Drug resistance and the genotypic characteristics of rpoB and katG in rifampicin- and/or isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in central Vietnam

Thi Binh Nguyen Nguyen,Thi Kieu Diem Nguyen,Van Hue Trương,Thi Tuyet Ngoc Tran,van Bao Thang Phan,Thi Tuyen Nguyen,Hoang Bach Nguyen,Viet Quynh Tram Ngo,Van Tuan Mai,Paola Molicotti 질병관리본부 2023 Osong Public Health and Research Persptectives Vol.14 No.5

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) are national health burdens in Vietnam. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of rifampicin (RIF) and/or isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide, INH) resistance in patients with suspected TB, and applied appropriate techniques to help rapidly target DR-TB. Methods: In total, 1,547 clinical specimens were collected and cultured using the BACTEC MGIT system (Becton Dickinson and Co.). A resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) was used to determine the proportions of RIF and/or INH resistance. A real-time polymerase chain reaction panel with TaqMan probes was employed to identify the mutations of rpoB and katG associated with DR-TB in clinical isolates. Genotyping of the identified mutations was also performed. Results: A total of 468 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were identified using the REMA. Of these isolates, 106 (22.6%) were found to be resistant to 1 or both antibiotics. Of the resistant isolates, 74 isolates (69.8%) were resistant to isoniazid (INH) only, while 1 isolate (0.94%) was resistant to RIF only. Notably, 31 isolates (29.24%) were resistant to both antibiotics. Of the 41 phenotypically INH-resistant isolates, 19 (46.3%) had the Ser315Thr mutation. There were 8 different rpoB mutations in 22 (68.8%) of the RIF-resistant isolates. The most frequently detected mutations were at codons 531 (37.5%), 526 (18.8%), and 516 (6.3%). Conclusion: To help prevent new cases of DR-TB in Vietnam, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the genotypic DR-TB isolates.

Critical Factors Affecting the Innovation Activities of Businesses: Evidence from Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam

NGUYEN, Thi Le Hang,PHAM, Ngoc Toan,DAO, Vu Phuong Linh,NGO, Thi Thanh Thuy,LE, Thi Thanh Binh Korea Distribution Science Association 2020 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.7 No.7

The study investigates the factors influencing the innovation activities in the enterprises in the Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam. By employing the dataset from a survey in 200 typical enterprises in Binh Dinh and using the Exploratory Factor Analysis and regression analysis, we found that there are eight factor groups affecting the innovation activities of enterprises. They include management of innovation promotion; market research capacity; leadership inspiring innovation; culture of innovation; human resources for implementing innovation; network connection; disseminating/sharing knowledge; and impact of producing/serving technology. All these factors strongly affect the innovation activities, which plays an important role in promoting the sustainable development of the Vietnamese enterprises, with the statistical significance level at 1%. Moreover, findings also show that, among these factors, the market research capacity is the strongest determinant of the innovation activity in the enterprise. An increase of 1 point of capacity of market research will increase the innovation activities in the enterprise by 0.114 point. It is followed by the management of promoting innovation, leadership inspiring innovation, and disseminating and sharing knowledge, with 0.104, 0.103 and 0.102 score, respectively. On the other hand, network connection is the weakest factor, with the score of 0.07 point.

Development of label-free electrochemical lactose biosensor based on graphene/poly(1,5-diaminonaphthalene) film

Binh Hai Nguyen,Binh Thanh Nguyen,Hanh Van Vu,Chuc Van Nguyen,Dzung Tuan Nguyen,Loc Thai Nguyen,Thu Thi Vu,Lam Dai Tran 한국물리학회 2016 Current Applied Physics Vol.16 No.2

In this work, a lactose biosensor was developed by co-immobilizing b-galactosidase (b-Gal) and glucose oxidase (GOx) on microelectrodes pre-modified with Pt/graphene/P(1,5-DAN) for estimation of lactose in dairy products to prevent lactose intolerance. The Pt microelectrode was modified with graphene and 1,5-polydiaminonaphthalene film. Graphene was synthesized by chemical vapor deposition on copper tape and manually transferred to the electrode surface. Polymeric P(1,5-DAN) was grafted on top of the graphene film by electropolymerization. Modified surface of the electrode was characterized by Raman spectra analysis, FE-SEM, AFM and cyclic voltammetry. The results indicated that deposition graphene film on electrode surface induced considerable enhancement in current signal, over 20 times as high as the uncoated electrode surface. The developed sensor was successfully used to determine lactose in model samples with sensitivity, correlation coefficient (R2) and limit of detection (LOD) estimated to be 1.33 mA/(mgml1), 0.995 and 1.3 mg/ml, respectively. The combined graphene and conductive P(1,5-DAN) could serve as a novel sensing platform on electrochemical sensors with superior sensitivity.

A regional approach for health risk assessment of toxicants in plastic food containers

Nguyen Lan Binh Thi,Thanh Truc Nguyen Thi,Nguyen Ngoc Tran Thi,Vu Dinh Khang,Lee Byeong-Kyu 한국독성학회 2023 Toxicological Research Vol.39 No.4

Plastic food containers are being used popularly, generating a waste of about 115 million tons in Vietnam. Such waste is causing environmental and health issues. This study conducted a field survey with 250 local people and selected 59 samples out of 135 plastic food containers collected in Go Vap district, Vietnam. Collected plastic samples identified compositions were PET 13.6%, PP 28.8%, PS 16.9%, and 40.7% undefined plastics. Collected plastic samples were classified based on the plastic type using recycling code and quantitatively analyzed with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy method to assess concentrations of Cd, Sb, Pb, Hg, Sn, Cr, Br, Cl, and S. Most of these collected plastic samples (91.5%) were found to contain 8/9 hazardous substances and most elements contained in these plastics were below their standard thresholds. These elements in plastic samples could be divided as the result into three hazard groups: (1) high hazard group (Sb, Cl, and S); (2) medium hazard group (Cr, Br and Hg); and (3) low hazard groups (Cd, Pb and Sn). Among substances in the high hazard group, element Sb was assessed for its migration because only Sb is regulated in Vietnam in QCVN 12-1: 2011/BYT. Substances of Cl, S, Cr, Br, and Hg (group 1, 2) do not have regulations related to the method of decontamination. Thus, additional health risks need to be assessed using the USEtox model. Finally, this study proposed a screening process to assess the risk of toxicity of elements contained in plastic food containers through ISO 31000:2018.

First Report on Multidrug-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Children Admitted to Tertiary Hospitals in Vietnam

( Nguyen Thai Son ),( Vu Thi Thu Huong ),( Vu Thi Kim Lien ),( Do Thi Quynh Nga ),( Tran Thi Hai Au ),( Tang Thi Nga ),( Le Nguyen Minh Hoa ),( Tran Quang Binh ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2019 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.29 No.9

The extensive distribution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a threat to healthcare worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the MDR and molecular patterns of MRSA isolates in children admitted to the two biggest tertiary care pediatric hospitals in northern and southern Vietnam. A total of 168 MRSA strains were collected to determine antibiotic susceptibility by minimum inhibitory concentration tests. Antibiotic-resistant genes, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, and multilocus sequence typing were used for the molecular characterization of MRSA. Among the total strains, the MDR rate (51.8%) was significantly higher in the northern hospital than in the southern hospital (73% vs. 39%, p < 0.0001). The MDR-MRSA with the highest rates were “ciprofloxacin-erythromycin-gentamicin-tetracyclines” (35.6%), followed by “erythromycin-tetracycline-chloramphenicol” (24.1%), and “ciprofloxacin-erythromycin-gentamicin” (19.5%), showing an accumulative total of 79.3%. The most susceptible antibiotics were rifampicin (100%) and vancomycin (100%), followed by doxycycline (94.0%), meropenem (78.0%), and cefotaxime (75.0%). The SCCmecII strains showed greater resistance to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, meropenem and cephalosporins compared with the other strains. The SCCmecII strains exhibited the highest rate in the tested genes (aacA/aphD: 55.2%, ermA/B/C: 89.7%, and tetK/M: 82.8%). ST5-SCCmecII was the predominant clone in the northern hospital, whereas SCCmecIVa was more pronounced in the southern hospital. In conclusion, our results raised concerns about the predominant MDR-MRSA strains in the pediatric hospitals in Vietnam. The north-south difference in the antibiotic resistance patterns and genetic structure of MRSA suggests different MRSA origins and various uses of antimicrobial agents between the two regions.

An Empirical Study of Commodity Market Patterns in Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas: Evidence from Vietnam

Trinh Thi Thanh THUY,Nguyen Thi BINH,Trinh Thi Thu HUONG,Nguyen Thu THUY,Dang Thanh PHUONG,Tran Thi Bao KHANH,Nguyen Thi YEN 한국유통과학회 2021 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.8 No.11

The development of the ethnic minorities and mountainous areas (EMMA) is currently receiving the attention of countries around the world. This is demonstrated through a large number of studies, in many respects, in many different countries. The objective of the study is to find out the current situation of the commodity market in the ethnic minorities and mountainous areas (EMMA) of Vietnam. In particular, the authors will study whether there is a link between the ability to access governmental policies and the characteristics of this commodity market. To achieve the goal, the authors employed the secondary data collection method to gather the relevant information on government policies for EMMA and conducted an interview of seventy (70) enterprises in the Northern midlands and mountainous regions and the Central Coast to clarify the characteristics of commodity market. By Levene’s test, the results showed that the accessibility to governmental policies has a certain influence on the development of the commodity market patterns in the EMMA in terms of diversification of distribution forms and sales method of the business. These findings brought some basic solutions to further enhance the role of the government in developing commodity markets in the EMMA of Vietnam.

Facile synthesis of multifunctional Ag/Fe3O4-CS nanocomposites for antibacterial and hyperthermic applications

Ngoan Thi Nguyen,Dai Lam Tran,Duc Cuong Nguyen,Thai Loc Nguyen,Thi Cham Ba,Binh Hai Nguyen,Thi Duong Ba,Nam Hong Pham,Dzung Tuan Nguyen,Thai Hoa Tran,Gia Dien Pham 한국물리학회 2015 Current Applied Physics Vol.15 No.11

Nanocomposites containing two or more functional constituents are attractive candidates for advanced nanomaterials. In this study, multifunctional Ag/Fe3O4-CS nanocomposites were successfully prepared, using chitosan as a stabilizing and cross-linking agent. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UVevisible spectrophotometer (UVeVis) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results demonstrated that Ag/Fe3O4-CS composite nanoparticles (NPs) were composed of parent components, Fe3O4 and Ag NPs, which were uniformly dispersed in the chitosan matrix. The hybrid NPs exhibited strong antibacterial property against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With high magnetization value (67 emu/g), the synthesized Ag/Fe3O4-CS composite can be easily separated or recycled in potential biomedical applications. Furthermore, the results showed that the multicomponent hybrid nanostructures appeared to be the promising material for local hyperthermia, which can be used as thermoseeds for localized hyperthermia treatment of cancers.

Preliminary study of doxycycline adsorption from aqueous solution on alkaline modified biochar derived from banana peel

Van-Truc Nguyen,Thanh-Binh Nguyen,Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo,Nguyen Duy Dat,Thi-Kim Quyen Vo,Xuan Cuong Nguyen,Viet-Cuong Dinh,Thi-Ngoc-Chau Le,Thi-Giang-Huong Duong,Manh-Ha Bui,Xuan-Thanh Bui 대한환경공학회 2023 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.29 No.3

This study explores the adsorption of doxycycline (DOX) from aqueous solutions onto biochar derived from banana peel, which was prepared using a potassium hydroxide activation method (KOH-BPB). The biochar properties were characterized based on morphology, surface area (SBET of 710.241 ㎡ g<SUP>−1</SUP>), functional groups, and surface charge (pHPZC = 7.7). Parameters, including initial pH, DOX concentration, and ionic strength, that influenced the DOX adsorption capacity of KOH-BPB were examined. Adsorption equilibrium of DOX on KOH-BPB was assessed through four isothermal models: the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The obtained data were most compatible with the Langmuir model (R² = 0.9879). KOH-BPB has a maximum DOX absorption capacity of 121.95 mg g<SUP>-1</SUP> which exceeds that of many comparable absorbents. The maximum DOX removal was 96.7% at pH 6, a DOX concentration of 20 mg L<SUP>-1</SUP>, and a KOH-BPB dose of 1.0g L<SUP>-1</SUP>. These findings reveal that biochar from banana peel effectively removes antibiotic residues from water. This study provides a potential, low-cost, and environmentally friendly adsorbent.

한국어 고급 학습자를 위한 비판적 읽기 교육 시론 -인터넷 신문의 비판적 읽기를 위한 분석 준거 모색-

NGUYEN THI BINH SON,김지혜 서울대학교 국어교육연구소 2023 국어교육연구 Vol.51 No.-

In the age of digital media, the ability to analyze and evaluate information from diverse sources and make informed decisions is crucial. It is also necessary to teach critical reading to foreign learners. As potential Korea-related experts in their countries, Korean learners should be equipped with the skills to identify and avoid fake news related to Korea, and only select valuable information that can facilitate cooperation between Korea and their country. To this effect, this study verifies the necessity of critical reading in Korean language education. In particular, contents of teaching critical reading for advanced Korean learners are investigated. First, the definition of critical reading and its meaning in Korean language education are confirmed; second, the necessity of critical reading in the age of digital media is examined; third, the value of critical reading instruction through online digital newspapers is underscored through a three-layered criteria that can serve as fundamental data for teaching critical reading in Korean language. 이 연구는 한국어교육에서도 비판적 읽기 교육을 활성화할 필요가 있음을 확인하고, 한국어 고급 학습자를 위한 비판적 읽기 교육내용을 다층위적으로 탐색하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 디지털 미디어 시대에는 범람하는 정보를 판단하고 평가하여 취사선택하는 일이 중요하므로 외국인 학습자에게도 이를 함양할 기회를 줄 필요가 있다. 한국어교육의 외국인 학습자들은 향후 자국에서 한국 전문가가 될 가능성이 있다. 그런 점에서 이들에게 비판적 읽기 교육을 한다는 것은 이들이 향후 한국에 대한 가짜 뉴스를 골라내고 한국과 자국 사이의 협력을 도모할 가치 높은 정보를 취사 선택할 수 있도록 돕는 것을 의미한다. 이 논문에서는 비판적 읽기의 개념과 한국어교육적 의의를 확인하고, 디지털 미디어 환경에서 요구되는 비판적 읽기 능력을 검토한다. 그리고 인터넷 신문을 통한 비판적 읽기 교육의 가치와 가능성을 확인하고, 체계기능언어학과 비판적 담론분석 연구를 토대로 인터넷 신문의 비판 준거를 세 층위로 제시한다. 이는 향후 한국어교육의 비판적 읽기 교육 체계를 마련하는 기초 자료로서 활용될 가치가 있다.

A Spiritual War: Religious Responses to Marketization in Rural North Vietnam

Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh 부산외국어대학교 아세안연구원 2023 Suvannabhumi Vol.15 No.1

This article explores religious responses to significant cultural and social change in a northern Vietnamese delta village from 1996 to 2008—the second decade after de-collectivization. Drawing upon extensive fieldwork in both the village and surrounding religious networks, the article teases out the meanings of the new religious movements for northern rural people in the new era of market economy; the symbols, language, and metaphoric resources people used in response to their uncertainty and mistrust of the new social landscape; and the unintended consequences of rapid societal development such as marginalization, tensions, and social disintegration. The article argues that as in milleniarism elsewhere, new religious movements in northern rural Vietnam embody unorthodox syncretism between world religious and local traditions, thus linking past, present, and future. However, when drawing upon a common reservoir of memories and experiences to cope with risks and challenges of the new market world, local people not only drew on the power and imperial metaphor of deities in their traditional religion and belief, but became more creative to recuperate meanings, standards, and symbols from revolutionary discourse to reorient themselves, and overcome alienation and marginalization.