily lung ultrasound for interstitial and pleural fluid). Plasma was collected at enrolment, 48 hours later and hospital discharge. We measured biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6, ferritin), endothelial activation (Ang-1, Ang-2, sTie-2, VCAM-1) and endothelial glycocalyx breakdown (hyaluronan, heparan sulfate, endocan, syndecan-1). We enrolled 135 patients with DS (median age 26, median SOFA score 7, 34 required ICU admission, 5 deaths), together with 37 patients with SS and 25 healthy controls. Within the DS group, IL-6 and ferritin were associated with admission SOFA score (IL-6: βeta0.70, p<0.001 & ferritin: βeta0.45, p<0.001), ICU admission (IL-6: OR 2.6, p<0.001 & ferritin: OR 1.55, p<0.001) and mortality (IL-6: OR 4.49, p = 0.005 & ferritin: OR 13.8, p = 0.02); both biomarkers discriminated survivors and non-survivors at 48 hours and all patients who died from DS had pre-mortem ferritin ≥100,000ng/ml. IL-6 most strongly correlated with severity of pulmonary vascular leakage (R = 0.41, p<0.001). Ang-2 correlated with pulmonary vascular leak (R = 0.33, p<0.001) and associated with SOFA score (β 0.81, p<0.001) and mortality (OR 8.06, p = 0.002). Ang-1 was associated with ICU admission (OR 1.6, p = 0.005) and mortality (OR 3.62, p = 0.006). All 4 glycocalyx biomarkers were positively associated with SOFA score, but only syndecan-1 was associated with ICU admission (OR 2.02, p<0.001) and mortality (OR 6.51, p<0.001). This study highlights the central role of hyperinflammation in determining outcomes from DS; the data suggest that anti-IL-1 and anti-IL-6 immune modulators and Tie2 agonists may be considered as candidates for therapeutic trials in severe dengue. Author summary: Dengue is the most common arboviral infection worldwide. Dengue shock is the most severe complication of dengue infection; patients develop marked plasma leakage, hypovolaemia and extravascular fluid accumulation. At present, the only treatment available is intravenous fluid, but targeted therapies are needed. With the aim of prioritizing potential therapeutics, we conducted a prospective observational study of 135 adults with dengue shock in Vietnam, investigating the association between biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial activation and endothelial glycocalyx breakdown and clinical severity, and comparing pathophysiology with patients with septic shock and healthy controls. In the dengue shock group, 5/135 patients died. The inflammatory biomarkers IL-6 and ferritin were associated with SOFA score, requirement for ICU admission and mortality. IL-6 most strongly correlated with severity of vascular leakage in the lung, measured by ultrasound. The endothelial biomarkers Angiopoietin-2 and syndecan-1 were both also associated with SOFA score and mortality. Our findings highlight the central role of hyperinflammation in determining outcomes from dengue shock; the data suggest that anti-IL-1 and anti-IL-6 immune modulators and Tie2 agonists may be considered as candidates for therapeutic trials in severe dengue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 68-year-old gentleman presented with a lesion that resembled a pyogenic granuloma in his inferior fornix. The lesion was excised and biopsy demonstrated a proliferation of malignant spindle cells. Three weeks following initial excision, the lesion recurred and was removed via wedge excision of the eyelid. Definitive clearance was achieved through Mohs micrographic surgery. The patient received adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy and remains disease-free. This case demonstrates the need to consider sinister pathology in the setting of recurrent periocular lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method is demonstrated to encapsulate titanium dioxide pigment using directed polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) with reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) controlled emulsion polymerization. The polymerization is carried out in a batch process in which both styrene (Sty) and the pigment are emulsified using triblock amphiphilic macro‐RAFT copolymers as stabilizers. RAFT‐controlled chain growth leads to directed lamellar self‐assembly, forming polystyrene (PS) shells' encapsulating pigment particles with 100% efficiency. The pigment resides either at centers of single‐void vesicles or within the interior of multivoid vesiculated particles. The presence of complex morphologies such as spherical particles, nanofibers, nanoplatelets, and polymer vesicles confirms the PISA pathway. The process is optimized to preferably produce polymer‐vesiculated pigment for use as an enhanced opacifier in water‐based paint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cardiovascular events (CEs) remain the leading cause of death in patients with tetanus. We examined the incidence, patterns, and associated predictors of CEs among patients with tetanus in Vietnam. Methods An ambidirectional cohort study was conducted on hospitalized adult patients with tetanus at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases between 2019 and 2020. Information on demographics, tetanus disease, CEs and outcomes were collected. Results Among all 572 included patients, CEs accounted for 10.8% (95%CI 8.6–13.7%) and included Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (40.3%, 95%CI 29.0–52.8%), arrhythmia (19.4%, 95%CI 11.4–30.9%), sudden cardiac arrest (16.1%, 95%CI 9.0–27.2%), myocardial infarction (11.3%, 95%CI 5.6–21.5%), heart failure (6.5%, 95%CI 2.5–15.4%) and pulmonary embolism (6.5%, 95%CI 2.5–15.4%). CEs occurred from day 5 to 20 of illness. Among 62 CE patients, 21% (95%CI 12.7–32.6%) died and 61.3% (95%CI 48.9–72.4%) developed autonomic nervous system dysfunction (ANSD). Three-fourths (24/32) of patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or myocardial infarction had ANSD. CEs were significantly associated with modified Ablett scores (AOR = 2.42, 95%CI 1.1–5.6, P =.04), underlying diseases (AOR = 2.7, 95%CI 1.1–6.8, P =.04) and overweight (AOR = 0.18, 95%CI.04–.8, P =.02). Conclusions CEs are not rare and associated with high mortality. The most common CE is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. CEs can occur at any stage of illness, with or without ANSD. To prevent mortality, it is pivotal to screen CEs in patients with tetanus, especially those with underlying diseases, high modified Ablett scores, and a normal or low BMI. More studies are needed to fully elucidate the impact of ANSD on the cardiovascular function and the CE associated mortality in tetanus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase behavior and self-assembly structures of a series of amphiphilic diblock co-oligomers comprising an ionizable hydrophilic block (5 to 10 units of acrylic acid) and a hydrophobic block (5 to 20 units of n-butyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, or ethyl acrylate), synthesized by RAFT polymerization, have been examined by polarizing optical microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Self-assembled structure and lyotropic phase stability in these systems is highly responsive to the degree of ionization of the acrylic acid hydrophilic block (i.e., pH), concentration, and nature of the hydrophobic block. Increasing headgroup ionization switched the amphiphiles from behaving like soluble to insoluble surfactants. Liquid isotropic (micellar), hexagonal, lamellar, and discrete cubic phases were found under different solution conditions. The surfactant packing parameter was adapted to understand the self-assembly structures in these diblock co-oligomers. The hydrophobic chain structure and length were shown to strongly affect the relative stabilities of these phases, allowing the self-assembled structure to be varied at will. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares the clinical features and outcome of tetanus in which injection was the only apparent site of infection with tetanus acquired by other routes in patients admitted to the Centre for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Previous uncertainty about the risks and severity of tetanus after intramuscular quinine.

Severe tetanus is characterized by muscle spasm and cardiovascular system disturbance. The pathophysiology of muscle spasm is relatively well understood and involves inhibition of central inhibitory synapses by tetanus toxin. That of cardiovascular disturbance is less clear, but is believed to relate to disinhibition of the autonomic nervous system. The clinical syndrome of autonomic nervous system dysfunction (ANSD) seen in severe tetanus is characterized principally by changes in heart rate and blood pressure which have been linked to increased circulating catecholamines. Previous studies have described varying relationships between catecholamines and signs of ANSD in tetanus, but are limited by confounders and assays used. In this study, we aimed to perform detailed characterization of the relationship between catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), cardiovascular parameters (heart rate and blood pressure) and clinical outcomes (ANSD, mechanical ventilation required, and length of intensive care unit stay) in adults with tetanus, as well as examine whether intrathecal antitoxin administration affected subsequent catecholamine excretion. Noradrenaline and adrenaline were measured by ELISA from 24-h urine collections taken on day 5 of hospitalization in 272 patients enrolled in a 2 × 2 factorial-blinded randomized controlled trial in a Vietnamese hospital. Catecholamine results measured from 263 patients were available for analysis. After adjustment for potential confounders (i.e., age, sex, intervention treatment, and medications), there were indications of non-linear relationships between urinary catecholamines and heart rate. Adrenaline and noradrenaline were associated with subsequent development of ANSD, and length of ICU stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Class IIa HDACs including HDAC7 play a role in gene expression, cell differentiation, and animal development through their association with transcription factors such as myogenic enhancer factors 2 (MEF2s). In this study, we show that endogenous HDAC7 localizes to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm of C2C12 myoblasts but is exclusively retained in the cytoplasm of myotubes after completion of differentiation process. To elucidate the role of differential distribution of HDAC7 during myogenesis, we examined the effects of stably expressed HDAC7 mutants on myogenesis. Expression of nuclear-retained HDAC7 mutants significantly inhibits myogenesis in C2C12 cells and reduces the expression of muscle-specific myosin heavy chain (MHC) and myogenin. The inhibition in myocyte differentiation can be partially relieved by introduction of a mutation disrupting HDAC7:MEF2 interaction. Since phosphorylation of HDAC7 plays an important role in its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, we further investigated the expression and distribution of phosphorylated HDAC7. To our surprise, the phosphorylation levels of HDAC7 at S344 and S479 were slightly decreased upon differentiation, whereas the phosphorylation of S178 was unchanged. Interestingly, a significant fraction of pS344- and/or pS479-HDAC7 localized to plasma membrane of myotubes. In addition, Ser178-phosphorylated (pS178) HDAC7 displays a predominately actin filament-like structure before muscle differentiation. Consistent with this notion, HDAC7 partially colocalized with actin filaments; in particular, pS178-HDAC7 largely colocalized with actin filaments as indicated by phalloidin counter staining in myocytes. Furthermore, C2C12 cells expressing nuclear-retained HDAC7 display defects in migration. Our results provide novel insight into the mechanisms that regulate myocyte differentiation and migration by controlling the subcellular distribution of HDAC7 in differentiating myoblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with lysosome-targeted photosensitizers induces the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis via the cleavage and activation of the BH3-only protein Bid by proteolytic enzymes released from photodisrupted lysosomes. To investigate the role of Bid in apoptosis induction and the role of damaged lysosomes on cell killing by lysosome-targeted PDT, we compared the responses of wild type and Bid-knock-out murine embryonic fibroblasts toward a mitochondrion/endoplasmic reticulum-binding photosensitizer, Pc 4, and a lysosome-targeted sensitizer, Pc 181. Whereas apoptosis and overall cell killing were induced equally well by Pc 4-PDT in both cell lines, Bid−/− cells were relatively resistant to induction of apoptosis and to overall killing following PDT with Pc 181, particularly at low PDT doses. Thus, Bid is critical for the induction of apoptosis caused by PDT with the lysosome-specific sensitizers, but dispensable for PDT targeted to other membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CRM1, 14-3-3 proteins, and CaMK play important roles in trafficking of HDAC7, but the interplay between these proteins in this process is not clearly understood. Here, we show that CRM1 is capable of promoting cytoplasmic localization of wild-type and mutant HDAC7 (S178A/S344A/S479A), which is normally found in the nucleus. Using phospho-specific antibodies to HDAC7, we demonstrate that CaMK I promotes phosphorylation of S178, S344, and S479 of HDAC7. We also show that endogenous S178-phosphorylated HDAC7 is localized in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, whereas S344- and S479-phosphorylated HDAC7 are exclusively localized in the nucleus. An HDAC7 mutant, S178E/S344E/S479E, which lost the ability to bind 14-3-3s, is localized in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Furthermore, the nuclear export of S178E/S344E/S479E is inhibited by LMB, but is enhanced by the CRM1. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that CRM1 mediated-nuclear export of HDAC7 is independent of HDAC7 phosphorylation and its association with 14-3-3s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rationale: Guanfacine is an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist that has been shown to have beneficial effects on working memory and attentional functions in monkeys and in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Objectives: The aim of this study was to further investigate the cognitive-enhancing properties of guanfacine using an established battery of tasks measuring executive and memory functions. Methods: Sixty healthy male volunteers were randomised into three groups. Cognitive testing was performed from +2 to +4 h after double-blind administration of a single oral dose of 1 or 2 mg of guanfacine or placebo. Results: Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced by both doses of guanfacine at the end of the testing session. There were no statistically significant effects on any of the cognitive measures. Two trend effects were observed with poorer performance on digit span backward and slower 'Go' reaction times after guanfacine. Conclusion: This study found no improvement of prefrontal memory or executive functions after guanfacine. Negative effects on blood pressure and trend effects on digit span backward and go reaction time indicate a mild sedative effect of guanfacine at these doses, possibly via mechanisms of autoreceptor down-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation by Directed PISA: RAFT-Based Polymer-Vesiculated Pigment for Opacity Enhancement in Paint Films The improvement is attributed to well-distributed light scattering pigment centers in polymer films as depicted in the front cover. B Front Cover b : Article number 2100008 by Brian Hawkett and co-workers, a directed polymerization-induced self-assembly process is used to encapsulate titanium dioxide particles in the form of polymer vesiculated pigment to improve their light scattering efficiency in water-based paints. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Tetanus remains common in many low- and middle-income countries, but as critical care services improve, mortality from tetanus is improving. Nevertheless, patients develop severe syndromes associated with autonomic nervous system disturbance (ANSD) and the requirement for mechanical ventilation (MV). Understanding factors associated with worse outcome in such settings is important to direct interventions. In this study, we investigate risk factors for disease severity and long-term physical outcome in adults with tetanus admitted to a Vietnamese intensive care unit. Methods: Clinical and demographic variables were collected prospectively from 180 adults with tetanus. Physical function component scores (PCS), calculated from Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), were assessed in 79 patients at hospital discharge, 3 and 6 months post discharge. Results: Age, temperature, heart rate, lower peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and shorter time from first symptom to admission were associated with MV (OR 1.03 [ 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00, 1.05], p = 0.04; OR 2.10 [95% CI 1.03, 4.60], p = 0.04; OR 1.04 [ 95% CI 1.01, 1.07], p = 0.02); OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.66, 0.94], p = 0.02 and OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.52, 0.79, p < 0.001, respectively). Heart rate, SpO2 and time from first symptom to admission were associated with ANSD (OR 1.03 [95% CI 1.01, 1.06], p < 0.01; OR 0.95 [95% CI 0.9, 1.00], p = 0.04 and OR 0.64 [95% CI 0.48, 0.80], p < 0.01, respectively). Median [interquartile range] PCS at hospital discharge, 3 and 6 months were 32.37 [24.95–41.57, 53.0 [41.6–56.3] and 54.8 [51.6–57.3], respectively. Age, female sex, admission systolic blood pressure, admission SpO2, MV, ANSD, midazolam requirement, hospital-acquired infection, pressure ulcer and duration of ICU and hospital stay were associated with reduced 0.25 quantile PCS at 6 months after hospital discharge. Conclusions: MV and ANSD may be suitable endpoints for future research. Risk factors for reduced physical function at 3 months and 6 months post discharge suggest that modifiable features during hospital management are important determinants of long-term outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycosis fungoides is the most common subtype of primary cutaneous lymphoma and has several clinical variants. We report a 74-year-old man presenting with an acquired palmoplantar keratoderma initially diagnosed and treated as psoriasis with suboptimal improvement. Several months later the patient developed patches and plaques that were histologically consistent with mycosis fungoides. These lesions were ameliorated with the treatment of the underlying mycosis fungoides and the palmoplantar keratoderma resolved promptly with radiotherapy. This case highlights the importance of considering mycosis fungoides as an infrequent but serious cause of acquired palmoplantar keratoderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a superspreading event of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection initiated at a bar in Vietnam with evidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission, based on ministry of health reports, patient interviews, and whole-genome sequence analysis. Crowds in enclosed indoor settings with poor ventilation may be considered at high risk for transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Little is known about the natural history of asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Methods We conducted a prospective study at a quarantine center for coronavirus disease 2019 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We enrolled quarantined people with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)–confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, collecting clinical data, travel and contact history, and saliva at enrollment and daily nasopharyngeal/throat swabs (NTSs) for RT-PCR testing. We compared the natural history and transmission potential of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Results Between 10 March and 4 April 2020, 14 000 quarantined people were tested for SARS-CoV-2; 49 were positive. Of these, 30 participated in the study: 13 (43%) never had symptoms and 17 (57%) were symptomatic. Seventeen (57%) participants imported cases. Compared with symptomatic individuals, asymptomatic people were less likely to have detectable SARS-CoV-2 in NTS collected at enrollment (8/13 [62%] vs 17/17 [100%]; P  = .02). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 20 of 27 (74%) available saliva samples (7 of 11 [64%] in the asymptomatic group and 13 of 16 [81%] in the symptomatic group; P  = .56). Analysis of RT-PCR positivity probability showed that asymptomatic participants had faster viral clearance than symptomatic participants (P  < .001 for difference over the first 19 days). This difference was most pronounced during the first week of follow-up. Two of the asymptomatic individuals appeared to transmit SARS-CoV-2 to 4 contacts. Conclusions Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is common and can be detected by analysis of saliva or NTSs. The NTS viral loads fall faster in asymptomatic individuals, but these individuals appear able to transmit the virus to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested pre-pandemic (2015–-2019) plasma samples from 148 Vietnamese children and 100 Vietnamese adults at high risk of zoonotic infections for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike proteins. None was positive. The data thus demonstrated no evidence of prior serological cross-reactivity with SARS-CoV-2 that might explain the low numbers of COVID-19 in Vietnam. No pre-existing cross-reactivity might explain Vietnam success of COVID-19 control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]