Aims: The objective of the study was to isolate bacteriophages and conduct a comprehensive analysis of their potential against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strains in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Methodology and results: Twelve Xoo strains were isolated from rice fields located in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Among these strains, three strains Xoo L019, L020 and L024, showed the highest disease index of bacterial blight. Four phages specific to Xoo were isolated from soil, water and leaf samples, and their morphologies were determined. In a test against 12 Xoo strains, phage L541, MLA23 or W41 could infect 10 of the 12 Xoo strains, while phage LBH01 could infect 8 of the 12 Xoo strains. The stability of the phages to pH, organic solvents, UV-A and UV-B was also evaluated. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The initial characterization of the phages indicates their potential as biocontrol agents against bacterial blight in rice. The study is one of the very first studies about Xoo phages in rice in Vietnam.

Objective: In Viet Nam, tuberculosis (TB) prevalence surveys revealed that approximately 98% of individuals with pulmonary TB have TB-presumptive abnormalities on chest radiographs, while 32% have no TB symptoms. This prompted the adoption of the “Double X” strategy, which combines chest radiographs and computer-aided detection with GeneXpert testing to screen for and diagnose TB among vulnerable populations. The aim of this study was to describe demographic, clinical and radiographic characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic Double X participants and to assess multilabel radiographic abnormalities on chest radiographs, interpreted by computer-aided detection software, as a possible tool for detecting TB-presumptive abnormalities, particularly for subclinical TB. Methods: Double X participants with TB-presumptive chest radiographs and/or TB symptoms and known risks were referred for confirmatory GeneXpert testing. The demographic and clinical characteristics of all Double X participants and the subset with confirmed TB were summarized. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate associations between participant characteristics and subclinical TB and between computer-aided detection multilabel radiographic abnormalities and TB. Results: From 2020 to 2022, 96 631 participants received chest radiographs, with 67 881 (70.2%) reporting no TB symptoms. Among 1144 individuals with Xpert-confirmed TB, 51.0% were subclinical. Subclinical TB prevalence was higher in older age groups, non-smokers, those previously treated for TB and the northern region. Among 11 computer-aided detection multilabel radiographic abnormalities, fibrosis was associated with higher odds of subclinical TB. Discussion: In Viet Nam, Double X community case finding detected pulmonary TB, including subclinical TB. Computer-aided detection software may have the potential to identify subclinical TB on chest radiographs by classifying multilabel radiographic abnormalities, but further research is needed.

A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).

A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).

A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).

A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).

A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).

Purpose: This study examined the combined effects of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, screen-based sedentary behaviors, and sleep duration on adolescent obesity. Methods: It followed a cross-sectional study design and conducted secondary analysis on data from 20,497 high school students who participated in the 17th (2021) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. This study underwent logistic regression analysis in complex sampling analysis. Results: The combinations of low and medium consumption of SSBs, excessive screen-based sedentary behaviors, and short sleep durations were associated with a 1.18 and 1.12 fold increased likelihood of obesity (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.03–1.35) and (95% CI=1.02–1.22), respectively. The combination of high SSB consumption, appropriate screen-based sedentary behaviors, and short sleep duration (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.15, 95% CI=1.01–1.31) and high SSB consumption, excessive screen-based sedentary behaviors, and short sleep duration (aOR=1.40, 95% CI=1.16–1.69) were associated with obesity. Conclusion Integrated and tailored programs considering combination patterns of SSB consumption, screen-based sedentary behaviors, and short sleep duration need to be developed for preventing adolescent obesity.

Based on our previous study, we evaluated the modulatory effects on LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-10 cytokine production in RAW 264.7 macrophages of several medicinal herbs, including P. scandens. The results showed that P. scandens extract showed significant effects on LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-10 cytokine production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Therefore, in the current research, we focused on the P. scandens sample. Cytokine production effects bioassay-guided isolation of ethyl acetate fraction of 70% ethanol extract from roots of Paramignya scandens (XL) obtained seven coumarins (1–7). Their chemical structures were identified using spectroscopic methods (NMR and MS) and compared with those previously published data to be xanthyletin (1), luvangetin (2), clausenidin (3), nordentatin (4), dentatin (5), clausarin (6), and anisocoumarin E (7). This study represents the first report on the presence of compounds 3, 6, and 7 in the Paramignya genus and compounds 1 and 2 in XL. All isolates (1–7) exhibited significant inhibition of LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1β production compared to the LPS 5 ng/mL control group, with IL-1β concentrations ranging from 42.77 to 69.76 pg/mL. Additionally, the IL-10 production induced by compounds 1‒7 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages ranged from 175.98 to 321.56 pg/mL, demonstrating a marked increase as compared to the LPS 5 ng/mL control group. The stimulatory effect on IL-10 production and inhibitory effect on IL-1β production of compounds 1, 2, and 6 gradually increased with the test concentration in both RAW 264.7 macrophages and LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compounds 1, 2, and 6 inhibited IL-1β production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC 50 values of 10.70 ± 1.18 µM, 8.57 ± 1.05 µM, and 17.43 ± 1.05 µM, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of all the compounds derived from P. scandens roots in inducing IL-1β and IL-10 cytokines activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results contributed to expanding the knowledge of the chemistry and bioactivities of P. scandens and provided valuable data for future investigations on this species.

Objectives: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a “social vaccine” that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnamfrom December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (usingthe 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions. Results: Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD.Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.12; p < 0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; p = 0.001). Conclusion Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.