How knowledge of hepatitis B disease and vaccine influences vaccination practices among parents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Objective: To assess the influences of the knowledge of parents about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the benefit of HBV vaccination on the practice of HBV vaccination among children. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study recruited parents whose children, aged 12-24 months, received HBV vaccination at Commune Health Centers (CHCs) in Ho Chi Minh City from Feb. 2016 to Jul. 2017. Parents were interviewed using a questionnaire that included 11-item binary knowledge questions and checked their children's vaccination cards. Results: A total of 768 parents had a mean age of (30.8±5.1) years. The mean knowledge score of the 11- item questions was (7.0±2.4). The knowledge score was positively associated with full and timely HBV vaccination. In addition, children who received complete and timely HBV vaccination were significantly more likely to live in rural areas (Adjusted OR 4.02, 95% CI 2.79-5.79, P<0.001). Also, children whose parents received vaccination information from health care providers, and had knowledge about HBV risk, had a higher rate of full and timely HBV vaccination (Adjusted OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.13-2.29, and Adjusted OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01-2.13, P all<0.05). Conclusions: Parents possessed a great deal of incorrect knowledge about HBV. More health education from health care providers should target parents living in specific locations and focus on the benefits of HBV vaccine.

Knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 among healthcare workers at District 2 Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude toward coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers at District 2 Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between January 2020 and February 2020 at District 2 Hospital. A systematic random sampling strategy was carried out and the data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire of the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers regarding COVID-19. Descriptive analysis was reported to describe the demographic, mean knowledge and attitude score of healthcare workers. Inferential statistics including t-test, ANOVA and Spearman's correlation were used to evaluate the relationship between study variables. Results: A total of 327 eligible healthcare workers had a mean score of knowledge and attitude of 8.17±1.3 (range 4-10) and 1.86±0.43 (range 1-5), respectively. They showed good knowledge and a positive attitude. However, approximately two thirds of the participants knew the mode of transmission, the isolation period and treatment (67.0%, 65.8%, and 58.4%, respectively), and 82.3% and 79.8%, respectively, held positive attitude regarding the risk of personal and family members getting illness. There was a negative correlation between knowledge scores and attitude scores (r=-0.21, P<0.001). Additionally, healthcare workerspredominately used social media to inform themselves about COVID-19 (91.1%). Conclusions: The majority of healthcare workers had good knowledge and positive attitude toward COVID-19. However, the level of some knowledge and attitude lower than that expected for their position level towards the virus. Additional education interventions and campaigns are required for healthcare workers.

Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology White Paper 2020 on climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity in Asia-Pacific and impact on allergic diseases

Air pollution, climate change, and reduced biodiversity are major threats to human health with detrimental effects on a variety of chronic noncommunicable diseases in particular respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The extent of air pollution both outdoor and indoor air pollution and climate change including global warming is increasing-to alarming proportions particularly in the developing world especially rapidly industrializing countries worldwide. In recent years, Asia has experienced rapid economic growth and a deteriorating environment and increase in allergic diseases to epidemic proportions. Air pollutant levels in many Asian countries especially in China and India are substantially higher than are those in developed countries. Moreover, industrial, traffic-related, and household biomass combustion, indoor pollutants from chemicals and tobacco are major sources of air pollutants, with increasing burden on respiratory allergies. Here we highlight the major components of outdoor and indoor air pollutants and their impacts on respiratory allergies associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis in the Asia-Pacific region. With Asia-Pacific comprising more than half of the world's population there is an urgent need to increase public awareness, highlight targets for interventions, public advocacy and a call to action to policy makers to implement policy changes towards reducing air pollution with interventions at a population-based level.

Evaluation of Neutrophil Activation Status According to the Phenotypes of Adult Asthma

PURPOSE: Neutrophils are considered key effector cells in the pathogenic mechanisms of airway inflammation in asthma. This study assessed the activation status of neutrophils in adult asthmatics, and the therapeutic potential of FTY720, a synthetic sphingosine-1-phosphate analog, on activated neutrophils using an in vitro stimulation model. METHODS: We isolated peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) from 59 asthmatic patients (including 20 aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease [AERD] and 39 aspirin-tolerant asthma [ATA] groups). PBNs were stimulated with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and their activation status was determined based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell surface expression of CD11b, interleukin (IL)-8 and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9 release. PBNs were primed with FTY720 to evaluate its anti-inflammatory action. RESULTS: In vitro PBN stimulation with fMLP or LPS induced a significant increase in ROS/CD11b/IL-8/MMP-9 levels (P < 0.05 for all). In asthmatics, fMLP-induced ROS level was significantly correlated with values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (r = −0.278; P = 0.036), maximal mid-expiratory flow (r = −0.309; P = 0.019) and PC20 methacholine (r = −0.302; P = 0.029). In addition, ROS levels were significantly higher in patients with AERD and in those with severe asthma than in those with ATA or non-severe asthma (P < 0.05 for all). FTY720 treatment could suppress ROS/CD11b levels, and LPS-induced IL-8 and MMP-9 levels (P < 0.05 for all). Responders to FTY720 treatment had significantly higher neutrophil counts in sputum (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a useful in vitro PBN stimulation model for evaluating the neutrophil functional status and the therapeutic potentials of neutrophil-targeting candidates in asthmatics.

Association of autophagy related gene polymorphisms with neutrophilic airway inflammation in adult asthma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Role of autophagy in neutrophil function and the association of autophagy and autophagy related (ATG) gene polymorphisms with asthma susceptibility were suggested. In this study, we investigated the genetic association of ATG5 and ATG7 polymorphisms with asthma risk, severity and neutrophilic airway inflammation. METHODS: We recruited 408 asthma patients and 201 healthy controls. Sputum neutrophil counts were determined by H&E staining. Serum interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genetic polymorphisms of ATG5 (-769T>C, -335G>A, and 8830C>T) and ATG7 (-100A>G and 25108G>C) were genotyped. The functional activities of ATG5 -769T>C and -335G>A variants were investigated by luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: No associations of ATG5 and ATG7 polymorphisms with asthma susceptibility and severity were found. ATG5 -769T>C and -335G>A were in complete linkage disequilibrium. In the asthma group, GA/AA genotypes at ATG5 -335G>A were associated with higher neutrophil counts in sputum (p T associated with lower FEV1% predicted value (p G and 25108G>C were significantly associated with high serum levels of IL-8 (p < 0.05 for both variants). CONCLUSIONS: Genetic polymorphisms of ATG5 and ATG7 could contribute to neutrophilic airway inflammation in the pathogenesis of adult asthma.

What we know about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug hypersensitivity

Nonsteroidal anti-inf lammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, but their use is frequently related to hypersensitivity reactions. This review outlines our current knowledge of NSAID hypersensitivity (NHS) with regard to its pathogenic, molecular, and genetic mechanisms, as well as diagnosis and treatment. The presentation of NHS varies from a local (skin and/or airways) reaction to systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. At the molecular level, NHS reactions can be classified as cross-reactive (mediated by cyclooxygenase inhibition) or selective (specific activation of immunoglobulin E antibodies or T cells). Genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic factors have been shown to be closely associated with NHS, and may be useful as predictive markers. To diagnose NHS, inhalation or oral challenge tests are applied, with the exclusion of any cross-reactive NSAIDs. For patients diagnosed with NHS, absolute avoidance of NSAIDs/aspirin is essential, and pharmacological treatment, including biologics, is often used to control their respiratory and cutaneous symptoms. Finally, desensitization is recommended only for selected patients with NHS. However, further research is required to develop new diagnostic methods and more effective treatments against NHS.

Association of TLR3 gene polymorphism with IgG subclass deficiency and the severity in patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma

PURPOSE: Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes to viral double-stranded RNA and is involved in antiviral defenses. A probable role of TLR3 gene variants in the pathogenesis of aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA) has been suggested. AIA patients present more frequent asthma exacerbations in which respiratory viral infections could be an exacerbating factor. IgG subclass deficiency was commonly present with bronchial asthma. Based on previous findings, we investigated whether TLR3 variants could affect IgG3 subclass deficiency in AIA. METHODS: We enrolled 279 AIA patients, 403 aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA) patients, and 315 normal healthy controls (NC) in this study. TLR3 polymorphism at the promoter region -299698G>T was genotyped. The serum levels of IgG subclasses were determined by the single radial immunodiffusion method. Expressions of IgG3 and TLR3 on Epstein-Barr virus transformed-B cells isolated from asthmatic patients were evaluated by flow cytometry to investigate B-cell functions. RESULTS: The TLR3 -299698 T allele was significantly associated with severity and IgG3 deficiency in the AIA group (P=0.044 and P=0.010, respectively), but not in the ATA group. IgG3 expression on B cells from asthmatics with IgG3 deficiency was significantly lower compared to those without (P=0.025). There was a positive correlation between IgG3 expression levels on B cells and serum IgG3 levels (r 2=0.434, P=0.002). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the TLR3 -299698G>T polymorphism may be associated with IgG3 subclass deficiency and severity in AIA.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of dental health care of school children in Hanoi, 2005

Background: Tooth decay and gingivitis are common diseases in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular. They occur so early, even shortly after teething. The treatment cost for these diseases is so expensive. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of dental health care of school children aged 12 years old in Dong Da and Thanh Tri districts of Hanoi, 2005. Subjects and method: An epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in 227 school children aged 12 years old in Dong Da and Thanh Tri districts of Hanoi, from November/2005 to May/2006. Results: Among 227 participants: men were more than female (115 versus 112). 179 participants (78.9%) knew that teeth brushing after main meals was the best method of dental care. 199 (87.7%) knew unclean teeth causing dental caries. 224 (98.7%) knew that eating sweet foods without teeth brushing could lead to tooth decay. 74.8% participants agreed to brush teeth after main meals daily. 88.1% agreed to see the dentist regularly. However, only 49.79% participants brushed their teeth after main meals; 31.3% brushed their teeth after eating or drinking sweet foods. 89% did not gargle their mouth with flour water in school. Conclusion: Behavior and knowledge of dental care of school children were good, but not for practice.

Remarks on some clinical features and X-rays of 53 case of bronchogenic cyst

Background: Bronchogenic cyst is a disease caused by abnormal development of the bronchial tree during the fetal. Incidence of Bronchogenic cyst accounts for 6.5% of mediastinal tumor in children and 14.5% of mediastinal benign tumor. Objectives: To study clinical features, X-rays imaging of bronchogenic cyst and surgical indications in treatment. Subjects and method: A retrospective study was conducted on 53 patients with bronchogenic cyst (29 males, 24 females, aged between 18 and 69 years old), operated at Surgical department of Central Hospital of Tuberculosis and Lung from January, 2002 to December, 2005. Results:Clinical symptoms of bronchogenic cyst were nonspecific. However, some common symptoms were chest pain (64%), dry cough (51%) and hemoptysis (34%). The disease was common seen in bronchial parenchyma (98%), in right lung is 2 times higher than in left lung. Diameter of cyst was mainly from 5-10cm, round shape. The cyst edge is thin, clear and smooth. Treatment indication for bronchogenic cyst was surgery. Conclusion: When bronchogenic cyst was confirmed diagnosed, surgical indication was completely reasonable, it allowed eliminating complications of bronchogenic cyst.

Influence of air pollution to morbidity of respiratory diseases of people living in Lac Long Quan area and around Thuong Dinh industrial zone

Background: The effect of air pollution on human health has been paying attentions by researchers in recent years. Exposing air pollutants increases risk for respiratory tract and heart diseases. Objective: 1. To evaluate the situation of air pollution in Thuong Dinh industrial zone and Lac Long Quan area. 2. To compare the respiratory tract morbidity rate which is asscociated with air pollution in residents living in these two areas. Subjects and method: A cross-sectional, comparative study on air pollution indicators and respiratory tract morbidity rate was conducted in 3.963 residents living in Lac Long Quan area and the surroundings of Thuong Dinh industrial zone. Results and Conclusion: The dust pollution rate in Thuong Dinh was as 3-3.5 times high as in Lac Long Quan. Both areas had microorganic pollution. The average concentrations of Pb, As, NO2, Co, SO2, O3 in two seasons were lower than permitted standards, but these concentrations in Thuong Dinh were higher than in Lac Long Quan. There is a significant difference in some respiratory diseases between these two areas. People living in Thuong Dinh industrial zone had a double risk of getting some chronic respiratory diseasess in comparison with those in Lac Long Quan: Rhinitis (OR=1.65; CI95%: 1.3-2.04), bronchitis (OR=1.39; CI95%: 1.04-1.85), amygdalitis (OR=2.14; CI95%: 1.18-3.91), pneumonia (OR=2.53; CI95%: 1.31-4.96). Symptoms of COPD of people in Thuong Dinh were also higher than that in Lac Long Quan: cough (OR=1.87; CI95%: 1.64-3.91); sputum (OR=1.63; CI95%: 1.23-2.17); stuff-up nose (\ufffd?1.3; CI95%: 1.11-1.56); and runny nose (OR=1.91; CI95%: 1.58-2.32).

Some remarks on the effectiveness of microcredit program in children malnutrition control and prevention in communes of Soc Son district, Ha Noi

Background: Soc Son is mountainous, poorest district of Ha Noi, the rate of malnourished children was highest level (28,2% in 2003). Objectives: Description and assessment on the effectiveness of microcredit program for developing household economy and the impact of microcredit program on care for pregnant women, children and nutrition situation for children in 7 communes of Soc Son district in 3 years (2003-2006). Subjects and method: 167 poor households with malnourished child/children or pregnant women with low weight gain which were provided loans in 7 communes of Soc Son district; 169 children were born after 1/6/2001 and their mother in 167 households above. Method: cross-sectional descriptive method combine comparative analysis, using interview ballot, growth chart of National Institute of nutrition. Data processing by software EPI 6.0 and SPSS/PC 12.0. Results: The microcredit program had helped 95,0% households improve their economy remarkably, 54,5% of the households had improved income and food security. These improvements had influenced positively on practice of maternal and child care and malnutrition situation among children under 5 years old. The rate of pregnant women taking sufficient rest before birth delivery and having appropriate workload during pregnancy increased by 29,7%. Low-birth-weight newborns (<2,500 gram) had decreased by 11,5%. The rate of children with more than 3 complementary meals had increased by 8,5%. Malnutrition prevalence of children under 5 years old in 7 communes had decreased by 6,9%. Conclusion: The program has contributed to lower malnutrition prevalence of children under 5 years old in Soc Son district by 6,6%.

Toxicity of chitin and chitosan

Chitin is a natural product while chitosan is synthetic product from chitin. A study on the activity of chitin and chitosan in dogs has shown that the use of intradermal chitosan at dose of 200 mg/kg killed all experimental dogs because of pulmonary hemorrhage while this dose of chitin did not kill any dogs. Until now, it was limited to use chitin and chitosan in human as a food complementary, anti obesity and scar healing.

Role of occupational factor in drug allergy in pharmaceutical workers

Across descriptive sectional study on 489 workers and pharmacists in the pharmaceutical factories No1 and No2 in Hµ Néi from July to August 1997 has shown that the rate of drug allergy in workers and pharmacists was very high (33.9%). The occupational factors influenced significant on the allergy to Beta-lactamin. The rate of drug allergy was direct proportional with ages and exposure duration. In addition to, the family factors also influenced the drug allergy.

Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in hospital health workers

Study on 589 nurses and midwives who have been working at least 2 years at hospitals in Hanoi, they were interviewed about the time of occupational contact to antibiotics, the allergic history with beta-lactam antibiotics. All participants were done skin prick test with benzyl penicillin G and ampicillin. Total serum IgE and reaction of mastocyte transform in the subjects who had allergic history to beta-lactam antibiotic. Results showed that the allergic prevalence to beta-lactam antibiotics is very high (9.3%). The occupational factors have clearly affected to the allergy including proportion of occupation ages, family allergic history, and persons who used to suffer from the diseases of allergy and immunology have the allergic risk to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Total serum IgE in health staff with allergic history to beta-lactam antibiotics

Study to determine concentration of total serum IgE of 43 health staff with allergy with beta-lactam antibiotics, who are working at hospitals in Hanoi, and control group include 42 healthy persons without any allergic disease or allergic history. Result showed that the average concentration of total serum IgE in the group of health staffs with allergic history to beta-lactam antibiotics is high (X=1968.860 ng/ml). It is higher than 8 times comparing with the group of healthy persons (242.310 ng/ml).

Some epidemiological characteristics of allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics in pharmaceutical industrial workers and hospital staffs

The study was carried out on 490 workers from 3 pharmaceutical enterprises, and 589 hospital staffs (nurses, pharmacist) from hospitals in Hanoi. Results shown that the prevalence of allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics in pharmaceutical workers and hospital staffs is very high and clearly affected by occupational factors. This issue requires the functioning agencies having solutions of early detection, management and prevention for labor force working in pharmaceutical and health branch.