The association between overweight and prevalence of food allergy in Japanese children: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND@#Food allergy (FA) is a common disease in children, and its prevalence has increased in developed countries. The impact of overweight on children health also becomes an important social problem. However, the relationship between overweight and FA is still unclear. We examined the association between overweight and the prevalence of FA among Japanese children.@*METHODS@#We analyzed data obtained using a self-administered questionnaire from 1772 Japanese children. Weight groups according to body mass index cutoff points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force were used to create two groups: overweight and non-overweight. Children were separated into four age groups (3-6 years, 6-9 years, 9-12 years, and 12-15 years) to examine age differences. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic models to examine the association between overweight and FA.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of FA was significantly higher in boys (10.6%, p = 0.014) than girls (4.5%) and girls (7.9%, p = 0.012) than boys (2.5%) for 6-9 and 12-15 age groups, respectively. While the prevalence of FA was significantly higher in overweight than non-overweight girls (26.1%, p = 0.005) in the 12-15 age group, no significant difference was found in boys. In girls, overweight was significantly associated with FA after adjustment for age and asthma (odds ratio 1.99, 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.89, p = 0.046).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results showed that being overweight was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of FA in girls, but not in boys. Further prospective studies are necessary to find the causal relationship between overweight and FA.

Chemical Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. and Their Anti-allergic and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (Compositae) is a traditional medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities. To elucidate new anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory constituents, the aerial parts of A. capillaries were investigated to afford a new compound, (6E,8E)-6-methylundeca-6,8-diene-2,5,10-trione (17) together with 19 known compounds (1 - 16, 18 - 20). The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D, 2D NMR, HREIMS, and optical rotation [α]D. The absolute configuration of compound 2 was determined to be S form for the first time. All isolates (1 - 20) were tested their inhibitory effects on interleukin 2 (IL-2) expression in T cells and NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW246.7. Among them, compounds 10, 11, 19, and 20 reduced IL-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, compound 10 also inhibited NO production with an IC50 value of 37.3 ± 0.4 μM.

Relationship between screen time and nutrient intake in Japanese children and adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study

BACKGROUND@#Sedentary behaviors have recently become an important public health issue. We aimed to investigate the relationship between screen time and nutrient intake in children and adolescents.@*METHODS@#The present study was conducted in 2013. Data were collected from children and adolescents aged between 6 and 15 years old in Shika town. Questionnaires were distributed to 1459 subjects, 1414 of whom participated in the study (96.9%). Sedentary behaviors were assessed based on participants' screen behaviors (television (TV) viewing, personal computer (PC) use, and mobile phone (MP) use). The main outcomes were the intake of nutrients from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine the significance of differences in nutrient intake estimates. Multivariate linear regression analyses, adjusting for age, BMI, and physical activity, were used to provide parameter estimates (β) and 95% CI for the relationship between screen time and nutrient intake.@*RESULTS@#In boys, longer TV viewing times correlated or tended to correlate with a lower intake of protein, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin K, vitamin B-2, and total dietary fiber. In girls, longer TV viewing times correlated with a lower intake of protein, sodium, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-2. Longer TV viewing times correlated with a higher intake of n-6 fatty acids in girls. PC use was related or tended to be related to a lower intake of potassium, iron, vitamin K, and folic acid in boys, but not in girls. A relationship was observed between MP use and a lower intake of vitamin K in boys, and MP use and a higher intake of vitamin D in girls.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The present results revealed that longer TV viewing times are associated with less protein, minerals, vitamins, and total dietary fiber intake in children and adolescents. It was also revealed that boys with PC use have less minerals and vitamins. These results support the need to design intervention programs that focus on decreasing TV viewing time in both sexes and PC use in boys while encouraging adherence to dietary guidelines among children and adolescents.

Burnout Study of Clinical Nurses in Vietnam: Development of Job Burnout Model Based on Leiter and Maslach's Theory

PURPOSE: This study aimed to create a Vietnamese version of both the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) and Areas of Worklife Scale (AWS) to assess the burnout state of Vietnamese clinical nurses and to develop a causal model of burnout of clinical nurses. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive design using a cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire was hand divided directly by nursing departments to 500 clinical nurses in three hospitals. Vietnamese MBI-GS and AWS were then examined for reliability and validity. We used the revised exhaustion +1 burnout classification to access burnout state.We performed path analysis to develop a Vietnamese causal model based on the original model by Leiter and Maslach's theory. RESULTS: We found that both scales were reliable and valid for assessing burnout. Among nurse participants, the percentage of severe burnout was 0.7% and burnout was 15.8%, and 17.2% of nurses were exhausted. The best predictor of burnout was “on-duty work schedule” that clinical nurses have to work for 24 hours. In the causal model, we also found similarity and difference pathways in comparison with the original model. CONCLUSION: Vietnamese MBI-GS and AWS were applicable to research on occupational stress. Nearly one-fifth of Vietnamese clinical nurses were working in burnout state. The causal model suggested a range of factors resulting in burnout, and it is necessary to consider the specific solution to prevent burnout problem.

Neolignan Derivatives from the Flower of Magnolia biondii Pamp. and their Effects on IL-2 expression in T-cells

The isolation of the MeOH extract from the flower bud of Magnolia biondii Pamp. using various column chromatographies and HPLC led to eleven neoglignan derivatives (1 - 11). Their structures were mainly determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectral data analysis and physiological methods. The isolated compounds (1 - 11) were tested for anti-allergic effects using IL-2 inhibitory assay in Jurkat T cells.

Study on the characteristics and some risk factors of transurethral prostatectomy syndrome

Background: Benign hyperplasia prostate is a common disease in older men (over 60 years old). Transurethral resection of benign hyperplasia prostate is a method of improving symptoms with the best results, though with a high rate of complications, in which the most serious complication is transurethral prostatectomy syndrome (TURPS). Objective: The study aimed to describe clinical and para-clinical characteristics of TURPS and to define some risk factors of TURPS. Subject and methods: A descriptive, prospective study was conducted in 200 patients, who underwent TURPS, ASA I-II at the Anesthetic Emergency Department, Viet Duc Hospital from April 2007 to October 2007. To describe TURPS by observing clinical signs and serum sodium. The risks of TURPS were considered as prostate weight, operation time and amounts of used irritants. Results: The incidence of the TURPS was 7% of all resections. Clinical signs of the TURPS were nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion and disorientation. TURPS was associated with hypotension (42.9%), bradycardia (35.7%), increased CVP (21.4%). The sodium concentration fell below normal in certain patients (64.3%). The amount of 3% Sorbitol (> 20 liters) was an independent risk factor of TURPS, but not the prostate weight or the operation time. Conclusions: The main signs of TURPS included central nervous symptoms (100%), circulatory and respiratory disorders (42.9%, 21.4%, respectively) and hyponatremia (64.3%). Sorbitol 3% > 20 liters was an independent risk factor of TURPS.

Assessment of the trabeculectomy with 5 fluoruoracil in the treatment of post-traumatic glaucoma

Background: The post-traumatic glaucoma is a major cause inducing blindness of traumatic eyes. Recent, researches have shown that 5 fluoruoracil (5 FU) combined with surgery, which have a better result in treatment of general glaucoma and post-traumatic glaucoma. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics of post - traumatic glaucoma and assess the results of trabeculectomy with intra-operative application of 5 FU. Subject and methods: A descriptive, prospective analysis was taken on 32 patients, who had trabeculectomy with intra-operative application of 5 FU from August 2005 to December 2007 in the Traumatic Department of National Institute of Ophthalmology. Results: Post-traumatic glaucoma was seen mainly in young adults 71.9%; anterior angle recession combined lesions accounted for 25%; cataract 62.5%; fluid in anterior chamber 25%; anterior haemorrhage 37.5%. The intraocular pressure (lOP) was successfully controlled at least up to the following six months in 93.8% and the visual acuity was 0.02 and better in 62.5%. Conclusions: Trabeculectomy with antimetabolite therapy is an effective procedure in reducing IOP in post - traumatic glaucoma.

Study clinical characteristics and the results with topical steroid in the treatment of ocular alkali burns

Background: Alkali burns are severe injuries of the eyes. Recently, using topical steroid in treatment of ocular alkali burns has provided better outcomes. However, there is no study on treating ocular alkali burns by topical steroid in Vietnam. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and assess the outcome with topical steroid used in the treatment of ocular Alkali burns. Subject and Method: The author performed a prospective analysis of 45 alkali eye burns at the Trauma department of the National Institute of Ophalmology, Hanoi. All patients were treated with topical steroid and vitamin C. Results: There were 19 eyes were mild injures, 26 eyes were severe injuries. 32.5% had a good visual acuity. None of patients with severe injuries had a good visual acuity. Complications: corneal opacity: 42.2%, elevated IOP 17.8%. Conclusion: Treatment of ocular alkali burns with topical steroid and vitamin C is not associated with corneal perforating and provide a good outcome.

Effects of simvastatin on coagulation parameters in dyslipidemia patients

Background: Statin and its derivate (simvastatin, autorvastatin, etc...) are used for dyslipidemia treatment and preventing thrombose. However, the mechanism of the antithrombotic action is still being studied. Objectives: (1) To study coagulation parameters in dyslipidemia. (2) To evaluate the effects of simvastatin on coagulation parameters in dyslipidemia patients. Subject and Method: A prospective study was carried out in a sample of 22 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (type IIa), who were treated with simvastatin 20mg/d for 1 month. The lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglycerid, HDL, LDL) and coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, fibrinogen, factor II, V, VII, X, VIII, IX, XI) were compared between pre and post therapy, and to the control group (59 healthy people). Results: Most of coagulation parameter values (except factor VIII and X) of the pre treatment group were significantly change towards hypercoagulation (p<0.05%) when compared to the control group. After treatment, PT rate, APTT, APTT rate, fibrinogen, factor VII and IX were significantly changed towards coagulation when compared to pre treatment (p<0.05%). The plasma coagulation and lipid parameters of more than 50% of the hypercholesterolemia patients returned to normal values after treatment. Conclusions: Simvastatin therapy on dyslipidemia patients can reduce not only the level of serum lipid, but also coagulation, and proved its effectiveness in the prevention of thrombosis.

Clinical characteristics and the result of surgery for penetrating eye injury after mine explosion

Background: Penetrating eye injury caused by mine explosion is a severe ophthalmologic injury. It is rare in Viet Nam and there were no studies on this type of injury. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and evaluate the outcomes of surgery for penetrating eye injury caused by mine explosions. Subjects and method: The prospective analysis was conducted on 34 patients (36 eyes) with penetrating eye injury presented at the Trauma Department of Viet Nam National Institute of Ophthalmology. They were followed up for two years. Results: Out of the \r\n', u'34 patients, 31 were men (91.2%). Types of injury: corneal tear 93.8%, lens damage: 100%, vitreous damage: 56.3%, retinal detachment 25%, intraocular foreign body 72.2%. Initial visual acuity less than 0.02 was 96.9%. The final visual acuity was improved to better than 0.02 in 58.3% of patients. The intraocular pressures were normalized in 72.2% of patients after treatment. Conclusion: Penetrating eye injury caused by exploding mines has very severe clinical features. Despite of improvements in surgical techniques and instruments, the final visual acuity was still poor. The visual outcomes primarily depended on initial damages to the eye.\r\n', u'

HCV Infection in Young male drug users in Hanoi in 2007

Introduction: Hepatitis C is a dangerous disease and if left untreated can have serious consequences to the patients. While hepatitis C is difficult to treat, its vaccine is still unavailable. Previous studies have showed that there is a low rate of drug users having HCV tests. This means HCV infections does not have any great importance attached to it amongst the drug user group.\r\n', u'Objectives: To discover the status of HCV infection among drug users in Hanoi and to analyse the associated factors. \r\n', u'Subjects and methods: This crossover descriptive study was conducted in Hanoi. Research objects consisted of only men within the 16 - 25 years old age group, who used heroin from 09/2005 to 12/2006. These participants were interviewed and tested for HIV, HCV and HBV.\r\n', u'Results: HCV prevalence is 35.1 %. Especially, the research has indicated that 100% of HIV infected cases have also contracted HCV. This co - infectious status can be a challenge to subjects when they experience ARV treatment. The mean age of surveyed participants is 19. 83.6% of them have attended secondary school. 30.1 % have taken part in illegal earning activities. \r\n', u'Conclusion: HCV infection was discovered in the early drug injection stage. The proportion of HIV infection among injecting drug users is 28.24 times compared to the smoking drug users.\r\n', u'

Platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen in dyslipidemia patients

Background: Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor of atherosclerosis. The endothelia can be injured by plaque that advantages for platelet adheadsion, aggregation and produces thrombosis. Objectives: (1) To evaluate the changes of platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen in hyperlipidemic patients; (2) To identify the relationship between platelet aggregation and various types of dyslipidemia. Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross sectional non-randomised control trial method was employed in this study. A total of 128 hyperlipidemic patients (in which 40 patients were type IIa, 36 were type lib, and 52 were type IV), and a control group of 88 people were measured the aggregation in platelet - rich plasma (PRP) induced by ADP and collagen. Results: There was no significant difference about the platelet counts in both intervention and control groups (p>0.05). ADP and collagen induced platelet aggregation increased significantly (p<0.01) in intervention group when compared to control group. A significant correlation was found between the plasma triglyceride concentration and platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen with r = 0,335 and 0,332 respectively, while that of cholesterol and ADP was 0,304. Conclusion: Platelet aggregation increased in hyperlipidemic patients and had a significant correlation with plasma triglyceride concentration. \r\n', u'\r\n', u'

Evaluate the content of ductus arteriosus by color doppler ultrasound in premature infants treated with ibuprofen

Background:The failure of medical treatment for closure of the ductus arteriosus in very premature is still high (41%). Objectives:This study aims to evaluate the response of ductus arteriosus by color doppler ultrasound in premature infants treated with ibuprofen. Subjects and method:A pilot study was conducted at neonatal intensive care patients on 8 prernatures. The mean birth weight was 825 g (640g - 1190g) and gestational average age of 27.4 weeks of amenorrhea with respiratory distress with ductus arteriosus significantly. The average size was 1.9\xb10.3mm. Intervention: Children received the first dose of Ibuprofen 10mg/kg/day at age from 35 to 54 hours of life, and then 5mg/kg/day after 2 doses. Results:The outcome measure of the size of the ductus arteriosus was performed before each dose of Ibuprofen and 6 hours and 12 hours after each dose. At least three different measures has been taken every echocardiographie. 4 ways of evolution kinetics of turnover: 1: ductus arteriosus ferrne rapidly for 12 early hours of 1st dose (2 patients). 2nd: ductus arteriosus after 3rd dose (3 patients). 3rd: ductus arteriosus quickly after first 12 hours of 1st dose and then reopened (1 patient). 4th: ductus arteriosus not ferrne (2 patients). The size of sales decreased significantly 6 hours and 12 hours after the 1st dose of the 1st prernatures cure in 7 (87%) whatever the final outcome (p<0.05). Conclusion:The different responses from one individual to another led us to consider a Echo guide personalized therapy. A further research should be carried out to find a protocol for better value.

Assessment of the outcomes of surgical in the treatment of glaucoma after penetrating eye injury

Background: Penetrating eye injury is common cause blind or many long-term complications later. One of the complications such as glaucoma in the eye. There were some research on glaucoma after penetrating eye injury, but no reports about the treatment of glaucoma. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and assess the outcomes of surgery in the treatment of glaucoma after penetrating eye injury. Subjects and method: The author performed a prospective analysis of 32 eyes the underwent surgery causes by glaucoma after penetrating eye injury at Trauma department of National Institute of Ophthalmology. Follow up period: 6 months. Data was processed by using medical statistics methods on SPSS 10.5 software. Results: Of the 32 patients, 21 were men (65.6%) and 11 were women (34.4%). Localization of the injury: in the cornea 93.8%; lens damages 100%; vitreous organization 56.3%; retinal detachment 12.5%. Functional success (visual acuity >0.02): 18.8%, 4 eyes were enucleated. The normal intraocular pressure after surgery was 71.9%. Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of glaucoma after penetrating eye injury are complicated and multivariable. The rate of normal pressure after treatment was 71.9%.

Detection of aaP, aggR, and astA in strains of ETEC, EPEC, EIEC and non-diarrheagenic E.coli

Background: aaP, aggR, and astA have been found to play important roles in diarrheal pathogenecity of EAEC. They may be exist in other diarrheagenic E.coli (DEC). Objectives: To determine the distribution of aaP, aggR, and astA in ETEC, EPEC, EIEC and non-diarrheagenic E.coli. Subjects and method: 75 strains of ETEC, EPEC, EIEC and 100 non-DEC have been screen by PCR with primers specific toaaP, aggR, and astA. Results: aaP, aggR, and astA have been seen in DEC with the prevence from 7 to 72,7%. The highest prevence was in EIEC, 72,7% for aap; 45,5% in EIEC for aggR; and 50% in ETEC for astA. 14% of non-DEC harbored aggR and more than 30% harbored aap and astA. Conclusion: This finding has contributed to understanding the distribution of aap, aggR and astA in ETEC, EPEC, EIEC and non-DEC as well.

Spoligotyping technique: improvement and application in classification Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Background: There are many methods used in epidemiological studies of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria but Spoligotyping method is widely used with high accuracy, simple procedure, and carried out on strains containing a little of IS6110 segment \r\n', u'Objectives: To improve Spoligotyping technique and apply this technique to classify Mycobacterium tuberculosis\r\n', u'Subjects and method: Subjects and methods: The study included 12 medical waste samples collected at Thai Binh Hospital of Tuberculosis and 19 samples obtained from the The Hanoi Institute for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases. Spoligo model of 31 samples were analyzed based on Spotclust and SpoIDB4 database and divided up into family and subfamily.\r\n', u'Results: Spoligotyping technique has good results with the PCR product amplified 40 cycles and presented the film in 18 hours. Obtained results in 31 medical waste samples belong to 4 families: Beijing, EAI, T1 and H3-LAM9. EAI and Beijing are dominant families with 45.16% and 38.7%), respectively. T1 and H3-LAM9 are 12.9% and 3.22%, respectively. The number of samples in the study is little but the obtained rate of different spoligo models of strains are quite diversified (41.9%)\r\n', u'Conclusion: This result is relatively appropriate with previous studies on the distribution of EAI and Beijing families in Vietnam and the world. Spligotyping technique distinguished samples belonging to Beijing or non-Beijing families, which support for clinical treatment and development of new vaccines.\r\n', u'\r\n', u'\r\n', u'

Autologous bone marrow transfusion to treat the tibia diaphyseal nonunions

Background: Bone marrow stem cells with their plasticity can be used to replace and repair the other damaged organs and tissues, so they can also be used to obtain bone healing of nonunions. Objective: to evaluate the results of percutaneous autologous bone marrow grafting to treat the tibia diaphyseal nonunions. Subjects and methods: 12 patients with noninfected nonunion of the tibia were diagnosed and treated in Viet Duc Hospital. About 250mL of marrow was aspirated, then separated and concentrated by density gradient centrifugation. The final mononuclear cell mass containing stem cells and progenitors was washed in 30ml of 0.9% NaCL and then injected into the damaged sites. Patients were evaluated by clinical and X-rays examinations with at least 6 months follow-up. Results: None of the patients had post - op complications. Bone union was obtained in eleven of the twelve patients (91,7%) at an average of 15,3 weeks (range, 9 - 30 weeks), the bone marrow grafts used for these patients who had bone union contained a mean of 5,65 \xb1 3,74 x 106 (0,95 - 11,73 x 106) CD34(+) stem cells in total. Conclusions: Percutaneous autologous bone - marrow grafting is a minimally invasive alternative and a simple, effective, safe method for the treatment of the tibia diaphyseal nonunions with the comparative bone healing rate. \r\n', u'\r\n', u'

The effects of gamma iradiation with 25 gray on red cells in stored red cell concentrates

Background: Gamma irradiation has been often used for inactivating viable T lymphocytes in the blood product to prevent post-transfusion graft - vs - host disease (PT - GVHD) occurred in the recipients having immunodeficiency. But the irradiating method must be determined to minimize the reverse effects on other blood elements. Objectives: to evaluate the side effects of gamma irradiating with 25 Gy and in different ways on red cells in stored red cell concentrates. Subjects and methods: Each of 30 red cell concentrates was divided into 3 parts and treated in 3 different ways to create 3 groups of sample for studying. All the samples were stored 35 days at 4 - 6\xb0C and measured red cell osmotic fragility, hemoglobin (Hb) level in storage solution in days 1,7,14,21,28,35. Results: 1) Red cell osmotic fragility decreased and free Hb level increased with time in the samples of 3 groups. 2) Red cell osmotic fragility decreased strongly from the 28th day (p < 0.05) and free Hb level increased dramatically from the 14th day (p < 0.001) in the samples of group 2 compared to control group and group 3 with the same storage time, while there was no difference in these parameters in groups 1 and 3. Conclusion: 1) Gamma irradiation with 25 Gy affected the intact of red cells in red cell concentrates only when irradiated right after being produced and stored more than 14 days. 2) The quality of red cell would be unchanged if used immediately after irradiated. \r\n', u'\r\n', u'

Effect of green bean (vigra radiata wilczek) on lipid peroxidation in vitro and in vivo

Background: Lipid peroxidation is considered that is one of the causes of pathological processes. Green bean is not only a food of high economic value but also a good medicine. Objective: To investigate the effects of green bean on (1) the lipid peroxidation in mitochondria of rat liver cell, (2) the index in blood of rabbits exposed to radiation: the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx), concentrations of MDA and TAS. Subjects and methods: In vitro experimental model was used to estimate the effects of green bean on lipid peroxidation in mitochondria of rat liver and in vivo experimental model was used to investigate the effects of green bean on the activities of free radicals in blood of rabbits exposed to radiation. Results and Conclusions: (1) Total green bean decreased the lipid peroxidation in mitochondria of rat liver cell without dependence onagents induced lipid peroxidation such as Fe3+.ADP/NADPH or Cumene hydroperoxid, (2) Green bean concurrently inhibited the decreased activities of SOD, GPx, TAS and the increased concentration of MDA in blood of rabbits radiated with 5 Gy dose. \r\n', u'\r\n', u'\r\n', u'

Evaluation of vitrectomy for severe penetrating eye injury in children

Background: Severe penetrating eye injury is a common emergency in ophthalmology. Objectives: The evaluation results and complications following vitrectomy in severe penetrating injury in children. Subjects and method: This study included 136 eyes with penetrating eye injury, who were treated at the Trauma department of National Institute of Ophthalmology, Hanoi \ufffd?Vietnam from 1999-2000. Vitrectomy was performed through the limbal and pars plana in 135 patients, 105 boys and 30 girls. Results: Remove intraocular foreign body: 11%, procedure for retinal detachments: 14%. The common functional success (visual acuity of 5/2000 or better) rate was 55,1%. Functional success: absent retinal detachment: 60,7%; present: 21,1%. Anatomic success rate was 66,2%. 4 eyes (2,9%) were eviscerated. Complications of the surgery were: iridocyclite, edema of the cornea, hemorrhage, hyphema. Conclusion:Vitrectomy techniques showed its good effect in treating penetrating eye injury in children. Presence retinal damage and endophthalmitis have significant effect on the final visual outcomes.