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Abstract Uremic cardiomyopathy is characterized by diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and fibrosis. Dysregulation of the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R)-mediated pathways are associated with the development of fibrosis in cancerous diseases. Here, we investigated the effects of the KISS1R antagonist peptide-234 (P234) on the development of uremic cardiomyopathy. Male Wistar rats (300–350 g) were randomized into four groups: (i) Sham, (ii) chronic kidney disease (CKD) induced by 5/6 nephrectomy, (iii) CKD treated with a lower dose of P234 (ip. 13 µg/day), (iv) CKD treated with a higher dose of P234 (ip. 26 µg/day). Treatments were administered daily from week 3 for 10 days. At week 13, the P234 administration did not influence the creatinine clearance and urinary protein excretion. However, the higher dose of P234 led to reduced anterior and posterior wall thicknesses, more severe interstitial fibrosis, and overexpression of genes associated with left ventricular remodeling (Ctgf, Tgfb, Col3a1, Mmp9), stretch (Nppa), and apoptosis (Bax, Bcl2, Casp7) compared to the CKD group. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins between the groups. Our results suggest that the higher dose of P234 hastens the development and pathophysiology of uremic cardiomyopathy by activating the fibrotic TGF-β-mediated pathways.

Cao Bang Geopark is one of three UNESCO heritage sites in Vietnam, with unique geological, landscape and cultural properties of high value to tourism. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the potential for geotourism development in Cao Bang Global Geopark, thereby proposing reasonable development strategies in the future. The research using the multicriteria assessment and SWOT analysis tool found that Cao Bang Global Geopark has a high ability to attract tourists and exploit large tourism resources globally. However, the infrastructure, technical facilities, human resources and investment capital for geotourism are still limited and need to be improved. The research results can be considered useful references for academia and managers in finding strategies and solutions for sustainable geotourism development at Cao Bang Geopark in the future.

The digital transformation has created an environment that fosters the development of effective chatbots. Through the fusion of artificial intelligence and data, these chatbots have the capability to provide automated services, optimize customer experiences, and reduce workloads for employees. These chatbots can offer 24/7 support, answer questions, perform transactions, and provide rapid information, contributing significantly to the sustainable development processes of businesses and organizations. ChatGPT has already been applied in various fields. However, to ensure that there is a chatbot providing accurate and useful information in a narrow domain, it is necessary to build, train, and fine-tune the model based on specific data. In this paper, we introduce EduChat, a chatbot system for university-related questions. EduChat is an effective artificial intelligence application designed by combining rule-based methods, an innovative improved random forest machine learning approach, and ChatGPT to automatically answer common questions related to universities, academic programs, admission procedures, student life, and other related topics. This chatbot system helps provide quick and easy information to users, thereby reducing the time spent searching for information directly from source documents or contacting support staff. The experiments have yielded positive results.

Abstract Uremic cardiomyopathy is characterized by diastolic dysfunction (DD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and fibrosis. Angiotensin-II plays a major role in the development of uremic cardiomyopathy via nitro-oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms. In heart failure, the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) is up-regulated and coupled to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated pathways, exerting antiremodeling effects. We aimed to compare the antiremodeling effects of the angiotensin-II receptor blocker losartan and the β3-AR agonist mirabegron in uremic cardiomyopathy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was induced by 5/6th nephrectomy in male Wistar rats. Five weeks later, rats were randomized into four groups: (1) sham-operated, (2) CKD, (3) losartan-treated (10 mg/kg/day) CKD, and (4) mirabegron-treated (10 mg/kg/day) CKD groups. At week 13, echocardiographic, histologic, laboratory, qRT-PCR, and Western blot measurements proved the development of uremic cardiomyopathy with DD, LVH, fibrosis, inflammation, and reduced eNOS levels, which were significantly ameliorated by losartan. However, mirabegron showed a tendency to decrease DD and fibrosis; but eNOS expression remained reduced. In uremic cardiomyopathy, β3-AR, sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA), and phospholamban levels did not change irrespective of treatments. Mirabegron reduced the angiotensin-II receptor 1 expression in uremic cardiomyopathy that might explain its mild antiremodeling effects despite the unchanged expression of the β3-AR.

The study aims to investigate the impact of participation in decision-making (PDM) and perceived organizational support (POS) on affective commitment in machinery enterprises. The study applies structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the research hypotheses. The authors surveyed 220 employees who work in machinery enterprises to collect data for the research. The study results indicate that both PDM and POS positively impact affective commitment. The findings provide empirical evidence to support the theoretical models that PDM and POS have a positive effect on affective commitment. The findings have implications for management theory: PDM and POS are the key antecedents of affective commitment. The findings also have implications for practical management in the machinery enterprises that managers should practice both PDM and POS to increase affective commitment.

Despite the effectiveness of doxorubicin (DOXO) as a chemotherapeutic agent, dose-dependent development of chronic cardiotoxicity limits its application. The angiotensin-II receptor blocker losartan is commonly used to treat cardiac remodeling of various etiologies. The beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist mirabegron was reported to improve chronic heart failure. Here we investigated the effects of losartan, mirabegron and their combination on the development of DOXO-induced chronic cardiotoxicity. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (i) control; (ii) DOXO-only; (iii) losartan-treated DOXO; (iv) mirabegron-treated DOXO; (v) losartan plus mirabegron-treated DOXO groups. The treatments started 5 weeks after DOXO administration. At week 8, echocardiography was performed. At week 9, left ventricles were prepared for histology, qRT-PCR, and Western blot measurements. Losartan improved diastolic but not systolic dysfunction and ameliorated SERCA2a repression in our DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity model. The DOXO-induced overexpression of Il1 and Il6 was markedly decreased by losartan and mirabegron. Mirabegron and the combination treatment improved systolic and diastolic dysfunction and significantly decreased overexpression of Smad2 and Smad3 in our DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity model. Only mirabegron reduced DOXO-induced cardiac fibrosis significantly. Mirabegron and its combination with losartan seem to be promising therapeutic tools against DOXO-induced chronic cardiotoxicity.

A Bayesian analysis of the possible behaviors of the dense matter equation of state informed by recent LIGO-Virgo as well as NICER measurements reveals that all the present observations are compatible with a fully nucleonic hypothesis for the composition of dense matter, even in the core of the most massive pulsar PSR J0740+6620. Under the hypothesis of a nucleonic composition, we extract the most general behavior of the energy per particle of symmetric matter and density dependence of the symmetry energy, compatible with the astrophysical observations as well as our present knowledge of low-energy nuclear physics from effective field theory predictions and experimental nuclear mass data. These results can be used as a null hypothesis to be confronted with future constraints on dense matter to search for possible exotic degrees of freedom.

Abstract Background Vietnam has achieved considerable success in economic development, poverty reduction, and health over a relatively short period of time. However, there is concern that inequalities in health outcomes and intervention coverage are widening. This study explores if inequalities in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition changed over time in Vietnam in 1997–2006, and if inequalities were different depending on the type of stratifying variable used to measure inequalities and on the type of outcome studied. Methods Using data from four nationally representative household surveys conducted in 1997–2006, we study inequalities in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition outcomes and intervention coverage by computing concentration indices by living standards, maternal education, ethnicity, region, urban/rural residence, and sex of child. Results Inequalities in maternal, newborn and child health persisted in 1997–2006. Inequalities were largest by living standards, but not trivial by the other stratifying variables. Inequalities in health outcomes generally increased over time, while inequalities in intervention coverage generally declined. The most equitably distributed interventions were family planning, exclusive breastfeeding, and immunizations. The most inequitably distributed interventions were those requiring multiple service contacts, such as four or more antenatal care visits, and those requiring significant support from the health system, such as skilled birth attendance. Conclusions Three main policy implications emerge. First, persistent inequalities suggest the need to address financial and other access barriers, for example by subsidizing health care for the poor and ethnic minorities and by support from other sectors, for example in strengthening transportation networks. This should be complemented by careful monitoring and evaluation of current program design and implementation to ensure effective and efficient use of resources. Second, greater inequalities for interventions that require multiple service contacts imply that inequalities could be reduced by strengthening information and service provision by community and village health workers to promote and sustain timely care-seeking. Finally, larger inequalities for interventions that require a fully functioning health system suggest that investments in health facilities and human resources, particularly in areas that are disproportionately inhabited by the poor and ethnic minorities, may contribute to reducing inequalities.

Abstract Background Inequities in health are a major challenge for health care planners and policymakers globally. In Vietnam, rapid societal development presents a considerable risk for disadvantaged populations to be left behind. The aim of this review is to map the known causes and determinants of inequity in maternal and child health in Vietnam in order to promote policy action. Methods A review was performed through systematic searches of Pubmed and Proquest and manual searches of “grey literature.” A thematic content analysis guided by the conceptual framework suggested by the Commission on Social Determinants of Health was performed. Results More than thirty different causes and determinants of inequity in maternal and child health were identified. Some determinants worth highlighting were the influence of informal fees and the many testimonies of discrimination and negative attitudes from health staff towards women in general and ethnic minorities in particular. Research gaps were identified, such as a lack of studies investigating the influence of education on health care utilization, informal costs of care, and how psychosocial factors mediate inequity. Conclusions The evidence of corruption and discrimination as mediators of health inequity in Vietnam calls for attention and indicates a need for more structural interventions such as better governance and anti-discriminatory laws. More research is needed in order to fully understand the pathways of inequities in health in Vietnam and suggest areas for intervention for policy action to reach disadvantaged populations.

Abstract Introduction Vietnam has succeeded in reducing maternal mortality in the last decades. Analysis of survey data however indicate that large inequities exist between different segments of the population. We have analyzed utilization of antenatal care and skilled birth attendance among Vietnamese women of reproductive age in relation to social determinants with the aim to reveal health inequities and identify disadvantaged groups. Method Data on maternal health care utilization and social determinants were derived from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in Vietnam in 2006, and analyzed through stratified logistic regressions and g-computation. Results Inequities in maternal health care utilization persist in Vietnam. Ethnicity, household wealth and education were all significantly associated with antenatal care coverage and skilled birth attendance, individually and in synergy. Although the structural determinants included in this study were closely related to each other, analysis revealed a significant effect of ethnicity over and above wealth and education. Within the group of mothers from poor households ethnic minority mothers were at a three-fold risk of not attending any antenatal care (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.27–7.41) and six times more likely not to deliver with skilled birth attendance (OR 6.27, 95% CI 2.37–16.6). The association between ethnicity and lack of antenatal care and skilled birth attendance was even stronger within the non-poor group. Conclusions In spite of policies to out rule health inequities, ethnic minority women constitute a disadvantaged group in Vietnam. More efficient ways to target disadvantaged groups, taking synergy effects between multiple social determinants into consideration, are needed in order to assure safe motherhood for all.

Abstract Background Globally, almost 4 million newborns die during the first 4 weeks of life every year. By increased use of evidence-based knowledge in the healthcare system a large proportion of these neonatal deaths could be prevented. But there is a severe lack of knowledge on effective methods for successful implementation of evidence into practice, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Recent studies have demonstrated promising results with increased survival among both mothers and newborns using community-based approaches. In Vietnam evidence-based guidelines on reproductive health were launched in 2003 and revised in 2009. The overall objective of the current project is to evaluate if a facilitation intervention on the community level, with a problem-solving approach involving local representatives if the healthcare system and the community, results in improvements of neonatal health and survival. Methods/Design The study, which has been given the acronym NeoKIP (Neonatal Health - Knowledge Into Practice), took place in 8 districts composed by 90 communes in a province in northern Vietnam, where neonatal mortality rate was 24/1000 in 2005. A cluster randomised design was used, allocating clusters, as defined as a commune and its correponding Commune Health Center (CHC) to either intervention or control arm. The facilitation intervention targeted staff at healthcare centres and key persons in the communes. The facilitator role was performed by lay women (Women's Union representatives) using quality improvement techniques to initiate and sustain improvement processes targeting identified problem areas. The intervention has been running over 3 years and data were collected on the facilitation process, healthcare staff knowledge in neonatal care and their behaviour in clinical practice, and reproductive and perinatal health indicators. Primary outcome is neonatal mortality. Discussion The intervention is participatory and dynamic, focused on developing a learning process and a problem-solving cycle. The study recognises the vital role of the local community as actors in improving their own and their newborns' health, and applies a bottom-up approach where change will be accomplished by an increasing awareness at and demand from grass root level. By utilising the existing healthcare structure this intervention may, if proven successful, be well suited for scaling up. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN44599712

Abstract Background Nearly four million neonatal deaths occur annually in the world despite existing evidence-based knowledge with the potential to prevent many of these deaths. Effective knowledge translation (KT) could help to bridge this know-do gap in global health. The aim of this study was to explore aspects of KT at the primary healthcare level in a northern province in Vietnam. Methods Six focus-group discussions were conducted with primary healthcare staff members who provided neonatal care in districts that represented three types of geographical areas existing in the province (urban, rural, and mountainous). Recordings were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using content analysis. Results We identified three main categories of importance for KT. Healthcare staff used several channels for acquisition and management of knowledge (1), but none appeared to work well. Participants preferred formal training to reading guideline documents, and they expressed interest in interacting with colleagues at higher levels, which rarely happened. In some geographical areas, traditional medicine (2) seemed to compete with evidence-based practices, whereas in other areas it was a complement. Lack of resources, low frequency of deliveries and, poorly paid staff were observed barriers to keeping skills at an adequate level in the healthcare context (3). Conclusions This study indicates that primary healthcare staff work in a context that to some extent enables them to translate knowledge into practice. However, the established and structured healthcare system in Vietnam does constitute a base where such processes could be expected to work more effectively. To accelerate the development, thorough considerations over the current situation and carefully targeted actions are required.

Abstract Background In order to improve child survival there is a need to target neonatal mortality. In this pursuit, valid local and national statistics on child health are essential. We analyze to what extent births and neonatal deaths are unreported in a low-income country and discuss the consequences at local and international levels for efforts to save newborn lives. Methods Information on all births and neonatal deaths in Quang Ninh province in Northern Vietnam in 2005 was ascertained by systematic inventory through group interviews with key informants, questionnaires and examination of health facility records. Health care staff at 187 Community Health Centers (CHC) and 18 hospitals, in addition to 1372 Village Health Workers (VHW), were included in the study. Results were compared with the official reports of the Provincial Health Bureau. Results The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) was 16/1000 (284 neonatal deaths/17 519 births), as compared to the official rate of 4.2/1000. The NMR varied between 44/1000 and 10/1000 in the different districts of the province. The under-reporting was mainly attributable to a dysfunctional reporting system and the fact that families, not the health system, were made responsible to register births and deaths. This under-reporting has severe consequences at local, national and international levels. At a local level, it results in a lack of awareness of the magnitude and differentials in NMR, leading to an indifference towards the problem. At a national and international level the perceived low mortality rate is manifested in a lack of investments in perinatal health programs. Conclusion This example of a faulty health information system is reportedly not unique in low and middle income countries where needs for neonatal health reforms are greatest. Improving reporting systems on births and neonatal deaths is a matter of human rights and a prerequisite for reducing neonatal mortality in order to reach the fourth millennium goal.

Extreme hydrological events such as tsunamis, high tides, or storm surges seriously threaten coastal communities. These events result in flooding, property damage, loss of life, and long-term economic and social impacts. Therefore, monitoring and detecting extreme hydrological events significantly affect coastal areas in disaster response efforts. However, the cost of installing and maintaining these stations can be a significant challenge for developing countries. The objective of this study is to use a low-cost GNSS receiver to monitor tides and detect extreme coastal hydrological phenomena by analyzing changes in water level, using analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data. Data used in this study were collected from a GNSS station located in the Tam Giang Lagoon area, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam, from September to October 2022. The water level based on GNSS-R is compared with the sensor's measured water level, with the Pearson correlation coefficient reaching 0.96 and RMSE of 0.08m. Continuous Wavelet Transform analysis demonstrated the relationship between water levels and extreme hydrological events. The results show that distinct signatures in the data correspond to the Noru typhoon from September 27-29, 2022, and the inundation from October 14-19, 2022, in Thua Thien Hue. This information is the basis for forecasting and early warning of extreme events and informing disaster response and management efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced persistent threat (APT) attacking campaigns have been a common method for cyber-attackers to attack and exploit end-user computers (workstations) in recent years. In this study, to enhance the effectiveness of the APT malware detection, a combination of deep graph networks and contrastive learning is proposed. The idea is that several deep graph networks such as Graph Convolution Networks (GCN), Graph Isomorphism Networks (GIN), are combined with some popular contrastive learning models like N-pair Loss, Contrastive Loss, and Triplet Loss, in order to optimize the process of APT malware detection and classification in endpoint workstations. The proposed approach consists of three main phases as follows. First, the behaviors of APT malware are collected and represented as graphs. Second, GIN and GCN networks are used to extract feature vectors from the graphs of APT malware. Finally, different contrastive learning models, i.e. N-pair Loss, Contrastive Loss, and Triplet Loss are applied to determine which feature vectors belong to APT malware, and which ones belong to normal files. This combination of deep graph networks and contrastive learning algorithm is a novel approach, that not only enhances the ability to accurately detect APT malware but also reduces false alarms for normal behaviors. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model, whose effectiveness ranges from 88% to 94% across all performance metrics, is not only scientifically effective but also practically significant. Additionally, the results show that the combination of GIN and N-pair Loss performs better than other combined models. This provides a base malware detection system with flexible parameter selection and mathematical model choices for optimal real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]