High Environmental Heat Exposure Is a Risk Factor for Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology has been reported in Mesoamerican regions and other parts of the world, with increasing evidence pointing to heat stress as a central contributing factor. The incidence of acute kidney injury appears to correlate strongly with heat exposure, as demonstrated in both human and animal studies. The underlying mechanisms of heat-induced kidney injury are likely multifactorial, involving hemodynamic changes, immune responses, and possibly coagulopathies.

GeMTeX's De-Identification in Action: Lessons Learned & Devil's Details.

Introduction: In 2024, the GeMTeX project launched the largest ever de-identification campaign for German-language clinical reports, and, as a pilot study, published GraSCCoPHI, the first de-identified German-language gold standard corpus of synthetic discharge summaries.

Methods: GeMTeX's de-identification workflow is described here - including annotation tool management and, pre-annotation experience, such as assembling and training annotation groups and the evolution of guidelines.

Results: We present the project's progress in the first year with respect to de-identification efforts and the challenges we faced during the rollout at six hospital sites in four German states.

Controlling intermolecular base pairing in Drosophila germ granules by mRNA folding and its implications in fly development.

Drosophila germ granules are enriched with mRNAs critical for development. Within them, mRNAs cluster through intermolecular interactions that may involve base pairing. Here we apply in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches to examine the type and prevalence of these interactions.

Assessing the impact of day programs on individuals living with dementia and their family/friend caregivers (AIDA-DemCare): protocol of a prospective cohort study combined with a qualitative evaluation.

Background: Persons with dementia, their family/friend caregivers, and health systems agree that the preferred place of dementia care is a person's home. Health systems have struggled to provide sufficient community-based dementia care supports, negatively affecting the health and well-being of persons with dementia and their caregivers. Therefore, dementia care and support of dementia caregivers are critical public health priorities.

Prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus in genital warts in Can Tho City, Vietnam: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major causative agent of genital warts and various anogenital cancers. In Vietnam, limited data exists on HPV genotype prevalence and distribution. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of HPV types among patients with genital warts in Can Tho City and to explore their associations with demographic and clinical characteristics.

Analysis of HPV and NKG2D rs1049174 Polymorphism in Vietnamese Patients With Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

IntroductionOropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) etiology involves environmental and genetic factors, with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) being a key ecological driver. This study evaluated the relative importance of environmental factors, particularly HPV status, and the genetic polymorphism NKG2D rs1049174 in OPSCC among a Vietnamese population.MethodsA retrospective case-control study was conducted with 279 OPSCC patients and 250 healthy controls.

TGF-β Coordinates Alanine Synthesis and Import for Myofibroblast Differentiation in Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease marked by aberrant fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation, a process that requires metabolic reprogramming. We identify alanine as a critical metabolite that confers metabolic flexibility to support differentiation. TGF-β increases alanine by activating both its synthesis and import in normal and IPF lung fibroblasts.

A Screening Protocol to Identify Older Adults With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers in Northern Vietnam.

Objectives: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) pose a growing public health challenge in Vietnam. This study describes a community-based screening protocol to identify older adults and their primary family caregivers in Hai Duong province to support recruitment for a caregiver intervention clinical trial.

Methods: Village health workers were trained to identify older adults at risk for dementia using a simplified tool adapted from the California Alzheimer's Disease Centers' Assessment of Cognitive Complaints Toolkit.

RNA Structural Complexity Dictates Its Ion Atmosphere.

Electrostatic interactions mediated by surrounding ions critically influence RNA behavior, yet flexible RNAs remain underexplored. We performed molecular dynamics simulations to examine three RNAs across the structural continuum: unstructured poly uridylic tract (rU), a semiflexible cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat, and a tightly folded pseudoknot. Despite similar net charges, rU attracts a diffuse Mg cloud extending beyond two hydration shells, while the CAG repeat and pseudoknot favor more compact outer-sphere Mg binding.

Social Participation When Aging With an Early-Onset Neurological Disability: Protocol for Descriptive Qualitative Research.

Background: Due to improvements in health care and rehabilitation, as well as better social conditions, individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), or spinal cord injury (SCI) are living longer. It is therefore necessary to ensure the presence of social and health services adapted to the realities and specific needs of these populations aging with disabilities. Social participation is a key determinant of active aging and health.

Integrating liver and heart health: Cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease.

Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health burden intricately linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) through shared pathways-insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation. CVD has become the leading cause of mortality in MASLD, necessitating integrated management strategies. This review synthesizes evidence on bidirectional MASLD-CVD interactions and evaluates therapeutic approaches: Lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy (, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, statins), and metabolic interventions.

Binding of SARS-CoV-1/2 NSP1 to DNA Polymerase α-Primase Inhibits DNA Replication through Reduction of Interaction between DNA and DNA Polymerase α-Primase.

A comprehensive understanding of the atomic level mechanism governing the binding nonstructural protein 1 of SARS-CoV-1 (SARS-CoV-1 NSP1) and SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 NSP1) to Pol α-primase is important to advance the development of small molecule inhibitors for the treatment COVID-19. In this study, we use both all-atom steered molecular dynamics (all-atom SMD) and coarse-grained umbrella sampling (coarse-grained US) simulations to assess the binding affinity of SARS-CoV-1 NSP1 and SARS-CoV-2 NSP1 to Pol α-primase. Our all-atom SMD and coarse-grained US simulations consistently indicate that SARS-CoV-2 NSP1 exhibits stronger affinity for Pol α-primase compared to SARS-CoV-1 NSP1, implying that SARS-CoV-2 poses a greater risk than SARS-CoV-1 in impeding DNA replication for DNA synthesis.

The APLAR Recommendations for the Management of Psoriatic Arthritis.

Objectives: Under the auspices of the Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), we aimed to develop broad, evidence- and consensus-based guidelines to aid health professionals managing patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the region.

Methods: A working group of 35 members comprising rheumatologists, dermatologists, and patient research partners from 18 APLAR countries was convened. The working group conducted systematic literature reviews to derive the quality of evidence via GRADE methods in supporting the efficacy and safety of classes of therapeutic agents for the management of active PsA, its comorbidities, and screening for specific infection concerns in the region.

Ecological epidemiology insights into clonorchiosis endemicity in Guangxi, China and Vietnam: a comprehensive machine learning analysis.

Background: Clonorchis sinensis, the liver fluke responsible for clonorchiosis, presents a persistent public health burden in Guangxi (Southern China) and Vietnam. Its transmission is influenced by a complex interplay of ecological, climatic, and socio-cultural factors.

Methods: We compiled infection occurrence data from systematic literature reviews and national surveys conducted between 2000 and 2018.

Triterpenoid From Persimmon Leaves (Diospyros kaki L.f.) Exerted Anti-Type 2 Diabetic Effects and No Toxicity in Experimental Animals.

The acute and subchronic toxicity, along with the anti-type 2 diabetic effects, of a triterpenoid extract from persimmon leaves (Tri DKL) was evaluated in animals. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in Swiss mice, whereas subchronic toxicity was investigated in Wistar rats given Tri DKL at 125 and 375 mg/kg body weight (BW) daily for 90 days. Type 2 diabetes was induced in Swiss mice via an 8-week high-fat diet, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg BW).

Broadly tunable full-visible-spectrum ZnS/ZnO:Mn composite microphosphor for warm WLED applications.

Phosphor development for warm white LEDs (w-WLEDs) is key to enhancing light quality, energy efficiency, stability, and environmental sustainability. Mn-doped phosphors, known for their broad visible emission, are especially promising for UV-pumped w-WLEDs. While halide and garnet systems show potential, they suffer from toxicity and complex synthesis, making ZnO and ZnS attractive, stable alternatives.

Innovative Approach to Chronic Rhinitis: a Vietnamese Experience with Microdebrider - Enhanced Inferior Turbinectomy.

Background: Chronic rhinitis, including the specific condition of inferior turbinate hypertrophy, represents a significant challenge within the field of otolaryngology. This condition, characterized by the hyperplastic enlargement of the turbinates, severely impacts nasal airflow and overall quality of life.

Objective: This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of endoscopic inferior turbinectomy using a microdebrider in treating chronic rhinitis in a Vietnamese hospital setting.

A new MIL-101-type chromium-based metal-organic framework with densely packed sulfonic groups: an ultra-high uptake of toxic Pb and Cu ions from an aqueous medium.

Metal-organic frameworks have been demonstrated to be effective adsorbents of heavy metal ions in recent decades. Nevertheless, their practical applications remain limited because of their slow uptake rates and a lack of functionalization techniques. To overcome these drawbacks, a new sulfonic-functionalized chromium-based metal-organic framework with a MIL-101-type structure was successfully fabricated, termed MIL-101-SOH(N), a solvothermal procedure, and it demonstrated a unique uptake ability for highly toxic Pb and Cu cations from solution.

Synergistic Impact of Nasal Irrigation and Health Education in Reducing Chronic Rhinosinusitis Among Cement Plant Workers: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent and debilitating condition among industrial workers exposed to occupational hazards such as dust and chemical irritants. Despite its significant impact on quality of life and productivity, evidence-based interventions for occupational CRS remain limited.

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of combined health education and nasal irrigation in reducing CRS symptoms among direct labor workers at the Hai Phong Cement Plant, Vietnam.

Otolaryngological Manifestations and Associated Biochemical, Hematological, and Immunological Profiles in HIV-Positive Patients in Vietnam.

Background: The global HIV/AIDS epidemic, with its significant presence in Vietnam by the early 2000s, often linked to injecting drug use, prompted concern at the National Otorhinolaryngology Hospital due to a rising prevalence of HIV among ENT patients. This highlighted a need to understand their specific clinical and laboratory profiles.

Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate selected biochemical, hematological, and immunological parameters in these HIV-positive ENT patients to characterize their infection and identify significant laboratory alterations.

Calliviminone A from Induces PANC-1 Pancreatic Cancer Cell Death by Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway.

Pancreatic cancer cells exhibit a remarkable ability to tolerate nutrient deprivation, a phenomenon termed "austerity," which enables their survival within the hypovascular tumor microenvironment. Conventional anticancer therapies frequently fail to effectively target these resilient neoplastic cells, posing a significant challenge to the therapeutic management of pancreatic cancer. Consequently, targeting austerity, the ability of cancer cells to tolerate nutrient starvation, represents a promising anti-austerity strategy for developing novel pancreatic cancer therapeutics.

Loranthus tienyenensis Li and Planchonella obovata (R. Br.) Pierre: Essential Oil Composition, Biological Activity, and Molecular Docking.

This study presents the first phytochemical analysis of the essential oils from the fresh leaves of Loranthus tienyenensis Li and Planchonella obovata (R. Br.) Pierre using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Preferences for Tongue Swab versus Sputum Collection for Tuberculosis Testing: A Multi-Country Survey.

Background: Sputum collection for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis poses challenges for children, people living with HIV, and those who struggle with sputum production. Tongue swab-based molecular testing offers a promising non-invasive alternative, but person-centered research on acceptability is limited.

Methods: We conducted a pragmatic survey across eight countries (Vietnam, Philippines, South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, India, Uganda, Peru) among people with presumptive TB attending primary care facilities.

Minimal models for RNA simulations.

The increasing importance of RNA as a prime player in biology can hardly be overstated. Problems in RNA, such as folding and RNA-RNA interactions that drive phase separation, require cations. Because experiments alone cannot reveal the dynamics of cation-RNA interactions, well calibrated theory and computations are needed to predict how ions control the behavior of RNA.