Genetic diversity of gac [Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng] accessions collected from Mekong delta of Vietnam revealed by RAPD markers

Abstract Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng) (2n = 28) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is indigenous throughout in Vietnam as well as in South East Asia. To estimate the genetic diversity, 20 gac accessions collected in Mekong river delta were analyzed using 10 RAPD primers. Total of 126 fragments were obtained from ten RAPD primers, with 114 polymorphic fragments, and average of 11.4 fragments per primer. The high level of polymorphism (90.4%) was found across 20 gac accessions. The high est Nei's gene diversity value among gac accessions was H = 0.40, and the lowest was H = 0.29 with a mean of 0.36. The highest Shannon diversity index value among gac accessions was H' = 0.58 and the lowest was H' = 0.46 with an average of 0.53. Cluster analysis for genetic relationship between accessions displayed that 20 gac accessions grouped into four main clusters which genetic distance coefficient ranged from 0.29 to 0.64 and with an average of 0.54. There were defined groups according to their locations. According to these results, RAPD technique can be useful tool in genetic diversity evaluation of gac. The information achieved could also be useful for gac breeding program, cultivar differentiation and conservation

Information searching behaviors among Vietnamese students during first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aims to describe the COVID-19 related information searching behaviors and the relationship between those behaviors and the satisfaction with the COVID-19 related information searched on the Internet among university students during first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam

Mapping for engagement: setting up a community based participatory research project to reach underserved communities at risk for Hepatitis C in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Background: Approximately 1. 07 million people in Vietnam are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). To address this epidemic, the South East Asian Research Collaborative in Hepatitis (SEARCH) launched a 600-patient cohort study and two clinical trials, both investigating shortened treatment strategies for chronic HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral drugs. We conducted ethnographic research with a subset of trial participants and found that the majority were aware of HCV infection and its implications and were motivated to seek treatment. However, people who inject drugs (PWID), and other groups at risk for HCV were under-represented, although injecting drug use is associated with high rates of HCV. Material and Methods: We designed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study to engage in dialogues surrounding HCV and other community-prioritized health issues with underserved groups at risk for HCV in Ho Chi Minh City. The project consists of three phases: situation analysis, CBPR implementation, and dissemination. In this paper, we describe the results of the first phase (i.e., the situation analysis) in which we conducted desk research and organized stakeholder mapping meetings with representatives from local non-government and community-based organizations where we used participatory research methods to identify and analyze key stakeholders working with underserved populations. Results: Twenty six institutions or groups working with the key underserved populations were identified. Insights about the challenges and dynamics of underserved communities were also gathered. Two working groups made up of representatives from the NGO and CBO level were formed. Discussion: Using the information provided by local key stakeholders to shape the project has helped us to build solid relationships, give the groups a sense of ownership from the early stages, and made the project more context specific. These steps are not only important preliminary steps for participatory studies but also for other research that takes place within the communities

Effect of calcium chloride treatment by vacuum infiltration method on texture and shelf life of black cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum cv. OG)

The use of vacuum infiltration in the food industry has several advantages, such as improving the quality, eliminating chemical treatment requirements, stabilizing products, and retaining nutrients during storage and processing. This study was performed to optimize the vacuum level (516-684 mmHg), treatment time (10-20 min), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentration (0.58- 1.42%) using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The firmness of black cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum cv. OG) reached an optimum value (1477.81 g/cm2) when fruits were treated at a vacuum level of 637 mmHg with a concentration of CaCl2 1.09% for 17 min. Meanwhile, the firmness was 746 g/cm2 for the control sample, which was dipped in 1.42% CaCl2 solution for 20 min at the atmospheric condition. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of stomata of two samples with/without vacuum treatment were also significantly different. The sample after vacuum treatment at optimum parameters was put into PE and PP bags for storage at 10-12°C. Vacuum-infiltrated tomatoes contained in PE and PP bags had a corresponding storage time of 30 and 28 days. The control samples were maintained for shorter periods, only 22 and 20 days, respectively

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

Roles of filial piety, parental control and parental warmth in parent adolescent conflict among Vietnamese families

This study explored the nature of parent-adolescent conflict as well as the roles of filial piety, parental warmth, and parental control in parent-adolescent conflict among Vietnamese families. In order to plumb the combined depth and the breadth of a phenomenon, the researcher employed a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design. Due to different role-expectations for mothers and fathers in Vietnamese culture, the study investigated mother-adolescent conflict and father-adolescent conflict separately. In the quantitative study, 204 adolescents completed questionnaires about mother-adolescent conflict and 201 adolescents about father-adolescent conflict. In the qualitative study, eight mother-adolescent dyads and eight father-adolescent dyads were selected for in-depth interviews. The results of multiple regression analyses revealed that filial piety, parental warmth, and parental control are significant predictors of mother-adolescent conflict and father-adolescent conflict. Maternal control was found to be the strongest predictor of mother-adolescent conflict whereas paternal warmth was the strongest predictor of father-adolescent conflict. The results of qualitative data confirmed the roles of filial piety, parental warmth and parental control in parent-adolescent conflict. Filial piety and parental warmth are likely to lead to less parent-adolescent conflict parental control is likely to result in more parent-adolescent conflict. The findings of both quantitative and qualitative studies showed that issues causing mother-adolescent conflict are mostly similar to those causing father-adolescent conflict. The results of the qualitative study revealed that other factors may contribute to parent-adolescent conflict such as harsh parental discipline, parental lack knowledge of adolescence, lack of parental modeling, and the personal characteristics of parent and adolescent. The findings of this study have implications for counseling practice, for parents and children, and for future research

Contributions of personal, relational and situational variables on well being: Testing for mediation

The study investigated the role of stress, emotional support, and self-esteem on well-being, particularly positive affect and negative affect, among college students. Seventy-nine undergraduate students in a community college, Manila, were chosen using a convenience sampling method. Questionnaires were employed to gather data. The results of path analysis showed that (a) emotional support and self-esteem are both significant mediators of the effect of stress on positive affect but has no effect on negative affect, (b) emotional support partially mediates the effect of stress on self-esteem, and (c) self-esteem partially mediates the effect of emotional support on positive affect. The findings implied the important stress buffering roles of self-esteem and emotional support on well-being. The study further suggested that individuals need to seek out positive relationships and positive appraisals of oneself in order to benefit from the experience of positive affect. Doing so will tend to minimize the effects of negative and stressful events

SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVING THE ADOLESCENT’S MENTAL HEALTH BY THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN GIA LAI, VIETNAM FOLLOWING “STRATIFIED COMMUNICATIONS MODEL”

COVID-19 endangers people's lives and causes many mental health problems for society, especially for young people. Adolescents’ awareness of this problem is essential to control the pandemic and improve their mental health. This study aims to apply a stratified communication model to affect knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about COVID-19 and evaluate their effects on adolescents' mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted before and after the intervention based on questionnaires and online and in-person activities launched in Gia Lai from August to December 2021. Students attending Hung Vuong High School for the Gifted (Ts), a community teen group (Tc), and their parents (Ps and Pc) were invited to participate in this study. Most participants (82.5% of Ts and 52.4% of Tc) comply with the pandemic prevention regulations. COVID-19 affected adolescents’ mental health that caused worry, fear, and loss of attention in 76.1% of Ts and 80% of Tc. The results also illustrated that the KAP of Tc was lower than that of Ts, and their academic level influenced the KAP. After the stratified communication intervention, the KAP of the participants, as well as their mental health improved. This model offers a solution to the minimal impact of COVID-19 on young people and the control of this pandemic

Synthesis of Hybrid Lead Iodide Perovskite Thin Film by Two-Step Method Modified with a Double Dipping Circle to Control Its Crystallization and Morphology to Improve Solar Cells’ Performance

Crystallization and morphology of perovskite film played an important role to obtain efficient performance of perovskite solar cells. This study is aimed at optimizing the fabrication of hybrid organic–inorganic lead iodide perovskite layer by a two-step method modified by a double dip coating process which enables to control the perovskite crystallization and morphology. The duration time of each circle for the step of dipping PbI2 film to methylammonium iodide solution was varied from 90 to 240 second. The obtained perovskite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction to evaluate the transformation of PbI2 reactant to the perovskite product and its crystallization, by scanning electron microscopy to observe its morphology. Then, the perovskite films were implemented in functional perovskite solar cell devices followed by current–voltage characterization. Results showed that the perovskite was formed via an equilibrium process which reached an optimum transformation of PbI2 to the product after 2×150 second circle dip coating, and its morphology was smooth with the least voids. The solar cell devices fabricated at the optimum conditions achieved a comparable performance of about 14%