VNUHCM Journal of Science and Technology Development

Welcome to the New Editor-in-Chief

Phuc Van Pham — 2025-03-31

It has been my great honor to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Science and Technology Development Journal at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) from March 9, 2021, through April 1, 2025. During these four years, I have been enriched by many inspiring and deeply meaningful experiences, contributing to the journal’s transformation into a prominent publication both domestically and internationally. Our accomplishments thus far reflect the tireless efforts of the editorial team, editorial board members, authors, and the entire VNU-HCM community, building on the strong foundation established by generations of editors and editors-in-chief over the past 25 years. I am delighted to announce that Professor Phan Bach Thang will succeed me as the next Editor-in-Chief. Given his profound research expertise and outstanding leadership, I am confident the Science and Technology Development Journal (STDJ) will continue to flourish, ultimately earning its place in the Scopus and Web of Science databases.

Influence of Boundary Conditions on the Structural Evolution of Hexagonal Boron Nitride upon Heating

Hang Nguyen — 2025-03-31

Introduction: In this study, we investigate how boundary conditions influence the structural evolution of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) under thermal stress. Specifically, we analyze two configurations: a zigzag h-BN nanoribbon (ZBNNR) and an in-plane graphene/h-BN/graphene (g/h-BN/g) heterostructure, focusing on the role of graphene layers in modulating h-BN's behavior during heating.

Methods: Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to simulate thermal effects on the ZBNNR and hybrid g/h-BN/g heterostructure. These simulations tracked structural changes, bond dynamics, and phase transitions across varying temperatures to assess boundary-driven modifications in h-BN stability.

Results: Both systems exhibited first-order phase transitions. The melting temperature of ZBNNR was 3800 K, significantly lower than the 6150 K observed for the g/h-BN/g heterostructure. At melting, B–B and N–N bonds in ZBNNR contracted, whereas these bonds remained stable in the heterostructure. Coordination analysis revealed that 5.9% of atoms in ZBNNR retained a coordination number of three, compared to only 2.6% in the h-BN layer of the heterostructure, highlighting graphene’s stabilizing effect.

Conclusion: The presence of graphene layers in the hybrid heterostructure substantially enhances the thermal stability of h-BN, elevating its melting temperature and suppressing bond distortion. This work underscores the critical role of boundary conditions in tailoring nanoscale material properties for high-temperature applications.

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: Enhancing Grade 11 Students’ Learning Outcomes through Quizventures

SHERWIN REY CANTUTAY RESULTA — 2025-03-31

This action research study aims to investigate the effectiveness of QuizVenture as an intervention tool to enhance Grade 11 student learning outcomes in World Religions. QuizVenture is a mobile-based game that uses gamification elements to engage students in learning activities outside the classroom. A total of 26 Grade 11 students from Lapinigan National High School participated in the study. The intervention was implemented over a period of four weeks, and data were collected through pre- and postintervention quizzes and focus group discussions. The results of the study revealed that the use of QuizVentures significantly improved students' learning outcomes, with a mean score increase of 10.20 points in the postintervention quiz compared with the preintervention quiz. Additionally, the data shown in the Results and Discussion section revealed that the intervention or treatment that was applied between the pretest and posttest effectively improved the participants' scores on the second cycle posttest compared with the data gathered via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Tool) during the pretest and posttest of cycle 1. Moreover, the students reported high levels of engagement and motivation in using QuizVenture for learning. Focus group discussions revealed that QuizVenture helped students develop a deeper understanding of the concepts and principles of world religion and improved their critical thinking skills. These findings suggest that QuizVenture is an effective intervention tool that can enhance student learning outcomes within and beyond the classroom.

Effects of CoCl2-Induced Hypoxia on HepG2 Cells: Increased VEGF and GLUT1 Gene Expression and Enhanced Doxorubicin Resistance

Chau-Huynh Dao Minh — 2025-03-31

Introduction: This study investigates the effects of cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), a hypoxia-mimicking agent, on HepG2 liver cancer cells, focusing on cell survival, hypoxia-related gene expression, chemotherapy sensitivity, and drug efflux capacity. Hypoxia is a critical feature of tumor microenvironments linked to cancer progression and therapy resistance, and CoCl₂ is widely used to simulate these conditions in vitro. The aim was to evaluate how varying concentrations and exposure times of CoCl₂ influence cellular responses, providing insights into hypoxia-driven mechanisms in liver cancer.

Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with CoCl₂ at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µM over 12, 24, and 48 hours. Cell viability was assessed to determine cytotoxicity. Gene expression levels of hypoxia-associated markers—vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)—were quantified at 72 and 96 hours. Chemotherapy sensitivity was evaluated using doxorubicin, with IC₅₀ values calculated to measure resistance. Drug efflux capacity was analyzed via rhodamine 123 retention assays.

Results: Lower CoCl₂ concentrations (50–100 µM) showed no significant cytotoxicity, while higher doses (150–250 µM) reduced cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. CoCl₂ induced marked upregulation of VEGF and GLUT1 at 72 and 96 hours, despite stable HIF-1α levels, suggesting enhanced angiogenesis and metabolic adaptation. Treated cells exhibited reduced sensitivity to doxorubicin, with increased IC₅₀ values, and a twofold rise in the rhodamine 123-effluxing subpopulation, indicating enhanced drug resistance and efflux capacity.

Conclusion: CoCl₂ effectively mimics hypoxia in HepG2 cells, driving adaptive responses such as angiogenesis, metabolic shifts, and drug resistance. While valuable for studying hypoxia-related pathways, optimal experimental outcomes require careful selection of CoCl₂ concentration and exposure duration. These findings highlight the utility of CoCl₂ in modeling tumor microenvironment challenges and underscore the need to standardize protocols for translational relevance.

Investigation of drug-related problems (DRPs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients at district hospital’s internal clinic at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Minh Thanh Nguyen — 2025-03-31

Introduction: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are prevalent among outpatients and may lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly common and poses significant challenges to global health and the economy. Patients with T2DM have multiple risk factors for DRPs. This study aimed to determine the types, frequency, and associated factors of DRPs in prescriptions for T2DM outpatients.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted to collect prescriptions of T2DM outpatients at District hospital’s internal clinic at Ho Chi Minh city, from October 1st to December 31st, 2022. DRPs were determined using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification, version 9.1. Factors associated with DRPs were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results: A total of 380 prescriptions were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was 62.4 years (± 10.4). More than half of the patients were female (59.7%). In total, 636 drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified, with 82.4% of patients experiencing at least one DRP, averaging 1.68 ± 1.38 problems per patient. The most common prevalent DRP was related to dose timing, accounting for 78.9% of the cases. (78.9%). Other types of DRPs were observed at lower frequencies. The drug classes most commonly associated with DRPs were anti-diabetic agents (A10) and cardiac therapy (C01). Polypharmacy, defined as the presence of five or more concurrent medications, was significantly associated with the occurrence of DRPs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The proportion of prescriptions with DRP in this study setting was quite notably high. Early identification of the types of DRPs along with related associated factors, is essential. Providing physicians with information about common DRPs may aid in preventing these issues in outpatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Unlocking the Regenerative Potential of Antler Stem Cells: A Promising Frontier in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

Phat Duc Huynh — 2025-03-31

Stem cells have been playing an important role in regenerative medicine. Recently, deer antler stem cells have received more attention because of their unique regenerative abilities. Deer velvet is regenerated every year at a complete level and leaves absolutely no scars. It is a rare phenomenon in mammals at present. Thus, deer antler stem cells can be a potential agent of biomolecular, metabolic, and regenerative pathways. This review evaluated deer antler stem cells' wound healing and regenerative potential. Although mesenchymal stem cells have been studied extensively, studies on antler stem cells (ASCs) are still in their infancy. Due to ethical barriers, there is still few applications of ASCs in clinical. A more comprehensive understanding of deer antler stem cells will lay the groundwork for further studies to approach their applications in future.