Banking Relationship Ties to Firm Performance: Evidence from Food and Beverage Firms in Vietnam

This paper is aimed at analyzing the effects of banking relationship on performance of Vietnamese firms in Food and Beverage (F&B), one of the highest potential sectors. Panel data of 170 observations covers 34 F&B firms listed in the Vietnam stock exchanges in the period 2014-2018. The fixed effect model (FEM) is applied. The key findings are: First, short-term loan financing, leverage, and fixed asset ratios all negatively impacted on F&B firm performance, while firm size and net profit margin had positive impacts. These findings were consistent with previous studies. Second, the opposite results with previous studies were: (i) negative corelation of ROE and number of banks firms working with, as F&B firms were inefficient in selecting bank partners; (ii) positive relation of short-term liabilities ratio and ROA/ROE, as F&B firms utilize other non-bank liabilities shortly; (iii) foreign ownership had negative relationship with ROA& ROE. Foreign investors did not have significant roles in most F&B firms. Third, long-term borrowing from banks, state ownership and ages all insignificantly correlated with firm performance. Recommendations to F&B firms include: (1) Reduce the short- term loans and fixed assets investment, while increase the cheap equity funding sources via shareholders (2) Be selective in working with banks to have better fees and interest saved with banks. (3) Utilize other short-term liabilities, including payables and advances – the low-cost funding sources. F&B firms have good bargaining powers in requesting advances from their clients. (4) Have smart buy-in strategies on foreign ownership

Genetic Influences on Mental Health

Mental and physical health are two most crucial factor that deciding the happiness and development of each individual in the world. Physical health problem is quite obvious and easy to be recognized through advanced and modern technology. However, mental health sometimes invisible and hard to be revealed by the machines and the patients themselves. It is believed that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of various mental health conditions. Based on extensive research, scientists categorize major mental illnesses into several types, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. The primary causes of these mental health issues are rooted in organic, psychological, abnormal physical structures, and endogenous factors. Treatment for mental health disorders includes a range of therapies such as medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), psychotherapy, and rehabilitation. It is essential for individuals to adopt different measures such as regular exercise, maintaining a positive attitude towards life’s challenges, helping others, and following a healthy diet to escape from mental health issues. This research used a survey conducted with over 200 participants to understand more about the relationship between mental health and genetics, offering recommendations for reducing the incidence of mental health issues

In vitro growth and content of vincristine and vinblastine of Catharanthus roseus L. hairy roots in response to precursors and elicitors

Catharanthus roseus L. is a medicinal plant that produces numerous indole terpenoid alkaloids, including vincristine and vinblastine, which are used for cancer treatment. The effect of specified precursors (L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine) and elicitors (chitosan, methyl jasmonate) on C. roseus hairy roots (CHR) growth has been examined in order to increase the content of vincristine and vinblastine. Our results showed that CHR generated by an Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain isolated in Vietnam was capable of producing both vincristine and vinblastine when subjected to precursors, but only vinblastine when exposed to elicitors. However, both precursors and elicitors were evaluated to have an effect on increasing the accumulation of TIAs in CHR. In particular, the use of elicitors required more time to find the appropriate induction conditions, while the use of precursors gave outstanding efficiency in the treatment with 1 µM phenylalanine. The greatest yields of vincristine (51.99 µg g-1 DW) and vinblastine (699.92 µg g-1 DW) were obtained in the 7th week (with 0.306 g DW biomass). This result is the first time we might boost the levels of vincristine and vinblastine in our CHR clone generated by the Vietnam strain of A. rhizogenes

High prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants in commensal members of the Enterobacteriaceae in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic members of the Enterobacteriaceae are a well-defined global problem. We hypothesized that one of the main reservoirs of dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes in Vietnam is non-pathogenic intestinal flora, and sought to isolate antimicrobial-resistant organisms from hospitalized patients and non-hospitalized healthy individuals in Ho Chi Minh City. The results identified substantial faecal carriage of gentamicin-, ceftazidime- and nalidixic acid-resistant members of the Enterobacteriaceae in both hospitalized patients and non-hospitalized healthy individuals. A high prevalence of quinolone resistance determinants was identified, particularly the qnrS gene, in both community- and hospital-associated strains. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that a combination of quinolone resistance determinants can confer resistance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, even in the apparent absence of additional chromosomal resistance mutations in wild-type strains and laboratory strains with transferred plasmids. These data suggest that intestinal commensal organisms are a significant reservoir for the dissemination of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Ho Chi Minh City

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf callus with genetic stability validation using SCoT markers in Paramignya trimera, a medicinal plant native to Vietnam

Xao tam phan (Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guillaum) is a medicinal plant native to Vietnam, that is renowned for its therapeutic properties, particularly for the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. This study investigated in vitro propagation of P. trimera through somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis using leaf callus. Various culture media, plant growth regulators, malt extract, and carbon sources were evaluated to optimize callus induction and somatic embryo formation from leaf explants. DNA barcoding confirmed 96.96% to 100% homology with P. trimera specimens from Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam. The highest callus formation rate, reaching 100%, was observed in one-year-old explants cultured in Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 2.0 mg L-1 naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.2 mg L-1 benzylaminopurine (BAP) in the dark for over six weeks. In WPM supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose, 4.0 mg L-1 BAP, and 500 mg L-1 malt extract, globular stage embryos developed into embryoids and shoots and buds clumped at 10 and 18 weeks, respectively. Shoot organogenesis was observed in WPM supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose and 0.07 mg L-1 thidiazuron (TDZ) after 18 weeks of culture. Genetic fidelity assessments using 12 SCoT markers indicated that in vitro plantlets were homologous to the mother plant. This study provides a viable method for the conservation and sustainable cultivation of Xao tam phan, ensuring a stable supply of this valuable medicinal resource

Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion for liver cirrhosis after the Kasai operation in children with biliary atresia

Aim: To evaluate the safety and early outcomes of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) infusion for liver cirrhosis due to biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai operation. Methods: An open-label clinical trial was performed from January 2017 to December 2019. Nineteen children with liver cirrhosis due to BA after Kasai operation were included. Bone marrow was harvested through anterior iliac crest puncture under general anesthesia. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by Ficoll gradient centrifugation and then infused into the hepatic artery. The same procedure was repeated 6 months later. Serum bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and prothrombin time were monitored at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the first transplantation. Esophagoscopies and liver biopsies were performed in patients whose parents provided consent. Mixed-effect analysis was used to evaluate the changes in Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) scores. Results: The average MNC and CD34+ cell counts per kg body weight were 50.1 ± 58.5 × 106/kg and 3.5 ± 2.8 × 106 for the first transplantation and 57.1 ± 42.0 × 106/kg and 3.7 ± 2.7 × 106 for the second transplantation. No severe adverse events associated with the cell therapy were observed in the patients. One patient died 5 months after the first infusion at a provincial hospital due to the rupture of esophageal varices, while 18 patients survived. Liver function was maintained or improved after infusion, as assessed by biochemical tests. The severity of the disease reduced markedly, with a significant reduction in PELD scores. Conclusion: Autologous BMMNC administration for liver cirrhosis due to BA is safe and may maintain or improve liver function. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03468699. Name of the registry: Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03468699?cond=biliary+atresia&cntry=VN&draw=2&rank=2. Registered on March 16, 2018. The trial results will also be published according to the CONSORT statement at conferences and reported in peer-reviewed journals

Two plant-associated Bacillus velezensis strains selected after genome analysis, metabolite profiling, and with proved biocontrol potential, were enhancing harvest yield of coffee and black pepper in large field trials

Elimination of chemically synthesized pesticides, such as fungicides and nematicides, in agricultural products is a key to successful practice of the Vietnamese agriculture. We describe here the route for developing successful biostimulants based on members of the Bacillus subtilis species complex. A number of endospore-forming Gram-positive bacterial strains with antagonistic action against plant pathogens were isolated from Vietnamese crop plants. Based on their draft genome sequence, thirty of them were assigned to the Bacillus subtilis species complex. Most of them were assigned to the species Bacillus velezensis. Whole genome sequencing of strains BT2.4 and BP1.2A corroborated their close relatedness to B. velezensis FZB42, the model strain for Gram-positive plant growth-promoting bacteria. Genome mining revealed that at least 15 natural product biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) are well conserved in all B. velezensis strains. In total, 36 different BGCs were identified in the genomes of the strains representing B. velezensis, B. subtilis, Bacillus tequilensis, and Bacillus. altitudinis. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated the potential of the B. velezensis strains to enhance plant growth and to suppress phytopathogenic fungi and nematodes. Due to their promising potential to stimulate plant growth and to support plant health, the B. velezensis strains TL7 and S1 were selected as starting material for the development of novel biostimulants, and biocontrol agents efficient in protecting the important Vietnamese crop plants black pepper and coffee against phytopathogens. The results of the large-scale field trials performed in the Central Highlands in Vietnam corroborated that TL7 and S1 are efficient in stimulating plant growth and protecting plant health in large-scale applications. It was shown that treatment with both bioformulations resulted in prevention of the pathogenic pressure exerted by nematodes, fungi, and oomycetes, and increased harvest yield in coffee, and pepper.Peer Reviewe

The effectiveness of local surgical technique in treatment of axillary bromhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Up to now, surgical excision of apocrine glands still has been a method that yields high treatment results and low rate of odour recurrent for patients, but many people worry about some serious complications that have been observed postoperatively, such as hematoma and skin necrosis. These prolong wound healing, leading to unsightly scars in the axillary fossae. AIM: We conducted this research to investigate the effects and complications of our surgical technique for axillary bromhidrosis. METHODS: Forty-three patients with axillary bromhidrosis were treated. An elliptical incision was made at a central portion of the area marked, with both tips of the ellipse along the axillary crease. The elliptical skin with the subcutaneous tissue was removed en lock. The adjacent skin was undermined to the periphery of the hair-bearing area with straight scissors. The undermined subcutaneous tissue was removed with curved scissors, and the skin was defatted to become a full-thickness skin flap. Any suspected hemorrhagic spots were immediately coagulated electrosurgically. Appropriate drains were placed, and the treated area was covered with thick gauze to each axilla. Arm movement was strictly controlled in the first 3 days post-operatively. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients have been followed up and evaluated for 6 months. 56 out of 62 axillae (90.3%) showed good to excellent results for malodor elimination. All patients reported a reduction in axillary sweating. There were two axillae of skin necrosis and three axillae of hematoma, with one patient receiving an anticoagulant from a cardiologist after the first day of surgery, to treat heart valve disease. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score decreased significantly, and the quality of life improved after the operation. CONCLUSION: Our technique is a simple surgical procedure and easy to perform helping to achieve results for high malodor elimination, with almost no serious complications. Patient’s life quality improved significantly after the operation