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Tung Nguyen Thanh,1,* Duc Minh Nguyen,2,* Tuan Dinh Le,3 Lan Ngoc Do,1 Son Tien Nguyen,3 Phuong Nguyen Minh,1 Phong Nguyen Van,4 Tien Minh Bui,5 Tuyen Thanh Thi Bui,5 Hung Nguyen Dao,6 Kien Trung Nguyen5 1Military Institute of Clinical Embryology and Histology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam; 2Andrology and Fertility Hospital of Hanoi, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam; 3Department of Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam; 4Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam; 5Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, 410000, Vietnam; 6Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Kien Trung Nguyen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, 410000, Vietnam, Tel +84989281982, Email trungkiendhytb@gmail.comBackground: To assess the relationship between oocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum cluster (SERc) and embryological and birth outcomes in infertile couples.Methods: This was a descriptive study that included 231 infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a total of 2447 mature oocytes (MII), of which 279 oocytes with SERc(+) from 100 patients, the remaining 2168 oocytes with SERc(-). Oocytes were evaluated for the presence or absence of the SERc simultaneously with intracytoplasmic sperm injection at 200x magnification using inverted microscopy – Observe D1.Results: The mean age of patients was 32.05 ± 5.56 years. One hundred patients had at least one SERc(+) oocyte (with 279 SERc(+) and 956 SERc(-) oocytes). One hundred and thirty-one patients had 1212 SERc(-) oocytes. Fertilization outcomes and the rates of good-quality embryos on day 2 and day 5 did not differ between the SERc(+) and the SERc(-) groups. In the first frozen embryo transfer cycles, the clinical pregnancy rate in the group of patients with SERc(+) was not different with the SERc(-) group (61.1% vs 48.78%, p = 0.074, respectively). The live birth rate in the SERc(+) group was statistically significantly higher than the SERc(-) group (57.7% vs 43.9%, p = 0.045, respectively).Conclusion: The fertilization rate, the quality of embryos on days 2 and 5 from oocytes with SERc(+) are similar to those with SERc(-). The live birth rate in the patients with SERc(+) group is statistically significantly higher than the SERc(-) group. There is no difference in clinical pregnancy rate between patients with and without SERc. Therefore, the exclusion of oocytes with SERc should not be recommended.Keywords: Smooth reticulum endoplasmic cluster, SERc, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, In vitro fertilization, IVF

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit outstanding performance in a wide range of applications, including gas catalysis, adsorption, and luminescence sensor. The structure and properties of materials can be designed based on the variation of different metal ions, so this MOFs material system has unique properties. In this study, M/Fe-MOF bimetallic materials (M = Co, Cu, and Mg) were synthesized by solvothermal method and evaluated for photocatalytic activity in the degradation reaction of rhodamine B (RhB) organic pigments. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by using several physicochemical methods such as X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results show that the Co/Fe-MOF, Cu/Fe-MOF, and Mg/MOF materials have uniform grain grade, high crystallinity, with the surface area of 26.1, 25.9, and 25.9 m2/g, respectively. When modified with Co, Cu, and Mg, the crystal structure of Fe-MOF materials was unchanged, and all metal ions are inserted inside the structure of the material, as well as replacing Fe ions in the lattice crystals. At the same time, the modification also increases the light absorption in the visible light region and gives a high photocatalytic degradation of RhB organic pigments under visible light in the range of 85–92%.

Purpose: The paper aims to identify the factors that impact the budget revenues of countries in ASEAN economies. Design/methodology/approach: The paper applies fixed effect and random effect models on a 25-year database of ASEAN economies from 1991 to 2020. Findings: The research reveals that various factors such as trade openness, industry structure, inflation, and tax payment time have a significant impact on tax collection. However, no linkages between tax revenue and foreign direct investment demand and education levels. Factors including industrial proportion (IND), inflation rate (INF), trade openness (IMP), time to pay tax (TIME), and Agricultural added value (AGR) together significantly and statistically affect the tax revenue (TAX). Of these, variables that have a positive relationship with TAX include AGR, IND and TIME while INF is negatively related to tax. Research limitations/implications: The data from 2021 onwards has not been analyzed due to a lack of necessary data, which could show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production and business and its effect on tax revenue. Originality/value: After a comprehensive and thorough variable selection and research design tailored for ASEAN economies, other than estimates on IND, IMP, and INF which are significantly consistent with most of the precedent literature, our research has reached some interesting findings recorded in our new variable (TIME), AGR, and FDI.

Abstract Grangea maderaspatana is a valuable medicinal plant growing in salt-affected areas, but its tolerance capability, physiological and biochemical responses to salinity is still unclear. To understand these traits, this study examined effects of salinity at different levels (50-400 mM NaCl) on plant growth and its responses. The results shown that the plant’s dry biomass decreased with increasing salinity levels of 100-400 mM NaCl, but its growth was maintained at 400 mM NaCl level with a dry biomass equal to 0.45 times that of the control, indicating that G. maderaspatana had a tolerance ability to high salinity. The plant also had adaptive responses to the salinity. The content of leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids were retained, even enhanced by 50-200 mM NaCl, suggesting a high adaptation of photosynthesis. Proline, Na+, and Cl- was highly accumulated while the accumulation of K+ and NO3 - was maintained with 200-400 mM NaCl, indicating that the plant had adaptive mechanisms for osmotic adjustment and ion homeostasis. Antioxidative activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were enhanced by the salinity. These findings are useful information for understanding salt tolerance mechanisms and for utilization of this medicinal plant in saline agriculture.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder involving marked immunological changes. IL-17-targeting biologics have been successful in reducing the disease burden of psoriasis patients with moderate-to-severe disease. Unfortunately, the stratum corneum prevents penetration of large molecule weight proteins, including monoclonal antibodies. Thus, for the majority of psoriasis patients ineligible for systemic treatments, a small molecule targeting RORγt, the master regulator of IL-17 family cytokines, may represent an alternative topical medicine with biologic-like efficacy.The preclinical studies described in this manuscript bridge the gap from bench to bedside to provide the scientific foundation for a compound entering clinical trials for patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. In addition to several ex vivo reporter assays, primary T cell cultures, and the imiquimod mouse model, we demonstrate efficacy in a newly developed human ex vivo skin assay, where Th17-skewed cytokine expression is induced from skin-resident immune cells. Importantly, the skin barrier remains intact allowing for the demonstration of topical drug delivery. With the development of this novel assay, we demonstrate potent compound activity in the target tissue: human skin. Finally, target engagement by this small molecule was confirmed in ex vivo lesional psoriatic skin.Our work describes a progressive series of assays to demonstrate the potential clinical value of a novel RORγ inverse agonist small molecule with high potency and selectivity, which will enter clinical trials in late 2015 for psoriasis patients.

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Objective: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Vietnam has doubled from 3% to 6% over the last decades, with potential consequences for persons with diabetes and their caregivers. This study aimed to assess caregiver burdens and factors associated with caregiver burden. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019, using data from 1,241 informal caregivers (ICGs). Caregiver burden was scored from 0–32 using 8 questions from the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Quantile regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with caregiver burden. Results: The median score of the ZBI was 7.0 (Q1-Q3: 2.0–10.0), indicating that the burden among caregiver of persons with T2DM is not high. Quantile regression showed that the higher the monthly income, the lower the burden among caregivers (50% quantile and 75% quantile of burden: -0.004). Lower educational level (25%Q: 4.0, 50%Q; 3.0, 75%Q: 2.16), being a farmer (25%Q: 2.0) and providing care to other people besides the person with T2DM (25%Q: 2.0, 50%Q; 2.54, 75%Q: 1.66) were associated with higher burden on caregivers. Conclusion: The study found that caregivers facing additional life stressors, such as low income or other caregiving responsibilities, reported higher levels of burden. These findings could inform the development of interventions targeted at supporting informal caregivers in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 has become a hype among the manufacturing industries across the globe. Recent developments require significant capital investments, but these technologies are yet to be established in developing countries such as Vietnam, especially the apparel industry. Based on a survey of the current situation at small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam's textile industry, the paper proposes to apply technology, test and evaluate the effectiveness of applying and coordinating digital systems in management and chain supply. Multifaceted applications have been specifically explored including automatic equipment and digital systems, spanning the domains of automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies are posited as catalysts for transformative improvements in production efficiency and resource utilization. Furthermore, experimental results point out the symbiotic relationship between technology adoption and effective management strategies to achieve holistic operational enhancements. As the Vietnamese textile industry strives for competitive excellence in the global arena, this research offers actionable insights for industry practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive glass-ceramics (BGCs) with the composition of 60SiO2-30CaO-10P2O5 (wt. %) have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The BGC samples were prepared at two reaction temperatures of 150 and 220°C, named BGC-150 and BGC-220. The XRD and FTIR analyses highlighted that the degree of crystallinity of BGCs increased linearly with hydrothermal reaction temperature. FE-SEM and TEM results indicated that the surface of BGC samples is covered by the nanosized particles which grow into larger sizes as a function of reaction temperature. The bioactivity of BGCs was investigated by the immersion of powder samples in the SBF solution. The results confirmed the dissolution and the interaction of BGC samples in the SBF solution which led to the formation of a new apatite phase on their surface.

The article presents the facies and environment of the Upper Oligocene sediments in the area of block 09-2/10 based on the analysis of seismic facies and well data of the neighboring areas. The results of the interpretation of seismic data indicate that the upper Oligocene sediments are limited by the top C, top D seismic reflectors. The environment is formed from lagoons, lakes to deep lakes. Seismological facies analysis identified 03 facies including seismic facies with medium to poor reflection amplitude, medium continuous, low frequency reflecting the lacustrine sediments (80%) in most of the lake center. Strong reflective seismic facies, sigmoidal clinoforms reflect the lakeside sediments (15%) distributed in the lakeside shelf. The seismic facies with average and continuous amplitude poorly reflect alluvial sediments (5%) in the Northwest region. The direction of sediment transport is mainly from the Northwest and Southwest in the area. The sandstone sequences are distributed on the slopes of the lake and the lake bottom, which is potential reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flash floods are one of the most dangerous natural disasters, especially in hilly terrain, causing loss of life, property, and infrastructures and sudden disruption of traffic. These types of floods are mostly associated with landslides and erosion of roads within a short time. Most of Vietnam is hilly and mountainous; thus, the problem due to flash flood is severe and requires systematic studies to correctly identify flood susceptible areas for proper landuse planning and traffic management. In this study, three Machine Learning (ML) methods namely Deep Learning Neural Network (DL), Correlation-based Feature Weighted Naive Bayes (CFWNB), and Adaboost (AB-CFWNB) were used for the development of flash flood susceptibility maps for hilly road section (115 km length) of National Highway (NH)-6 in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam. In the proposed models, 88 past flash flood events were used together with 14 flash floods affecting topographical and geo-environmental factors. The performance of the models was evaluated using standard statistical measures including Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve, Area Under Curve (AUC) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The results revealed that all the models performed well (AUC > 0.80) in predicting flash flood susceptibility zones, but the performance of the DL model is the best (AUC: 0.972, RMSE: 0.352). Therefore, the DL model can be applied to develop an accurate flash flood susceptibility map of hilly terrain which can be used for proper planning and designing of the highways and other infrastructure facilities besides landuse management of the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atezolizumab (a PD-L1 inhibitor) has shown remarkable efficacy and tolerability in various cancer types. Despite its efficacy and safety, atezolizumab monotherapy has limitations, such as acquired resistance and adverse events. Bojungikki-tang (BJIKT) is an herbal decoction widely prescribed in Asian countries and used to treat cancer-related symptoms including fatigue, appetite loss, gastrointestinal disorders, and other side effects from cancer therapy. Due to its immunomodulatory effects, Bojungikki-tang has been investigated as a combined treatment with anticancer agents. We evaluated the potential drugdrug interaction (DDI) between Bojungikki-tang and the anti-PD-L1 antibody based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. In the study, we conducted an in vivo drug-drug interaction study using a syngeneic mouse model of CMT-167 in C57BL/6. We then determined the antibody concentrations to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) drug-drug interaction and measured variable biomarkers related to therapeutic efficacy and immune response. The pharmacodynamic (PD) drug-drug interaction study investigated changes in response between anti-PD-L1 antibody monotherapy and combination therapy. Using the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, we conducted a statistical analysis to assess drug-drug interaction potential. In the presence of Bojungikki-tang, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the anti-PDL1 antibody were not changed. This study suggested that combination treatment with Bojungikki-tang and atezolizumab is a safe treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical studies are warranted to confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental design aimed at enhancing creativity in mathematics among secondary school students. The quasi-experimental research was conducted at two urban secondary schools and one rural school in Hanoi and Nam Dinh provinces, Vietnam, involving 229 grade 6 students and three teachers. The study found that creativity-enriched mathematics instruction, grounded in the principles of realistic mathematics education, such as the use of practical contexts, cultivation of students' experiences, provision of self-initiated and collaborative learning opportunities, and didactic orientation, can foster the development of creative competencies in mathematics. Moreover, the research demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing creativity-enriched instruction in various school settings. These findings can help raise awareness among educators and inspire them to modify their teaching methods to promote the development of students' creative competencies, which are increasingly critical in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate, the effect of organic loading rates (OLRs), nutrient ratio addition, and sludge retention time (SRT) on treating dairy wastewater in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system. This investigation is verified by experiments conducted in 3 phases at 3 different OLRs (1.8, 1.2, and 0.9 kg/m³d, respectively). Urea ((NH2)2CO) is added to make a suitable (COD:N:P) ratio of (100:5:1) in dairy wastewater. The SRT is adjusted from 50 days to an appropriate value of 18 days. The obtained results show that the COD, TN, and TP removal efficiencies are increased with decreasing OLRs. Sludge concentration in the SBR tank is stable at 1100 mg/L after adding (NH2)2CO. In addition, the SBR operated at a suitable SRT (i.e. 18 days) helps the biomass stably, resulting in enhancement of COD, TN, and TP removal. The results are helpful to the design of SBR for treating dairy wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the cellular stress by n-alkanols with different alkyl chain lengths in Escherichia coli, we investigated how n-alkanols damage cell envelope permeability and whether they enhance the promoter activity of the envelope stress response regulator, σE, by using variants of green fluorescent protein (GFP). By using E. coli cells having GFPuv expressing and localizing in the cytoplasm, the inner membrane, and the periplasm, after exposure to n-alkanols, the fluorescent intensity of GFPuv released from cells was examined. Our data showed that at the similar levels of cell death of about 90-97%, ethanol, a short-chain alkanol, at a concentration of 20% damaged the outer membrane more greatly than the inner membrane, whereas a longerchain alkanol of pentanol at a concentration of 1.125% damaged both of the outer and inner membranes. Then we investigated the envelope stress response to n-alkanols by σE factor by ratiometric analysis of rpoE promoter activity for the downstream GFPuv expression referenced to that of housekeeping sigma 70 (s70) recognizing lacUV5 promoter for red fluorescent protein (RFP) expression. The results indicated that the relative activity of rpoE promoter by pentanol was much greater than that of ethanol. The degree of its sensitization by rpoE deficiency was much more remarkable for cells treated with pentanol than for those with ethanol. The results suggest that the response of the σE plays a significant role in the membrane integrity and survival of E. coli cells treated with n-alkanols depending on the alkyl chain length of the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence on associations between dietary intake and risk of breast cancer subtypes is limited and inconsistent. We evaluated associations of fruit, vegetable, meat, and fish consumption with risk of breast cancer overall and by molecular subtype in the Vietnamese Breast Cancer Study (VBCS). Method: VBCS includes 476 incident breast cancer cases and 454 age-matched controls. Dietary habits over the past 5 years were assessed by in-person interviews using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Associations of food groups with breast cancer were evaluated via logistic regression for overall and molecular subtype with adjustment for age, education, income, family history of cancer, menopausal status, body mass index, exercise, total energy intake, and other potential dietary confounders. Odds ratio (OR) was used to approximate relative risk. Results: High fruit intake was inversely associated with breast cancer risk, with adjusted ORs [95% confidence intervals (CI)] of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.47-0.95) and 0.41 (95% CI, 0.27-0.61) for second and third tertiles versus first tertile, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). This association was stronger for triple-negative than other subtypes (Pheterogeneity < 0.001). High intake of freshwater fish was inversely associated with overall breast cancer (ORT3vsT1 = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.95; Ptrend = 0.03). An inverse association was observed between HER2-enriched subtype and red and organ meat intake (ORT3vsT1 = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17-0.93; Ptrend = 0.04; Pheterogeneity = 0.50). Conclusions: High intakes of fruit and freshwater fish were associated with reduced breast cancer risk; association for the former was stronger for triple-negative subtype. Impact: Our findings suggest high intakes of fruit and freshwater fish may reduce breast cancer risk among Vietnamese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most biologically natural compounds are very sensitive and easily degradable under drying conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drying temperature on the contents of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of wild guava leaves. Wild guava leaves were dried at 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C, as well as sun drying (SD). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) were measured using the colorimetric method. Antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assays. In vitro antidiabetic activity was measured by assessing α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. The contents of individual phenolic compounds were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that hot air drying at different temperatures had significantly different effects on the bioactive compounds and biological properties of guava leaves. Drying at high or low temperatures resulted in a higher degradable rate of bioactive compounds leading to a weakening of the biological properties. Drying at 50 °C resulted in high TPC and TFC as well as the highest in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, the highest contents of gallic acid, catechin, rutin, quercetin, apigenin, quercitrin, vitexin, and apigenin-7- O -D-glucopyranoside were found in samples dried at 50 °C, whereas the highest contents of chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and ellagic acid were observed in samples dried at 60 °C. Therefore, drying at 50 °C was the suitable temperature for retaining valuable biological compounds in wild guava leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study to demonstrate importance of transcription factor, HIF-1[alpha] in various hematopoietic cells, in the growth factor-dependent regulation of aerobic as well as anaerobic glycolysis is described. Results show that HIF-1[alpha] factor helps in decrement of the glucose-dependent anabolic synthesis and increases lactate production leading to regulation of glucose metabolism even absence of hypoxia.

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit outstanding performance in a wide range of applications, including gas catalysis, adsorption, and luminescence sensor. The structure and properties of materials can be designed based on the variation of different metal ions, so this MOFs material system has unique properties. In this study, M/Fe-MOF bimetallic materials (M = Co, Cu, and Mg) were synthesized by solvothermal method and evaluated for photocatalytic activity in the degradation reaction of rhodamine B (RhB) organic pigments. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by using several physicochemical methods such as X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultra-violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results show that the Co/Fe-MOF, Cu/Fe-MOF, and Mg/MOF materials have uniform grain grade, high crystallinity, with the surface area of 26.1, 25.9, and 25.9 m2/g, respectively. When modified with Co, Cu, and Mg, the crystal structure of Fe-MOF materials was unchanged, and all metal ions are inserted inside the structure of the material, as well as replacing Fe ions in the lattice crystals. At the same time, the modification also increases the light absorption in the visible light region and gives a high photocatalytic degradation of RhB organic pigments under visible light in the range of 85–92%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Sir, Pandemic public health measures (PPHM) play an important role in controlling the spread of Covid-19. PPHMs adherence was assessed using Likert-scales whilst questions regarding Covid-19 symptoms were open-ended. Additionally, life in SA was relatively unaffected by Covid-19 prior to December 2021, with a total of 931 cases compared to other states with higher case numbers.[3] Findings from this exploratory study suggests limited adherence to PPHM in this cohort. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: People with diabetes are at high risk of polypharmacy owing to complex treatment of diabetes and comorbidities. Polypharmacy is associated with increased risk of adverse reactions and decreased compliance. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess polypharmacy in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated diabetes-related factors in rural areas in Vietnam. Method: People with T2D (n = 806) who had received treatment for diabetes at a district hospital were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey. Polypharmacy was defined as ≥5 types of medicine and assessed as a) prescription medicine and non-prescription/over the counter (OTC) medicine and b) prescription medicine and non-prescription/OTC, herbal and traditional medicine, and dietary supplement. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the association between polypharmacy and diabetes specific factors: duration, comorbidities and diabetes-related distress. Results: Of the people with T2D, 7.8% had a medicine use corresponding to polypharmacy (prescription medicine and non-prescription/OTC), and 40.8% when herbal and traditional medicine, and dietary supplement were included. Mean number of medicine intake (all types of medicines and supplements) were 3.8±1.5. The odd ratios (ORs) of polypharmacy (medicine and supplements) increased with diabetes duration (<1–5 years OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.09–2.53 and >5 years OR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.14–2.64 as compared to ≤1-year duration of diabetes), number of comorbidities (1–2 comorbidities: OR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.18–3.42; ≥3 comorbidities: OR = 2.63;95%CI: 1.50–4.61 as compared to no comorbidities), and suffering from diabetes-related distress (OR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.11–2.01) as compared to those without distress. Conclusions: In rural northern Vietnam, persons with longer duration of T2D, higher number of comorbidities and diabetes-related stress have higher odds of having a medicine use corresponding to polypharmacy. A high proportion of people with T2D supplement their prescription, non-prescription/OTC medicine with herbal and traditional medicine and dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lacustrine oil-prone organic-rich mudstones in the Oligocene are the most important source rocks which have contributed to generate significant hydrocarbon accumulations in the northern Song Hong basin but still poor understanding due to the limitation of data. Newly c. 800km2 3D seismic data and well data allows investigating the stratigraphy and geochemistry of the northern Song Hong basin in detail to define the stratigraphic framework and hydrocarbon potential. The area is characterized by three relatively elongate grabens which are separated by the northeast-southwest basement faults. The most completed synrift sequence is observed in the central graben and is divided into three distinct sections, lower section (O1), middle (Om) and upper (Ou), corresponding to three phases defined by tectonic systems tracts, from rift initiation to rift development and finally fill up phase. Uplift at the end of Oligocene has strongly modified the syn-rift sequences, resulting in folding, reactivated some basement faults and generated a series of new EW trending faults which may act as potential structural traps in the area. Organic geochemical analysis of the lacustrine mudstone samples from O1 and Om section of well D-1X shows fair to high organic carbon contents, Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 0.51 - 4.86 wt% and Hydrogen Index (HI) 273 - 552 mg HC/g TOC, corresponding to the type II kerogen. Biomarkers indicate the contribution of algal, high land plant, and bacterial sources to the composition of organic matters. Organic matters were deposited in the less oxic environment, in the fresh-water to brackish marine influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coptocheilus maunautim, new species, is described from Vietnam's Thua Thien-Hue Province. The closest relative of the new species is probably Coptocheilus maydelineae (Páll-Gergely, P.K. Nguyen & Y. Chen, 2019), which also has a "double suture", but differs in its much stronger shell sculpture. Coptocheilus Gould, 1862, is reinstated for this genus group. The widely used Schistoloma Kobelt, 1902, is an unnecessary replacement name and cannot be conserved. An updated checklist of the members of this genus is appended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive glass-ceramics (BGCs) with the composition of 60SiO2-30CaO-10P2O5 (wt. %) have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The BGC samples were prepared at two reaction temperatures of 150 and 220°C, named BGC-150 and BGC-220. The XRD and FTIR analyses highlighted that the degree of crystallinity of BGCs increased linearly with hydrothermal reaction temperature. FE-SEM and TEM results indicated that the surface of BGC samples is covered by the nanosized particles which grow into larger sizes as a function of reaction temperature. The bioactivity of BGCs was investigated by the immersion of powder samples in the SBF solution. The results confirmed the dissolution and the interaction of BGC samples in the SBF solution which led to the formation of a new apatite phase on their surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thuan Chau is a serious district affected by forest fire in Vietnam, especially in 2016; however, no forest fire prediction research has been conducted for this region. Thus, knowledge of spatial patterns of fire danger of the district plays a key role in forest succession and ecological implications. This study's aim was to analyze the spatial pattern of fire danger for the tropical forest of Thuan Chau district using advanced machine learning algorithms, Support Vector Machine classifier (SVMC), Random Forests (RF), and Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP-Net). For this purpose, a GIS database for the study area was established with 564 forest fire locations and ten forest fire variables. Then, Pearson correlation method was used to assess the correlation of the variables with the forest fire. In the next step, three forest fire danger models, SVMC, RF, and MLP-Net, were trained and validated. Finally, global performance of these models was assessed using the classification accuracy (ACC), Kappa statistics (KS), Area under the curve (AUC). In addition, Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to check the prediction performance of these models. The result shows the three models performed well; however, the MLP-Net model has the highest prediction performance (ACC = 81.7, KS = 0.633, and AUC = 0.894), followed by the RF model (ACC = 81.1, KS = 0.621, and AUC = 0.883), and the SVMC model (ACC = 80.2, KS = 0.604, and AUC = 0.867). The result in this study is useful for the local authority and forest manager in forest management and fire suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work demonstrates the formation of self-aligned nanoporous architecture of gallium oxide by anodization of gallium metal film controlled at −15 °C in aqueous electrolyte consisting of phosphoric acid. SEM examination of the anodized film reveals that by adding ethylene glycol to the electrolyte and optimizing the ratio of phosphoric acid and water, chemical etching at the oxide/electrolyte interfaces can be controlled, leading to the formation of aligned nanotubular oxide structures with closed bottom. XPS analysis confirms the chemical composition of the oxide film as Ga2O3. Further, XRD and SAED examination reveals that the as-synthesized nanotubular structure is amorphous, and can be crystallized to β-Ga2O3 phase by annealing the film at 600 °C. The nanotubular structured film, when used as photoanode for photoelectrochemical splitting of water, achieved a higher photocurrent of about two folds than that of the nanoporous film, demonstrating the rewarding effect of the nanotubular structure. In addition, the work also demonstrates the formation of highly organized nonporous Ga2O3 structure on a nonconducting glass substrate coated with thin film of Ga-metal, highlighting that the current approach can be extended for the formation of self-organized nanoporous Ga2O3 thin film even on nonconducting flexible substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telosma cordata has long been consumed as foods and herbal medicine. The aim of this research is to investigate the potential biological activities of Telosma cordata flower (TCF) extracts and their molecular mechanisms in the treatment of neurological diseases, especially dementia. In general, the plant samples were successfully identified through DNA barcoding regions, utilizing matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL markers. The ethanol extract and its fraction exhibited significantly high acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Moreover, hexane extract of T. cordata displayed the most potent neurotrophic activity in a preliminary cell-based screening based on C6 cells neurite outgrowth. Additionally, hexane extract of T. cordata demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. Finally, the hexane extract of T. cordata upregulated the expression of BDNF, NGF and acetyl H3 in C6 cells, affecting both mRNA and protein levels. These findings indicate that Telosma cordata could be a strong candidate for developing pharmacological drugs to treat dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residual levels of antibiotics in Vietnamese eggs were monitored from 2014 to 2015. A total of 111 egg packages, distributed by 11 different companies, were collected from supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City and the levels of 28 antibiotics were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) screening method. Sixteen samples tested positive for antibiotics; a total of eight compounds (enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, sulfamonomethoxine, tilmicosin and trimethoprim) were detected. Enrofloxacin was detected in eight samples, with two samples exhibiting concentrations exceeding 1,000 µg kg−1. Tilmicosin was detected in three samples at a range of 49–568 µg kg−1. We observed that two of the 11 companies frequently sold antibiotic-contaminated eggs (detection rates of 56 and 60%), suggesting that a number of companies do not regulate the use of antibiotics in egg-laying hens. Our findings indicate that livestock farmers require instruction regarding antibiotic use and that continual antibiotic monitoring is essential in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are the method of choice for genetic analyses including diversity and quantitative trait loci (QTL) studies. Marker validation is essential for QTL studies, but the cost and workload are considerable when large numbers of markers need to be verified. Marker systems with low development costs would be most suitable for this task. Results: We have tested allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), tetra markers and a genotyping tool based on the single strand specific nuclease CEL-I to verify randomly selected SNP markers identified previously either with a SNP array or by genotyping by sequencing in rice and mungbean, respectively. The genotyping capacity of allele-specific PCR and tetra markers was affected by the sequence context surrounding the SNP; SNPs located in repeated sequences and in GC-rich stretches could not be correctly identified. In contrast, CEL-I digestion of mixed fragments produced from test and reference DNA reliably pinpointed the correct genotypes, yet scoring of the genotypes became complicated when multiple SNPs were present in the PCR fragments. A cost analysis showed that as long the sample number remains small, CEL-I genotyping is more cost-effective than tetra markers. Conclusions: CEL-I genotyping performed better in terms of genotyping accuracy and costs than tetra markers. The method is highly useful for validating SNPs in small to medium size germplasm panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bruchid beetles are an important storage pest of grain legumes. Callosobruchus sp. infect mungbean (Vigna radiata) at low levels in the field, multiply during grain storage and can destroy seed stocks in a few months. Resistance against bruchid beetles has been found in wild mungbean V. radiata var. sublobata TC1966 and in cultivated mungbean line V2802. Results: Bruchid resistance data were obtained from recombinant inbred line populations TC1966 (V. radiata var. sublobata) x NM92 (F12) and V2802 (V. radiata) x NM94 (F7). More than 6,000 single nucleotide polymorphic markers were generated through genotyping by sequencing (GBS) for each of these populations and were used to map bruchid resistance genes. One highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with bruchid resistance was mapped to chromosome 5 on genetic maps of both populations, suggesting that TC1966 and V2802 contain the same resistance locus. Co-segregation of all markers associated with resistance indicated the presence of only one major resistance QTL on chromosome 5, while QTL analysis based on physical map positions of the markers suggested the presence of multiple QTLs on different chromosomes. The diagnostic capacity of the identified molecular markers located in the QTL to correctly predict resistance was up to 100 %. Conclusions: Molecular markers tightly linked to bruchid resistance loci of two different mungbean resistance sources were developed and validated. These markers are highly useful for developing resistant lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposomes are considered an ideal biomimetic environment and are potential functional carriers for important molecules such as steroids and sterols. With respect to the regulation of self-assembly via sterol insertion, several pathways such as the sterol biosynthesis pathway are affected by the physicochemical properties of the membranes. However, the behavior of steroid or sterol molecules (except cholesterol (Chl)) in the self-assembled membranes has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, to analyze the fundamental behavior of steroid molecules in fluid membranes, Chl, lanosterol, and ergosterol were used as representative sterols in order to clarify how they regulate the physicochemical properties of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) liposomes. Membrane properties such as surface membrane fluidity, hydrophobicity, surface membrane polarity, inner membrane polarity, and inner membrane fluidity were investigated using fluorescent probes, including 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino) naphthalene, 6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene, and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. The results indicated that each sterol derivative could regulate the membrane properties in different ways. Specifically, Chl successfully increased the packing of the DOPC/Chl membrane proportional to its concentration, and lanosterol and ergosterol showed lower efficiencies in ordering the membrane in hydrophobic regions. Given the different binding positions of the probes in the membranes, the differences in membrane properties reflected the relationship between sterol derivatives and their locations in the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound has been an extraction technique received much attention in recent years. This technique is proven to be able to increase extraction efficiency, shorten extraction time and maintain the activity of antioxidants especially polyphenols. Liquid state of the antioxidant mixture after extraction reduces the application of extracts containing bioactive compounds. This is due to the rapid decline in activity over time and higher transport costs for the liquid extracts with a large amount of water. Therefore, this study was focused on extraction process assisted by microwave to obtain the guava extracts and capsulated these extracts by the suitable carrier to remain the polyphenol activity. It could be seen that microwave was a potential method to extract the polyphenols in comparison with solid-liquid extraction. The cell structure of plant materials was significantly destroyed by microwave in order to release more polyphenols from inner parts of guava leaves. The total phenolic and flavonoid content were increased 12.7% and 36.5% when microwave applied in comparison with the solid-liquid extraction. The combined 20% maltodextrin and 10% arabic gum was the best way to maintain the polyphenol activity. The polyphenols were encapsulated by the combined maltose dextrin and arabic gum was 5.2% more than those of maltodextrin only. Color indices such as L*, a*, b* were significantly different between the powders capsulated by the maltose dextrin and the combined maltose dextrin and arabic gum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research examines wage inequality between male and female workers in Thailand. Using Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition technique, wage inequality between male and female workers is partitioned into the unexplained part in their wage gap and the explained part due to differences in their endowments. We found that in general gender wage gap in Thailand has-narrowed down over the last decades from 14 percent in 1996 to 10 percent in 2006 and then 1 percent in 2013. However, the extent of gender discrimination favoring men represented by the unexplained part of the wage gap increased sharply in 2013 after a small decline in 2006. Women, on average, have made greater improvements in education and skills to build up their human capital thus raising their wages but those efforts were eliminated by discrimination. The disaggregation analysis across economic sectors reveals different degrees of discrimination in different industries. Wage inequality was rising even in the female-dominant sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal death is one of the highest causes of global mortality. Governments have long used regulation to improve maternal health but concurrent fiscal-decentralisation reforms can undermine clinical performance. This article focuses on public Vietnamese hospitals to explore how regulatory compliance is pursued in decentralised health facilities, since Vietnam has seen increasing autonomisation of public hospitals in the last decade while simultaneously experiencing marked reductions in the maternal mortality ratio. Our analysis suggests that autonomisation has allowed regional regulatory regimes to emerge and that regulatory compliance must compete with other priorities. Compliance can therefore be rethought as a negotiation having implications for how government and maternal health advocates persuade self-sufficient hospitals to take on wider health-system goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]