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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global health concern. The development of vaccines with high immunogenicity and safety is crucial for controlling the global COVID-19 pandemic and preventing further illness and fatalities. Here, we report the development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate, Nanocovax, based on recombinant protein production of the extracellular (soluble) portion of the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that Nanocovax induced high levels of S protein-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies in three animal models: BALB/c mouse, Syrian hamster, and a non-human primate (Macaca leonina). In addition, a viral challenge study using the hamster model showed that Nanocovax protected the upper respiratory tract from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nanocovax did not induce any adverse effects in mice (Mus musculus var. albino) and rats (Rattus norvegicus). These preclinical results indicate that Nanocovax is safe and effective.

Introduction: Extra-articular fractures of the distal radius, known as Colles’ fractures, are very common. The optimal management of Colles’ fracture is still controversial. The Kapandji technique is one option for orthopedic surgeons to maintain reduced fractures, however, the effectiveness of this method is no clear consensus. This study aims to access Colles’ fracture treatment by the Kapandji technique with our experiences. Methods: This prospective study of 33 patients treated with three K-wires intra-focal fractures by the Kapandji procedure for Colles’ fractures at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Vietnam between February 2017 and May 2019. The functional outcome of the patients was assessed by the demerit score system of Gartland and Werley, and the quality of reduction was elevated on radiographic as well at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperative. Results: 33 patients’ mean age is 54.64 ± 18.00; After 24 weeks of postoperative follow-up, 78.79% presented excellent, 21.21% good, and there are not any fair or poor cases on the functional outcome. All patients achieved complete fracture union at 12 weeks postoperative. The average immediate postoperative radial length was 9.85 mm, the radial inclination was 20.64°, and the volar tilt was 9.2°. Conclusion: The study emphasizes that the Kapandji technique in Colles’ fracture treatment is simple and possible to bring a satisfactory outcome and fast recovery.

Abstract Background In Vietnam, malaria persists in remote forested regions where infections are spatially heterogeneous, mostly asymptomatic and with low parasite density. Previous studies in Vietnam have investigated broad behavioural concepts such as ‘engaging in forest activities’ as risk factors for malaria infection, which may not explain heterogeneity in malaria risk, especially in malaria elimination settings. Methods A mixed methods study combining ethnographic research and a cross-sectional survey was embedded in a 1-year malariometric cohort study in three ethnic minority villages in South Tra My district, Quang Nam Province in Central Vietnam. Qualitative data collection included in-depth interviews, informal conversations and participant observations over a 2-month period, and the findings were used to develop the questionnaire used in the cross-sectional survey. The latter collected data on evening activities, mobility patterns and household characteristics. The primary outcome, recent exposure to malaria, was defined using the classification and regression tree method to determine significant changes in antibody titres during the year preceding the survey. Risk factor analyses for recent exposure to malaria were conducted using logistic regression. Results 22 in-depth interviews and numerous participant observations were recorded during the ethnographic research (April to June 2015), and 160 adults (86% response rate) responded to the cross-sectional survey (November to December 2015). Recent exposure to Plasmodium falciparum malaria was estimated at 22.9 and at 17.1% for Plasmodium vivax. Ongoing malaria transmission appears to be maintained by activities that delay or disrupt sleeping in a permanent structure in which a bed net could be hung, including evening drinking gatherings, fishing, logging in the forest and outdoor TV watching. Conclusions Vector control tools for outdoor evening activities in villages as well as at farms, forest and river locations should be incorporated into current malaria elimination efforts in Central Vietnam. Micro-epidemiology studies using mixed-methods designs can provide a comprehensive understanding of the malaria risk at fine spatial scales and better inform the implementation of targeted interventions for malaria elimination.

Background: May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a continuous pathological change of the left common iliac vein intraluminal wall due to compression between the right common iliac artery and a lumbar vertebra, with clinical signs of compromised venous drainage of the left leg, which eventually leads to development of left-sided deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Purpose: To analyze the correlation between iliac vessel geometry and probability of DVT in patients with MTS. Material and Methods: This study consists of two age-matched female groups: DVT (n = 21) and control (n = 28). Iliac vein geometry, including left common iliac vein (LCIV) diameter, percentage of stenosis, angle between LCIV and right common iliac vein (RCIV), tilt angle of each CIV with horizontal line, and crossing angle between right common iliac artery (RCIA) and LCIV, were measured on computed tomography venography (CTV) images. The probability of DVT development was assessed using logistic regression. Results: Comparing the DVT and control groups, the mean LCIV diameter was 2.4 mm and 3.7 mm (P = 0.001), and mean LCIV stenosis was 77.7% and 68.3% (P = 0.001), respectively. After age-adjustment, the odds of left DVT in patients with MTS correlated with LCIV diameter (odds ratio [OR]=0.25, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.11–0.54), LCIV stenosis (%) (OR=1.12, P = 0.003, 95% CI=1.04–1.21), LCIV tilt angle (OR=0.95, P < 0.038, 95% CI=0.91–0.99), and angle between two CIVs (OR=1.04, P < 0.039, 95% CI=1.00–1.09). Conclusion: LCIV diameter and percentage of stenosis, LCIV tilt angle, and CIV angle were independent risk factors for the development of DVT in patients with MTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Stachys affinis Bunge (S. affinis) tubers are rich in carbohydrate with a large amount of stachyose which had been proven to have antidiabetic potential. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate hypoglycemic effects of tuber extract of Stachys affinis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. METHODS: The stachyose content of the extract was determined by UPLC. Diabetes was induced by the administration of single dose of streptozotocin (170 mg/kg). The hypoglycemic effects of the extract were evaluated by comparing fasting blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity between groups treated with the S. affinis tuber extract (at doses of 750 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg) and diabetic control group over 28 days of treatment. RESULTS: The daily treatment with the extract at doses of 750 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level from 278.12 mg/dL to 127.50 mg/dL, and 238.97 mg/dL to 177.12 mg/dL (p < 0.01), respectively. Besides, the treatment also improved the sensitivity of diabetic treated mice to insulin (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the S. affinis tuber extract demonstrated significant hypoglycemic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a database, namely, the Automated Identification and Quantification Database System (AIQS-DB), which consists of three components, including retention times, mass data, and calibration curves, without the requirement to analyze standard substances. The AIQS-DB that are pre-registered in the database are used as the replacement for the process of measuring chemical standards. Both the target and unknown substances in the real samples were determined by the same conditions of GC-MS as those used for the initial database register in the AIQS-DB system. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the wide-ranging applications of AIQS-DB in various fields and highlights its usefulness as a tool for the simultaneous analysis of organic compounds in different matrixes such as water, soil, sediment and air, etc. It could be considered as the basis in further applications of the AIQS-DB method in determining organic compounds in other fields, specifically biology, food, agriculture, medicine, etc., allowing assessment and reflection on the quality and status of the studied products quickly and cost-effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: to analyze changes in knowledge and practices regarding silicosis in groups of workers at high risk of silicosis before - after an intervention. Methods: The study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 based on structured questions related to knowledge and practices of silicosis of workers directly exposed to silica dust in a Northern province of Vietnam. The mobile app-based intervention was applied to steel workers, then compared with ironworkers in improvements in silicosis knowledge and practices. Results: Significant changes in the intervention group related to workers' knowledge about the signs suggestive of silicosis, disease consequences, measures to reduce the risk of silicosis, and participation in annual occupational disease examinations were reported. Conclusion: Mobile application-based interventions could improve silicosis knowledge and practice among workers at high risk of exposure to silica dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]