Rechargeable aqueous aluminum-ion battery: progress and outlook

The high cost and scarcity of lithium resources have prompted researchers to seek alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. Among emerging "Beyond Lithium" batteries, rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) are yet another attractive electrochemical storage device due to their high specific capacity and the abundance of aluminum. Although the current electrochemical performance of nonaqueous AIBs is better than aqueous AIBs (AAIBs), AAIBs have recently gained attention due to their low cost and enhanced safety. Extensive efforts are devoted to developing AAIBs in the last few years. Yet, it is still challenging to achieve stable electrodes with good electrochemical performance and electrolytes without side reactions. This review summarizes the recent progress in the exploration of anode and cathode materials and the selection of electrolytes of AAIBs. Lastly, the main challenges and future research outlook of high-performance AAIBs are also presented.Ministry of Education (MOE)Q.Y. acknowledges the funding support from Singapore MOE AcRF Tier 1 under grant no. 2020-T1-001-03

Measuring serum beta2-microglobulin to predict long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients using low-flux dialyzer reuse

Nguyen Huu Dung,1 Nguyen Trung Kien,2 Nguyen Thi Thu Hai,1 Phan The Cuong,1 Nguyen Thi Thu Huong,3 Dao Bui Quy Quyen,4 Nguyen Minh Tuan,4 Do Manh Ha,2 Truong Quy Kien,2 Nguyen Thi Thuy Dung,2 Pham Quoc Toan,2 Hoang Trung Vinh,2 Tomoko Usui,5 Le Viet Thang21Bach Mai Hospital, Ha Noi, Vietnam; 2Military Hospital 103, Ha Noi, Vietnam; 3Ha Noi Kidney Hospital, Ha Noi, Vietnam; 4Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; 5University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, JapanPurpose: Beta2-microglobulin (β2-M) is recognized as a surrogate marker relating to the mechanisms of dialysis-associated amyloidosis. Few studies have evaluated the association of serum β2-M with clinical outcome in hemodialysis patients using high-flux type. However, study on patients using low-flux dialyzer reuse has not been done yet.Patients and methods: Using serum β2-M level on predicting long-term mortality of hemodialysis patients was examined in 326 prevalent hemodialysis patients (45.59±14.46 years, hemodialysis duration of 47.5 (26–79) months, 186 males and 140 females). The patients were divided into 3 groups with equal number of patients, according to their serum β2-M levels: group A (n=109, serum β2-M concentration ≤55.7 mg/L), group B (n=109, serum β2-M level from 55.8 mg/L to 75.4 mg/L) and group C (n=108, serum β2-M concentration >75.4 mg/L).Results: During the follow-up period of 5 years, there were 75 all-cause deaths (23.0%). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that all-cause mortality in the higher β2-M group was significantly higher compared to that in the lower β2-M groups (p<0.001). Serum β2-M level was a significant predictor for all-cause mortality (AUC =0.898; p<0.001; Cut-off value: 74.9 mg/L, Se=93.3%, Sp=92.9%).Conclusion: Serum β2-M levels were a significant predictor of long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients, who use only low-flux dialyzers and reuse 6 times.Keywords: Beta2-microglobulin, mortality, hemodialysi

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated at a General Hospital in Vietnam Between 2014 and 2021

Nguyen Van An,1,* Le Ha long Hai,2,3,* Vu Huy Luong,4,5 Nguyen Thi Ha Vinh,5,6 Pham Quynh Hoa,7 Le Van Hung,5,7 Nguyen Thai Son,1 Le Thu Hong,1 Dinh Viet Hung,8 Hoang Trung Kien,9 Minh Nhat Le,10,11 Nguyen Hoang Viet,12 Duc Hoang Nguyen,13 Ngai Van Pham,14 Ta Ba Thang,15 Tran Viet Tien,16 Le Huy Hoang17 1Department of Microbiology, Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 2Department of Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 3Department of Biochemistry, Hematology and Immunology, National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, Hanoi, Vietnam; 4Department of Laser and Skin Care, National hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, Hanoi, Vietnam; 5Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 6Department of General Planning, National hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, Hanoi, Vietnam; 7Department of Microbiology, Mycology and Parasitology, National hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, Hanoi, Vietnam; 8Department of Psychiatry, Military Medical 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 9Department of Immunology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 10Tay Nguyen Institute of Science Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, VAST, Hanoi, Vietnam; 11Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Disease, Tokyo, Japan; 12Molecular Pathology Department, Faculty of Medical Technology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 13Cardiovascular Laboratories, Methodist Hospital, Merrillville, Indiana, USA; 14Medical Testing Center, Medlatec Group, Hanoi, Vietnam; 15Respiratory Center, Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 16Department of Infectious diseases, Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Medical Military University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 17Department of Bacteriology, National of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Le Huy Hoang, Department of Bacteriology, National of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam, Tel + 84 977 803 986, Email [email protected]: Staphylococcus aureus is a commensal bacteria species that can cause various illnesses, from mild skin infections to severe diseases, such as bacteremia. The distribution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern of S. aureus varies by population, time, geographic location, and hospital wards. In this study, we elucidated the epidemiology and AMR patterns of S. aureus isolated from a general hospital in Vietnam.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data on all S. aureus infections from 2014 to 2021 were collected from the Microbiology department of Military Hospital 103, Vietnam. Only the first isolation from each kind of specimen from a particular patient was analyzed using the Cochran–Armitage and chi-square tests.Results: A total of 1130 individuals were diagnosed as S. aureus infection. Among them, 1087 strains were tested for AMR features. Most patients with S. aureus infection were in the age group of 41– 65 years (39.82%). S. aureus isolates were predominant in the surgery wards, and pus specimens were the most common source of isolates (50.62%). S. aureus was most resistant to azithromycin (82.28%), erythromycin (82.82%), and clindamycin (82.32%) and least resistant to teicoplanin (0.0%), tigecycline (0.16%), quinupristin-dalfopristin (0.43%), linezolid (0.62%), and vancomycin (2.92%). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus were prevalent, accounting for 73.02% and 60.90% of the total strains respectively, and the strains isolated from the intensive care unit (ICU) had the highest percentage of multidrug resistance (77.78%) among the wards.Conclusion: These findings highlight the urgent need for continuous AMR surveillance and updated treatment guidelines, particularly considering high resistance in MRSA, MDR strains, and ICU isolates. Future research focusing on specific resistant populations and potential intervention strategies is crucial to combat this rising threat.Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, antimicrobial resistance, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, multidrug resistance, Hanoi, Vietna

The application of sample pooling for mass screening of SARS-CoV-2 in an outbreak of COVID-19 in Vietnam

We sampled nasal–pharyngeal throat swabs from 96,123 asymptomatic individuals at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and generated 22,290 pools at collection, each containing samples from two to seven individuals. We detected SARS-CoV-2 in 24 pools, and confirmed the infection in 32 individuals after resampling and testing of 104 samples from positive pools. We completed the testing within 14 days. We would have required 64 days to complete the screening for the same number of individuals if we had based our testing strategy on individual testing. There was no difference in cycle threshold (Ct) values of pooled and individual samples. Thus, compared with individual sample testing, our approach did not compromise PCR sensitivity, but saved 77% of the resources. The present strategy might be applicable in settings, where there are shortages of reagents and the disease prevalence is low, but the demand for testing is high

Elderly care in daily living in rural Vietnam : Need and its socioeconomic determinants

Background The proportion of older people is increasing rapidly in Vietnam. The majority of the elderly live in rural areas. Their health status is generally improving but this is less pronounced among the most vulnerable groups. The movement of young people for employment and the impact of other socioeconomic changes leave more elderly on their own and with less family support. This study aims to assess the daily care needs and their socioeconomic determinants among older people in a rural setting. Methods In 2007, people aged 60 years and older, living in 2,240 households, were randomly selected from the FilaBavi Demographic Surveillance System (DSS). They were interviewed using structured questionnaires to assess needed support in activities of daily living (ADLs). Individuals were interviewed about the presence of chronic illnesses that had been diagnosed by a physician. Participant socioeconomic characteristics were extracted from the FilaBavi repeat census. The repeat census used a repeat of the same survey methods and questions as the original FilaBavi DSS. Distributions of study participants by socioeconomic group, supports needed, levels of support received, types of caregivers, and the ADL index were described. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify socioeconomic determinants of the ADL index. Results The majority of older people do not need of support for each specific ADL item. Dependence in instrumental or intellectual ADLs was more common than for basic ADLs. People who need total help were less common than those who need some help in most ADLs. Over three-fifths of those who need help receive enough support in all ADL dimensions. Children and grandchildren are the main caregivers. Age group, sex, educational level, marital status, household membership, working status, household size, living arrangement, residential area, household wealth, poverty status, and chronic illnesses were determinants of daily care needs in old age. Conclusions Although majority of older people who needed help received enough support in daily care, the need of care is more demanded in disadvantaged groups. Future community-based, long-term elderly care should focus on instrumental and intellectual ADLs among the general population of older people, and on basic ADLs among those with chronic illnesses. Socioeconomic determinants of care needs should be addressed in future interventions