Evaluation of Pseudomonas stutzeri AM1 and Pseudomonas oleovorans ST1.1 isolated from shrimp pond sediments as probiotics for whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei culture

This study aimed to isolate the probiotic potential of nitrifying bacterial strains and to evaluate their effects on water quality and growth performance of the whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Based on an initial screening of 100 isolates identified from sediment samples, 12 strains could remove nitrogen compounds and two strains (Pseudomonas stutzeri AM1 and P. oleovorans ST1.1) showed highly efficient nitrogen removal ability. Within 96 h, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) removal efficiency in the two strains was 28.0-31.6% and 21.5-24.9%, respectively. The water addition of 103 CFUmL-1 of P. stutzeri AM1 (T1) and P. oleovorans ST1.1 (T2) effectively reduced TAN, nitrite, nitrate, and total sulfide and increased the survival rate and biomass of shrimp. However, no significant differences were found between the control (T0) and treatment groups (T1 and T2) in the final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of shrimp. Overall, P. stutzeri AM1 (T1) and P. oleovorans ST1.1 used as water supplements improved water quality and the survival rate of whiteleg shrimp

Survey on Vietnamese teachers’ perspectives and perceived support during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented damage to the educational system worldwide. Besides the measurable economic impacts in the short-term and long-term, there is intangible destruction within educational institutions. In particular, teachers – the most critical intellectual resources of any schools – have to face various types of financial, physical, and mental struggles due to COVID-19. To capture the current context of more than one million Vietnamese teachers during COVID-19, we distributed an e- survey to more than 2,500 randomly selected teachers from two major teacher communities on Facebook from 6th to 11th April 2020. From over 373 responses, we excluded the observations which violated our cross-check questions and retained 294 observations for further analysis. This dataset includes: (i) Demographics of participants; (ii) Teachers' perspectives regarding the operation of teaching activities during the pandemic; (iii) Teachers' received support from their schools, government bodies, other stakeholders such as teacher unions, and parents' associations; and (iv) teachers' evaluation of school readiness toward digital transformation. Further, the dataset was supplemented with an additional question on the teachers' primary source of professional development activities during the pandemic

Genetic Analyses of HIV-1 Strains Transmitted from Mother to Child in Northern Vietnam

We previously reported mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in nine (6.7%) of 135 children on nevirapine prophylaxis in Vietnam. In the current study, we investigated the appearance and profile of antiretroviral drug (ARV) resistance mutations, the predicted coreceptor usage, and the genetic diversity of HIV-1 strains isolated from the eight pairs of HIV-1-infected mothers and their children, who were followed up to 12 months after birth. Portions of the pol and env C2V3 regions of the HIV-1 strains were analyzed genetically. HIV-1 CRF01-AE RNA was detected in four (50%) children at delivery. Y181C, a nevirapine resistance mutation, appeared in two (25%) children 1 and 3 months after birth, respectively. No ARV resistance mutation was detected in the mothers, though three mothers were on ARV prophylaxis. Five mothers and their children harbored CCR5-tropic (R5) viruses. Two mothers harbored both R5 and CXCR4-tropic (X4) viruses, but their children harbored only R5 viruses even though the X4 viruses were dominant in the mothers. In the remaining one mother, HIV-1 RNA was not amplified and her child harbored both R5 and X4 viruses at birth, but only X4 virus 12 months after delivery. The infants\u27 viruses were more homogeneous than their mothers\u27 viruses (mean distance: 0.5% vs. 1.1%, respectively). This is the first molecular epidemiological study of vertical HIV-1 infections in Vietnam. These findings may provide useful knowledge for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 and the antiretroviral treatment of children in Vietnam. © Copyright 2015, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2015

OVERVIEW OF ARSENIC CONTAMINATION IN GROUNDWATER AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK IN VIETNAM

Joint Research on Environmental Science and Technology for the Eart

CONSERVATION STATUS AND RESEARCH ON PROPAGATION OF CAMELLIA PIQUETIANA IN LAM DONG PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Camellia piquetiana, one of the endemic species of Vietnam, is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN. A reassessment of its conservation status and research into propagation methods are essential for its conservation. Our survey recorded 246 mature individuals in the wild at three locations in Lam Dong Province: Bao Loc City, Bao Lam District, and Da Huoai District. The conservation assessment for this species, determined with GeoCat software, is still CR. Propagation by partially uncoated seeds had a higher propagation efficiency than by coated seeds. The germination percentage was 92.22%; the seeds began germination after 11 days and finished after 29.33 days. The results showed that stem cuttings immersed in a concentration of 500 ppm indole-3-butyric acid for 10 minutes with a 100% coir substrate gave the highest survival percentage (90.00%), rooting percentage (86.67%), average number of roots (4.54), root length (4.86 cm), and rooting index (21.98) after 90 days

Early Treatment with Imiquimod 5% Cream of Periungual Warts in Vietnam: The Poorer, the Better

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of imiquimod 5% in periungual wart treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 40 patients were recruited to apply imiquimod 5 % cream once daily for 5 consecutive days per week in 8 weeks. They were classified into 3 levels: Mild (the total lesion area ≤ 25 mm2), moderate (25 mm2 <total lesion area ≤ 50 mm2), severe (total lesion area > 50 mm2). The outcome was evaluated at the 4th and the 8th week. The result was graded as excellent (complete clearance), good (≥ 50% clearance) and poor (< 50% clearance). RESULTS: The total area of the wart lesion got decreased significantly from the beginning to the 4th and the 8th week (36.7 mm2 vs 16.8 mm2, p = 0.0001 and 16.8 mm2 vs 8.8 mm2, p = 0.01). The complete clearance rate at the 4th week was lower than that at the 8th week significantly (22.5% vs 72.5%, p = 0.04). The clearance rate of patients suffering severe warts was lower significantly than that of mild/ moderate patients (82.8% vs 45.5%, p = 0.03). The duration of the disease in people who responded completely to imiquimod was shorter than that of patients partially responded (10.2 ± 14.1 months vs 22.3 ± 14.3 months, p = 0.02). Adverse effects were not common, mild and local only. Recurrence rate after 6 months of follow up was 3.5%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Imiquimod 5% cream is a safe and effective drug in the treatment of periungual warts

Experiência de aprendizagem de estudantes de enfermagem na prevenção e controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde (PC-IACS) em países asiáticos: um estudo qualitativo exploratório

Background: Healthcare-associated infection prevention and control (HAI-PC) education programs in Asian countries seem limited and require improvement and support. Objective: This study explored students’ learning experiences with HAI-PC education programs in Asian countries (two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities) to support a pedagogical model in HAI-PC. Method: A qualitative exploratory study design was employed, and inductive content analysis was conducted. Students were selected to participate in the focus group to investigate their experiences with HAI-PC using five structured questions. There were 48 nursing students in total from four universities, 28 from 2 universities in Cambodia, and 20 from two universities in Vietnam. Results: The summary results gained from the four universities were synthesized by grouping them into sub-categories and four primary categories, which were students’ HAI-PC competence, students’ current learning methods in HAI-PC Education, the HAI-PC teaching and learning environment, students’ capacity, and entrepreneurial skills in HAI-PC development. Conclusion: This study revealed evidence to improve nursing education in HAI-PC in Asian countries. The new learning method of the simulation scenario and the model fascinated the students; they were happy and more confident about their future careers in practicing HAI-PC skills in their clinical practicum and hospital practice. The current HAI-PC education faces issues related to education and healthcare systems in Asian countries, highlighting the need for improvement.Enquadramento: Os programas de educação em prevenção e controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde (PC-IAS) em países asiáticos parecem ser limitados e necessitam de melhorias e apoio. Objetivo: Este estudo explorou as experiências de aprendizagem dos estudantes com programas de educação em PC-IAS em países asiáticos (duas universidades vietnamitas e duas universidades cambojanas) para apoiar um modelo pedagógico em PC-IAS. Método: Foi utilizado um desenho de estudo exploratório qualitativo, e foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo indutiva. Os estudantes foram selecionados para participar no grupo focal para investigar as suas experiências com PC-IAS usando cinco perguntas estruturadas. No total, participaram 48 estudantes de enfermagem de quatro universidades, sendo 28 de duas universidades no Camboja e 20 de duas universidades no Vietname. Resultados: Os resultados resumidos das quatro universidades foram sintetizados agrupando-os em subcategorias e quatro categorias principais, que eram competência dos estudantes em PC-IAS, métodos de aprendizagem atuais dos estudantes em Educação em PC-IAS, ambiente de ensino e aprendizagem em PC-IAS, capacidade dos estudantes e habilidades empreendedoras no desenvolvimento de PC-IAS. Conclusão: Este estudo revelou evidências para melhorar a educação em enfermagem em PC-IAS em países asiáticos. O novo método de aprendizagem do cenário de simulação e o modelo cativaram os estudantes; eles ficaram felizes e mais confiantes em relação às suas futuras carreiras na prática de habilidades em PC-IAS no estágio clínico e na prática hospitalar. A educação atual em PC-IAS enfrenta questões relacionadas aos sistemas de educação e saúde em países asiáticos, destacando a necessidade de melhorias

Simulação como método de ensino na formação em enfermagem na prevenção e controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde em países asiáticos: um estudo qualitativo

Background: Applying simulation for nursing education, especially in healthcare-associated infection prevention and control (HAI-PC) in developing countries has limited evidence. The study was conducted to explore educators’ perceptions of simulation as a teaching method for nursing education in HAI-PC in two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was applied. A focus group of 37 educators from four universities was conducted for data collection. Inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis was applied in analysing the data. Results: The core category was constructed to reflect educators’ perception of scenario-based simulation (SBS) as a teaching method for nursing education in HAI prevention and control. This main category included three subcategories: (i) enhancing nursing competence; (ii) preparing students for simulation; and [1] promoting simulation pedagogy competence. Conclusions: The findings identified the importance and benefits of applying simulation as a teaching method in nursing education. Additionally, it emphasized the necessity of enhancing knowledge associated with HAIs and providing additional training on simulation for educators to improve the quality of conducting simulations.Enquadramento: A aplicação da simulação no ensino de enfermagem, especialmente na prevenção e controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde (IACS), em países em desenvolvimento, tem evidências limitadas. O estudo foi conduzido para explorar as perceções dos educadores sobre a simulação como método de ensino para a formação em enfermagem na prevenção e controlo de IACS em duas universidades vietnamitas e duas universidades cambojanas. Métodos: Foi aplicado um desenho qualitativo exploratório. Um grupo de discussão com 37 educadores de quatro universidades foi conduzido para a recolha de dados. A análise qualitativa de conteúdo indutiva e dedutiva foi aplicada na análise dos dados. Resultados: A categoria central foi construída para refletir a perceção dos educadores sobre a simulação baseada em cenários (SBC) como método de ensino para a formação em enfermagem na prevenção e controlo de IACS. Esta categoria principal incluiu três subcategorias: (i) aprimoramento da competência em enfermagem; (ii) preparação dos estudantes para a simulação; e [1] promoção da competência em pedagogia de simulação. Conclusões: Os resultados identificaram a importância e benefícios da aplicação da simulação como método de ensino na formação em enfermagem. Além disso, enfatizou a necessidade de aprimorar o conhecimento associado às ICACS e fornecer treinamento adicional sobre simulação para educadores, visando melhorar a qualidade da condução das simulações

Experiências do estudante de enfermagem na aprendizagem da prevenção e controlo de IACS em países asiáticos através do uso de simulação baseada em cenários: um estudo qualitativo exploratório

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have posed a major threat to both patients and to the safety healthcare personnel worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 10% of hospitalized patients are affected by HAIs worldwide. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of nursing students in learning HAIs prevention and control by the application of the scenario-based simulation pedagogy now in use in two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among 160 nursing students from 2 Cambodian universities and 2 Vietnamese universities, and by using the purposive-sampling method. The data were collected through a focus group discussion and analyzed by the Graneheim and Lundman method (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004). Results: Two themes and six categories were generated. 1) First theme: factors for enhancing student learning on the prevention and control of HAIs by use of scenario-based simulation; and 2) Second theme: factors hindering students learning on HAI prevention and control by use of scenario-based simulation. Conclusion: The findings showed that SBS is an effective learning method for nursing students that can be applied to enhance the quality of nursing education in the Asian countries as SBS not only improves the clinical skills, but also the soft skills of nursing students. However, the effective outcomes and impacts can only be achieved in the context with the appropriate learning materials and equipment, simulation facilities and the instructors with pedagogical skills.Enquadramento: As infeções associadas a cuidados de saúde (IACS) têm representado uma grande ameaça tanto para os pacientes quanto para a segurança dos profissionais de saúde em todo o mundo. De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde, 10% dos pacientes hospitalizados são afetados por IACS em todo o mundo. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar as experiências dos estudantes de enfermagem na aprendizagem da prevenção e controlo de IACS através da aplicação da pedagogia de simulação baseada em cenários, atualmente em uso em duas universidades vietnamitas e duas universidades cambojanas. Métodos: Um estudo qualitativo foi conduzido entre 160 estudantes de enfermagem de duas universidades cambojanas e duas universidades vietnamitas, utilizando o método de amostragem propositada. Os dados foram recolhidos através de uma discussão em grupo focal e analisados pelo método de Graneheim e Lundman (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004). Resultados: Dois temas e seis categorias foram gerados. 1) Primeiro tema: fatores que contribuem para a aprendizagem dos estudantes na prevenção e controlo de IACS pelo uso de simulação baseada em cenários; e 2) Segundo tema: fatores que impedem a aprendizagem dos estudantes na prevenção e controlo de IACS pelo uso de simulação baseada em cenários (SBC). Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que a SBC é um método de aprendizagem eficaz para estudantes de enfermagem que pode ser aplicado para melhorar a qualidade da educação em enfermagem nos países asiáticos, uma vez que a SBC não só melhora as habilidades clínicas, mas também as habilidades interpessoais dos estudantes de enfermagem. No entanto, os resultados e impactos efetivos só podem ser alcançados no contexto com os materiais e equipamentos de aprendizagem apropriados, instalações de simulação e instrutores com habilidades pedagógicas