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The composition of fish species in the Ngan Pho River basin, Huong Son district, Ha Tinh province, was studied from 2020 to 2022. The study aims to evaluate the diversity of fish species and their situation of exploitation in the area. Our results have found 78 species of fish distributed in 8 sampling points in the basin. Forty-eight fish species have been identified as high economic value, of which 16 species were found to be cultivated. Combined with the results of previous research, we have determined 107 fish species belonging to 72 genera of 20 subfamilies and 29 families belonging to 11 orders in the Ngan Pho River basin. Moreover, 39 species were discovered for the first time distributed here. In addition, some species were not reencountered during the field survey, including marine species migrating for food, such as Echidna polyzona, Ophichthus microcephalus, and Pisodonophis boro. They are possibly impacted by anthropogenic factors such as sand exploitation along the basin and changes in the flow from the Lam River estuary to the La River tributary and then to the Ngan Pho River.

Context: Hypertension is highly prevalent in Vietnam, yet the rate of controlled hypertension remains low. Knowledge about hypertension is linked to patient beliefs and medication adherence. However, there's limited data on hypertension knowledge among primary care patients in Vietnam. Aims: To evaluate the knowledge of hypertension among hypertensive patients in primary care settings in Central Vietnam and identify factors affecting their knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a thorough examination was performed to assess hypertension knowledge and its related factors. Utilizing the Hypertension Knowledge Level Scale and Medication Adherence Report Scale, hypertension knowledge and medication adherence were evaluated. Additionally, demographic, clinical, lifestyle, and patient belief data were gathered. Statistical analyses and logistic regression models were applied to pinpoint key factors associated with hypertension knowledge. Results: In the study involving 761 participants (55.7% male), the average hypertension knowledge score was 15.0 (SD = 4.6), with only 45.3% demonstrating a high level of knowledge. Significant correlations were observed between hypertension knowledge and variables such as education level, ethnicity, home blood pressure monitoring, patient beliefs, and medication adherence. Logistic regression analysis indicated that higher education levels and belonging to the majority ethnicity were linked to enhanced hypertension knowledge. Notably, individuals with better hypertension knowledge tended to recognize the necessity of their prescribed medications. Conclusions: Hypertension knowledge among primary care patients in Central Vietnam is suboptimal, with approximately half having a high knowledge level. These findings emphasize the importance of hypertension knowledge in shaping patient beliefs, perceptions, and medication adherence. Tailored educational interventions are crucial, especially for those with lower education and minority backgrounds, to enhance hypertension management.

Background: Assessing the 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is crucial for effective prevention and management. Despite its significance, information is limited on CVD risk among hypertensive patients in primary care in Central Vietnam. We conducted this study to estimate 10-year CVD risk in primary care settings and explore its associated risk factors, using the 2019 WHO CVD risk chart. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study collected socio-demographic and clinical data through a standardized questionnaire. Cardiovascular risk was estimated using the WHO CVD risk charts for Southeast Asia. The prevalence of low, moderate, and high CVD risk was 52.1%, 38.9%, and 9.0%, respectively. Notably, men had significantly higher rates of moderate (48.6%) and high (17.6%) CVD risk than women (31.4 and 2.4%, respectively) (P=0.000). Age was a significant factor, with an increasing prevalence of moderate and high CVR as age advanced. Specifically, the 50-59 age group had a moderate risk of 18.6%, rising to 69.9% in the 70-74 age group. High CVD risk increased from 0.6% to 27.6% in the same age groups. Lower educational levels were associated with a higher proportion of moderate CVD risk. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption were linked to elevated CVD risks (25.0% and 30.0%, respectively), surpassing those without these behaviors. Similar trends were observed for individuals with diabetes, high total cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Conclusion: Approximately one-tenth of hypertensive patients face a high risk of developing CVDs within the next 10 years. A comprehensive approach, encompassing behavioral changes and the management of metabolic risk factors, is essential to reduce CVD risk effectively.

In recent years, machine learning models have become a potential approach in accurately predicting the concrete compressive strength, which is essential for the real-world application of geopolymer concrete. However, the precursor system of geopolymer concrete is known to be more heterogeneous compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete, adversely affecting the data generated and the performance of the models. To its advantage, data enrichment through deep learning can effectively enhance the performance of prediction models. Therefore, this study investigates the capability of tabular generative adversarial networks (TGANs) to generate data on mixtures and compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. It assesses the impact of using synthetic data with various models, including tree-based, support vector machines, and neural networks. For this purpose, 930 instances with 11 variables were collected from the open literature. In particular, 10 variables including content of fly ash, slag, sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide, superplasticizer, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, added water, curing temperature, and specimen age are considered as inputs, while compressive strength is the output of the models. A TGAN was employed to generate an additional 1000 data points based on the original dataset for training new predictive models. These models were evaluated on real data test sets and compared with models trained on the original data. The results indicate that the developed models significantly improve performance, particularly neural networks, followed by tree-based models and support vector machines. Moreover, data characteristics greatly influence model performance, both before and after data augmentation.

We report a new record of Leptobotia pellegrini Fang, 1936 from the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam, based on 25 specimens collected in the Kien stream (Ca River), Tuong Duong district, Nghe An province. Morphological features of these specimens were confirmed against the description of this species by Fang (1936). Our new data extend the species’ geographic range southward by approximately 650 km from the Gam River (Na Hang, Tuyen Quang province), Vietnam.

The Silver-backed Chevrotain (Tragulus versicolor), a mammal endemic to the unique coastal arid ecosystem in south-central Vietnam, is an enigmatic mouse deer with little information available about its ecology and evolutionary history. The recent rediscovery of the species provides a rare opportunity to clarify its taxonomy and phylogenetic relationship within the genus Tragulus. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for samples of T. versicolor and T. kanchil from Vietnam. Our molecular results show that the species forms a distinct evolutionary lineage sister to all other species in the genus, confirming the earlier hypothesis based on morphological evidence. However, further research is needed to assess the genetic diversity of the species and design appropriate conservation measures. As the species has not been secured over much of its range, it is recommended that the population in Nui Chua National Park, the only one covered by a protected area, be prioritized for conservation actions. Conserving the species in this unique and imperiled ecosystem will also benefits a suite of locally endemic and threatened species of fauna and flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The association between sleep and pain has been investigated widely. However, inconsistent results from animal studies compared with human data show the need for a validated animal model in the sleep–pain association field. Our study aims to validate common neuropathic pain models as a tool for evaluating the sleep–pain association. Electrodes electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) were surgically implanted to measure sleep. The von Frey test was used to measure pain sensitivity. Following the baseline data acquisition, two pain‐modelling procedures were performed: sciatic nerve crush injury (SCI) and common peroneal nerve ligation (CPL). Post‐injury measurements were performed on days 1, 5, 10, and 15 post‐surgery. The results presented decreased paw withdrawal thresholds and reduced NREM sleep duration in both models on the first post‐surgery day. In the SCI model, NREM sleep duration was negatively correlated with paw withdrawal thresholds (p = 0.0466), but not in the CPL model. Wake alpha and theta EEG powers were also correlated with the pain threshold. The results confirm that the SCI model shows disturbed sleep patterns associated with increased pain sensitivity, suggesting it is a reliable tool for investigating sleep disturbances associated with neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rosy Litter Frog (Leptobrachella eos) is known from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Knowledge about the natural history of this species is virtually lacking. As a result of our field work in Son La, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces of Vietnam, we provide data on the food composition of L. eos for the first time. Using the stomach-flushing method, we analyzed stomach contents of 34 individuals (23 males and 11 females) from a total of 42 frogs, with stomachs of five males and three females (19%) being empty. A total of 13 prey categories were observed in the stomachs of L. eos , with 232 items, comprising 230 items of invertebrates and two unidentified items. The most important (IRI) groups among the prey of L. eos were Blattodea (26.31%), Araneae (17.26%), Orthoptera (13.21%), Coleoptera (12.39%), and Opiliones (10.09%). There was an overlap of 51.11 % in the diet between males and females, The trophic spectrum of males comprising 11 prey categories revealed to be wider than that of females comprising nine prey categories. Despite differences in diets between the sexes, Blattodea, Orthoptera, Araneae, Coleoptera, and Opiliones represented the most important prey category for all of them. In addition, we also report a new find of Leptobrachella eos , with a new subpopulation from Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Few studies have been conducted on group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Vietnam. We determined the GBS colonization and antimicrobial resistance vaginal-rectal profile of 3863 Vietnamese pregnant women over 5 years. Maternal GBS colonization was characterized by antibiotic susceptibility. Overall, the GBS colonization rate was 8.02% (95% CI: 7.20–8.94%). Compared to sampling ≥ 35 weeks of gestation, the GBS colonization rate was statistically higher (p = 0.004) with sampling

Achieving high sensitivity, resolution, and accuracy is desirable and in high demand for magnetic sensor applications. The giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect has drawn intensive attention owing to its ultrasensitive response to the magnetic field. Further enhancement of the GMI effect in soft magnetic conductors (wires, ribbons, or films) is essential but represents a big challenge since the experimentally reported highest GMI ratio is still much smaller than its theoretically predicted value. Inspired by the kirigami structures, we propose a new approach for improving the GMI effect by designing triangle spiral magnetic systems. We demonstrate that the GMI ratio can be easily tuned by varying the edge width of the triangle spiral magnetic ribbon. The GMI ratio is enhanced up to 250% and 100% for the Fe92.5C3.5Si3.9 ribbon with a 60 μm wide edge when a magnetic field of 100 Oe is aligned along the altitude and edge directions, respectively. Magnetometry indicates that upon reduction of the edge width, the improvement of magnetic susceptibility at low applied fields is correlated with the strengthened shape anisotropy. Micromagnetic simulations suggest that various closure magnetic domain configurations, such as stripe and zig-zag domain structures, can be formed, depending on the applied magnetic field directions, as a result of the competition of anisotropy and Zeeman energies followed in the Stoner–Wohlfarth model. The simulated results fully support the experimentally observed GMI enhancement and attribute it to the formation of transverse magnetic domains at the critical dimension of the micro-patterned magnetic ribbon system. These superior properties make the triangle-spiral GMI sensor a promising candidate for advanced sensor applications.

Abstract Background To determine the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth and identify factors associated with dental caries among secondary school children in rural highland Vietnam. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 1985 secondary schoolchildren. Dental examination was performed at school using World Health Organization criteria. Data collection on demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practices related to dental caries was conducted by interviewing children. Descriptive and inferential statistics using a multivariate logistic regression model were applied. Results Prevalence of caries in primary and permanent teeth was 41.1 and 68.9 %, respectively. Prevalence of caries in primary teeth in the age group 11–12 years old (59.4 %) was significantly higher than in children in the age group of 13–14 years (27.8 %; p

Binh Ho Anh,1 Duy Le Van,1 Khoa Phan Anh,1 Ngoc Nguyen Thi Bich,1 Chau Nguyen Ngoc Minh,2 Khanh Vo Van1 1Department of Emergency and Interventional Cardiology, Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Vietnam; 2Pediatric Center, Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, VietnamCorrespondence: Duy Le VanDepartment of Emergency and Interventional Cardiology, Hue Central Hospital, 16 Le Loi Street, Hue City, VietnamEmail lvnduy@gmail.comAbstract: A 10-year-old girl (23 kg) having a medical history of uncontrolled hypertension was presented to our hospital because of acute left heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed stenosis of descending thoracic aorta with a maximum trans-stenotic pressure gradient of 50 mmHg and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 20%. She was diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis with a long severe stenosis of segment III of the thoracic aorta. The procedure of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed and helped to reduce the pressure gradient significantly. After a 6-month follow-up, the left ventricular function was unimproved. Hence, aortic angiography was done and revealed the descending thoracic aorta restenosis with a pressure gradient of 46 mmHg. Despite the difficulties of small vascular access and the disease severity, this patient was intervened by cover stent without any complications. The trans-stenotic pressure gradient decreased remarkably to 5 mmHg. The stent implantation should be considered in the severe stenosis of descending thoracic aorta because of its benefit and safety.Keywords: aorta, stenosis, stent, children

Previous studies have reported the functional role, biochemical features and synthesis pathway of podophyllotoxin (PTOX) in plants. In this study, we employed combined morphological and molecular techniques to identify an endophytic fungus and extract PTOX derivatives. Based on the analysis of ITS sequences and the phylogenetic tree, the isolate was classified as Penicillium herquei HGN12.1C, with a sequence identity of 98.58%. Morphologically, the HGN12.1C strain exhibits white colonies, short‐branched mycelia and densely packed hyphae. Using PacBio sequencing at an average read depth of 195×, we obtained a high‐quality genome for the HGN12.1C strain, which is 34.9 Mb in size, containing eight chromosomes, one mitochondrial genome and a GC content of 46.5%. Genome analysis revealed 10 genes potentially involved in PTOX biosynthesis. These genes include VdtD, Pinoresinollariciresinol reductase (PLR), Secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase (SDH), CYP719A23, CYP71BE54, O‐methyltransferase 1 (OMT1), O‐methyltransferase 3 (OMT3), 2‐ODD, CYP71CU and CYP82D61. Notably, the VdtD gene in fungi shares functional similarities with the DIR gene found in plants. Additionally, we identified peltatin, a PTOX derivative, in the HGN12.1C extract. Docking analysis suggests a potential role for the 2‐ODD enzyme in converting yatein to deoxypodophyllotoxin. These findings offer invaluable insights into the synthesis mechanism of PTOX in fungi, shedding light on the relationship between host plants and endophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background While the World Health Organization (WHO) Southeast Asia region has the second highest incidence of malaria worldwide, malaria in Vietnam is focal to few provinces, where delayed parasite clearance to anti-malarial drugs is documented. This study aims to understand Plasmodium species distribution and the genetic diversity of msp1 and msp2 of parasite populations using molecular tools. Methods A total of 222 clinical isolates from individuals with uncomplicated malaria were subjected to Plasmodium species identification by nested real-time PCR. 166 isolates positive for Plasmodium falciparum mono infections were further genotyped for msp1 (MAD20, K1, and RO33), and msp2 allelic families (3D7 and FC27). Amplicons were resolved through capillary electrophoresis in the QIAxcel Advanced system. Results Mono-infections were high and with 75% P. falciparum, 14% Plasmodium vivax and 9% P. falciparum/P. vivax co-infections, with less than 1% Plasmodium malariae identified. For msp1, MAD20 was the most prevalent (99%), followed by K1 (46%) allelic family, with no sample testing positive for RO33 (0%). For msp2, 3D7 allelic family was predominant (97%), followed by FC27 (10%). The multiplicity of infection of msp1 and msp2 was 2.6 and 1.1, respectively, and the mean overall multiplicity of infection was 3.7, with the total number of alleles ranging from 1 to 7. Conclusions Given the increasing importance of antimalarial drugs in the region, the genetic diversity of P. falciparum msp1 and msp2 should be regularly monitored with respect to treatment outcomes and/or efficacy studies in regions, where there are ongoing changes in the malaria epidemiology.

Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) used as an alternative to natural aggregate (NA) contains weak adhered mortar. The adhered mortar adversely affects the properties of RCA, and compressive strength of concrete with RCA. Therefore, a treatment method by coating surface of RCA with cement-silica fume slurry (CSS) at concentrations of 20, 40, and 60% was done to evaluate its effects on crushing value and water absorption of RCA, and compressive strength of concrete with treated RCA. The replacements of natural coarse aggregate by RCA for concrete production were 0, 25, and 50% by volume. Compressive strength of the concrete having a constant water-to-cement ratio of 0.35 was tested at ages of 3, 7, 28, and 56 days. Results showed that crushing value and water absorption of the treated RCA were more improved when compared with those of the untreated RCA due to new products formed from cement hydration and pozzolanic reactions on its surface detected by using scanning electron microscope. The surface treatment with CSS at concentration of 60% was the most effective method when compared with that with CSS at concentrations of 20 and 40%. The higher the concentration of CSS, the higher the compressive strength of concrete with the treated RCA. The treatment of RCA led to a significant improvement of compressive strength of the concrete at later ages (i.e., at 28 and 56 days) when compared with the concrete using untreated RCA.

A 55-year-old male was admitted with numbness in the left foot and intermittent claudication. Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography presented chronic total occlusion in the ostial of left superficial femoral artery and reperfusion flow at one-third below from collateral channels of deep femoral artery. Thus, we decided to perform an endovascular intervention for this patient. First, we used contralateral transfemoral approach technique, but the microwire could not reach to the occluded superficial femoral artery lesion. Then, we approached the chronic total occlusion lesion retrogradely. A wire was passed successfully from the popliteal artery to ostial superficial femoral artery. Finally, 2 stents were implanted. This case highlights that popliteal retrograde approach is effective and safe for total occlusion of superficial femoral artery.

To ensure the magnetostrictive softness, the homogeneity, the decrease of the shear-lag effect and the space-saving construction of narrowed longitudinal-transverse L-T magnetoelectric (ME) composites, a novel parallel-connected-multi-bars (PCMB) geometry of PZT/Metglas is proposed and investigated by simulation and experiment. In this case, Metglas layers are structured in different geometries from the conventional single bar (c-SB) to conventional separated multiple bars (c-SMB), elongated separate multi-bar (e-SMB) and n-magnetic-bar based PCMB (n-PCMB). This n-PCMB geometry divides the conventional ME configuration into n parallel-connected ME units (n-PCMEU) according to the magnetic geometries. The optimal ME performance with the largest ME voltage coefficient αE of 630 V/cm.Oe is achieved in PCMEU with two Metglas bars (n = 2). The ME voltage coefficient can be further enhanced by integrating m of these optimal PCMEUs in series to form a serial-parallel ME unit array m-S (n-PMEU)A. The αE value increases by a factor of 3.6 and reaches 2.238 kV/cm.Oe for 4-S (2-PMEU)A, a factor that is almost equal to m. The resulting 4-S (2-PMEU)A sensor possesses an extremely high sensitivity of 18.1 μV/nT, with a resolution of 10−1 nT.