Understanding Acceptability and Willingness-to-pay for a C-reactive Protein Point-of-care Testing Service to Improve Antibiotic Dispensing for Respiratory Infections in Vietnamese Pharmacies: A Mixed-methods Study.

Background: Pharmacies are popular first points of contact for mild infections in the community. Pharmacy services in many countries have expanded to include vaccines and point-of-care tests. In low- and middle-income countries such as Vietnam, poor enforcement of regulations results in substantial volumes of over-the-counter antibiotic sales. Point-of-care tests could provide an economically viable way to reduce antibiotic sales, while still satisfying customer demand for convenient healthcare. C-reactive protein point-of-care testing (CRP-POCT) can reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory illness in primary care. Here, we explore the acceptability and feasibility of implementing CRP-POCT in pharmacies in Vietnam. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study between April and June 2021. A customer exit survey with 520 participants seeking acute respiratory infection treatment at 25 pharmacies evaluated acceptability and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for CRP-POCT and post-service satisfaction. Factors driving customers" acceptance and WTP were explored through mixed-effects multivariable regression. Three focus group discussions with customers (20 participants) and 12 in-depth interviews with pharmacists and other stakeholders were conducted and analyzed thematically. Results: Antibiotics were sold to 81.4% of patients with CRP levels <10 mg/L (antibiotics not recommended). A total of 96.5% of customers who experienced CRP-POCT supported its future introduction at pharmacies. Patients with antibiotic transactions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-4.48) and those suffering acute respiratory infection symptoms for more than 3 days (aOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.08-4.08) were more likely to accept CRP-POCT, whereas customers visiting for children (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI, .10-.54) and those with preference for antibiotic treatment (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.23-0.89) were less likely to accept CRP-POCT. A total of 78.3% (95% CI, 74.8-81.7) of customers were willing to pay for CRP-POCT, with a mean cost of US$2.4 (±1.1). Customer's income and cost of total drug treatment were associated with increased WTP. Enablers for implementing CRP-POCT included customers' and pharmacists' perceived benefits of CRP-POCT, and the impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of POCT. Perceived challenges for implementation included the additional burden of service provision, lack of an enabling policy environment, and potential risks for customers. Conclusions: Implementing CRP-POCT at pharmacies is a feasible and well-accepted strategy to tackle the overuse of antibiotics in the community, with appeal for both supply and demand sides. Creating an enabling policy environment for its implementation, and transparent discussion of values and risks would be key for its successful implementation.

Electronic and magnetic properties of GeS monolayer effected by point defects and doping.

In this work, defect engineering and doping are proposed to effectively functionalize a germanium sulfide (GeS) mononolayer. With a buckled hexagonal structure, the good dynamical and thermal stability of the GeS monolayer is confirmed. PBE(HSE06)-based calculations assert the indirect gap semiconductor nature of this two-dimensional (2D) material with a relatively large band gap of 2.48(3.28) eV. The creation of a single Ge vacancy magnetizes the monolayer with a total magnetic moment of 1.99 µB, creating a the feature-rich half-metallic nature. VaS vacancy, VaGeS divacancy, SGe and GeS antisites preserve the non-magnetic nature; however, they induce considerable band gap reduction of the order 47.98%, 89.11%, 29.84%, and 62.5%, respectively. By doping with transition metals (TMs), large total magnetic moments of 3.00, 4.00, and 5.00 µB are obtained with V, Cr-Fe, and Mn impurities, respectively. The 3d orbital of TM dopants mainly regulates the electronic and magnetic properties, which induces either the half-metallic or diluted magnetic semiconductor nature. It is found that the doping site plays a determinant role in the case of doping with VA-group atoms (P and As). The GeS monolayer can be metallized by doping the Ge sublattice, meanwhile both spin states exhibit semiconductor character with strong spin polarization upon doping the S sublattice to obtain a diluted magnetic semiconductor nature with a total magnetic moment of 1.00 µB. In these cases, the magnetism originates mainly from P and As impurities. The obtained results suggest an efficient approach to functionalize the GeS monolayer for optoelectronic and spintronic applications.

Comparison between U-shaped structural deep learning models to detect landslide traces.

Landslides endanger lives and public infrastructure in mountainous areas. Monitoring landslide traces in real-time is difficult for scientists, sometimes costly and risky because of the harsh terrain and instability. Nowadays, modern technology may be able to identify landslide-prone locations and inform locals for hours or days when the weather worsens. This study aims to propose indicators to detect landslide traces on the fields and remote sensing images; build deep learning (DL) models to identify landslides from Sentinel-2 images automatically; and apply DL-trained models to detect this natural hazard in some particular areas of Vietnam. Nine DL models were trained based on three U-shaped architectures, including U-Net, U2-Net, and U-Net3+, and three options of input sizes. The multi-temporal Sentinel-2 images were chosen as input data for training all models. As a result, the U-Net, using an input image size of 32 × 32 and a performance of 97 % with a loss function of 0.01, can detect typical landslide traces in Vietnam. Meanwhile, the U-Net (64 × 64) can detect more considerable landslide traces. Based on multi-temporal remote sensing data, a different case study in Vietnam was chosen to see landslide traces over time based on the trained U-Net (32 × 32) model. The trained model allows mountain managers to track landslide occurrences during wet seasons. Thus, landslide incidents distant from residential areas may be discovered early to warn of flash floods.

The first epidemiology of urolithiasis in Northern Vietnam: Urinary stone composition, age, gender, season, and clinical features study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze the compositions of urinary stones and investigate their distributions in different ages, genders, seasons, and clinical features of Northern Vietnamese patients. METHODS: A total of 231 patients with urinary stones from Northern Vietnam were collected and analyzed composition from 1/2021-12/2022. For all patients, age, sex, stone location, stone side, urine pH, and hospitalized date (month) were collected. RESULTS: Kidney stones are more frequently found in men than women with the male: female urinary stones ratio in this study being 1.96:1. The highest stone prevalence appeared between 60 and 69 years old. The most common stone composition was calcium oxalate, followed by calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cysteine. Mix stones of CaOx and CaP were more prevalent than pure stones. Males submitted more CaOx, CaP, and UA stones, whereas females were susceptible to infectious stones. Stones were more frequently found on the left side of the upper urinary tract (51.9%) than on the right side (27.3%) and lower urinary tract (7.8%). Cultural tendency leads to a smaller number of stones during the Lunar new year (February), and Ghost month (August).

Sticking Detection by Repeated Compactions on a Single Tablet.

"Sticking" during tablet manufacture is the term used to describe the accumulation of adhered tablet material on the punch over the course of several compaction cycles. The occurrence of sticking can affect tablet weight, image, and structural integrity and halt manufacturing operations. The earlier the risk of sticking is detected during R&D, the more options are available for mitigation and the less potential there is for significant delays and costs. The detection osf sticking, however, during the early stages of drug development is challenging due to the limitations of available material quantity. In this work, single tablet multi-compaction (STMC) and a highly sensitive laser reflection sensor are used to detect the propensity of sticking with ibuprofen powder blends. STMC can differentiate the various formulations and replicates the trends of sticking at different punch speeds. The results demonstrate the potential for STMC to be used as an extremely material sparing (requiring very few tablets) methodology for the assessment of sticking during early-stage development.

The application of blended learning in mathematics teacher education: Protocol for a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: In recent decades, especially in higher education, blended learning has become the most commonly used active teaching strategy. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, blended learning, which combines face-to-face and online components, is believed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional teaching methods, particularly in face-to-face interactions. Based on PRISMA guidelines, this study follows the protocol for a systematic review of blended learning applications in mathematics teacher education. This systematic review study aims to comprehend the potential of blended learning for various mathematical topics, the common blended learning models, and the benefits and challenges this teaching approach presents for educational stakeholders. METHODS: Searches will be performed in various electronic databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis Online, Mendeley, Google Scholar, and ERIC. Selected studies that satisfy the inclusion criteria will document the use of various blended learning models in a range of mathematical topics as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this method of instruction. The data extraction process will be carried out independently by various authors, and the results of the data synthesis will be reported per the chosen studies, methodological considerations, and key findings. DISCUSSION: This review will provide information about the application of blended learning and its benefits and challenges in mathematics teacher education to support educational stakeholders in mathematics teacher education.

Laser-Based Selective Material Processing for Next-Generation Additive Manufacturing.

The connection between laser-based material processing and additive manufacturing is quite deeply rooted. In fact, the spark that started the field of additive manufacturing is the idea that two intersecting laser beams can selectively solidify a vat of resin. Ever since, laser has been accompanying the field of additive manufacturing, with its repertoire expanded from processing only photopolymer resin to virtually any material, allowing liberating customizability. As a result, additive manufacturing is expected to take an even more prominent role in the global supply chain in years to come. Herein, an overview of laser-based selective material processing is presented from various aspects: the physics of laser-material interactions, the materials currently used in additive manufacturing processes, the system configurations that enable laser-based additive manufacturing, and various functional applications of next-generation additive manufacturing. Additionally, current challenges and prospects of laser-based additive manufacturing are discussed.

A Bridge too Far? Comparison of Transition Metal Complexes of Dibenzyltetraazamacrocycles with and without Ethylene Cross-Bridges: X-ray Crystal Structures, Kinetic Stability, and Electronic Properties.

Tetraazamacrocycles, cyclic molecules with four nitrogen atoms, have long been known to produce highly stable transition metal complexes. Cross-bridging such molecules with two-carbon chains has been shown to enhance the stability of these complexes even further. This provides enough stability to use the resulting compounds in applications as diverse and demanding as aqueous, green oxidation catalysis all the way to drug molecules injected into humans. Although the stability of these compounds is believed to result from the increased rigidity and topological complexity imparted by the cross-bridge, there is insufficient experimental data to exclude other causes. In this study, standard organic and inorganic synthetic methods were used to produce unbridged dibenzyl tetraazamacrocycle complexes of Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn that are analogues of known cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles and their transition metal complexes to allow direct comparison of molecules that are identical except for the cross-bridge. The syntheses of the known tetraazamacrocycles and the new transition metal complexes were successful with high yields and purity. Initial chemical characterization of the complexes was conducted by UV-Visible spectroscopy, while cyclic voltammetry showed more marked differences in electronic properties from bridged versions. Direct comparison studies of the unbridged and bridged compounds' kinetic stabilities, as demonstrated by decomposition using high acid concentration and elevated temperature, showed that the cyclen-based complex stability did not benefit from cross-bridging. This is likely due to poor complementarity with the Cu2+ ion while cyclam-based complexes benefited greatly. We conclude that ligand-metal complementarity must be maintained in order for the topological and rigidity constraints imparted by the cross-bridge to contribute significantly to complex robustness.

The protein escape process at the ribosomal exit tunnel has conserved mechanisms across the domains of life.

The ribosomal exit tunnel is the primary structure affecting the release of nascent proteins at the ribosome. The ribosomal exit tunnels from different species have elements of conservation and differentiation in structural and physico-chemical properties. In this study, by simulating the elongation and escape processes of nascent proteins at the ribosomal exit tunnels of four different organisms, we show that the escape process has conserved mechanisms across the domains of life. Specifically, it is found that the escape process of proteins follows the diffusion mechanism given by a simple diffusion model, and the median escape time positively correlates with the number of hydrophobic residues and the net charge of a protein for all the exit tunnels considered. These properties hold for 12 distinct proteins considered in two slightly different and improved Go-like models. It is also found that the differences in physico-chemical properties of the tunnels lead to quantitative differences in the protein escape times. In particular, the relatively strong hydrophobicity of E. coli's tunnel and the unusually high number of negatively charged amino acids on the tunnel's surface of H. marismortui lead to substantially slower escapes of proteins at these tunnels than at those of S. cerevisiae and H. sapiens.

New data on the distribution and diversity of the Tonkin limestone rat (Tonkinomysdaovantieni, Rodentia, Muridae).

The paper presented novel findings of little-known species of rodents the Tonkin limestone rat Tonkinomysdaovantieni in Cao Bang Province, Vietnam with its morphological and genetic characterisation. The study summarises data on the distribution of this data-deficient species, available museum collections, genetic samples, information on its taxonomy and ecology, important to establish the proper conservation status of the species. An exhaustive map of the findings is provided. It is shown that, based on the data currently available, the species does not require taxonomic revision and also, apparently, does not need a special conservation measure; its status may be established to date as Near Threatened B1a+2a and the current population trend - Stable, IUCN.

Challenges and Lessons Learned in the Development of a Participatory Learning and Action Intervention to Tackle Antibiotic Resistance: Experiences From Northern Vietnam.

Antibiotic use in the community for humans and animals is high in Vietnam, driven by easy access to over-the counter medicines and poor understanding of the role of antibiotics. This has contributed to antibiotic resistance levels that are amongst the highest in the world. To address this problem, we developed a participatory learning and action (PLA) intervention. Here we describe challenges and lessons learned while developing and testing this intervention in preparation for a large-scale One Health trial in northern Vietnam. We tested the PLA approach using community-led photography, and then reflected on how this approach worked in practice. We reviewed and discussed implementation documentation and developed and refined themes. Five main themes were identified related to challenges and lessons learned: understanding the local context, stakeholder relationship development, participant recruitment, building trust and motivation, and engagement with the topic of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Partnerships with national and local authorities provided an important foundation for building relationships with communities, and enhanced visibility and credibility of activities. Partnership development required managing relationships, clarifying roles, and accommodating different management styles. When recruiting participants, we had to balance preferences for top-down and bottom-up approaches. Building trust and motivation took time and was challenged by limited study team presence in the community. Open discussions around expectations and appropriate incentives were re-visited throughout the process. Financial incentives provided initial motivation to participate, while less tangible benefits like collective knowledge, social connections, desire to help the community, and new skills, sustained longer-term motivation. Lack of awareness and perceived importance of the problem of AMR, affected initial motivation. Developing mutual understanding through use of common and simplified language helped when discussing the complexities of this topic. A sense of ownership emerged as the study progressed and participants understood more about AMR, how it related to their own concerns, and incorporated their own ideas into activities. PLA can be a powerful way of stimulating community action and bringing people together to tackle a common problem. Understanding the nuances of local power structures, and allowing time for stakeholder relationship development and consensus-building are important considerations when designing engagement projects.

The willingness to perform first aid among high school students and associated factors in Hue, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents who are willing to perform first aid can help prevent injuries and ultimately death among themselves and others involved in accidents or injuries. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of students' willingness to perform first aid procedures and additionally examine associated factors among high school students in Hue, Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional study utilizing multi-stage stratified random sampling was conducted between April to July 2020 by investigating 798 high school students in Hue, Vietnam. Participants were invited to complete a self-reported questionnaire pertaining to individual demographic characteristics, personal perception of self-efficacy, and willingness to perform first aid. To better interpret these findings, both multivariable linear and Poisson regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between individual student characteristics and the willingness to perform first aid. RESULTS: The prevalence of having willingness to perform first aid (defined as ≥4 points out of 5 to all three questions) was 49.9% (95%CI:28.6-71.2%). The major reported barriers in performing first aid were fear of making mistakes and hurting victims (34.4%, 95%CI:31.9-37.0%), no prior first aid training (29.8%, 95%CI:25.9-33.9%), and forgetting first aid steps (23.0%, 95%CI:15.8-32.2%). By employing the multivariable linear regression model, it was identified that students with high (ß = 0.614, 95%CI:0.009-1.219) or very high (ß = 1.64, 95%CI:0.857-2.422) levels of self-efficacy appeared to be more willing to perform first aid. Similarly, in the Poisson regression models, compared to neutral students, students who reported high (PR = 1.214, 95%CI:1.048-1.407) or very high (PR = 1.871, 95%CI:1.049-3.337) levels of self-efficacy were more willing to perform first aid. CONCLUSIONS: The level of willingness to perform first aid among high school students in this study population was found to be moderate. Therefore, integrating activities to promote self-efficacy in first aid training could be considered a progressive step towards improving a student's willingness to provide such life-saving procedures.

Genetic Etiology of Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus in Vietnamese Infants and Characteristics of Those With INS Gene Mutations.

Background: Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare (1:90,000 newborns) but potentially devastating metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia combined with low levels of insulin. Dominantly-acting insulin (INS) gene mutations cause permanent NDM through single amino acid changes in the protein sequence leading to protein misfolding, which is retained within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing ER stress and ß-cell apoptosis. Over 90 dominantly-acting INS gene mutations have been identified in individuals with permanent NDM. Patients and Methods: The study included 70 infants diagnosed with NDM in the first year of life between May 2008 and May 2021 at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital. Sequencing analysis of all the genes known to cause NDM was performed at the Exeter Genomic Laboratory, UK. Clinical characteristics, molecular genetics, and annual data relating to glycemic control (HbA1c) and severe hypoglycemia of those with INS mutations were collected. The main outcomes of interest were HbA1c, daily insulin dose, growth, and cognitive/motor development. Results: Fifty-five of 70 infants (78.5%) with NDM harbored a mutation in a known disease-causing gene and of these, 10 had six different de novo heterozygous INS mutations. Mean gestational age was 38.1 ± 2.5 weeks and mean birth weight was 2.8 ± 0.5 g. They presented with NDM at 20 ± 17 weeks of age; 6/10 had diabetic ketoacidosis with pH 7.13 ± 0.26; plasma glucose level 32.6 ± 14.3 mmol/l and HbA1C 81 ± 15% mmol/mol. After 5.5 ± 4.8 years of insulin treatment, 9/10 have normal development with a developmental quotient of 80-100% and HbA1C 64 ± 7.3 mmol/mol, 9/10 have normal height, weight, and BMI on follow-up. Conclusions: We report a series of Vietnamese NDM cases with dominant INS mutations. INS mutations are the third commonest cause of permanent NDM. We recommend screening of the INS gene in all children diagnosed with diabetes in the first year of life.

The effectiveness of blended learning on students' academic achievement, self-study skills and learning attitudes: A quasi-experiment study in teaching the conventions for coordinates in the plane.

Individuals attempting to study remotely during the COVID-19 lockdown will find that blended learning is a helpful solution and results in a significant increase in learning engagement. The best benefits for teachers and students are obtained by maximizing the advantages of each teaching method and by combining the advantages of online and face-to-face instruction. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the flex model of blended learning in teaching the mathematics subtopic of coordinates in the plane through the improvement of students' academic achievement, self-study skills and learning attitudes. A quasi-experiment was conducted to compare the academic achievement, self-study skills and learning attitudes of 46 students in the control class who used traditional methods to those of 44 students in the experimental group who used the blended learning model. The pre-and post-test results, observations, and student opinion survey were used to compile data, which were then analyzed quantitatively (with SPSS) and qualitatively. The study confirmed that blended learning positively impacts students' academic achievement in the experimental class compared with the control class (Sig (2-tailed) = 0.001 and SMD = 0.6717), as demonstrated by the outcomes of the independent t-test analysis of the two groups in the post-test phase. In addition, observations and student opinion survey results also indicated that blended learning increased student interactions with teachers and improved students' academic achievement, self-study abilities and learning attitudes. Due to time constraints, not all the students who participated in the experiment could make progress. On the other hand, the study's relatively small sample size gave the impression that the results were only partially representative of the population. As a result, additional studies focusing on improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning within different blended learning models, broadening the scope of research on the influence of blended learning in other subjects, or increasing the sample size can all be considered.

Early reactivation of clustered genes on the inactive X chromosome during somatic cell reprogramming.

Reprogramming of murine female somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is accompanied by X chromosome reactivation (XCR), by which the inactive X chromosome (Xi) in female somatic cells becomes reactivated. However, how Xi initiates reactivation during reprogramming remains poorly defined. Here, we used a Sendai virus-based reprogramming system to generate partially reprogrammed iPSCs that appear to be undergoing the initial phase of XCR. Allele-specific RNA-seq of these iPSCs revealed that XCR initiates at a subset of genes clustered near the centromere region. The initial phase of XCR occurs when the cells transit through mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) before complete shutoff of Xist expression. Moreover, regulatory regions of these genes display dynamic changes in lysine-demethylase 1a (KDM1A) occupancy. Our results identified clustered genes on the Xi that show reactivation in the initial phase of XCR during reprogramming and suggest a possible role for histone demethylation in this process.

The improvement of 10th students' mathematical communication skills through learning ellipse topics.

Mathematical education in general, and mathematics education at high schools in particular, creates favorable conditions for students to develop essential and core competencies and assists students in improving their mathematical competence as a foundation for good learning. It also promotes necessary skills for society, in which mathematical communication skills are essential skills. The purpose of the research is to enhance students' mathematical communication skills while studying ellipse topics. In this study, 87 students in the tenth grade were tested to see if the teaching process for accelerating the development of mathematical communication skills related to ellipse topics was effective and possible. Students in the experimental class were instructed using a four-step learning model with the activities regarding the ACODESA method and mind map, whereas students in the control class were guided using the conventional way of instruction. A study design involving a pre-test, a treatment, and a post-test was used to determine the effectiveness of this type of teaching approach. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the gathered data assessed the students' progress in mathematical language activities. The findings indicated that most students' mathematical communication skills regarding ellipse topics had improved significantly. The learners towards the above process also showed a positive attitude. In addition, the research findings have important implications and recommendations.

Molecular Genetics, Clinical Characteristics, and Treatment Outcomes of KATP-Channel Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus in Vietnam National Children's Hospital.

Background: Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is defined as insulin-requiring persistent hyperglycemia occurring within the first 6 months of life, which can result from mutations in at least 25 different genes. Activating heterozygous mutations in genes encoding either of the subunits of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel; KCNJ11 or ABCC8) of the pancreatic beta cell are the most common cause of permanent NDM and the second most common cause of transient NDM. Patients with NDM caused by KATP channel mutations are sensitive to sulfonylurea (SU) treatment; therefore, their clinical management can be improved by replacing insulin with oral agents. Patients and Methods: Seventy patients were diagnosed with NDM between May 2008 and May 2021 at Vietnam National Children's Hospital, and molecular genetic testing for all genes known to cause NDM was performed at the Exeter Genomic Laboratory, UK. Patients with ABCC8 or KCNJ11 mutations were transferred from insulin to oral SU. Clinical characteristics, molecular genetics, and annual data relating to glycemic control, SU dose, severe hypoglycemia, and side effects were collected. The main outcomes of interest were SU dose, SU failure (defined as permanent reintroduction of daily insulin), and glycemic control (HbA1c). Results: Fifty-four of 70 patients (77%) with NDM harbored a genetic mutation and of these; 27 (50%) had activating heterozygous mutations in ABCC8 or KCNJ11. A total of 21 pathogenic mutations were identified in the 27 patients, including 13 mutations in ABCC8 and 8 mutations in KCNJ11. Overall, 51% had low birth weight (below 3rd percentile), 23 (85%) were diagnosed before 3 months of age, and 23 (85%) presented with diabetic ketoacidosis. At diagnosis, clinical and biochemical findings (mean ± SD) were pH 7.16 ± 0.16; HCO3- , 7.9 ± 7.4 mmol/L; BE, -17.9 ± 9.1 mmol/L; HbA1C, 7.98% ± 2.93%; blood glucose, 36.2 ± 12.3 mmol/L; and C-peptide median, 0.09 (range, 0-1.61 nmol/l). Twenty-six patients were successfully transferred from insulin to SU therapy. In the remaining case, remission of diabetes occurred prior to transfer. Glycemic control on SU treatment was better than on insulin treatment: HbA1c and blood glucose level decreased from 7.58% ± 4.63% and 19.04 ± 14.09 mmol/L when treated with insulin to 5.8 ± 0.94% and 6.87 ± 3.46 mmol/L when treated with SU, respectively. Conclusions: This is the first case series of NDM patients with ABCC8/KCNJ11 mutations reported in Vietnam. SU is safe in the short term for these patients and more effective than insulin therapy, consistent with all studies to date. This is relevant for populations where access to and cost of insulin are problematic, reinforcing the importance of genetic testing for NDM.

Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions modulate protein escape at the ribosomal exit tunnel.

After translation, nascent proteins must escape the ribosomal exit tunnel to attain complete folding to their native states. This escape process also frees up the ribosome tunnel for a new translation job. In this study, we investigate the impacts of energetic interactions between the ribosomal exit tunnel and nascent proteins on the protein escape process by molecular dynamics simulations using partially coarse-grained models that incorporate hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions of the ribosome tunnel of Haloarcula marismortui with nascent proteins. We find that, in general, attractive interactions slow down the protein escape process, whereas repulsive interactions speed it up. For the small globular proteins considered, the median escape time correlates with both the number of hydrophobic residues, Nh, and the net charge, Q, of a nascent protein. A correlation coefficient exceeding 0.96 is found for the relation between the median escape time and a combined quantity of Nh + 5.9Q, suggesting that it is ∼6 times more efficient to modulate the escape time by changing the total charge than the number of hydrophobic residues. The estimated median escape times are found in the submillisecond-to-millisecond range, indicating that the escape does not delay the ribosome recycling. For various types of the tunnel model, with and without hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, the escape time distribution always follows a simple diffusion model that describes the escape process as a downhill drift of a Brownian particle, suggesting that nascent proteins escape along barrier-less pathways at the ribosome tunnel.

Overweight and obesity among Vietnamese school-aged children: National prevalence estimates based on the World Health Organization and International Obesity Task Force definition.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity is a severe global health issue in both developed and developing nations. This study aims to estimate the national prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children in Vietnam. METHOD: We conducted a national cross-sectional study on 2788 children aged from 11-14 years old from September to November 2018. We applied the WHO 2007 and IOTF criteria to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants. Poison regression analysis with cluster sampling adjustment was employed to assess associated factors with obesity and overweight. Metadata on sociodemographic characteristics, physical measurements, and lifestyle behaviors were also extracted to investigate these factors in association with overweight and obesity prevalence. RESULTS: The prevalences of overweight and obesity in Vietnamese children were 17.4% and 8.6%, respectively by WHO Z-score criteria, and 17.1% and 5.4%, according to the IOTF reference. Using WHO Z-score yielded a higher prevalence of obesity than the IOTF and CDC criteria of all ages and both sexes. The proportions of overweight and obesity were substantially higher among boys than girls across ages. Parental BMI was shown to be a significant factor associated with overweight/obesity status in both girls and boys. Only for boys, age (PR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.76-0.90) and belonging to ethnic minorities (PR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.24-0.76) were significant risk factors for overweight/obesity. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a high prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in Vietnam, especially in boys.

Protein escape at the ribosomal exit tunnel: Effect of the tunnel shape.

We study the post-translational escape of nascent proteins at the ribosomal exit tunnel with the consideration of a real shape atomistic tunnel based on the Protein Data Bank structure of the large ribosome subunit of archeon Haloarcula marismortui. Molecular dynamics simulations employing the Go-like model for the proteins show that at intermediate and high temperatures, including a presumable physiological temperature, the protein escape process at the atomistic tunnel is quantitatively similar to that at a cylinder tunnel of length L = 72 Å and diameter d = 16 Å. At low temperatures, the atomistic tunnel, however, yields an increased probability of protein trapping inside the tunnel, while the cylinder tunnel does not cause the trapping. All-ß proteins tend to escape faster than all-α proteins, but this difference is blurred on increasing the protein's chain length. A 29-residue zinc-finger domain is shown to be severely trapped inside the tunnel. Most of the single-domain proteins considered, however, can escape efficiently at the physiological temperature with the escape time distribution following the diffusion model proposed in our previous works. An extrapolation of the simulation data to a realistic value of the friction coefficient for amino acids indicates that the escape times of globular proteins are at the sub-millisecond scale. It is argued that this time scale is short enough for the smooth functioning of the ribosome by not allowing nascent proteins to jam the ribosome tunnel.