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The Trier social stress test (TSST) is considered as the most appropriate standardized protocol for studying stress hormone reactivity. The TSST is distinct from other stress induction protocols in laboratory settings due to its unique ability to create a natural context that includes elements of social and psychological acute stress. However, there has been no investigation of the efficacy of the TSST among the Vietnamese population. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the TSST on Vietnamese university students. A group of 10 healthy male and female volunteers underwent the TSST protocol, and self-reported values (the positive and negative affect schedule and the visual analogue scale) as well as physiological stress response (heart rate) were measured. The results suggest that the TSST mildly induces acute psychological stress among Vietnamese participants. To enhance the potency of the TSST in future studies, a larger sample size and more consistent adherence to the TSST protocol are crucial.

IntroductionCirculating cell-free RNA (cfRNA) is a potential hallmark for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) as it construes the genetic expression level, giving insights into the pathological progress from the outset. Profiles of cfRNA in Caucasian AD patients have been investigated thoroughly, yet there was no report exploring cfRNAs in the ASEAN groups. This study examined the gap, expecting to support the development of point-of-care AD diagnosis.MethodscfRNA profiles were characterized from 20 Vietnamese plasma samples (10 probable AD and 10 age-matched controls). RNA reads were subjected to differential expression (DE) analysis. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify gene modules that were significantly co-expressed. These modules' expression profiles were then correlated with AD status to identify relevant modules. Genes with the highest intramodular connectivity (module membership) were selected as hub genes. Transcript counts of differentially expressed genes were correlated with key AD measures—MMSE and MTA scores—to identify potential biomarkers.Results136 genes were identified as significant AD hallmarks (p < 0.05), with 52 downregulated and 84 upregulated in the AD cohort. 45.6% of these genes are highly expressed in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Notably, all markers related to chronic inflammation were upregulated, and there was a significant shift in all apoptotic markers. Three co-expressed modules were found to be significantly correlated with Alzheimer's status (p < 0.05; R2> 0.5). Functional enrichment analysis on these modules reveals an association with focal adhesion, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and metal ion response leading to apoptosis, suggesting the potential participation of these pathways in AD pathology. 47 significant hub genes were found to be differentially expressed genes with the highest connectivity. Six significant hub genes (CREB1, YTHDC1, IL1RL1, PHACTR2, ANKRD36B, RNF213) were found to be significantly correlated with MTA and MMSE scores. Other significant transcripts (XRN1, UBB, CHP1, THBS1, S100A9) were found to be involved in inflammation and neuronal death. Overall, we have identified candidate transcripts in plasma cf-RNA that are differentially expressed and are implicated in inflammation and apoptosis, which can jumpstart further investigations into applying cf-RNA as an AD biomarker in Vietnam and ASEAN countries.

Lateral Flow Assays (LFA) have been one of the most widely adopted technologies in clinical diagnosis over recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to their feasibility, compactness, and rapid readout. However, the precise dispensing of antibodies–a key part of the fabrication process–requires costly line dispenser equipment, which poses a challenge to researchers with limited budgets. This study aims to resolve this key issue by introducing a Syringe-based Arduino-operated Low-cost Antibody Dispenser (SALAD). By utilizing a microneedle, stepper motor-driven syringe pump, and conveyor belt, SALAD can form micro-droplets to create an even band of antibodies. Our evaluation results showed comparable performance between SALAD and a commercialized model – Claremont ALFRD, with SALAD exceeding in affordability and feasibility. SALAD yielded an even signal, uniform bandwidth, and low background noise, yet optimization in the conveyor belt should be considered to enhance stability. With a low manufacturing cost ($200.61) compared to the commercialized models, our model is expected to provide an affordable approach for LFA researchers.

Introduction: Circulating cell-free RNA (cfRNA) is a potential hallmark for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) as it construes the genetic expression level, giving insights into the pathological progress from the outset. Profiles of cfRNA in Caucasian AD patients have been investigated thoroughly, yet there was no report exploring cfRNAs in the ASEAN groups. This study examined the gap, expecting to support the development of point-of-care AD diagnosis. Methods: cfRNA profiles were characterized from 20 Vietnamese plasma samples (10 probable AD and 10 age-matched controls). RNA reads were subjected to dierential expression (DE) analysis. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify gene modules that were significantly co-expressed. These modules’ expression profiles were then correlated with AD status to identify relevant modules. Genes with the highest intramodular connectivity (module membership) were selected as hub genes. Transcript counts of dierentially expressed genes were correlated with key AD measures—MMSE and MTA scores—to identify potential biomarkers. Results: 136 genes were identified as significant AD hallmarks (p < 0.05), with 52 downregulated and 84 upregulated in the AD cohort. 45.6% of these genes are highly expressed in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Notably, all markers related to chronic inflammation were upregulated, and there was a significant shift in all apoptotic markers. Three co-expressed modules were found to be significantly correlated with Alzheimer’s status (p < 0.05; R 2 > 0.5). Functional enrichment analysis on these modules reveals an association with focal adhesion, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and metal ion response leading to apoptosis, suggesting the potential participation of these pathways in AD pathology. 47 significant hub genes were found to be dierentially expressed genes with the highest connectivity. Six significant hub genes (CREB1, YTHDC1, IL1RL1, PHACTR2, ANKRD36B, RNF213) were found to be significantly correla with MTA and MMSE scores. Other significant transcripts (XRN1, UBB, CHP1, THBS1, S100A9) were found to be involved in inflammation and neuronal death. Overall, we have identified candidate transcripts in plasma cf-RNA that are dierentially expressed and are implicated in inflammation and apoptosis, which can jumpstart further investigations into applying cf-RNA as an AD biomarker in Vietnam and ASEAN countries [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]