Bioactive-guided phytochemical investigation of Euphorbia antiquorum L. growing in Vietnam led to the isolation of five ent-atisanes, one seco-ent-atisane, and one lathyrane (ingol-type). The structures were elucidated as ent-1α,3α,16β,17-tetrahydroxyatisane (1), ethyl ent-3,4-seco-4,16β,17-trihydroxyatisane-3-carboxylate (2), ent-atisane-3-oxo-16β,17-acetonide (3), ent-3α-acetoxy-16β,17-dihydroxyatisane (4), ent-16β,17-dihydroxyatisane-3-one (5), calliterpenone (6), and ingol 12-acetate (7). Their chemical structures were unambiguously determined by analysis of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high resolution mass spectrometry, as well as by comparison with literature data. Among them, 1 is a new compound while 2 is an ethylated artifact of ent-3,4-seco-4,16β,17-trihydroxyatisane-3-carboxylic acid, a new compound. Isolates were evaluated for alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Compound 3 showed the most significant inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase with an IC₅₀ value of 69.62 µM. Further study on mechanism underlying yeast alpha-glucosidase inhibition indicated that 3 could retard the enzyme function by noncompetitive.

Limited information about exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in primary schools in Vietnam is available. In this study, we aimed to characterize indoor VOCs in four primary schools situated in Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis in the south of Vietnam and assess health risks linked to the students’ exposure to VOCs. Indoor and outdoor air samples were collected in the schools and analyzed for volatile composition using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Different classes of VOCs, including aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, aldehydes, esters, cyclic terpenes, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, were identified and quantified in classrooms of the schools. The results showed that the concentrations of the VOCs differed significantly among the schools and between ground-floor and first floor classrooms. In addition, VOC profiles differed considerably between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned classrooms. Limonene, a compound associated with fragrance products, was the most abundant VOC, with the median (range) concentration of 26.12 (10.29, 50.08) μg/m³. The concentrations of the compounds examined in the study were in general found to be higher indoors compared with outdoors, signifying indoor emission sources. Potential harmful effects are expected as a result of exposure to benzene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene and tetrachloroethylene in the investigated schools. Further research is needed to fully assess the health risks to students, teachers, and staff in these educational environments.

The aim of the present study was to determine the phenolics, carotenoids, B-vitamins, and antioxidant activity of nuts and seeds grown in Vietnam. The concentrations of carotenoids and B-vitamins may vary among the nuts and seeds. Watermelon seed contained the highest level of lutein while pumpkin seed was the β-carotene richest sample. Sachi inchi and sunflower seed comprised considerable levels of vitamin B1, B6, and B9. The phenolic analysis revealed that cashew contained the highest total amount of flavonoids (466.04 μg/g), with catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 predominating over the other flavonoids. Likewise, chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids made up the highest total amount of phenolic acids in sunflower seed (1870.41 μg/g). Walnut appeared to possess the highest antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and reducing power assays. The correlation analysis indicated strong positive correlations between total phenolic content with DPPH and FRAP values. Principal component analysis graphically showed the distant positioning of cashew and sunflower seed, highlighting their significantly higher levels of phenolics. The findings of the study would be useful to improve nutrient database contents for flavonoids and phenolic acids as well as to promote the consumption of nut and seed products in Vietnam.

(1) Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a prominent method for treating cartilage damage, but periosteal patches can cause chondrocyte leakage. This study evaluates the potential of a decellularized membrane derived from the cell-produced extracellular matrix of 1-day-old porcine cartilage (pcECM-DM) to act as a substitute for periosteal patches. (2) The interaction between young rabbit chondrocyte cells and pcECM-DM was assessed through cytotoxicity, differentiation, cell viability, cell migration, and adhesive ability. Rabbit chondrocyte cells, cultivated until passage two, were seeded onto a 6 mm diameter membrane. Assessments included DAPI-PKH26 staining, histological staining, live/dead assay, WST-1 assay, and proteomics analysis. (3) Results: DAPI-PKH26 staining showed successful adhesion and the uniform distribution of cells on the membrane. Safranin-O and H&E staining confirmed that the membrane supports chondrocyte adhesion and extracellular matrix production with high cell density and typical chondrocyte morphology. The live/dead assay demonstrated a high proportion of viable cells at 24 and 48 h, with increased cell proliferation over time. The WST-1 assay showed a significant increase in OD450 values, confirming cell proliferation and biocompatibility. Proteomic analysis revealed the significant enrichment of genes associated with extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion, and cartilage development. (4) Conclusions: This novel biomaterial holds the potential to enhance cartilage regeneration and offer a viable alternative to periosteal patches.

Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees.) Radlk., belonging to the Acanthaceae family, is commonly cultivated in Vietnam and Thailand for food and medicinal uses. The aim of the study was to compare phenolic composition, antioxidant, potential anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities of different extracts obtained from ethanol, 80% ethanol and water. The use of these solvents significantly affected the extractability of phytochemical classes, phenolic contents and bioactivities in the extracts. The extract obtained from 80% ethanol contained the highest amount of phenolics (113.74  26.17 mg GAE/g). It also appeared to be more suitable for recovering phenolic constituents in P. palatiferum leaves. The extracts obtained from ethanol and 80% ethanol showed significantly higher antioxidant potential and inhibition of -glucosidase compared to water. Regarding inhibition of bovine albumin denaturation, no differences were observed for the extracts at the examined concentration. The research helps better understand phytochemical contents and potential health benefits of P. palatiferum, which could be used for development of new plant-derived agents for disease prevention and treatment.

Gilbertella persicaria is a fungus causing dragon fruit rot discovered recently and there is still no effective measure to control this fungus. Several studies demonstrated that microorganisms were applied for controlling G. persicaria on other crops. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential application of rhizobacteria in the in vitro control of G. persicaria. Eighty-nine bacterial isolates were collected from eleven rhizosphere soil samples. Four isolates, including LA2.9, LA3.2, LA4.5, and LA6.1, were screened based on inhibitory zone diameters and the ratio between the diameter of the inhibitory zone and the diameter of the bacterial growth zone. All of these four isolates were identified as belonging to the Bacillus genus and were compatible with each other. Random combinations of the selected strains could increase the in vitro growth inhibition of Gilbertella persicaria GTC2.3.1 in some cases. These results once again showed that the individual or multiple applications of the antagonistic bacterial strains was a promising approach to control G. persicaria. Therefore, it is necessary to isolate and collect more bacterial antagonists to develop targeted fungicidal formulations.