Ecological and behavioural risk factors of scrub typhus in central Vietnam: a case‑control study

Background: The risk factors for scrub typhus in Vietnam remain unknown. Scrub typhus caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi often presents as an undifferentiated febrile illness and remains under appreciated due to the limited availability of diagnostic tests. This tropical rickettsial illness is increasingly recognized as an important cause of non-malaria acute undifferentiated fever in Asia. This study aimed to investigate behavioural and ecological related risk factors of scrub typhus to prevent this potentially life-threatening disease in Vietnam. Methods: We conducted a clinical hospital-based active surveillance study, and a retrospective residence-enrolment date-age-matched case-control study in Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam, from August 2018 to March 2020. Clinical examinations, polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgM tests were applied to define cases and controls. All enrolled participants filled out a questionnaire including demographic socio-economic status, personal behaviors/protective equipment, habitat connections, land use, and possible exposure to the vector. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to define the scrub typhus associated risk factors. Results: We identified 44 confirmed cases and matched them with 152 controls. Among cases and controls, the largest age group was the 41-50 years old and males accounted for 61.4% and 42.8%, respectively. There were similarities in demographic characteristics between the two groups, with the exception of occupation. Several factors were significantly associated with acquisition of scrub typhus, including sitting/laying directly on household floor [adjusted OR (aOR) = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.6-15.1, P = 0.006], household with poor sanitation/conditions (aOR = 7.9, 95% CI: 1.9-32.9, P = 0.005), workplace environment with risk (aOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.6, P = 0.020), always observing mice around home (aOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.4-9.9, P = 0.008), and use of personal protective equipment in the field (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1-1.1, P = 0.076). Conclusions: Ecological and household hygiene-related factors were more associated with scrub typhus infection,than individual-level exposure activities in the hyper-endemic area. These findings support local education and allow people to protect themselves from scrub typhus, especially in areas with limitations in diagnostic capacit

Outcome and impact assessment of the Climate-Smart Village Program in Northern Vietnam

Yen Bai province inherits representative biophysical, socio-economic, smaller-holder farming characteristics to economic marginalization and climatic risks and impacts to agricultural production and local livelihoods of Vietnam’s northern mountain region (NMR). The CCAFS project deployed to Ma Climate-Smart Village (CSV) in Yen Bai in 2015 with bilateral funding support from two other research projects aimed at setting up a demonstration-for-scaling example of a rural community equipped with capacities for enhanced climate adaptation and resilience. This study applied a three tier interview data collection methodology (key informant interviews – focus group discussions – indepth farmer interviews) to thoroughly investigate 120 households about six main outcomes accomplished by the project up until 2021. The project has achieved great outcomes from the village to the provincial levels. However, the project work still has a potential to be scaled to the National Target Program on New Rural Development (NTM) given its interest in developing resilient communities in climate-vulnerable regions across the country applying the CSV approach in its 2021-2025 strategy. Despite the closing of the CCAFS program by December 2021, this most important scaling pathway will be continued by the VIBE 2018.05 (funded by the Irish Aid) and COALESCE/2020/34 (funded by the Irish Research Council) under the management of Vietnam National University of Agriculture – a long-term strategic partner of the CCAFS program in the NRM

Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: In an era of shifting global agendas and expanded emphasis on non-communicable diseases and injuries along with communicable diseases, sound evidence on trends by cause at the national level is essential. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) provides a systematic scientific assessment of published, publicly available, and contributed data on incidence, prevalence, and mortality for a mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive list of diseases and injuries. Methods: GBD estimates incidence, prevalence, mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to 369 diseases and injuries, for two sexes, and for 204 countries and territories. Input data were extracted from censuses, household surveys, civil registration and vital statistics, disease registries, health service use, air pollution monitors, satellite imaging, disease notifications, and other sources. Cause-specific death rates and cause fractions were calculated using the Cause of Death Ensemble model and spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression. Cause-specific deaths were adjusted to match the total all-cause deaths calculated as part of the GBD population, fertility, and mortality estimates. Deaths were multiplied by standard life expectancy at each age to calculate YLLs. A Bayesian meta-regression modelling tool, DisMod-MR 2.1, was used to ensure consistency between incidence, prevalence, remission, excess mortality, and cause-specific mortality for most causes. Prevalence estimates were multiplied by disability weights for mutually exclusive sequelae of diseases and injuries to calculate YLDs. We considered results in the context of the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income per capita, years of schooling, and fertility rate in females younger than 25 years. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered 1000 draw values of the posterior distribution. Findings: Global health has steadily improved over the past 30 years as measured by age-standardised DALY rates. After taking into account population growth and ageing, the absolute number of DALYs has remained stable. Since 2010, the pace of decline in global age-standardised DALY rates has accelerated in age groups younger than 50 years compared with the 1990–2010 time period, with the greatest annualised rate of decline occurring in the 0–9-year age group. Six infectious diseases were among the top ten causes of DALYs in children younger than 10 years in 2019: lower respiratory infections (ranked second), diarrhoeal diseases (third), malaria (fifth), meningitis (sixth), whooping cough (ninth), and sexually transmitted infections (which, in this age group, is fully accounted for by congenital syphilis; ranked tenth). In adolescents aged 10–24 years, three injury causes were among the top causes of DALYs: road injuries (ranked first), self-harm (third), and interpersonal violence (fifth). Five of the causes that were in the top ten for ages 10–24 years were also in the top ten in the 25–49-year age group: road injuries (ranked first), HIV/AIDS (second), low back pain (fourth), headache disorders (fifth), and depressive disorders (sixth). In 2019, ischaemic heart disease and stroke were the top-ranked causes of DALYs in both the 50–74-year and 75-years-and-older age groups. Since 1990, there has been a marked shift towards a greater proportion of burden due to YLDs from non-communicable diseases and injuries. In 2019, there were 11 countries where non-communicable disease and injury YLDs constituted more than half of all disease burden. Decreases in age-standardised DALY rates have accelerated over the past decade in countries at the lower end of the SDI range, while improvements have started to stagnate or even reverse in countries with higher SDI. Interpretation: As disability becomes an increasingly large component of disease burden and a larger component of health expenditure, greater research and developm nt investment is needed to identify new, more effective intervention strategies. With a rapidly ageing global population, the demands on health services to deal with disabling outcomes, which increase with age, will require policy makers to anticipate these changes. The mix of universal and more geographically specific influences on health reinforces the need for regular reporting on population health in detail and by underlying cause to help decision makers to identify success stories of disease control to emulate, as well as opportunities to improve. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licens

Global age-sex-specific fertility, mortality, healthy life expectancy (HALE), and population estimates in 204 countries and territories, 1950-2019 : a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Accurate and up-to-date assessment of demographic metrics is crucial for understanding a wide range of social, economic, and public health issues that affect populations worldwide. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 produced updated and comprehensive demographic assessments of the key indicators of fertility, mortality, migration, and population for 204 countries and territories and selected subnational locations from 1950 to 2019. Methods: 8078 country-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 938 surveys, 349 censuses, and 238 other sources were identified and used to estimate age-specific fertility. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate age-specific fertility rates for 5-year age groups between ages 15 and 49 years. With extensions to age groups 10–14 and 50–54 years, the total fertility rate (TFR) was then aggregated using the estimated age-specific fertility between ages 10 and 54 years. 7417 sources were used for under-5 mortality estimation and 7355 for adult mortality. ST-GPR was used to synthesise data sources after correction for known biases. Adult mortality was measured as the probability of death between ages 15 and 60 years based on vital registration, sample registration, and sibling histories, and was also estimated using ST-GPR. HIV-free life tables were then estimated using estimates of under-5 and adult mortality rates using a relational model life table system created for GBD, which closely tracks observed age-specific mortality rates from complete vital registration when available. Independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated by an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys and antenatal clinic serosurveillance and other sources were incorporated into the estimates in countries with large epidemics. Annual and single-year age estimates of net migration and population for each country and territory were generated using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model that analysed estimated age-specific fertility and mortality rates along with 1250 censuses and 747 population registry years. We classified location-years into seven categories on the basis of the natural rate of increase in population (calculated by subtracting the crude death rate from the crude birth rate) and the net migration rate. We computed healthy life expectancy (HALE) using years lived with disability (YLDs) per capita, life tables, and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty was propagated throughout the demographic estimation process, including fertility, mortality, and population, with 1000 draw-level estimates produced for each metric. Findings: The global TFR decreased from 2·72 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2·66–2·79) in 2000 to 2·31 (2·17–2·46) in 2019. Global annual livebirths increased from 134·5 million (131·5–137·8) in 2000 to a peak of 139·6 million (133·0–146·9) in 2016. Global livebirths then declined to 135·3 million (127·2–144·1) in 2019. Of the 204 countries and territories included in this study, in 2019, 102 had a TFR lower than 2·1, which is considered a good approximation of replacement-level fertility. All countries in sub-Saharan Africa had TFRs above replacement level in 2019 and accounted for 27·1% (95% UI 26·4–27·8) of global livebirths. Global life expectancy at birth increased from 67·2 years (95% UI 66·8–67·6) in 2000 to 73·5 years (72·8–74·3) in 2019. The total number of deaths increased from 50·7 million (49·5–51·9) in 2000 to 56·5 million (53·7–59·2) in 2019. Under-5 deaths declined from 9·6 million (9·1–10·3) in 2000 to 5·0 million (4·3–6·0) in 2019. Global population increased by 25·7%, from 6·2 billion (6·0–6·3) in 2000 to 7·7 billion (7·5–8·0) in 2019. In 2019, 34 countries had negative natural rates of increase; in 17 of these, the population declined because immigration was not sufficient to counteract the negative rate of decline. Globally, HALE increased from 58·6 years (56·1–60·8) in 2000 to 63·5 years (60·8–66·1) in 2019. HALE increased in 202 of 204 countries and territories between 2000 and 2019

Taking advance of isotropic-to-anisotropic morin-modified silver nanoparticles for simultaneous colorimetric sensing of trivalent chromium and iron ions

Taking into account colorimetric sensing purposes of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), a convenient system for simultaneous detection of multiple metal ions has been more challenging and less exploited. In the present work, at the same condition (involving AgNPs and morin concentrations, pH and incubation time), morin-modified AgNPs were firstly applied to the simultaneous detection of Cr3+ and Fe3+ ions by naked eyes and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. Furthermore, method validation was also carried out involving specification, selectivity, limits of detection and quantification. The colorimetric sensing mechanisms for such metal ions were admitted via an anisotropic growth of AgNPs, resulting in either larger aggregates due to a coordination complex (Cr3+ ion) or a smaller size due to a redox cycle (Fe3+ ion)

Magnetic Activated Carbon from ZnCl2 and FeCl3 Coactivation of Lotus Seedpod: One-Pot Preparation, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity towards Robust Degradation of Acid Orange 10

Lotus seedpods (LSPs) are an abundant and underutilized agricultural residue discarded from lotus seed production. In this study, ZnCl2 and FeCl3 coactivation of LSP for one-pot preparation of magnetic activated carbon (MAC) was explored for the first time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that Fe3O4, Fe0, and ZnO crystals were formed in the LSP-derived carbon matrix. Notably, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the shapes of these components consisted of not only nanoparticles but also nanowires. Fe and Zn contents in MAC determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) were 6.89 and 3.94 wt%, respectively. Moreover, SBET and Vtotal of MAC prepared by coactivation with ZnCl2 and FeCl3 were 1080 m2/g and 0.51 cm3/g, which were much higher than those prepared by single activation with FeCl3 (274 m2/g and 0.14 cm3/g) or ZnCl2 (369 m2/g and 0.21 cm3/g). MAC was subsequently applied as an oxidation catalyst for Fenton-like degradation of acid orange 10 (AO10). As a result, 0.20 g/L MAC could partially remove AO10 (100 ppm) with an adsorption capacity of 78.4 mg/g at pH 3.0. When 350 ppm H2O2 was further added, AO10 was decolorized rapidly, nearly complete within 30 min, and 66% of the COD was removed in 120 min. The potent catalytic performance of MAC might come from the synergistic effect of Fe0 and Fe3O4 nanocrystals in the porous carbon support. MAC also demonstrated effective stability and reusability after five consecutive cycles, when total AO10 removal at 20 min of H2O2 addition slightly decreased from 93.9 ± 0.9% to 86.3 ± 0.8% and minimal iron leaching of 1.14 to 1.19 mg/L was detected. Interestingly, the MAC catalyst with a saturation magnetization of 3.6 emu/g was easily separated from the treated mixture for the next cycle. Overall, these findings demonstrate that magnetic activated carbon prepared from ZnCl2 and FeCl3 coactivation of lotus seedpod waste can be a low-cost catalyst for rapid degradation of acid orange 10

ẢNH HƯỞNG CỦA TỶ LỆ MỠ VÀ PHỤ GIA BỔ SUNG ĐẾN ĐẶC TÍNH CẤU TRÚC CỦA XÚC XÍCH ĐƯỢC CHẾ BIẾN TỪ THỊT DÈ CÁ TRA

Trong quy trình sản xuất fillet cá tra lạnh đông, tỷ lệ phụ phẩm, chủ yếu là dè cá tra chiếm khoảng 10 ữ 15% nguyên liệu ban đầu. Việc tận dụng nguồn nguyên liệu này trong chế biến thực phẩm - điển hình như xúc xích không chỉ góp phần làm tăng hiệu quả kinh tế, tạo quy trình sản xuất khép kín mà còn góp phần làm giảm chất thải gây ô nhiễm môi trường. Nghiên cứu được thực hiện với mục tiêu thiết lập quy trình chế biến và khảo sát một số yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến chất lượng của xúc xích từ thịt dè cá tra. Do hàm lượng P2O5 trong nguyên liệu khá cao, phụ gia này không được bổ sung vào trong quy trình chế biến. Sau khi quy trình rửa thịt dè cá tra được áp dụng nhằm cải thiện màu sắc và độ bền gel của nguyên liệu, ảnh hưởng của tỷ lệ thịt dè cá và mỡ sử dụng đến sự hình thành khối nhũ tương được xác định. Thêm vào đó, một số thành phần chức năng được sử dụng để cải thiện các đặc tính cấu trúc, khả năng giữ nước và sự ổn định nhũ tương của xúc xích. Kết quả khảo sát cho thấy, chất lượng xúc xích được đảm bảo với tỷ lệ thịt dè cá và mỡ sử dụng là 75% và 25%, kết hợp với việc bổ sung 4% tinh bột biến tính và 0,4% phụ gia chitofood

EFFECT OF RICE HUSK ASH ON THE PROPERTIES OF HYDROTECHNICAL CONCRETE

Subject: operation of concrete and reinforced concrete hydraulic structures on river systems and in the extended coastal zone of Vietnam takes place under the influence of aggressive environments, which significantly limits their service life. Therefore, the search for ways to solve the problem of increasing the durability and terms of maintenance-free operation of such facilities is very important. Previous studies have established the possibility of increasing the operational performance of hydraulic concrete (HC) by modifying their structure with complex additives that combine the water-reducing and densification effects. The possibility of increasing the quality of hydraulic concretes by using rice husk ash (RHA) as a finely dispersed mineral additive with high pozzolanic activity was also established. Research objectives: modification of the structure of hydraulic concrete; determination of the effect of an organo-mineral modifier consisting of RHA in combination with a superplasticizer on water resistance, chloride-ion permeability and strength of hydraulic concrete. Materials and methods: portland cement of type CEM II 42.5 N was used with the addition of rice husk ashes and a superplasticizer ACE 388 “Sure Tec” BASF. Quartz sand and limestone crushed stone were used as aggregates. Composition of the concrete mixture, compressive strength of concretes, water resistance and permeability of the concrete structure for chloride ions was calculated based on methods of Russian and international standards. Results: the use of an organo-mineral modifier consisting of a water-reducing superplasticizer ACE 388 and finely dispersed rice husk ash leads to a densification of the HC structure, which increases their water resistance and decreases the permeability for chloride ions. Conclusions: it was found that the introduction of the developed organo-mineral additive into the concrete mixture leads to densification of the concrete structure, contributes not only to the growth of compression strength at the age of 28 days by 32 % for HC-10, 23 % for HC-20 and 9 % for HC-30, but also to the increase of its water resistance by one or two marks. In addition, there is a significant decrease in the permeability for chloride ions of HC samples containing 10, 20 and 30 % RHA by mass of the binder, since the average value of electric charge that have passed through the samples made of HC-10, HC-20 and HC-30 were 305, 367.5 and 382.7 K respectively against 2562 K for control samples made of non-modified concrete without RHA. (The experimental results of measuring permeability for chloride ions were obtained according to standard ASTM C1202-12). Our study has confirmed the assumption that the introduction into the concrete mix of organo-mineral modifier consisting of a polycarboxylate superplasticiser and fine ash of rice husk, up to 90 % consisting of amorphous silica, will increase the density of hydraulic concrete structure, which will increase their strength, water resistance and reduce permeability for chloride ions

One-pot fabrication of magnetic biochar by FeCl3-activation of lotus seedpod and its catalytic activity towards degradation of Orange G

An advanced magnetic biochar (MBC) was facilely prepared via one-pot FeCl _3 -activation of lotus seedpod. Simultaneous carbonization, activation, and magnetization formed magnetic Fe _3 O _4 nanoparticles and nanowires over the biochar base. The specific surface area (S _BET ) and the total pore volume (V _total ) of MBC were 349 m ^2 g ^−1 and 0.31 cm ^3 g ^−1 , which were 2.0-fold and 3.9-fold higher than those of biochar, respectively. In addition, the saturation magnetization of MBC reached 6.94 emu g ^−1 , facilitating its magnetic separation and recovery. In heterogeneous Fenton-like catalytic oxidation, 0.40 g l ^−1 MBC decolorized 100% Orange G and reduced 58% COD by 350 ppm H _2 O _2 within 120 min. The degradation kinetics were calculated with different MBC samples and reactions followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with the highest rate constant of 0.034 min ^−1 . Moreover, the catalytic activity dropped by only 6.4% after four reuse cycles, with negligible iron leaching of 1.31–1.44 mg l ^−1 . Based on these results, MBC could be a low-cost, highly effective, and relatively stable catalyst for treating Orange G in wastewater