THỰC VẬT PHÙ DU VÙNG BIỂN VEN BỜ ĐÀ NẴNG

Phytoplankton, especially community characteristics, in coastal waters of Da Nang have not been well studied. This present study analyzed data of phytoplankton for diversity and abundance from surveys from 2002 to 2016 at 44 stations in the coastal Da Nang waters. A total of 316 taxa from 9 classes were identified: Dinophyceae (134 taxa), Mediophyceae (77 taxa), Coscinodiscophyceae (44 taxa), Bacillariophyceae (36 taxa), Cyanophyceae (3 taxa), Dictyochophyceae (2 taxa), Bacillariophyta classis incertae sedis (1 taxon), Conjugatophyceae (1 taxon) and Thecofilosea (1 taxon). A list of 36 species of potentially harmful microalgae was recorded in coastal waters of Da Nang. In which, Pseudo-nitzschia spp. often had higher cell densities in some locations during the northeast monsoon. Analyzing diversity indices in different locations showed that there were significance differences of Margalef and Shannon indices, low in estuarine area (CS) and higher in the south of Son Tra peninsula (NST). Meanwhile no strong differences of Pielou and Simpson indices were found among the locations. However, there were strong differences of Margalef, Simpson and Pielou indices, which were found over the three studied years (2004, 2005, and 2006), mainly in NST, the northeast of Son Tra peninsula (DBST) and Da Nang bay (VDN). Analysis of species accumulation curves indicated that only 56–95% of species  was found compared to maximal expected species richness in all studied locations. DMS analysis showed that there was year-based similarity among the years (ca. 50% of similarity) of phytoplankton communities. Among the studied years, average phytoplankton cell densities in Da Nang bay and the northeast of Son Tra were higher than those in other years and locations. This present study on species richness, expected species richness and variation in phytoplankton abundance suggested that there is a need of increasing sampling efforts, especially in riverine area and DBST for better understanding of characteristics of phytoplankton communities in coastal Da Nang waters.Thực vật phù du là đối tượng ít được nghiên cứu ở vùng biển ven bờ Đà Nẵng, nhất là những đặc trưng về thành phần loài và cấu trúc quần xã. Trong bài báo này, chúng tôi phân tích số liệu về đa dạng loài và sự phong phú của thực vật phù du thu thập được trong các chuyến khảo sát từ năm 2002 đến năm 2016 ở 44 trạm trong vùng biển ven bờ Đà Nẵng. Kết quả phân tích đã xác định được 316 loài và dưới loài thuộc 9 lớp tảo khác nhau. Trong các loài thực vật phù du ghi nhận được, có 36 loài tảo có khả năng gây hại, trong đó mật độ của Pseudo-nitzschia spp. cao hơn tại một số khu vực trong thời kỳ gió mùa Đông Bắc. Phân tích các chỉ số theo từng khu vực, có thể thấy chỉ số giàu có loài Margalef và chỉ số đa dạng Shannon khác nhau đáng kể giữa các khu vực, thấp ở cửa sông trong vịnh Đà Nẵng và cao ở nam bán đảo Sơn Trà. Trong khi các chỉ số cân bằng Pielou và đa dạng Simpson lại không khác biệt giữa các khu vực. Tuy nhiên, sự đa dạng và độ giàu có loài lại có sự khác biệt giữa các năm 2004, 2005 và 2016, chủ yếu ở nam bán đảo Sơn Trà, đông bắc bán đảo Sơn Trà và vịnh Đà Nẵng. Phân tích độ giàu có loài cho thấy hầu hết các khu vực đều chỉ ghi nhận được từ 56% đến 95% số loài mong đợi. Phân tích cấu trúc quần xã thực vật phù du thu thể hiện sự biến động giữa các năm nghiên cứu với mức độ tương đồng trong năm xấp xỉ 50%. So sánh trung bình mật độ thực vật phù du thu của từng khu vực cho thấy mật độ vào năm 2005 cao hơn hẳn so với các năm khác ở vịnh Đà Nẵng và đông bắc Sơn Trà. Các phân tích về độ giàu có loài, loài mong đợi và biến động mật độ thực vật phù du thu cho thấy dù vùng biển nghiên cứu được ghi nhận thành phần loài thực vật phù du thu cao, nhưng số lượng trạm và thời gian thu mẫu ở vùng biển Đà nẵng nhất là khu vực cửa sông cần được thu thập nhiều hơn, vẫn cần thu thập thêm vật mẫu ở tất cả các khu vực, nhất là vùng cửa sông trong vịnh Đà Nẵng và đông bắc bán đảo Sơn Trà

ẢNH HƯỞNG CỦA VITAMIN E BỔ SUNG VÀO THỨC ĂN ĐẾN HIỆU QUẢ SINH SẢN, CHẤT LƯỢNG TRỨNG VÀ ẤU TRÙNG CÁ KHOANG CỔ NEMO (Amphiprion ocellaris (CUVIER, 1830))

This study was carried out to determine the effects of vitamin E (a-tocopherol) in five levels (0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 mg vitamin E/kg feed) in broodfish diets on reproductive, egg and larval quality parameters of clownfish (Amphirion ocellaris). Each treatment was repeated in triplicate and the supplemental feeding trial was arranged for 13 months. The result showed that there were no significant differences in re-maturation and spawning periods, spawning frequency, fecundity, egg diameter and larval size of Nemo fish observed between the treatments. However, diets supplemented with vitamin E positively influenced the rate of egg loss, hatching rate of egg and survival rate of the 3 days post hatch. The overall result of this experiment indicated that the optimum vitamin E requirement of clownfish for reproductive performance was 375 mg vitamin E/kg feed.Thí nghiệm được thực hiện nhằm xác định ảnh hưởng của vitamin E (0, 125, 250, 375 và 500 mg/kg thức ăn) được bổ sung trong thức ăn cá bố mẹ đến các chỉ số sinh sản, chất lượng trứng và ấu trùng cá khoang cổ Nemo (Amphiprion ocellaris). Mỗi nghiệm thức được lặp lại 3 lần và thí nghiệm được tiến hành trong 13 tháng. Kết quả đã cho thấy thời gian tái thành thục và sinh sản, tần suất sinh sản, sức sinh sản thực tế, đường kính trứng và kích thước ấu trùng không bị ảnh hưởng bởi chế độ ăn bổ sung vitamin E ở các mức khác nhau. Tuy nhiên, chế độ ăn có bổ sung vitamin E đã ảnh hưởng tích cực đến tỷ lệ hao hụt của trứng, tỷ lệ trứng nở và tỷ lệ sống của ấu trùng 3 ngày tuổi. Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra rằng nhu cầu vitamin E tối ưu của cá khoang cổ Nemo đạt được hiệu quả sinh sản là 375 mg vitamin E/kg thức ăn

Genetic Interaction Between Two VNTRs in the SLC6A4 Gene Regulates Nicotine Dependence in Vietnamese Men

Nicotine dependence is an addiction to tobacco products and a global public health concern. Association between the SLC6A4 polymorphisms and nicotine dependence is controversial. Two variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) domains, termed HTTLPR and STin2, in the SLC6A4 gene are well characterized transcriptional regulatory elements. Their polymorphism in the copy number of the repeat correlates with the particular personality and psychiatric traits. We analyzed nicotine dependence in 1,804 participants from Central Vietnam. The Fagerström Test (FTND) was used to evaluate the nicotine dependence and PCR was used to determine the SLC6A4 HTTLPR and STin2 VNTRs. The HTTLPR VNTR was associated with difficulties to refrain from smoking in a prohibiting environment. The STIn2 10/10 genotype was associated with (1) years of smoking, (2) difficulties to quit the first cigarette, and (3) higher number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD). Stratification analysis was used to find the genetic interaction between these two VNTRs in nicotine dependence as they may synergistically regulate the SLC6A4 expression. Smokers with the S/S HTTLPR genotypes showed a much stronger association between STin2 10/10 variant and CPD. This finding is consistent with the molecular evidence for the functional interaction between HTTLPR and STin2 in cell line models, where STin2 has described as a stronger expressional regulator. Similarly, we found that STin2 is a much stronger modifier of smoking with 10/10 genotype related to higher nicotine dependence. The present study supports genetic interaction between HTTLPR and STin2 VNTRs in the regulation of nicotine dependence with the dominance of the STin2 effects. This finding could be explained by their differential effect on the SLC6A4 expression

Rifampicin resistant 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis' in Vietnam, 2020–2022

Objective: We conducted a descriptive analysis of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Vietnam’s two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city. Methods: All patients with rifampicin resistant tuberculosis were recruited from Hanoi and surrounding provinces between 2020 and 2022. Additional patients were recruited from Ho Chi Minh city over the same time period. Demographic data were recorded from all patients, and samples collected, cultured, whole genome sequenced and analysed for drug resistance mutations. Genomic susceptibility predictions were made on the basis of the World Health Organization’s catalogue of mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with drug resistance, version 2. Comparisons were made against phenotypic drug susceptibility test results where these were available. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for previous episodes of tuberculosis. Results: 233/265 sequenced isolates were of sufficient quality for analysis, 146 (63 %) from Ho Chi Minh City and 87 (37 %) from Hanoi. 198 (85 %) were lineage 2, 20 (9 %) were lineage 4, and 15 (6 %) were lineage 1. 17/211 (8 %) for whom HIV status was known were infected, and 109/214 (51 %) patients had had a previous episode of tuberculosis. The main risk factor for a previous episode was HIV infection (odds ratio 5.1 (95 % confidence interval 1.3–20.0); p = 0.021). Sensitivity for predicting first-line drug resistance from whole genome sequencing data was over 90 %, with the exception of pyrazinamide (85 %). For moxifloxacin and amikacin it was 50 % or less. Among rifampicin-resistant isolates, prevalence of resistance to each non-first-line drug was < 20 %. Conclusions: Drug resistance among most MDR-TB strains in Vietnam’s two largest cities is confined largely to first-line drugs. Living with HIV is the main risk factor among patients with MDR-TB for having had a previous episode of tuberculosis

Genetic Interaction Between Two VNTRs in the SLC6A4 Gene Regulates Nicotine Dependence in Vietnamese Men

Nicotine dependence is an addiction to tobacco products and a global public health concern. Association between the SLC6A4 polymorphisms and nicotine dependence is controversial. Two variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) domains, termed HTTLPR and STin2, in the SLC6A4 gene are well characterized transcriptional regulatory elements. Their polymorphism in the copy number of the repeat correlates with the particular personality and psychiatric traits. We analyzed nicotine dependence in 1,804 participants from Central Vietnam. The Fagerström Test (FTND) was used to evaluate the nicotine dependence and PCR was used to determine the SLC6A4 HTTLPR and STin2 VNTRs. The HTTLPR VNTR was associated with difficulties to refrain from smoking in a prohibiting environment. The STIn2 10/10 genotype was associated with (1) years of smoking, (2) difficulties to quit the first cigarette, and (3) higher number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD). Stratification analysis was used to find the genetic interaction between these two VNTRs in nicotine dependence as they may synergistically regulate the SLC6A4 expression. Smokers with the S/S HTTLPR genotypes showed a much stronger association between STin2 10/10 variant and CPD. This finding is consistent with the molecular evidence for the functional interaction between HTTLPR and STin2 in cell line models, where STin2 has described as a stronger expressional regulator. Similarly, we found that STin2 is a much stronger modifier of smoking with 10/10 genotype related to higher nicotine dependence. The present study supports genetic interaction between HTTLPR and STin2 VNTRs in the regulation of nicotine dependence with the dominance of the STin2 effects. This finding could be explained by their differential effect on the SLC6A4 expression

Safety and efficacy of fluoxetine on functional outcome after acute stroke (AFFINITY): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Trials of fluoxetine for recovery after stroke report conflicting results. The Assessment oF FluoxetINe In sTroke recoverY (AFFINITY) trial aimed to show if daily oral fluoxetine for 6 months after stroke improves functional outcome in an ethnically diverse population. Methods AFFINITY was a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done in 43 hospital stroke units in Australia (n=29), New Zealand (four), and Vietnam (ten). Eligible patients were adults (aged ≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke in the previous 2–15 days, brain imaging consistent with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, and a persisting neurological deficit that produced a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 1 or more. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 via a web-based system using a minimisation algorithm to once daily, oral fluoxetine 20 mg capsules or matching placebo for 6 months. Patients, carers, investigators, and outcome assessors were masked to the treatment allocation. The primary outcome was functional status, measured by the mRS, at 6 months. The primary analysis was an ordinal logistic regression of the mRS at 6 months, adjusted for minimisation variables. Primary and safety analyses were done according to the patient's treatment allocation. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12611000774921. Findings Between Jan 11, 2013, and June 30, 2019, 1280 patients were recruited in Australia (n=532), New Zealand (n=42), and Vietnam (n=706), of whom 642 were randomly assigned to fluoxetine and 638 were randomly assigned to placebo. Mean duration of trial treatment was 167 days (SD 48·1). At 6 months, mRS data were available in 624 (97%) patients in the fluoxetine group and 632 (99%) in the placebo group. The distribution of mRS categories was similar in the fluoxetine and placebo groups (adjusted common odds ratio 0·94, 95% CI 0·76–1·15; p=0·53). Compared with patients in the placebo group, patients in the fluoxetine group had more falls (20 [3%] vs seven [1%]; p=0·018), bone fractures (19 [3%] vs six [1%]; p=0·014), and epileptic seizures (ten [2%] vs two [<1%]; p=0·038) at 6 months. Interpretation Oral fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 6 months after acute stroke did not improve functional outcome and increased the risk of falls, bone fractures, and epileptic seizures. These results do not support the use of fluoxetine to improve functional outcome after stroke

Diversity of phytoplankton in lower Thu Bon river and Cu Lao Cham

Data on characteristics of phytoplankton communities is important scientific information in marine ecosystem, especially in assessment of environmental impacts on biodiversity in a specific waters. In the present study, two-year phytoplankton data was analyzed for species diversity, community structure changes and variation in 4 adjacent waters:  Lower Thu Bon river  (TB), transition waters (CT), Cu Lao Cham island (CLC) and offshore site (BM) to provide basic scientific data of phytoplankton communities, compare and assess seasonal changes and possible linkage of these adjacent waters. A total of 364 phytoplankton taxa of 12 classes were identified, showing high diversity and with seasonal variation of the investigated waters. There was strong difference of phytoplankton communities among the adjacent waters with low similarity index and the change of dominant species seasonally in each area. The species richness and diversity in the lower Thu Bon river were lower than in other areas. Variation of phytoplankton abundance and diversity along the river transect showed changes in species composition between the dry and rainy seasons but with similar trend in abundance. The low community similarity between the adjacent waters and the transition waters may indicate low impacts of river flow on phytoplankton communities in the coastal waters

Cross-Sectional Study to Characterise Nicotine Dependence in Central Vietnamese Men.

Tobacco is legally permitted for adults, easily available, and the prevalence of smoking is high. Tobacco use is the largest preventable risk factor for human disease. To reduce smoking, many countries have introduced public policy to restrict the distribution of tobacco. The aim of this study was to analyse tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence in Central Vietnamese men around Hue and Da Nang cities. Nicotine dependence was measured using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score. The cohort contained total of 1822 Central Vietnamese men from Hue and Da Nang: 1453 smokers and 369 non-smokers. Individuals completed a questionnaire and factors such as smoking initiation, quitting behaviour, and success in quitting were also recorded. In the smoking group, the average amount of time in which the individual had smoked was 26.4 years. Average FTND value was 4.02, median was 4, the first quartile was 2, and the third quartile was 6. In all, 431 smokers (30%) had an FTND score of 6 or higher; an FTND score of this value is considered to equate to an individual having high nicotine dependence. Therefore, it could be noted that high nicotine dependence is very common in Central Vietnam. High nicotine dependence was significantly correlated with years of smoking. The longer the smoking period, the higher the FTND score. A high FTND score correlated with the individual being less likely to successfully quit smoking. The results of the questionnaire demonstrate that even when there is no restriction in public policy concerning the distribution of tobacco, individuals still wish to quit smoking. This study identified a high prevalence of severe nicotine dependence in Central Vietnamese men and the majority smokers wished to quit smoking. Consequently, the results of this study highlight the acute need for a specific programme to aid smokers in Central Vietnam to quit smoking

Proceedings of the 5th Conference on Language Teaching and Learning

This conference proceedings contains articles on the various research ideas of the academic community and practitioners presented at the 5th Conference on Language Teaching and Learning (LTAL-2023). LTAL2023 was organized by the Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, Vietnam on May 7, 2023. Conference Title: 5th Conference on Language Teaching and LearningConference Acronym: LTAL-2023Conference Date: 7 May 2023Conference Location: VietnamConference Organizers: Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, Vietnam. Related Proceedings:  Proceedings of the 4th Conference on Language Teaching and Learnin

Epidemiological urinalysis of children from kindergartens of Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam

Background Recent studies on Vietnamese children have shown that kidney diseases are not detected early enough to prevent chronic renal failure. The dipstick test is a simple and useful tool for detecting urinary abnormalities, especially in isolated or remote areas of Vietnam, where children have limited access to health care. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 at seven kindergartens in Can Gio district, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Two thousand and twelve children, aged 3 to 5, were enrolled. Morning mid-stream urine samples were examined by dipstick. Children with abnormal findings were re-examined with a second dipstick and underwent further investigations. Results Urinalysis was available for 1,032 boys and 980 girls. Mean age was 4.4 ± 0.8 years. Urinary abnormalities were detected in 108 (5.5%) of the subjects. Among them, nitrituria and leucocyturia accounted for more than 50%. Positive fractions of proteinuria, hematuria, nitrituria, leucocyturia, and combined nitrituria and leucocyturia after two dipsticks were 0.1%, 0.1%, 2%, 1% and 0.3%, respectively. Abnormal findings were more common in girls than boys (p < 0.001), and higher in communes with very low (< 50 persons/km2) population density (14.3% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001). A renal ultrasound detected four cases of hydronephrosis and one case of duplication of ureter. Conclusions The prevalence of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic children in South Vietnam demonstrates the need for hygiene education among parents. Training for dipstick usage for all medical staff at health stations, especially in remote areas and in places with very low population density, is also clearly necessary. Routine urinalysis can be set up if a close control is conducted at locations