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Thi Van Anh Nguyen,1,&ast; Ba Hai Le,2,&ast; Minh Thanh Nguyen,2,&ast; Viet Thang Le,3,&ast; Viet Tien Tran,4,&ast; Dinh Tuan Le,5,&ast; Duong Anh Minh Vu,2,&ast; Quy Kien Truong,3,&ast; Trong Hieu Le,2,&ast; Huong Thi Lien Nguyen2,&ast; 1Department of Pharmacy, 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; 2Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam; 3Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; 4Department of Infectious Diseases, 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; 5Department of Rheumatology and Endocrinology, 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Huong Thi Lien Nguyen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 13-15 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam, Tel +84904308406, Email huongntl@hup.edu.vnPurpose: CYP3A5 polymorphisms have been associated with variations in the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus (Tac) in kidney transplant patients. Our study aims to quantify how the CYP3A5 genotype influences tacrolimus trough concentrations (C0) in a Vietnamese outpatient population by selecting an appropriate population pharmacokinetic model of Tac for our patients.Patients and Methods: The external dataset was obtained prospectively from 54 data of adult kidney transplant recipients treated at the 103 Military Hospital. All published Tac population pharmacokinetic models were systematically screened from PubMed and Scopus databases and were selected based on our patient’s available characteristics. Mean absolute prediction error (MAPE), mean prediction error, and goodness-of-fit plots were used to identify the appropriate model for finding the formula that identifies the influence of CYP3A5 genotype on the pharmacokinetic data of Vietnamese patients.Results: The model of Zhu et al had a good predictive ability with MAPE of 19.29%. The influence of CYP3A5 genotype on tacrolimus clearance was expressed by the following formulas: . The simulation result showed that Tac C0 was significantly higher in patients not expressing CYP3A5 (p< 0.001).Conclusion: The incorporation of the CYP3A5 phenotype into Zhu’s structural model has significantly enhanced our ability to predict Tacrolimus trough levels in the Vietnamese population. This study’s results underscore the valuable role of CYP3A5 phenotype in optimizing the forecast of Tac concentrations, offering a promising avenue to assist health-care practitioners in their clinical decision-making and ultimately advance patient care outcomes.Keywords: tacrolimus, population pharmacokinetic, CYP3A5, Vietnam

Linh Vu Phuong Dang,1 Viet Hung Pham,2 Duc Minh Nguyen,3 Thanh Thi Dinh,1 Thu Hoai Nguyen,4 Thanh Hai Le,5 Van Lam Nguyen,6 Thi Phuong Vu7,8 1Public Health Laboratory, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam; 2Department of Microbiology, Vietnam National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam; 3Department of Geriatrics, National Hospital of Acupuncture, Hanoi, Vietnam; 4Department of Training and Direction Activity, National Geriatric Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; 5Department of Emergency, Vietnam National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam; 6Department of Infectious Disease, Vietnam National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam; 7Department of Biochemistry, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 8Department of Biochemistry, Dinh Tien Hoang Institute of Medicine, Hanoi, Vietnam Background: HIV-infected children suffer from higher levels of treatment failure compared to adults. Immunoactivation, including humoral immunoactivation reflected by increased immunoglobulin levels, is believed to occur early during HIV infection. Therefore, we wanted investigate alteration in immunoglobulin levels in association with treatment response in HIV-infected children. Methods: A nested case–control study was conducted using clinical data collected from 68 HIV-infected children enrolled at the National Hospital of Pediatrics, Vietnam. Results: The results showed that immunoglobulin levels, CD4 T-cell counts, CD4 T-cell percentage, and HIV load were significantly higher in the treatment-failure group than the treatment-success group at treatment initiation. IgG and IgA levels were negatively correlated with CD4 T-cell counts (P=0.049 and P

Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) causes an acute and highly contagious disease in young ducklings worldwide. Despite the widespread use of the DHAV vaccine, many outbreaks still occur in Vietnam. In this study, we determined the full-length genome sequence of two DHAV isolates (NC and NT) obtained from infected ducks in 2009 and 2013, and compared them with the attenuated DHAV-1 vaccine strain (namely, VXXT) currently used in Vietnam. The NC and NT strains belong to the virulent DHAV-3 genotype, and their genomes consist of 7791 and 7790 nucleotides (nt), respectively. Both genomes contain one large open reading frame (ORF) of 6756 nt, encoding a polyprotein of 2251 amino acids and possess a typical picornavirus genome organization. The majority of predicted C-terminal cleavage sites in the polyprotein were Q/S or Q/G. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the full ORF revealed that all virulent Vietnamese strains are closely related to Chinese DHAV-3 strains. Noticeably, the virulent Vietnamese DHAV-3 strains had relatively low nucleotide identity with the DHAV-1 vaccine strain (73.5%). The study showed that an antigenicity-matched DHAV-3 vaccine is urgently required for use in Vietnam.

Thi Hoan Le1,2, Ellinor Ottosson3, Thi Kim Chuc Nguyen4, Bao Giang Kim5, Peter Allebeck11Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; 2Department of Environmental Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 3Department of Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden; 4Department of Family Medicine, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 5Department of Health Education, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, VietnamAims: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of parents in their use of drugs for respiratory illness or diarrhea among children under 5 years of age, and to understand factors influencing self-medication.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted, using in-depth interviews with two drug sellers and three health care providers, and four focus-group discussions with mothers of children under 5 years of age. Verbatim transcriptions were analyzed, and emerging themes and categories identified, using content analysis.Results: Use of a number of different drugs was reported, including broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids. There was poor awareness of side-effects, antibiotic resistance, and drug efficacy. Factors influencing self-medication were perceptions of the illness in the child, waiting time, and convenience, the attitudes of public health medical staff, insufficient drug supply in public health facilities, and poor control of prescribed drugs on the market.Conclusion: Misuse and misconceptions regarding drug use gave rise to considerable problems. Mothers' knowledge and attitudes to illness and health care services played an important role in determining the nature of self-medication. Financial barriers were not the only obstacle to adequate treatment. Health services should be more accessible and responsive to the needs of the population.Keywords: health services, parental attitudes, education

Purpose: Crops rely on microbes for critical services, but host benefits can be influenced by local makeup of microbiota and the host’s capacity to select optimal strains. We investigated host benefits that cowpeas receive from microbiota depending on plant genotype, their domestication status, and soil source. Methods: We performed a full factorial soil inoculation experiment. Twenty diverse cowpea genotypes, selected from wild and domesticated populations, were exposed to soil rinsates from four agricultural sites across California, all having cowpea cultivation and varied physicochemical features. Cowpea investment in and benefit from microbiota was quantified by measuring host growth response to inoculation, nodulation, and segregating trait variation. Results: Variation in induction of root nodulation and strikingly heterogenous benefits to host growth were observed among soil sites. These effects were restricted to live soil inocula but were absent in autoclaved soil controls that lacked microbiota. Cowpeas expressed heritable variation in nodulation, but there was negligible effect of plant population or domestication status on the net benefit that hosts gained from microbiota. Conclusion: Soils varied substantially and consistently among cultivation sites and were the most prominent driver shaping host growth effects on cowpeas. While growth benefits vary among host cultivars, soil microbiota (and the conditions that maintain them) predominantly shape plant performance in agricultural settings.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006728.].

Project managers often face some challenges resulting from the scarcity of resources in construction management. Levelling the used resources in multiple projects is a frequently encountered problem in construction areas and manufacturing sectors. In this regard, the current study proposes a robust Forensic-Based Investigation (FBI) algorithm for resource leveling in multiple projects, considering diferent objective functions of the resource graphs. To this end, Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering approach was fused into the main operation of the FBI to enhance the convergence rate using the population information. The proposed scheduling examines diferent objective functions to effciently optimize the resource Profile selection. Two case studies were taken into account in this research to elaborate on the performance of the improved optimization algorithm while dealing with the resource-leveling problem in multiple projects. The experimental findings and statistical comparisons revealed that the developed Fuzzy clustering Forensic-Based Investigation (FFBI) could acquire solutions of high quality and outperform the compared optimization algorithms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study begins by examining phenotypic variations in field growth among four parental Vietnamese rice lines, consisting of two Indica (PD211/GL37) and two Japonica (J23/SRA2-1) cultivars, which differ in life-cycle durations. Their phenotypic observations revealed both similarities and differences in growth patterns and field responses, setting the stage for further genomic investigation. We then focused on the sequencing and de novo genome assembly of these lines using high-coverage Illumina sequencing and achieving pseudochromosome assemblies ranging between 379 Mbp and 384 Mbp. The assemblies were further enhanced by annotation processes, designating between 44,427 and 48,704 gene models/genome. A comparative genomic analysis revealed that the Japonica varieties (J23/SRA2-1) exhibited more genetic similarity than the Indica varieties (PD211/GL37). From this, a phylogenetic analysis on the phytochrome C (phyC) gene distinctly positions the Indica and Japonica lines within their respective clades, affirming their genetic diversity and lineage accuracy. These genomic resources will pave the way for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) critical for developing rice cultivars with shorter life cycles, thus enhancing resilience to adverse climatic impacts in Vietnam. This study provides a foundational step towards leveraging genomic data for rice breeding programs aimed at ensuring food security in the face of climate change.

Abstract Many mammal species have declining populations, but the consequences of small population size on the genomic makeup of species remain largely unknown. We investigated the evolutionary history, genetic load and adaptive potential of the Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), a primate species endemic to Vietnam’s famous Ha Long Bay and with less than 100 living individuals one of the most threatened primates in the world. Using high-coverage whole genome data of four wild individuals, we revealed the Cat Ba langur as sister species to its conspecifics of the northern limestone langur clade and found no evidence for extensive secondary gene flow after their initial separation. Compared to other primates and mammals, the Cat Ba langur showed low levels of genetic diversity, long runs of homozygosity, high levels of inbreeding and an excess of deleterious mutations in homozygous state. On the other hand, genetic diversity has been maintained in protein-coding genes and on the gene-rich human chromosome 19 ortholog, suggesting that the Cat Ba langur retained most of its adaptive potential. The Cat Ba langur also exhibits several unique non-synonymous variants that are related to calcium and sodium metabolism, which may have improved adaptation to high calcium intake and saltwater consumption.

Background and objectives: The demand for skin care is a major concern, not only for women but also for men. Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, as well as for beauty and skin whitening.In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Morus alba L. root bark extract on the enzyme tyrosinase. Methods: Mulberry root bark was extracted with ethanol (70%) at room temperature for 24 hours (repeated three times). The total ethanol extract was then suspended in water and successively partitioned with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory activity was determined spectrophotometrically at 475 nm. Additionally, we conducted virtual screening of 60 compounds from mulberry roots to evaluate their inhibitory effects on tyrosinase enzyme. Results: Our results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory effect, with an IC50 value of 12.68 ± 1.64 µg/mL, compared to kojic acid, the positive control (IC50 13.94 ± 0.30 µg/mL). Virtual screening identified 11 compounds with lower binding energies than twopositive control compounds (kojic acid and arbutin). These compounds were evaluated for drug-like properties and predicted pharmacokinetic-toxicological properties. Finally, two compounds, alfafuran and mulberroside C, which demonstrated the ability to inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme, were introduced. Conclusion:Our results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of Morus alba root bark extract has strong inhibitory effects on the tyrosinase enzyme.

Abstract Background The Arg64 allele of the rs4994 (Trp64Arg) variant in the β3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) gene is involved in the control of energy balance by altering lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipocytes, ultimately contributing to the development of obesity. The objective of our study was to investigate the association between the rs4994 variant of the ADRB3 gene and obesity in Hanoi preschool-age children, adjusting for their eating behaviors. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed involving 708 children with normal weight and 304 children with obesity aged 3–5 years from 36 kindergartens in Hanoi, Vietnam. Cheek mucosa cell samples were used for DNA extraction, and genotyping at the ADRB3-rs4994 locus was performed using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR–RFLP). Eating behaviors were assessed using the Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between the rs4994 variant and obesity, adjusting for confounding factors such as age, sex, residence, birth weight, and eating behaviors. Results The frequency of the C allele in the group with obesity was 16.4%, which was higher than in the control group (11.7%, P = 0.003). Children with the CC genotype exhibited significantly greater weight and weight-for-age Z-score compared to those with the TT and TC genotypes (P = 0.004 and 0.03, respectively). Following univariate and multivariate analyses adjusted for age, sex, residence, birth weight, and eating behaviors, a significant association between the rs4994 variant and obesity was observed (P

This study assessed the applicability of medium molecular weight chitosan solution at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% w/v) in houndfish preservation. Furthermore, by comparing chitosan-coated fish and the uncoated ones (i.e., treated with distilled water [DW] and 1% acetic acid [AA] solution), the study determined the effectiveness of the chitosan coating on the preservation of on-skin houndfish during ice storage for 20 days. The quality of chitosan-coated houndfish was investigated by periodical analysis for microbiological (total viable count), chemical (pH, water holding capacity, total volatile basic nitrogen of refrigerated houndfish, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TCA-soluble peptide, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), physical parameters (hardness, and color), and sensory properties. According to the findings, the methods of using 1.5% and 2% chitosan solutions showed better preservation results than others. These methods were found to be the most effective coatings for maintaining the quality of houndfish compared to the treatments involving DW and 1% AA solution.

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor, and the presence of glioma stem cells (GSCs) has been linked to its resistance to treatments and recurrence. Additionally, aberrant glycosylation has been implicated in the aggressiveness of cancers. However, the influence and underlying mechanism of N-glycosylation on the GSC phenotype and GBM malignancy remain elusive. Here, we performed an in-silico analysis approach on publicly available datasets to examine the function of N-glycosylation-related genes in GSCs and gliomas, accompanied by a qRT-PCR validation experiment. We found that high α-1,2-mannosidase MAN1C1 is associated with immunological functions and worse survival of glioma patients. Differential gene expression analysis and qRT-PCR validation revealed that MAN1C1 is highly expressed in GSCs. Furthermore, higher MAN1C1 expression predicts worse outcomes in glioma patients. Also, MAN1C1 expression is increased in the perinecrotic region of GBM and is associated with immunological and inflammatory functions, a hallmark of the GBM mesenchymal subtype. Further analysis confirmed that MAN1C1 expression is closely associated with infiltrating immune cells and disrupted immune response in the GBM microenvironment. These suggest that MAN1C1 is a potential biomarker for gliomas and may be important as an immunotherapeutic target for GBM.

Chatbots have become interesting for many users as technology becomes more and more advanced. The need for information exchange among people through computer systems is increasing daily, raising the preference for using chatbots in most countries. Since Vietnam is such a developing country with a variety of ethnic groups, it requires much attention to the proliferation of social networks and the expansion of the cooperative economy. Regarding social networks, the inappropriate use of words in everyday life has become a significant issue. There are mixed reviews of praise and criticism on social networks; and we try to reduce the negative language use and improve the quality of using social networks language. We aim to meet users’ needs on social networks, promote economic development, and address social issues more effectively. To achieve these goals, in this paper we propose a deep learning technique using ontology knowledge mining to collect and process comments on social networks. This approach aims to enhance the user experience and facilitate the exchange of information among people by mining opinions in comments. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms the conventional approach.

Gross hematuria is one of the most common complications in postrenal transplant patients, accounting for 12% of all renal recipients. The management plan in these cases varies depending on different entities, including infection, renal cell carcinoma, chronic graft rejection, kidney calculus, or recurrence of primary disease. On the other hand, vascular malformation like arteriovenous malformation was less likely to be mentioned due to a lack of consensus in the natural history, pathogenesis, and current management. In this article, we report a 62-year-old man presenting with spontaneous hematuria for a week and 2 days of anuria after 3 years of renal transplantation. Abdominal ultrasound and abdominopelvic computed tomography noted an obstruction of the renal pelvis due to blood clots without signs of vascular injuries. An emergency operation was performed to remove blood clots in the renal pelvis, but after that, hematuria was still recurrence. A digital renal graft subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)in the kidney allograft. This lesion was then successfully selective embolized with glue. Given the high accuracy of DSA, our case highlights the potential role of this imaging modality in diagnosing and treating AVM after failure with other modalities.

Language is one of the essential factors in the formation of mathematical understanding in preschool children. Mathematical language education equips children with tools that not only support the cognitive process and discovery of the world but also build a foundation for the development of thinking and the refinement of the language skills of everyone. The research question: “What factors affect the process of mathematical language education for preschool children?” provides a basis to guide teachers in planning appropriate activities that suit the characteristics of children as well as other conditions. Based on a comprehensive literature analysis, the study identifies the factors affecting the mathematical language education process for preschool children, which are classified into two groups: subjective factors and objective factors. The research result provides an important foundation to propose specific measures to improve the quality of education for children in kindergartens.

This article presents research predicting the impact of parenting behavior on deviant school behavior in high school students. Convenience sampling method was applied on 566 high school students in Nghe An in 2022 and measured based on the Parenting Behavior Scale and Deviant Behavior Checklist. The results show that parenting behavior models have the ability to predict changes in children's school deviant behavior. High supportive behavior and low psychological control from parents, especially from mothers, predict a decrease in school-deviant behavior in students. Solutions to reduce school misbehavior need to take into account these variables.

Critical thinking skills are broadly defined as the ability to analyse, evaluate, and construct logical arguments. It can therefore be affirmed that critical thinking is crucial for developing students’ autonomy, creativity, and problemsolving skills. Integrating critical thinking into the curriculum encourages students to form personal viewpoints, engage in indepth discussions, and tackle problems from various perspectives. Effective integration methods include the use of open-ended questions, promoting argumentative skills, and supporting multidimensional learning. Despite challenges such as training adequately competent teachers or the compatibility of traditional teaching methods, the potential opportunities to enhance the quality of education through the integration of critical thinking into the curriculum are highly significant. Critical thinking not only helps students achieve their best potential in learning but also prepares them to face the complexities of modern life.

Abstract Background Despite the successful efforts in controlling malaria in Vietnam, the disease remains a significant health concern, particularly in Central Vietnam. This study aimed to assess correlations between environmental, climatic, and socio-economic factors in the district with malaria cases. Methods The study was conducted in 15 provinces in Central Vietnam from January 2018 to December 2022. Monthly malaria cases were obtained from the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology Quy Nhon, Vietnam. Environmental, climatic, and socio-economic data were retrieved using a Google Earth Engine script. A multivariable Zero-inflated Poisson regression was undertaken using a Bayesian framework with spatial and spatiotemporal random effects with a conditional autoregressive prior structure. The posterior random effects were estimated using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation with Gibbs sampling. Results There was a total of 5,985 Plasmodium falciparum and 2,623 Plasmodium vivax cases during the study period. Plasmodium falciparum risk increased by five times (95% credible interval [CrI] 4.37, 6.74) for each 1-unit increase of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) without lag and by 8% (95% CrI 7%, 9%) for every 1ºC increase in maximum temperature (TMAX) at a 6-month lag. While a decrease in risk of 1% (95% CrI 0%, 1%) for a 1 mm increase in precipitation with a 6-month lag was observed. A 1-unit increase in NDVI at a 1-month lag was associated with a four-fold increase (95% CrI 2.95, 4.90) in risk of P. vivax. In addition, the risk increased by 6% (95% CrI 5%, 7%) and 3% (95% CrI 1%, 5%) for each 1ºC increase in land surface temperature during daytime with a 6-month lag and TMAX at a 4-month lag, respectively. Spatial analysis showed a higher mean malaria risk of both species in the Central Highlands and southeast parts of Central Vietnam and a lower risk in the northern and north-western areas. Conclusion Identification of environmental, climatic, and socio-economic risk factors and spatial malaria clusters are crucial for designing adaptive strategies to maximize the impact of limited public health resources toward eliminating malaria in Vietnam.

Abstract Background Approximately 15% of women in low-and middle-income countries experience common perinatal mental disorders. Yet, many women, even if diagnosed with mental health conditions, are untreated due to poor quality care, limited accessibility, limited knowledge, and stigma. This paper describes how mental health-related stigma influences pregnant women’s decisions not to disclose their conditions and to seek treatment in Vietnam, all of which exacerbate inequitable access to maternal mental healthcare. Methods A mixed-method realist study was conducted, comprising 22 in-depth interviews, four focus group discussions (total participants n = 44), and a self-administered questionnaire completed by 639 pregnant women. A parallel convergent model for mixed methods analysis was employed. Data were analyzed using the realist logic of analysis, an iterative process aimed at refining identified theories. Survey data underwent analysis using SPSS 22 and descriptive analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using configurations of context, mechanisms, and outcomes to elucidate causal links and provide explanations for complexity. Results Nearly half of pregnant women (43.5%) would try to hide their mental health issues and 38.3% avoid having help from a mental health professional, highlighting the substantial extent of stigma affecting health-seeking and accessing care. Four key areas highlight the role of stigma in maternal mental health: fear and stigmatizing language contribute to the concealment of mental illness, rendering it unnoticed; unconsciousness, normalization, and low literacy of maternal mental health; shame, household structure and gender roles during pregnancy; and the interplay of regulations, referral pathways, and access to mental health support services further compounds the challenges. Conclusion Addressing mental health-related stigma could influence the decision of disclosure and health-seeking behaviors, which could in turn improve responsiveness of the local health system to the needs of pregnant women with mental health needs, by offering prompt attention, a wide range of choices, and improved communication. Potential interventions to decrease stigma and improve access to mental healthcare for pregnant women in Vietnam should target structural and organizational levels and may include improvements in screening and referrals for perinatal mental care screening, thus preventing complications.

Abstract In this paper, we study the formation of optical bistability (OB) and optical multistability (OM) in a degenerate four-level atomic system by an external magnetic field that is excited by a probe laser field, a coupling laser field and a signal laser field. The coupling field can cause electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) for the probe field in the atomic medium, while the signal field and/or external magnetic field can switch between single-EIT and two-EIT regimes. Based on these properties, OB and OM effects can be formed at two different frequency regions of the probe field (two channels). By adjusting the magnetic field or the intensity and the frequency of laser fields, the threshold intensity and the width of OB or OM can also be changed simply. The model can be useful for experimental observations and applications in modern photonic devices.

Abstract Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) has shown some success in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). There is emerging evidence that host engraftment of donor taxa is a tenet of successful FMT. We undertook a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study to characterize the response to FMT in children and young adults with mild to moderate active Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Subjects with CD or UC were randomized to receive antibiotics and weekly FMT or placebo in addition to baseline medications. We enrolled 15 subjects aged 14–29 years. Four subjects had CD, and 11 had UC. Subjects exhibited a wide range of microbial diversity and donor engraftment. Specifically, engraftment ranged from 26 to 90% at week 2 and 3–92% at 2 months. Consistent with the current literature, increases over time of both alpha diversity (p

This study presents novel findings on the Psocoptera (Insecta) fauna of Vietnam, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity in the region. Psocoptera specimens were collected from Tam Dao National Park during October 2023, adding 19 new species to the existing list. These discoveries include species previously unknown to Vietnam and some new to the Indochina Peninsula and continental Asia. Material examination and species identification were conducted following established methodologies, with specimens deposited at the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia, Bulgaria. The findings underscore the importance of continued research efforts in documenting and understanding the psocid fauna of Vietnam, particularly in tropical forest ecosystems.

Chylothorax after esophageal surgery is a rare complication but can lead to death in patients due to malnutrition, fluid imbalance, and immunodeficiency. Multiple treatment options exist for postoperative chylothorax, including conservative treatment, octreotide therapy, and interventions such as thoracic duct embolization and surgical ligation of the thoracic duct. We present a case of lymphatic leakage following laparoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, confirmed by lymphangiography. The patient underwent an intervention to embolize the thoracic duct under computed tomography after an initial failure under digital subtraction angiography (DSA). One week after the intervention, the patient's pleural fluid output gradually decreased, and the patient was discharged from the hospital. At a 7-month follow-up, the patient remained stable with no recurrence of lymphatic leakage.

Isolated colon injuries following blunt abdominal trauma have been reported at a rate of 0.1%-0.5%, with isolated sigmoid colon injuries involved in only 34.8% of single colon injuries. Surgical treatment options include recto-colonic anastomosis, resection with or without recto-colonic anastomosis, and colostomy. We report the case of a 39-year-old male patient diagnosed with isolated sigmoid colon rupture after a traffic accident, identified using contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography. The patient underwent emergency surgery, during which the Hartmann procedure was performed. This included excision of the sigmoid colon at both ends of the hiatus, creation of a proximal colostomy, closure of the distal end, and repair of the sigmoid disruption segment. Seven days after surgery, the patient's clinical symptoms were stable, and he was discharged.

Abstract Background Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is a crucial issue in the cassava starch processing industry. In this study, the integrated system combining livestock, cassava cultivation and cassava production in the same area leads to both a zero emission goal and economic efficiency, a typical example of an effective agro-industrial symbiosis. A heat exchange/recovery system was applied including the economizer, heat exchanger tank, biogas tank, and boiler. The economizer attached to the boiler’s chimney transfers heat from exhaust gases for pre-heating feed water entering the boiler. The biogas tank recovers energy from the wastewater of starch production and livestock, and the generated biogas was used as fuel for the boiler. Results The energy and exergy efficiency, energy losses, and exergy destruction for the heat recovery system were analyzed. The specific energy consumption was used to evaluate the overall energy efficiency for a cassava starch factory with a capacity of 20 tons/day. The results show that there is a high potential to recycle waste into energy in the cassava starch industry. The total energy saving and reduced greenhouse gas emissions per year of the cassava starch factory were 0.054%/year and 123,564 kgCO2/per year, respectively. Conclusions Cassava starch factories can save energy and reduce emissions when applying a heat recovery system in the integrated agro-industrial system. Excess heat from the production was used for evaporating (removal of) NH3 in wastewater flow from the biogas tank, and for heating the biogas system to enhance the efficiency of methane production. A biochar filter was attached to the economizer for adsorption of released ammonium, and the biochar after adsorption was combined with sludge from the biogas tank to produce a solid biofertilizer.

Trong bài báo này, các đặc tính cấu trúc, điện tử và truyền dẫn của đơn lớp hai chiều HfSiSP2 được khảo sát bằng lí thuyết phiếm hàm mật độ (DFT). Phân tích phổ phonon và mô phỏng động lực phân tử ab-initio cho thấy, đơn lớp HfSiSP2 có cấu trúc bền vững về mặt động học và có độ ổn định nhiệt tốt. Kết quả tính toán chỉ ra đơn lớp HfSiSP2 ở trạng thái cơ bản là một bán dẫn có vùng cấm xiên với độ rộng vùng cấm là 0,63 eV. Bên cạnh đó, ảnh hưởng của biến dạng cơ học và điện trường ngoài đến tính chất điện tử của HfSiSP2 là đáng kể. Biến dạng đã làm thay đổi một cách đáng kể độ rộng vùng cấm của HfSiSP2. Ngoài ra, các đặc trưng truyền dẫn của HfSiSP2 cũng đã được tính toán trong bài báo này. Kết quả cho thấy HfSiSP2 có tiềm năng ứng dụng cho thiết bị linh kiện điện tử.

Developing phonological awareness for preschoolers is a new focus area mentioned for the first time in the Draft National Standards for 5-year-old Children's Development and the Draft Early Childhood Education Program proposed by the Ministry of Education and Training. To provide a comprehensive and thorough assessment of the significance of phonological awareness in Early Childhood Education, as a basis for supporting the development of the new Early Childhood Education Program, this study employs a literature synthesis approach to clarifies the concept of phonological awareness within the structure of children's language skills and its role in preparing them for reading. Additionally, the study also describes and analyzes the manifestations of phonological awareness education content in the Draft National Standards for 5-year-old children's development and the Draft new Early Childhood Education Curriculum, then positions the teaching content on the developmental trajectory of children's phonological awareness. Based on this analysis, solutions are proposed to promote the systematization of this content in the new program, aiming to enhance the quality of educational activities designed to foster phonological awareness in preschoolers.

The research aims to survey the views of lecturers and students at universities in Da Nang about the application of ChatGPT in learning and research. The results show that the majority of students are using ChatGPT, mainly to look up information with a frequency of 3-5 times/week. While students have a positive view of ChatGPT's potential, the majority of faculty do not support the use of this tool. Reasons for support include: support for searching, answering questions, suggesting ideas, promoting active learning and the ability to analyze and synthesize information. On the contrary, opposing opinions emphasize the risk that ChatGPT can suppress creative thinking, critical thinking and the issue of information reliability. The study proposes that universities need to equip students with knowledge and skills to use ChatGPT effectively and safely; Encourage lecturers to be open and proactive in applying ChatGPT in teaching; At the same time, enhance experience sharing to provide uniform management solutions between schools. The research results contribute practical management implications to maximize benefits and limit risks when applying ChatGPT in higher education.

This study focuses on understanding the influence of gamification factors on the level of engagement in the learning process of students at higher education institutions in Da Nang city. The quantitative study was conducted with a sample size of 237. SmartPLS software was used to evaluate the measurement model and structural model. The results show that Gamification elements, especially competition and challenge, have a positive influence on student attitudes toward using gamification in the classroom. This positive attitude also promoted student emotional and behavioral engagement, but had no significant impact on cognitive engagement. Theoretically, the research results contribute to expanding and enriching the content of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), a fundamental theory in explaining the relationship between attitudes and behavior. In addition, the study also brings important practical implications for the design and implementation of gamification applications in the context of higher education to promote engagement and improve student learning quality.

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa including Cameroon. Pharmacogenetic variants could serve as predictors of drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH), in patients with TB co-infected with HIV. We evaluated the occurrence of DIH and pharmacogenetic variants in Cameroonian patients. Methods Treatment-naïve patients with HIV, TB or TB/HIV co-infection were recruited at three hospitals in Cameroon, between September 2018 and November 2019. Appropriate treatment was initiated, and patients followed up for 12 weeks to assess DIH. Pharmacogenetic variants were assessed by allele discrimination TaqMan SNP assays. Results Of the 141 treatment naïve patients, the overall incidence of DIH was 38% (53/141). The highest incidence of DIH, 52% (32/61), was observed among HIV patients. Of 32 pharmacogenetic variants, the slow acetylation variants NAT2*5 was associated with a decreased risk of DIH (OR: 0.4; 95%CI: 0.17–0.96; p = 0.038), while NAT2*6 was found to be associated with an increased risk of DIH (OR: 4.2; 95%CI: 1.1–15.2; p = 0.017) among patients treated for TB. Up to 15 SNPs differed in ≥ 5% of allele frequencies among African populations, while 25 SNPs differed in ≥ 5% of the allele frequencies among non-African populations, respectively. Conclusions DIH is an important clinical problem in African patients with TB and HIV. The NAT2*5 and NAT2*6 variants were found to be associated with DIH in the Cameroonian population. Prior screening for the slow acetylation variants NAT2*5 and NAT2*6 may prevent DIH in TB and HIV-coinfected patients.

Aim: To describe prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among Vietnamese mothers. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 1812 mothers whose infants were aged 0 to less than 30 months in multi-center Vietnam. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated independently with early initiation of breastfeeding. Results: Prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was 57.2 % and this prevalence was higher in female infants compared with male infants (p = 0.004). Factors associated with increased odds of early initiation of breastfeeding include female infants (aOR: 1.33; 95%CI: 1.06 to 1.68) living in urban areas (aOR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.05 to 1.71), giving birth in private hospitals (aOR: 1.94, 95%CI: 1.25 to 3.03), vaginal birth (aOR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.34 to 2.16). Factors associated with decreased odds of early initiation of breastfeeding include higher educational level, mother's weight gain during pregnancy, and infant complication at birth. Compared with mothers who had not experienced skin-to-skin contact with their babies, the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was higher in mothers who experienced 90 min (aOR: 10.98, 95%CI: 6.79 to 17.75). Conclusion: Focusing on modifiable factors should be a key priority to help improve early initiation of breastfeeding practice.

Abstract This qualitative study explored the perspectives of Vietnamese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers on the implementation of competency-based assessment (CBA) within the higher education context. Amidst the global shift towards competency-based education, this research aimed to understand how instructors in Vietnam navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by CBA, focusing on its impact on teaching practices and student learning. The objective of this study was to examine the adaptations and responses of EFL teachers to the implementation of CBA, identifying how these adaptations influence teaching effectiveness and student learning experiences. Employing semi-structured interviews with 10 EFL teachers from two institutions, the study was grounded in constructivist and social constructivist theoretical frameworks, facilitating a nuanced exploration of the participants’ experiences. The findings revealed several key themes: significant challenges in transitioning to CBA, including adapting to new methodologies and a lack of resources; the transformative potential of CBA for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes; the need for targeted professional development to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation skills; and the role of CBA in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, student autonomy, and inclusivity. Additionally, the study highlighted the complexities of providing effective, individualized feedback within CBA frameworks. The discussion underscores the importance of these findings in informing the development of more effective competency-based educational strategies and highlights recommendations for enhancing teacher training and assessment design to better support competency development. These insights contribute to the discourse on competency-based language education, suggesting implications for policy, practice, and future research. By highlighting the specific challenges and strategies employed by Vietnamese EFL teachers, this study offers valuable perspectives for instructors, policymakers, and researchers aiming to advance the implementation of competency-based assessment in language education globally.

Background and Aim: In Central Vietnam, Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus are the primary malaria vector species. These Anopheles spp.’ distribution and prevalence are determined by environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of these two Anopheles spp. in this region. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 15 Central Vietnamese provinces. From 2014 to 2018, we utilized An. dirus and An. minimus presence records. Proxy data from the Google Earth Engine platform for the study area, encompassing environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic factors. MaxEnt software predicted the potential environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic suitability of these two Anopheles spp. in Central Vietnam. Results: The test area under the curve values for An. dirus and An. minimus MaxEnt models averaged 0.801 and 0.806, respectively, showing excellent performance. Minimum air temperature had the greatest impact on the distribution of both species. A negative correlation between precipitation and normalized difference water index influences the occurrence of An. dirus. In the temperature range of 13–19.5°C, An. minimus is most likely to be present, with nighttime light detrimentally influencing its distribution. The Central Highlands region is inhabited by both species, with some presence in North-Central and South-Central Coastal areas. Conclusion: The importance of temperature in determining the presence of both species is emphasized by our findings, with subtle differences in the temperature-related factors shaping their distributions. The results highlight the need for focused malaria vector control and surveillance initiatives in the study area.

Abstract Mental health literacy is vital for well-being in educational settings, extending beyond academics to include social and emotional development. It empowers individuals, allowing them to recognize and address their mental health needs and provide essential support to their peers. Despite the acknowledged importance of modifiable factors, there is a noticeable research gap in those amenable to change through educational interventions. Thus, this systematic review aims to identify potentially modifiable predictors of mental health literacy in the educational context. A systematic search was conducted for quantitative studies published between 2019 and October 2023 using several databases following PRISMA guidelines. Studies needed to focus on potentially modifiable predictors of mental health literacy in the educational context. Study quality was assessed using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool). In total, 3747 titles and abstracts were screened, 60 articles were assessed in full-text screening, and 21 were included in the review. Significant correlations between mental health literacy and modifiable predictors, including stigma toward professional help, self-efficacy, attitudes toward help-seeking, social support, positive psychological states, receiving mental health training, and psychological distress, were identified. By addressing these factors, educational institutions can cultivate community’s adept in mental health, fostering an environment marked by empathy, understanding, and proactive engagement in addressing mental health issues. The implications serve as a foundation for future research, policy development, and implementing of practical strategies to enhance mental health literacy in diverse educational settings.

We consider problem (P) of Kirchhoff-Carrier type with nonlinear terms containing a finite number of unknown values $u(\eta_1,t),\cdots,u(\eta_q,t)$ with $0\leq\eta_1

Vietnamese students have been encouraged to choose South Korea as their study abroad destination as a result of the rising popularity of Korean culture, technology, and science in Vietnam over the years. This study uses primary survey data from 161 Vietnamese studying in South Korea, according to the 5-level Lirket scale, along with quantitative analysis techniques such as scale testing, exploratory factor analysis, and regression analysis. The analysis’ findings indicate that there are seven aspects, including the training program, personal growth, language, career prospects, support, immigration prospects and cultural factor that influence Vietnamese students’ decisions to study abroad in South Korea. In order to develop reasonable policies to entice Vietnamese students to study in South Korea, Korean training institutes and organizations that promote Korean education abroad can use the research results as a credible quantitative basis.

A TiO2/graphene quantum dots composite (TiO2/GQDs) obtained by in situ synthesis of GQDs, derived from coffee grounds, and peroxo titanium complexes was used as electrode modifier in the simultaneous electrochemical determination of uric acid and hypoxanthine. The TiO2/GQDs material was characterized by photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray mapping. The TiO2/GQDs-GCE exhibits better electrochemical activity for uric acid and hypoxanthine than GQDs/GCE or TiO2/GCE in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements. Under optimized conditions, the calibration plots were linear in the range from 1.00 to 15.26 μM for both uric acid and hypoxanthine. The limits of detection of this method were 0.58 and 0.68 μM for uric acid and hypoxanthine, respectively. The proposed DPV method was employed to determine uric acid and hypoxanthine in urine samples with acceptable recovery rates.

Abstract Muscle ultrasound has been shown to be a valid and safe imaging modality to assess muscle wasting in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This typically involves manual delineation to measure the rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA), which is a subjective, time-consuming, and laborious task that requires significant expertise. We aimed to develop and evaluate an AI tool that performs automated recognition and measurement of RFCSA to support non-expert operators in measurement of the RFCSA using muscle ultrasound. Twenty patients were recruited between Feb 2023 and July 2023 and were randomized sequentially to operators using AI (n = 10) or non-AI (n = 10). Muscle loss during ICU stay was similar for both methods: 26 ± 15% for AI and 23 ± 11% for the non-AI, respectively (p = 0.13). In total 59 ultrasound examinations were carried out (30 without AI and 29 with AI). When assisted by our AI tool, the operators showed less variability between measurements with higher intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs 0.999 95% CI 0.998–0.999 vs. 0.982 95% CI 0.962–0.993) and lower Bland Altman limits of agreement (± 1.9% vs. ± 6.6%) compared to not using the AI tool. The time spent on scans reduced significantly from a median of 19.6 min (IQR 16.9–21.7) to 9.4 min (IQR 7.2–11.7) compared to when using the AI tool (p

In this paper, we mathematically investigate a downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system for short-packet communications (SPC) in which the near users are used as full-duplex (FD) relays to forward intended signals from the source to a far user. In addition, partial relay selection is employed to enhance the performance of the FD relays under the impact of imperfect interference cancellation. At the far user, selection combining (SC) or maximal ratio combining (MRC) is employed to combine the signals received from the source and the selected FD relay. The analytical expressions for the average block error rate (BLER) of two users over flat Rayleigh fading channels are derived. Furthermore, closed-form asymptotic expressions of the average BLERs at the near and far users in high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regimes are obtained. The numerical results show that the analytical BLERs of the near user and far user closely match the simulation results.

This study focused on reality of factors affecting student satisfaction with English foundation course belonging to a specific partnership program so-called International Bachelor of Finance and Accounting (BIFA) at National Economics University in Vietnam. The data collection tool was a questionnaire with 293 first year and second year students of BIFA. Results indicated that the strongest factor to measure student satisfaction with English course was related to teachers, which was followed by personal experiences, administrative staff and university facilities. Noticeably, the dissatisfactory factors were related to incompatibility between test questions and teaching content, students’ limited trust in English’ role in future life prosperity, inaccurate and non-detailed explanation from administrative staff and poor lightful room. Then, it was proposed that the program managers should improve students’ critical thinking skills about test content and acquired lessons and consult them about English value in students’ future life prosperity. By that way, student satisfaction with the English course is expected to improve more comprehensively.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many universities switched rapidly to the online learning mode to maintain the continuity of the teaching and learning process. This explanatory mixedmethods study was an attempt to investigate the problems EFL students encountered in their online English speaking classes. The study involved 135 EFL students at Vinh University, a key national university in Vietnam. To collect data, a questionnaire and semi-structured interview were used. The results showed that there were six barriers that influenced EFL students’ speaking skills in online classes, including facilities, computer skills, coordination, teaching method, learners’ attitudes and assessment. From the findings, the study tried to suggest some pedagogical solutions in order to improve the quality of online English speaking learning for EFL university students

This study was conducted to investigate the students’ preferences for extracurricular activities on campus and influencing factors. 210 students participated in the research, from three major groups at Vinh University including: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Foreign Languages. Data were collected by using a 5-point Likert scale in questionnaire and personal interviews. After analyzing the data, the results show that students were most interested in professional workshops and events. Additionally, students' interest in extracurricular activities was influenced by factors such as timing, frequency, length, location, policy, and personal interest and hobby. Based on the research result, the article presents proposed recommendations with the hope of providing effective organization of extracurricular activities on campus for students.