Shariant platform: Enabling evidence sharing across Australian clinical genetic-testing laboratories to support variant interpretation.

Sharing genomic variant interpretations across laboratories promotes consistency in variant assertions. A landscape analysis of Australian clinical genetic-testing laboratories in 2017 identified that, despite the national-accreditation-body recommendations encouraging laboratories to submit genotypic data to clinical databases, fewer than 300 variants had been shared to the ClinVar public database. Consultations with Australian laboratories identified resource constraints limiting routine application of manual processes, consent issues, and differences in interpretation systems as barriers to sharing. This information was used to define key needs and solutions required to enable national sharing of variant interpretations. The Shariant platform, using both the GRCh37 and GRCh38 genome builds, was developed to enable ongoing sharing of variant interpretations and associated evidence between Australian clinical genetic-testing laboratories. Where possible, two-way automated sharing was implemented so that disruption to laboratory workflows would be minimized. Terms of use were developed through consultation and currently restrict access to Australian clinical genetic-testing laboratories. Shariant was designed to store and compare structured evidence, to promote and record resolution of inter-laboratory classification discrepancies, and to streamline the submission of variant assertions to ClinVar. As of December 2021, more than 14,000 largely prospectively curated variant records from 11 participating laboratories have been shared. Discrepant classifications have been identified for 11% (28/260) of variants submitted by more than one laboratory. We have demonstrated that co-design with clinical laboratories is vital to developing and implementing a national variant-interpretation sharing effort. This approach has improved inter-laboratory concordance and enabled opportunities to standardize interpretation practices.

Prediction of Food Sensitization in Children with Atopic Dermatitis Based on Disease Severity and Epidermal Layer Impairment.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by an impaired epidermal barrier, which could be associated with sensitization to food allergens (FAs) and/or inhaled allergens and contribute to the severity of AD. However, no clinical guidance has been established for evaluations of food sensitization (FS) in AD patients. This study investigated how AD severity and epidermal barrier impairment are associated with FS and factors that can predict FS in children with AD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 100 children (12-60 months) diagnosed with AD. AD severity was determined using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. FS was evaluated by measuring serum-specific IgE antibodies against 31 FAs using an immunoblotting method. Epidermal barrier impairment was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) levels. RESULTS: 90% of participants were sensitized to at least one tested FA, with cow's milk, egg white, beef, almond, egg yolk, and peanut being the most common. Children with moderate-severe AD had lower SCH levels than those with mild AD. Children with AD who were sensitized to >10 FAs had significantly higher TEWL and lower SCH levels, compared with those sensitized to 1-4 FAs and 5-10 FAs. The SCORAD score and SCH level in lesional skin provided moderately predictive value for sensitization to FAs in children with AD. CONCLUSION: FS is common in children with AD and closely associate with AD severity as well as epidermal barrier impairment. Evaluations of FS should be considered for children with moderate to severe AD and/or low SCH levels.

Translation from Preclinical Research to Clinical Trials: Transdermal Drug Delivery for Neurodegenerative and Mental Disorders.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), particularly dementia, provide significant problems to worldwide healthcare systems. The development of therapeutic materials for various diseases has a severe challenge in the form of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Transdermal treatment has recently garnered widespread favor as an alternative method of delivering active chemicals to the brain. This approach has several advantages, including low invasiveness, self-administration, avoidance of first-pass metabolism, preservation of steady plasma concentrations, regulated release, safety, efficacy, and better patient compliance. Topics include the transdermal method for therapeutic NDs, their classification, and the mechanisms that allow the medicine to enter the bloodstream through the skin. The paper also discusses the obstacles and potential outcomes of transdermal therapy, emphasizing the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches.

Bio-Guided Isolation of Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Compounds from Vietnamese Lichen Roccella Montagnei.

A bio-guided isolation was applied to the Vietnamese lichen Roccella montagnei based on alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Six compounds were isolated and structurally elucidated, including a new ortho depside, montagneside A (1), together with five known compounds, sekikaic acid (2), lanost-7-en-3ß-ol (3), ethyl orsellinate (4), D-montagnetol (5), and D-erythrin (6). Their chemical structures were identified by extensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis, high-resolution mass spectroscopy, and comparisons with those reported in the literature. D-Erythrin (6), a major component, was selected for further modification using Smiles rearrangement. Three erythritol derivatives 6a-6c were synthesized. Compounds 1-3, 6, and 6a-6c were evaluated for alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Compounds 2 and 6a-6c showed significant alpha-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 values ranging from 7.9 to 149 µM, respectively. Molecular docking was applied to the most active compound 6a to clarify the inhibitory mechanism.

A practical approach to nutritional intervention for people with chronic kidney disease in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A comprehensive nutritional management is necessary for favourable outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to assess the changes in nutritional status and disease progression with nutritional management where renal replacement therapy (RRT) was not in place. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experiment intervention was conducted on 70 CKD patients at stages 3-5 from July to December 2022. Participants were excluded if they underwent RRT, including dialy-sis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), or kidney transplantation. The nutritional regimen covered nutrition-al counseling, samples of the dietary menu, and supplement products. We evaluated nutritional status using Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scale and sub-clinical blood test at T0 (hospital admission) and T1 (two weeks after the admission or 24 hours before the discharge). RESULTS: After the intervention, the number of patients classified as malnutrition or at risk of malnourished reduced significantly (65.7% to 54.3% and 25.7% and 5.7%, respectively). The serum concentration of urea, creatinine and parathyroid hormone decreased remarkably, especially in patients receiving nutritional management. In the intervention group, the dietary pattern provided increased intakes of calcium and iron at T1, while phosphorus, sodium and potassium decreased after follow-up. Nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness and sleep disorders were improved in the intervention compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional therapy enhanced the nutritional sta-tus, and quality of dietary and renal function in CKD patients without RRT. Applying nutrition education and treatment at an early stage can slow CKD progression, which should be applicable elsewhere in Vietnam.

Intergenerational consequences of racism in the United Kingdom: a qualitative investigation into parents' exposure to racism and offspring mental health and well-being.

BACKGROUND: Experiences of racism are linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes among those exposed. According to quantitative research derived mainly from the United States, these negative outcomes can have cascading effects in families, when parents' experiences of racism indirectly impact offspring. New research is warranted for families in the United Kingdom, informed by a qualitative approach to canvassing community knowledge and perspectives, exploring how existing findings relate to lived experiences. METHOD: We conducted four online focus groups with 14 parents of school-aged children and 14 adolescents who had experienced racism in the United Kingdom. Participants were asked what children know of parents' experiences of racism, and how these experiences can impact parent-child interactions, mental health and well-being. Focus group recordings were transcribed, data coded and analysed through iterative categorisation. RESULTS: Analyses drew four themes from participants' insights. Together, themes illuminated the pervasive nature of racism experienced by some families in the United Kingdom. Parent and child experiences of racism were connected and co-occurring, with indirect effects impacting mental health and well-being in both generations. These experiences were linked to both positive and negative changes in parenting behaviour and parent-child relationships, which could be moderated by intersecting identities such as the parent's generational status for immigration to the United Kingdom. Social cohesion, safe spaces and education programmes were highlighted for future intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Findings corroborate existing literature, while further emphasising a broader bidirectional picture, requiring a family system and intersectional approach to understanding the mental health impact of racism in families. Avenues for future research are discussed to support development of equitable intervention and support strategies to prevent racism and support those affected.

Accuracy of self-reported private health insurance coverage.

Studies on health insurance coverage often rely on measures self-reported by respondents, but the accuracy of such measures has not been thoroughly validated. This paper is the first to use linked Australian National Health Survey and administrative population tax data to explore the accuracy of self-reported private health insurance (PHI) coverage in survey data. We find that 11.86% of individuals misreport their PHI coverage status, with 11.57% of true PHI holders reporting that they are uninsured and 12.37% of true non-insured persons self-identifying as insured. Our results show reporting errors are systematically correlated with individual and household characteristics. Our evidence on the determinants of errors is supportive of common reasons for misreporting. We directly investigate biases in the determinants of PHI enrollment using survey data. We find that, as compared to administrative data, survey data depict a quantitatively different picture of PHI enrollment determinants, especially those capturing age, gender, language proficiency, labor force status, disability status, number of children in the household, or household income. We also show that PHI coverage misreporting is subsequently associated with misreporting of reasons for purchasing PHI, type of cover and length of cover.

A New Carvotacetone Derivative from the Aerial Part of Sphaeranthus africanus.

Sphaeranthus africanus L. is native in Vietnam. Little is known about α-glucosidase inhibition of Sphaeranthus africanus and its isolated compounds. A bioactive-guided isolation was applied to the Vietnamese Sphaeranthus africanus to find α-glucosidase inhibitory components. Eight compounds were detected and structurally elucidated. They are 3-angeloyloxy-5-[2'',3''-epoxy-2''-methylbutanoyloxy]-7-hydroxycarvotacetone, 3-angeloyloxy-5-[3''-chloro-2''-hydroxy-2''-methylbutanoyloxy]-7-hydroxycarvotacetone, 3-angeloyloxy-5-[2''R,3''R-dihydroxy-2''-methyl-butanoyloxy]-7-hydroxycarvotacetone, 3-angeloyloxy-5-[2''S,3''R-dihydroxy-2''-methylbutanoyloxy]-7-hydroxycarvotacetone, 3-angeloyloxy-5-[2''S,3''S-dihydroxy-2''-methylbutanoyloxy]-7-hydroxycarvotacetone, 5-angeloyloxy-7-hydroxy-3-tigloyloxycarvotacetone, 3-O-methylquercetin, and chrysosplenol D. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis and high-resolution mass spectroscopy as well as comparisons in literature. 3-Angeloyloxy-5-[2''S,3''S-dihydroxy-2''-methylbutanoyloxy]-7-hydroxycarvotacetone is a new compound. Isolated compounds were evaluated for the α-glucosidase inhibition. Isolated compounds showed moderate activity with IC50 values ranging from 128.9-274.3 µM while others are weak. A molecular docking study was conducted, indicating that isolated compounds are potent α-glucosidase inhibitory compounds.

New Halogenated Flavonoids from Adenosma bracteosum and Vitex negundo and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibition.

Adenosma bracteosum and Vitex negundo are natural sources of methoxylated flavonoids. Little is known about the α-glucosidase inhibition of multi-methoxylated flavonoid derivatives. Eighteen natural flavonoids were isolated from A. bracteosum and V. negundo. Seven halogenated derivatives were synthesized. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive NMR analysis and high-resolution mass spectroscopy as well as comparisons in literature. All compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibition. Most compounds showed good activity with IC50 values ranging from 16.7 to 421.8 µM. 6,8-Dibromocatechin was the most active compound with an IC50 value of 16.7 µM. A molecular docking study was conducted, indicating that those compounds are potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Effects of a low-iodine diet in post-thyroidectomy thyroid cancer patients undergoing I131 therapy at the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital.

Background: I131 therapy is regarded as an "internal surgery" (i.e., a non-invasive approach involving no incision or bleeding) that supports "external surgery" (i.e., using a scalpel) in completely eradicating the root cause of thyroid cancer. Limiting iodine intake is of paramount importance in I131 therapy. I131 therapy protocols recommend that patients follow a low-iodine diet, ideally with a maximum iodine intake of 50 µg/day for two weeks before the I131 therapy. Methods: A pre-post compassion uncontrolled clinic intervention study was conducted on a group of over 70 post-thyroidectomy thyroid cancer patients with indications for I131 therapy at the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital from December 2020 to December 2022. Aim: It aimed to assess the effects of a low-iodine diet on post-thyroidectomy thyroid cancer patients with indications for I131 therapy. Results: The study found that following the intervention, the percentage of participants at risk of mild to moderate malnutrition, as assessed by the PG-SGA tool, decreased to 4.3% from 40.0% before the intervention, with a statistically significant difference of p < 0.001. There was a considerable improvement in the low calcemia level among the study participants, with 35.7% of patients experiencing hypocalcemia prior to the intervention, which reduced to 17.1% after the intervention. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The study also revealed a urinary iodine level improvement among the study participants. Before the intervention, patients' average urinary iodine level was 14.9 ± 11.3 µg/dl. Following the intervention, it reduced to 12.7 ± 3.9 µg/dl, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.29). Patients' quality of life after adhering to the low-iodine diet tended to decline; however, the change in scores before and after the intervention did not show a significant difference. Conclusion: Despite its negative impact on patients' quality of life, active nutrition counseling and intervention during the low-iodine diet contributed to the substantial improvement in the hypocalcemia level and the reduced urinary iodine level among patients, which in turn could enhance the efficacy of the subsequent I131 therapy.

Population genetic analyses inferred a limited genetic diversity across the pvama-1 DI domain among Plasmodium vivax isolates from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (pvama-1) is an important vaccine candidate against Malaria. The genetic composition assessment of pvama-1 from wide-range geography is vital to plan the antigen based vaccine designing against Malaria. METHODS: The blood samples were collected from 84 P. vivax positive malaria patients from different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. The highly polymorphic and immunogenic domain-I (DI) region of pvama-1 was PCR amplified and DNA sequenced. The QC based sequences raw data filtration was done using DNASTAR package. The downstream population genetic analyses were performed using MEGA4, DnaSP, Arlequin v3.5 and Network.5 resources. RESULTS: The analyses unveiled total 57 haplotypes of pvama-1 (DI) in KP samples with majorly prevalent H-14 and H-5 haplotypes. Pairwise comparative population genetics analyses identified limited to moderate genetic distinctions among the samples collected from different districts of KP, Pakistan. In context of worldwide available data, the KP samples depicted major genetic differentiation against the Korean samples with Fst = 0.40915 (P-value = 0.0001), while least distinction was observed against Indian and Iranian samples. The statistically significant negative values of Fu and Li's D* and F* tests indicate the evidence of population expansion and directional positive selection signature. The slow LD decay across the nucleotide distance in KP isolates indicates low nucleotide diversity. In context of reference pvama-1 sequence, the KP samples were identified to have 09 novel non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs), including several trimorphic and tetramorphic substitutions. Few of these nsSNPs are mapped within the B-cell predicted epitopic motifs of the pvama-1, and possibly modulate the immune response mechanism. CONCLUSION: Low genetic differentiation was observed across the pvama-1 DI among the P. vivax isolates acquired from widespread regions of KP province of Pakistan. The information may implicate in future vaccine designing strategies based on antigenic features of pvama-1.

Classification of Southeast Asian mints (Mentha spp.) based on simple sequence repeat markers.

Mentha is a complex genus encompassing many species as a consequence of their interspecific hybridization and polyploidy. Southeast Asian mints have been poorly distinguished though they are widely used for culinary and medical purposes. In this study, we have analyzed Southeast Asian mints and known varieties as well as a related Lamiaceae species (Nepeta sp.) using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and leaf morphology. Two types of mints were clearly distinguished based on their venation pattern and leaf shape index. We developed 12 SSR markers that allowed good amplification in the Mentha and another Lamiaceae species. In the SSR-based phylogram, the Mentha lines could be delimited into groups I-VI. The Southeast Asian mints divided into groups I and II, and the phylogram separated most of the available species, with groups I and II containing the known species M. × cordifolia and M. arvensis, respectively. The separation of the two groups was supported by a population structure analysis. The SSR markers developed in this study enabled the simultaneous classification of mints and will help improve our understanding of the genetic composition of known mint varieties and as yet unclassified Southeast Asian mints.

Carrageenan of Red Algae Eucheuma gelatinae: Extraction, Antioxidant Activity, Rheology Characteristics, and Physicochemistry Characterization.

Carrageenan is an anionic sulfated polysaccharide that accounts for a high content of red seaweed Eucheuma gelatinae. This paper focused on the extraction, optimization, and evaluation of antioxidant activity, rheology characteristics, and physic-chemistry characterization of ß-carrageenan from Eucheuma gelatinae. The extraction and the optimization of ß-carrageenan were by the maceration-stirred method and the experimental model of Box-Behken. Antioxidant activity was evaluated to be the total antioxidant activity and reducing power activity. The rheology characteristics of carrageenan were measured to be gel strength and viscosity. Physic-chemistry characterization was determined, including the molecular weight, sugar composition, function groups, and crystal structure, through GCP, GC-FID, FTIR, and XRD. The results showed that carrageenan possessed antioxidant activity, had intrinsic viscosity and gel strength, corresponding to 263.02 cps and 487.5 g/cm2, respectively. Antioxidant carrageenan is composed of rhamnose, mannose, glucose, fucose, and xylose, with two molecular weight fractions of 2.635 × 106 and 2.58 × 106 g/mol, respectively. Antioxidant carrageenan did not exist in the crystal. The optimization condition of antioxidant carrageenan extraction was done at 82.35 °C for 115.35 min with a solvent-to-algae ratio of 36.42 (v/w). At the optimization condition, the extraction efficiency of carrageenan was predicted to be 87.56 ± 5.61 (%), the total antioxidant activity and reducing power activity were predicted to 71.95 ± 5.32 (mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g DW) and 89.84 ± 5.84 (mg FeSO4 equivalent/g DW), respectively. Purity carrageenan content got the highest value at 42.68 ± 2.37 (%, DW). Antioxidant carrageenan from Eucheuma gelatinae is of potential use in food and pharmaceuticals.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Public Health Measures on Detections of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children During the 2020 Australian Winter.

Public health measures targeting coronavirus disease 2019 have potential to impact transmission of other respiratory viruses. We found 98.0% and 99.4% reductions in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza detections, respectively, in Western Australian children through winter 2020 despite schools reopening. Border closures have likely been important in limiting external introductions.

Rural-urban differences in preferences for influenza vaccination among women of childbearing age: implications for local vaccination service implementation in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVES: Pregnant women and new mothers are among the most vulnerable to seasonal influenza; however, little is known about their preferences for flu vaccination. We examined the rural-urban differences in uptake, demand and willingness to pay (WTP) for influenza vaccination among women of childbearing age, to assess the feasibility of implementing locally produced vaccines in Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in both urban and rural areas of Hanoi in 2018. Socio-demographic characteristics, history of vaccination, demand and WTP for influenza vaccines were obtained. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify the associated factors. RESULTS: Of 750 participants, 29.9% had had flu shots in the current or previous flu season and 64.3% indicated demand for this vaccine. The median of the maximum amount of WTP for influenza vaccination services was US$ 8.5 (IQR: 8.5-17.0). Women living in rural areas had a significantly lower uptake and higher demand, and were willing to pay less than women in urban locations (21.1% vs. 36.6%; 69% vs. 60.2%; and US $8.5 vs. US $11.7, respectively). For urban participants, factors associated with higher demand and WTP for flu shots included having ANC in health facilities and having been vaccinated against influenza in the past; for rural women, these factors were having suffered from influenza and hearing about it. CONCLUSIONS: This study informs the feasibility of implementing locally produced influenza vaccines in Vietnam. Educational programs, along with counselling services and government subsidies, should be implemented to improve the coverage, demand and WTP for the vaccine.

OBJECTIFS: Les femmes enceintes et les nouvelles mères sont parmi les plus vulnérables à la grippe saisonnière; cependant, on en sait peu sur leurs préférences pour la vaccination contre la grippe. Nous avons examiné les différences entre les zones rurales et urbaines dans l'adoption, la demande et la volonté de payer pour la vaccination antigrippale chez les femmes en âge de procréer, afin d'évaluer la faisabilité de la mise en œuvre de vaccins produits localement au Vietnam. MÉTHODES: Une étude transversale a été réalisée dans les zones urbaines et rurales de Hanoi en 2018. Les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, les antécédents de vaccination, la demande et la volonté de payer pour les vaccins antigrippaux ont été obtenus. Un modèle de régression logistique multivariée a été utilisé pour identifier les facteurs associés. RÉSULTATS: Sur 750 participantes, 29,9% s'étaient fait vacciner contre la grippe au cours de la saison grippale actuelle ou précédente, 64,3% ont indiqué une demande pour ce vaccin. La médiane du montant maximal de la volonté de payer pour les services de vaccination contre la grippe était de 8,5 USD (IQR: 8,5 à 17,0). Les femmes vivant dans les zones rurales avaient une adoption nettement plus faible, une demande plus élevée et étaient prêtes à payer moins que les femmes des zones urbaines (21,1% contre 36,6%; 69% contre 60,2%; et 8,5 USD contre 11,7 USD, respectivement). Pour les participantes urbaines, les facteurs associés à une demande plus élevée et à la volonté de payer pour les vaccins contre la grippe comprenaient le fait d'avoir des soins prénatals dans les établissements de santé et d'avoir été vaccinés contre la grippe dans le passé; pour les femmes rurales, ces facteurs comprenaient, avoir souffert de la grippe et en avoir entendu parler. CONCLUSIONS: Cette étude informe sur la faisabilité de la mise en œuvre de vaccins antigrippaux produits localement au Vietnam. Des programmes éducatifs, ainsi que des services de conseil et des subventions gouvernementales devraient être mis en œuvre pour améliorer la couverture, la demande et la volonté de payer pour le vaccin.

Weather and children's time allocation.

This paper presents the first causal estimates of the effect of weather on children's time allocation. It exploits exogenous variations in local weather observed during the random diary dates of two nationally representative cohorts of Australian children whose time-use diaries were surveyed biennially over 10 years. Unfavorable weather conditions, as represented by cold or hot temperature or rain, cause children to switch activities from outdoors to indoors, mainly by reducing the time allocated to active pursuits and travel and increasing the time allocated to media. Furthermore, the effects of bad weather are more pronounced on weekends and for children with asthma. Our results also provide some evidence of adaptation, as temperature tends to have greater impact not only in winter months but also in colder regions. Our findings are robust to a wide range of sensitivity checks, including controlling for individual fixed effects and using alternative model specifications. Overall, the results suggest that extreme weather conditions may diminish children's health, development and long-term achievements through their effects on children's time allocation.

Who's declining the "free lunch"? New evidence from the uptake of public child dental benefits.

This study provides the first evidence on the determinants of uptake of two recent public dental benefit programs for Australian children and adolescents from disadvantaged families. Using longitudinal data from a nationally representative survey linked to administrative data with accurate information on eligibility and uptake, we find that only a third of all eligible families actually claim their benefits. We provide new and robust evidence consistent with the idea advanced by recent economic literature that cognitive biases and behavioral factors are barriers to uptake. For instance, mothers with worse mental health or riskier lifestyles are much less likely to claim the available benefits for their children. These barriers to uptake are particularly large in magnitude: together, they reduce the uptake rate by up to 10 percentage points (or 36%). We also find some indicative evidence that a lack of information is a barrier to uptake.

Totally endoscopic atrial septal defect repair in a patient with interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos-hemiazygos continuation.

Atrial septal defect combined with interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC), which is a rare condition, makes it impossible to apply totally endoscopic surgery (TES). The most difficulty is how to drain blood from the posthepatic segment of the IVC. In this study, we report a case of a 44-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with secundum atrial septal defect combined with interrupted IVC with azygos-hemiazygos continuation. This patient underwent successful repair by TES with transthoracic cannulation for the posthepatic segment of the IVC.

Malnutrition is associated with dysphagia in Vietnamese older adult inpatients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The number of older adults is increasing rapidly in Vietnam. They suffer from various health problems, including malnutrition and dysphagia. By using a simple screening questionnaire such as the Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form (MNA-SF) and 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), nutritional and dysphagic status were screened in this study. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of and relationship between malnutrition and dysphagia in Vietnamese older adult inpatients. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study and conducted in three large hospitals in northern Vietnam. The data about nutritional status and dysphagia status of 1007 older inpatients were collected by dietitians. RESULTS: There were 71.6% of subjects at malnourished (MNA-SF score <8) and risk of malnutrition (MNA-SF score: 8-11). The prevalence of dysphagia by EAT-10 was 24.6%. The risk of dysphagia was independently associated with higher risk of malnutrition, with an odds ratio of 3.21 (95% CI: 1.93-5.31, p<0.001). In addition, malnutrition was also an independent predictor for risk of dysphagia, with an odds ratio of 3.09 (95% CI: 1.84- 5.17, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition and dysphagia prevalence were high; and malnutrition and dysphagia have a strong relationship among older adult inpatients in Vietnam. Therefore, nutritional and dysphagia screening at hospital admission are very important and recommended.

Evaluation of the Saponin Content in Panax vietnamensis Acclimatized to Lam Dong Province by HPLC-UV/CAD.

Panax vietnamensis, or Vietnamese ginseng (VG), an endemic Panax species in Vietnam, possesses a unique saponin profile and interesting biological activities. This plant is presently in danger of extinction due to over-exploitation, resulting in many preservation efforts towards the geographical acclimatization of VG. Yet, no information on the saponin content of the acclimatized VG, an important quality indicator, is available. Here, we analyzed the saponin content in the underground parts of two- to five-year-old VG plants acclimatized to Lam Dong province. Nine characteristic saponins, including notoginsenoside-R1, ginsenoside-Rg1, -Rb1, -Rd, majonoside-R1, -R2 vina-ginsenoside-R2, -R11, and pseudoginsenoside-RT4, were simultaneously determined by HPLC coupled with UV and with a charged aerosol detector (CAD). Analyzing the results illustrated that the detection of characteristic ocotillol-type saponins in VG by CAD presented a superior capacity compared with that of UV, thus implying a preferential choice of CAD for the analysis of VG. The quantitative results indicating the saponin content in the underground parts of VG showed an increasing tendency from two to five years old, with the root and the rhizome exhibiting different saponin accumulation patterns. This is the first study that reveals the preliminary success of VG acclimatization and thereby encourages the continuing efforts to develop this valuable saponin-rich plant.