Isolation, structural elucidation and molecular docking studies against SARS-CoV-2 main protease of new stigmastane-type steroidal glucosides isolated from the whole plants of Vernonia gratiosa.

Phytochemical investigation of the whole plants of Vernonia gratiosa Hance. led in the isolation and identification of two new stigmastane-type steroidal glucosides (1-2), namely vernogratiosides A (1), and B (2). Their chemical structures were fully elucidated based on 1 D/2D NMR spectroscopic, HR-ESI-MS data analyses, and by producing derivatives by chemical reactions. The binding potential of the isolated compounds to replicase protein - main protease of SARS-CoV-2 were examined using the molecular docking simulations. Our results show that the isolated steroidal glucosides (1-2) bind to the substrate-binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with binding affinities of -7.2 and -7.6 kcal/mol, respectively, as well as binding abilities equivalent to N3 inhibitor that has already been reported (-7.5 kcal/mol).

Subjective impact of COVID-19 pandemic on youth with tic and OCD spectrum disorders

Objectives: This study investigated the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth with chronic tic disorders (CTD) and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) based on subjective reports, objective measures, and parental feedback. This study also sought to investigate whether and how these reported experiences differed based on the presence of underlying tic and/or OCD spectrum diagnoses. Method(s): Children with CTD, OCD, and Tics + OCD and their parents were recruited to complete an online survey from July 2020 through April 2021. Forty-eight responses were received;child respondents had a median age of 12 years. Result(s): On average, youth reported that the pandemic negatively impacted them in several domains, particularly after-school activities, relationships with friends, and social/community gatherings. Despite the small sample size, youth with OCD appeared to experience a greater negative impact compared to other subgroups. Median screen use in this sample was 3-8 hours a day, and youth who reported > 8 hours on weekends trended towards increased depressive symptoms. Conclusion(s): Consistent with the physician-authors' clinical experiences, youth with CTD, OCD, and Tics + OCD and their parents reported a subjective negative impact of the pandemic on various symptoms and psychosocial domains. Going forward, if another lockdown loomed, it would be valuable to stay attuned to these vulnerable youth, particularly those with OCD symptoms, and consider providing support in specific psychosocial domains, such as relationship with peers and home life.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc.

"Maintaining HIV and HCV prevention and care for people who inject drugs despite COVID-19 in Hai Phong, Vietnam".

BACKGROUND: After the emergence of COVID-19, a one-month strict lockdown was imposed in April 2020 in Vietnam, followed by lighter social distancing restrictions over the year. We investigated whether those measures affected people who inject drugs (PWID) in terms of risk behaviors for HIV and HCV and access to prevention and care in the city of Haiphong, a historic hotspot for HIV and drug use. METHODOLOGY: We carried out a 'before-after' study from 2019 to 2020 using respondent-driven sampling method to enroll PWID. They were interviewed on their socioeconomic situation, drug use and sexual behaviors, relations to care services and tested for drugs and methadone in the urine, for HIV, HCV, and HIV plasma viral load when HIV-positive. Changes following the restrictions were assessed by comparing 'before' to 'after' data. RESULTS: 780 PWID were enrolled. Mean age was 44 years; 94% were male. All were actively injecting heroin 'before', versus 56% 'after'. Among those, frequency of consumption decreased from 24 to 17 days per month. No changes were observed in the frequency and practices of methamphetamine smoking. The proportion of PWID on MMT increased from 68.7% to 75.3%, and that of PWID engaging in risky behaviors related to drug injection decreased from 6.0% to 1.5%. No HIV seroconversions were observed; HCV incidence was 2.6/100 person-years (95% CI [0.7-6.7]). 9% of PWID reported a monthly income of less than 130USD 'before' versus 53% 'after'. CONCLUSION: The case of Hai Phong shows that it is possible, during times of COVID-19 pandemic, to maintain access to harm reduction and care and to prevent HIV and HCV transmission among PWID in a resource-limited setting where severe social distancing restrictions are implemented. Further research is needed to assess the consequences of long-term economic difficulties and the impact of actual spread of SARS-Cov2 that has since emerged in Haiphong.

Spatiotemporal Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Delta Variants during Large Nationwide Outbreak of COVID-19, Vietnam, 2021.

We analyzed 1,303 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from Vietnam, and found the Alpha and Delta variants were responsible for a large nationwide outbreak of COVID-19 in 2021. The Delta variant was confined to the AY.57 lineage and caused >1.7 million infections and >32,000 deaths. Viral transmission was strongly affected by nonpharmaceutical interventions.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Factors Influencing the Destination Choice of International Visitors to Vietnam

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an attractive tourist destination with diverse and unique experiences, in which Vietnam is considered one of the most famous destinations in this region. Quality evaluations and strategies for attracting international tourists are being thoroughly researched. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had the most significant impact on the tourism industry, which has suffered greatly. Therefore, the recovery and expansion of international tourism necessitate the employment of tourism-related businesses and service sector workers. Extensive research must be conducted to identify solutions and new directions to recover the international tourist market's growth as quickly as possible. This study identifies the factors that influence the destination of international visitors visiting Vietnam after the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying and evaluating the scales of the theoretical model. Using the convenience sampling technique, data were collected through interviews with 208 international visitors, with 29 observed variables. Using SPSS 22.0, five factors influencing international visitors' decisions to visit Vietnam were revealed: tourist motivation, tourist attitude, destination image, social media, and environmental quality. Finally, the authors provide policy recommendations to enhance the allure and viability of Vietnam's tourism following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study's outcome is intended to establish the importance of the many variables influencing the choice of destination for international visitors.

An at-home and electro-free COVID-19 rapid test based on colorimetric RT-LAMP (preprint)

Purpose: In the fight against virus-caused pandemics like COVID-19, the use of diagnostic tests based on RT-qPCR is essential but sometimes limited by their dependence on expensive, specialized equipment and skilled personnel. Consequently, an alternative nucleic acid detection technique that gets over these restrictions, called loop-mediated isothermal amplification following reverse transcription (RT-LAMP), has been broadly investigated. Nevertheless, the developed RT-LAMP assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection still require laboratory devices and are electrically dependent, limiting their widespread use as rapid home tests. In this work, a flexible RT-LAMP assay that gets beyond the drawbacks of the available isothermal LAMP-based SARS-CoV-2 detection was developed, establishing a simple and effective at-home diagnosis tool for COVID-19. Methods: A multiplex direct RT-LAMP assay modified from the previously developed test was applied to simultaneously identify the two genes of SARS-CoV-2. We used a colorimetric readout, lyophilized reagents, and benchmarked an electro-free and micropipette-free method that enables sensitive and specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 in home settings. Results: Forty-one nasopharyngeal swab samples were tested using the home-testing RT-LAMP (HT-LAMP) assay developed, showing 100% agreement with the RT-qPCR results. Conclusions: This is the first electrically independent RT-LAMP assay successfully developed for SARS-CoV-2 detection at home setting. Our HT-LAMP assay is thus an important development for diagnosing COVID-19 or any other infectious pandemic on a population scale.

An adaptive design to screen, treat, and retain people with opioid use disorders who use methamphetamine in methadone clinics (STAR-OM): study protocol of a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine use could jeopardize the current efforts to address opioid use disorder and HIV infection. Evidence-based behavioral interventions (EBI) are effective in reducing methamphetamine use. However, evidence on optimal combinations of EBI is limited. This protocol presents a type-1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid design to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness of adaptive methamphetamine use interventions, and their implementation barriers in Vietnam. METHOD: Design: Participants will be first randomized into two frontline interventions for 12 weeks. They will then be placed or randomized to three adaptive strategies for another 12 weeks. An economic evaluation and an ethnographic evaluation will be conducted alongside the interventions. PARTICIPANTS: We will recruit 600 participants in 20 methadone clinics. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: (1) age 16+; (2) Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) scores ≥ 10 for methamphetamine use or confirmed methamphetamine use with urine drug screening; (3) willing to provide three pieces of contact information; and (4) having a cell phone. OUTCOMES: Outcomes are measured at 13, 26, and 49 weeks and throughout the interventions. Primary outcomes include the (1) increase in HIV viral suppression, (2) reduction in HIV risk behaviors, and (3) reduction in methamphetamine use. COVID-19 response: We developed a response plan for interruptions caused by COVID-19 lockdowns to ensure data quality and intervention fidelity. DISCUSSION: This study will provide important evidence for scale-up of EBIs for methamphetamine use among methadone patients in limited-resource settings. As the EBIs will be delivered by methadone providers, they can be readily implemented if the trial demonstrates effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04706624. Registered on 13 January 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04706624.

COPING WITH IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC: EXPERIENCE OF VIETNAM'S EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Covid 19 pandemic has been spreading over 200 countries around the world, seriously affecting every socio-economic aspect of countries, including education. To cope with and achieve initial success in pandemic prevention and control, Vietnam's education sector has: response quickly;establish new thinking, apply new teaching methods in the 4.0 era;closely coordinate with the education system with relevant levels, ministries, sectors, enterprises, and parents;set up measures to support and overcome difficulties in time;and strengthen international cooperation in preventing Covid 19 pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 main protease and papain-like protease inhibition by abietane-type diterpenes isolated from the branches of Glyptostrobus pensilis using molecular docking studies.

Using various chromatographic methods, five abietane-type diterpenes were isolated from the branches of Glyptostrobus pensilis for the first time. The chemical structures of the isolates were identified by modern spectroscopic techniques, including 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by comparison with the literature. In addition, the binding potential of the isolated compounds to replicase protein, SARS-CoV-2 main protease and papain-like protease, were examined using molecular docking studies. In silico results suggested that G. pensilis as well as abietane-types diterpenes are potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2.

DOMESTIC TOURIST SATISFACTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR "ONE COMMUNE ONE PRODUCT" ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEKONG DELTA OF VIETNAM

Eco-tourism being one of six groups of OCOP products plays a key role in the rural economic development. However, there are limited empirical evidences on the impacts of destination attributes of OCOP tourism on tourist satisfaction. Thus, the objective of this current study is to investigate the impacts of OCOP eco-tourism destination attributes on tourist satisfaction. The study conducted face-to-face interviews with 200 eco-tourists and employed exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression. The study found that the shared social and environmental responsibilities - core characteristics of OCOP tourism have the highest effect on tourist satisfaction. The study also provides some policy implications for sustainable development of OCOP eco-tourism destinations in the Mekong Delta.

An Adaptive Design To Screen, Treat And Retain People With Opioid Use Disorders Who Use Methamphetamine In Methadone Clinics (STAR-OM) Study Protocol of A Clinical Trial (preprint)

Background: Methamphetamine use could jeopardize the current efforts to address opioid use disorder and HIV infection. Evidence-based behavioral interventions (EBI) are effective in reducing methamphetamine use. However, evidence on optimal combinations of EBI is limited. This protocol presents a Type-1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid design to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness of adaptive methamphetamine use interventions and their implementation barriers in Vietnam. Method: Design: Participants will be first randomized into two frontline interventions for 12 weeks. They will then be placed or randomized to three adaptive strategies for another 12 weeks. An economic evaluation and an ethnographic evaluation will be conducted alongside the interventions. Participants: We will recruit 600 participants in 20 methadone clinics. Eligibility criteria: 1) age 16+, 2) Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) scores 10 or more for methamphetamine use or confirmed methamphetamine use with urine drug screening; 3) willing to provide three pieces of contact information; 4) having a cell phone.Outcomes: Outcomes are measured at 13-, 26- and 49-week and throughout the interventions. Primary outcomes include: (1) increase in HIV viral suppression; (2) reduction in HIV risk behaviors; and (3) reduction in methamphetamine use. COVID-19 response: We developed a response plan for interruptions caused by COVID-19 lockdowns to ensure data quality and intervention fidelity. Discussion: This study will provide important evidence for scale-up of EBIs for methamphetamine use among methadone patients in limited-resource settings. As the EBIs will be delivered by methadone providers, they can be readily implemented if the trial demonstrates effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Trial registration: NCT04706624. Registered 13 January 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04706624

ERP and Firm Performance on Information Quality and Supply Chain Integration during COVID-19 pandemic (preprint)

The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has an imbalance between demand and supply in Vietnam's manufacturing industry. The products needed to handle the spread of the virus are in high order, and there is even a product shortage. Products that are not required to prevent a pandemic have stagnated so that the manufacturing industry suddenly reduces capacity. Manufacturing companies need to coordinate quickly to be able to adjust the disruption. Manufacturing companies already have an integrated information technology system that has been the primary process in Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP). Manufacturing companies make ERP their primary system, so they need to be updated and adjusted as needed. This study obtains a questionnaire from Vietnam's manufacturing industry using the google form link and distributed through social media WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Data processing was carried out by using the partial least square of 285 manufacturing company respondents. The results showed that ERP sustainability was able to influence supply chain integration (internal and external). External integration has an impact on information quality, while internal integration does not affect. Supply chain integration and information quality affect increasing firm performance. Research makes a practical contribution to the industry in optimizing ERP systems in Pandemic conditions and a theoretical contribution to ERP sustainability as a mainstay in supply chain integration.

PRE-CLINICAL IMMUNE RESPONSE AND SAFETY EVALUATION OF THE PROTEIN SUBUNIT VACCINE NANOCOVAX FOR COVID-19 (preprint)

The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a dire global health concern. The development of vaccines with high immunogenicity and safety is crucial for control of the global COVID-19 pandemic and prevention of further illness and fatalities. Here, we report development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate, Nanocovax, based on recombinant protein production of the extracellular (soluble) portion of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that Nanocovax induced high levels of S protein-specific IgG, as well neutralizing antibody in three animal models including Balb/C mice, Syrian hamsters, and non-human primate (Macaca leonina). In addition, the viral challenge study using the hamster model showed that Nanocovax protected the upper respiratory tract from SARS-CoV-2 infection. No adverse effects were induced by Nanocovax in swiss mice (Musmusculus var. Albino), Rats (Rattus norvegicus), and New Zealand rabbits. These pre-clinical results indicated that Nanocovax is safe and effective

Coronavirus pandemic in Vietnam: an effective response model

In late December 2019, the World Health Organisation declared that pneumonia of unknown aetiology broke out in China and then expanded to become a pandemic. Vietnam was predicted to be one of the hardest-hit countries of this pandemic. However, this country has written its own exceptional story with a low and contained infection rate and few deaths on its territory. This study seeks to highlight the global significance of the Vietnamese response model in the fight against COVID-19. The study suggests that the Vietnamese Government’s procedures, from central officials to grassroots cadre, have significance on three levels with comparative importance. First, attention is given to the use of tracking mechanisms enabled by medical surveillance and record systems. Then, the role of social media in educational epidemiology. Finally, we highlight the adjustment of Vietnamese social practices, behaviours, and cultural habituation, which were crucial in fighting the pandemic. These results of this study suggest an effective, low-cost model in combating pandemic which could be applied by other countries, despite a surprising, but sadly recurrent, the reluctance of international media to represent Vietnam fairly and impartially. The paper draws attention to the importance of Vietnam’s experience in tracking systems, health, and education, aiming to illustrate effective measures that have global significance and suggest opportunities for international implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Social Identities is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Preventing laboratory-associated infections in the COVID-19 era: experience from a tertiary care infectious disease hospital in Southern Vietnam (preprint)

Objectives: Laboratory staff is at higher risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection owing to the handling of patient samples. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) focus risk assessment and risk management are essential for preventing laboratory acquired infections (LAIs). We present herein the steps taken to prevent LAIs related to SARS-CoV-2 testing from February 1, 2020 to September 17, 2020 in a tertiary care hospital in Vietnam. Results: A SARS-CoV-2-focused risk assessment was conducted for laboratory processes. Risk management strategies, including engineering, administrative and operations control procedures, were established. This includes the use of dedicated facility, instrument, and cold chain units for testing; SOPs; training (testing, decontamination and cleaning staff); the introduction of biosafety level 2+ laboratory practices; COVID-19 symptom reporting; enhanced cleaning protocols; and the assigning of additional staff for testing and safety system implementation. In total, 38,377 (daily mean and range: 166; 3 – 2,377) samples were received and tested. The turnaround time (median ± standard deviation (SD)) was 3.54 ± 2.97 days. Altogether, 32 staff members were involved with SARS-CoV-2 testing and biosafety management, and there were no reports of COVID-19 symptoms among them. 

Comparison of infection control strategies to reduce COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters in the United States: a simulation study (preprint)

Background: Multiple COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred in homeless shelters across the US, highlighting an urgent need to identify the most effective infection control strategy to prevent future outbreaks. Objective: To estimate the probability of averting outbreaks in homeless shelters under different infection control strategies. Design: Microsimulation model of COVID-19 transmission in a representative homeless shelter over 30 days under different infection control strategies, including daily symptom-based screening, twice-weekly polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) testing and universal mask wearing. Setting: A shelter of 250 residents and 50 staff. Patients: Residents and staff of homeless shelters in the US. Model calibrated to data from cross-sectional PCR surveys during COVID-19 outbreaks in five shelters in three US cities. Measurements: Probability of averting a COVID-19 outbreak ([≥]3 infections in 14 days). Results: Basic reproduction number (R0) estimates for the observed outbreaks ranged from 2.9 to 6.2. The probability of averting an outbreak diminished with higher transmissibility (R0) within the simulated shelter and increasing transmission intensity in the local community. With moderate transmission intensity in the local community, the estimated probabilities of averting an outbreak in a low-risk (R0=1.5), moderate-risk (R0=2.9), and high-risk (R0=6.2) shelter were: 0.33, 0.11 and 0.03 for daily symptom-based screening; 0.52, 0.27, and 0.04 for twice-weekly PCR testing; 0.47, 0.20 and 0.06 for universal masking; and 0.68, 0.40 and 0.08 for these strategies combined. Limitations: R0 values calibrated to reported outbreaks may be higher than for average shelter due to smaller outbreaks going unreported. Conclusion: In high-risk homeless shelter environments and locations with high community incidence of COVID-19 most infection control strategies are unlikely to prevent outbreaks. In lower-risk environments, combined interventions should be adopted to reduce outbreak risk. Primary Funding Source: University of California, San Francisco; UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative.

ANAYSIS OF IMPACTS OF A SIX FACTOR MODEL CASE ON EIB STOCK PRICE IN COMMERCIAL BANKING INDUSTRY IN VIETNAM -- AND ROLES OF IT SECURITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

During Covid 19 we need to recognize role of risk management including IT security and financial risk management. Risk can reflex in Fluctuation of stock price in commercial banks in developing countries such as Vietnam, which will reflect the business health of bank system and the whole economy. Good business management requires us to consider the impacts of multi macro factors on stock price, and it contributes to promoting business plan and economic policies for economic growth and stabilizing macroeconomic factors. By data collection method through statistics, analysis, synthesis, comparison, quantitative analysis to generate qualitative comments and discussion;using econometric method to perform regression equation and evaluate quantitative results, the article analyzed and evaluated the impacts of six (6) macroeconomic factors on stock price of a joint stock commercial bank, Eximbank (EIB) in Vietnam in the period of 2014-2019, both positive and negative sides. The results of quantitative research, in a seven factor model, show that the increase in Risk free rate has a significant effect on increasing EIB stock price with the highest impact coefficient, the second is decreasing CPI and lending rate. This research finding and recommended policy also can be used as reference in policy for commercial bank system in many developing countries. We also recommend some plans to deal with risk management and IT security in this industry.