Effect of statin use on liver enzymes and lipid profile in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins are recommended for treatment of dyslipidemia to reduce the overall cardiovascular risk in patients with NAFLD. However, statin treatment was underutilized and the effect of statins on liver enzymes remained unclear in this patient population. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide real-world evidence of the safety and effect of statin use in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of adults with NAFLD using pooled data from the US NHANES database 2009-2018. NAFLD was defined by Fatty Liver Index (FLI) ≥ 60 and United States Fatty Liver Index (USFLI) ≥ 30. Multivariate regression analyses adjusted for baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were performed to compare the liver enzymes and lipid profile between statin and non-statin users. RESULTS: The study included 2,533 adults with NAFLD, representing 22.6 million individuals in the US, with 27% receiving statin treatment between 2009 and 2018. The mean differences of liver enzymes for AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT between statin and non-statin users were -0.86 (p=0.539), -3.49 (p=0.042), -0.25 (p=0.913), and 0.57 (p=0.901), respectively. In individuals with NAFLD and dyslipidemia, total cholesterol and LDL levels were significantly lower in statin users compared to non-statin users (mean difference, -28.9; p<0.001 and -27.7; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of statins was not associated with elevated liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD. Significantly lower levels of ALT, total cholesterol, and LDL were observed in statin users compared to non-statin users.

The Role of N-Terminal-Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) and High-Sensitivity Troponin T (Hs-Troponin T) in the Evaluation of the Syntax Score in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is used to diagnose acute and chronic heart failure, but many studies show a strong and independent correlation between NT-proBNP serum levels and the severity and number of coronary artery damage. Meanwhile, the serum of high-sensitivity Troponin T (hs-Troponin T) has a very high prognostic value for the degree of coronary artery damage in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The SYNTAX score was developed to better predict the risks of percutaneous or surgical revascularization by considering the functional impact of the coronary circulation with all of its anatomic components, such as the presence of bifurcations, total occlusions, thrombus, calcification, and small vessels. Therefore, we conducted this study to understand the role of NT-proBNP and hs-troponin T in SYNTAX score evaluation in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methodology A cross-sectional descriptive study of 86 patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome with indications for coronary angiography and intervention in the Department of Emergency and Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Hue Central Hospital, was conducted from June 2020 to May 2022. Results The mean age was 66.94 ± 10.61 years. The concentrations of NT-proBNP and hs-Troponin T in our study were 1115.9 ± 1623.3 pg/mL and 0.86 ± 1.55 ng/mL, respectively. The mean SYNTAX score in the study was 16.5 ± 7.5. There was a positive moderate correlation between the mean levels of NT-proBNP and the degree of coronary artery damage, as indicated by the SYNTAX score (P < 0.01, rho = +0.453). Conversely, there was a weak positive correlation between hs-Troponin T concentrations and the severity of coronary artery disease, based on the SYNTAX score (P < 0.01, rho = +0.387). The area under the curve (AUC) of the hs-Troponin T concentration value was 0.701, using a cutoff point of 0.109 ng/mL for hs-Troponin T concentration. This predicted the intermediate and high SYNTAX scores, with a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 59%. In comparison, the AUC of the NT-proBNP concentration value was 0.75, utilizing a cutoff point of 1120.5 pg/mL for NT-proBNP concentration. This predicted the intermediate and high SYNTAX scores, with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 80.3%. Conclusions The levels of NT-proBNP had a positive moderate correlation with the degree of coronary artery damage according to the SYNTAX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Hs-Troponin T levels of 0.109 ng/mL had higher sensitivity (76%) but lower specificity (59%) in predicting intermediate and high SYNTAX scores in patients with acute coronary syndromes than those of NT-proBNP levels of 1120.5 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 80.3%.

Metabolites from Streptomyces aureus (VTCC43181) and Their Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ClpC1 Protein.

Tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The outbreak of multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis has become a major challenge to prevent this disease worldwide. ClpC1 is a Clp ATPase protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, functioning as a chaperon when combined with the Clp complex. ClpC1 has emerged as a new target to discover anti-tuberculosis drugs. This study aimed to explore the ClpC1 inhibitors from actinomycetes, which have been known to provide abundant sources of antibiotics. Two cyclic peptides, including nocardamin (1), halolitoralin A (3), and a lactone pleurone (2), were isolated from the culture of Streptomyces aureus (VTCC43181). The structures of these compounds were determined based on the detailed analysis of their spectral data and comparison with references. This is the first time these compounds have been isolated from S. aureus. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their affection of ATPase activity of the recombinant ClpC1 protein. Of these compounds, halolitoralin A (1), a macrocyclic peptide, was effective for the ATPase hydrolysis of the ClpC1 protein.

Sleep disturbance correlated with severity of neuropathic pain in sciatic nerve crush injury model.

The association between sleep and pain has been investigated widely. However, inconsistent results from animal studies compared with human data show the need for a validated animal model in the sleep-pain association field. Our study aims to validate common neuropathic pain models as a tool for evaluating the sleep-pain association. Electrodes electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) were surgically implanted to measure sleep. The von Frey test was used to measure pain sensitivity. Following the baseline data acquisition, two pain-modelling procedures were performed: sciatic nerve crush injury (SCI) and common peroneal nerve ligation (CPL). Post-injury measurements were performed on days 1, 5, 10, and 15 post-surgery. The results presented decreased paw withdrawal thresholds and reduced NREM sleep duration in both models on the first post-surgery day. In the SCI model, NREM sleep duration was negatively correlated with paw withdrawal thresholds (p = 0.0466), but not in the CPL model. Wake alpha and theta EEG powers were also correlated with the pain threshold. The results confirm that the SCI model shows disturbed sleep patterns associated with increased pain sensitivity, suggesting it is a reliable tool for investigating sleep disturbances associated with neuropathic pain.

Enhanced podophyllotoxin production of endophyte Fusarium proliferatum TQN5T by host extract and phenylalanine.

Fermentation technology using endophytes is considered a potential alternative approach for producing pharmaceutical compounds like podophyllotoxin (PTOX). In this study, fungus TQN5T (VCCM 44284) was selected from endophytic fungi isolated from Dysosma versipellis in Vietnam for PTOX production through TLC. The presence of PTOX in TQN5T was further confirmed by HPLC. Molecular identification indicated TQN5T as Fusarium proliferatum with 99.43% identity. This result was asserted by morphological characteristics such as white cottony, filamentous colony, layer and branched mycelium, and clear hyphae septa. Cytotoxic assay indicated both biomass extract and culture filtrate of TQN5T presented strong cytotoxicity on LU-1 and HepG2 with IC50 of 0.11, 0.20, 0.041, and 0071, respectively, implying anti-cancer compounds were accumulated in the mycelium and secreted into the medium. Further, the production of PTOX in TQN5T was investigated in the fermentation condition supplemented with 10 µg/ml of host plant extract or phenylalanine as elicitors. The results revealed a significantly higher amount of PTOX in the PDB + PE and PDB + PA at all studied time points in comparison with PDB (control). Especially, after 168 h of culture, PTOX content in the PDB with plant extract reached the peak with 314 µg/g DW which is 10% higher than the best yield of PTOX in previous studies, denoting F. proliferatum TQN5T as a promising PTOX producer. This is the first study on enhancing the PTOX production in endophytic fungi by supplementing phenylalanine-a precursor for PTOX biosynthesis in plants into fermented media, suggesting a common PTOX biosynthetic pathway between host plant and endophytes. KEY POINTS: • Fusarium proliferatum TQN5T was proven for PTOX production. • Both mycelia extract and spent broth extract of Fusarium proliferatum TQN5T presented strong cytotoxicity on cancer cell lines LU-1 and HepG2. • The supplementation of 10 µg/ml host plant extract and phenylalanine into fermentation media of F. proliferatum TQN5T improved the yield of PTOX.

Flow Behaviors of Polymer Solution in a Lid-Driven Cavity.

In this work, a numerical study of polymer flow behaviors in a lid-driven cavity, which is inspired by the coating process, at a broad range of Oldroyd numbers (0≤Od≤50), is carried out. The Reynolds number is height-based and kept at Re=0.001. The fluid investigated is of Carbopol gel possessing yield stress and shear-thinning properties. To express rheological characteristics, the Herschel-Bulkley model cooperated with Papanastasiou's regularization scheme is utilized. Results show that the polymer flow characteristics, i.e., velocity, viscosity, and vortex distributions, are considerably influenced by viscoplastic behaviors. Additionally, there exist solid-like regions which can be of either moving rigid or static dead types in the flow patterns; they become greater and tend to merge together to construct larger ones when Od increases. Furthermore, various polymer flow aspects in different cavity configurations are discussed and analyzed; the cavity width/aspect ratio and skewed angle are found to have significant impacts on the vortex structures and the formation of solid-like regions. Moreover, results for the critical aspect ratio at which the static dead zone is broken into two parts and the characteristic height of this zone are also reported in detail.

Impact of biologics on health-related quality of life in patients with Ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of novel biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) antibody agents on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA). METHODS: A literature search on PubMed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases was performed through February 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting HRQoL outcomes of bDMARDs for treatment of r-axSpA. Approved bDMARD therapy for r-axSpA included five TNF-inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab, and certolizumab pegol) and two IL-17A antibody agents (secukinumab, and ixekizumab). Heterogeneity (I2) was used to determine the variability between studies. RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs, involving 3481 participants, were included. The placebo-controlled and treatment blinded durations ranged from 12 to 24 weeks. Compared with the placebo, bDMARD therapy was associated with significant improvement in HRQoL measures with the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL). The pooled mean differences of changes from baseline for the SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS), SF-36 Mental Component Score (MCS), EQ-5D, and ASQoL were 4.39 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.24 to 5.54, P < 0.001]; 2.37 (95%-CI: 1.25 to 3.49, P = 0.003); 0.11 (95%-CI: 0.07 to 0.14, P < 0.001); and -2.45 (95%-CI: -3.21 to -1.70, P < 0.001), respectively. Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 79%) among studies reporting SF-36 PCS, and moderate (I2 = 61%, 34%, and 49%) among studies reporting SF-36 MCS, EQ-5D, and ASQoL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic therapy was associated with a significant improvement in quality of life in patients with r-axSpA. The results were consistent among all three measures of HRQoL outcomes.

Two new glycosides, farnesyl pentaglycoside and oleanane triglycoside from Lepisanthes rubiginosa, a mangrove plant collected from Thua Thien-Hue province, Vietnam.

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Lepisanthes rubiginosa led to the isolation of two new glycosides, lepisantheside A (1) and lepisantheside B (2), together with two known compounds acutoside A (3) and 3-O-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-]-oleanolic acid (4). Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods (HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR), and by comparison with the reported data. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-4 against four human cancer cell lines (KB, HepG2, SK-LU-1 and MCF7) was evaluated. Compound 4 exhibited significant activity with IC50 values of 9.57, 6.66, 6.97 and 18.32 µM, respectively, in comparison with the postive control ellipticine.

Antimicrobial resistance in colonizing group B Streptococcus among pregnant women from a hospital in Vietnam.

Few studies have been conducted on group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Vietnam. We determined the GBS colonization and antimicrobial resistance vaginal-rectal profile of 3863 Vietnamese pregnant women over 5 years. Maternal GBS colonization was characterized by antibiotic susceptibility. Overall, the GBS colonization rate was 8.02% (95% CI: 7.20-8.94%). Compared to sampling ≥ 35 weeks of gestation, the GBS colonization rate was statistically higher (p = 0.004) with sampling < 35 weeks. Among 272 antimicrobial susceptibility testing isolates, all were susceptible to ampicillin, penicillin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, vancomycin, and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Resistance was highest for tetracycline (89.66%), followed by erythromycin (76.23%) and clindamycin (58.21%). Multidrug resistance and resistance to ≥ 6 different antibiotics were 60.66% and 8.82%, respectively. Resistance to clindamycin but not erythromycin (L phenotype) was 2.2%. The clindamycin resistance rate was significantly increased (p = 0.005) during the study period. These data demonstrate a low rate of maternal GBS colonization. The high rate of erythromycin, clindamycin, and multidrug resistance to GBS that can be transmitted to neonates is an important risk factor to consider. ß-lactams continue to be appropriate for first-line treatment and prophylaxis in the study area. Ongoing monitoring should be considered in the future.

The prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among secondary school children in rural highland Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth and identify factors associated with dental caries among secondary school children in rural highland Vietnam. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included 1985 secondary schoolchildren. Dental examination was performed at school using World Health Organization criteria. Data collection on demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practices related to dental caries was conducted by interviewing children. Descriptive and inferential statistics using a multivariate logistic regression model were applied. RESULTS: Prevalence of caries in primary and permanent teeth was 41.1 and 68.9 %, respectively. Prevalence of caries in primary teeth in the age group 11-12 years old (59.4 %) was significantly higher than in children in the age group of 13-14 years (27.8 %; p < 0.01). Factors associated with dental caries in primary teeth were age group of 11-12 years, belonging to the Jarai ethnic group, and having inadequate knowledge or attitude related to dental caries. Factors associated with dental caries in permanent teeth were having insufficient knowledge, attitude, and practices related to dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth was high among secondary school children in Vietnam's rural highlands. It is recommended that interventions focus on younger secondary school children and the Jarai minority ethnic group, and that interventions should emphasize improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dental caries.

Maternal Vaginal Colonization and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Bacteria in Vietnamese Pregnant Women.

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) resistance to commonly prescribed drugs is increasing in Vietnam. During pregnancy, ESBL-E may predispose women to reproductive tract infections and increases the risk for neonatal morbidity. Vaginal colonization and infections by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are seldom studied in Vietnam. In this study, we investigated ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in the birth canal of pregnant women. Between 2016 and 2020, vaginal swabs were collected from 3104 pregnant women (mean gestational age of 31 weeks) and inoculated onto MacConkey agar plates. Colonies were subjected to direct identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the VITEK®-2 automated compact system and disk diffusion. ESBL production was determined phenotypically. E. coli, Klebsiella species were identified in 30% (918/3104) of the vaginal swabs, with E. coli being the most common (73%; 667/918). ESBL-production was detected in 47% (432/918) of Enterobacterales, with frequent multidrug-resistant phenotype. The overall prevalence of carbapenem resistance was low (8%). Over 20% of Klebsiella spp. were carbapenem-resistant. Pregnant women had a high prevalence of colonization and may transmit ESBL-E to neonates at birth, an important risk factor to be considered. The high rate of ESBL-producers and carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales in Vietnam emphasizes the need for consequent surveillance and access to molecular typing.

Descending Thoracic Aorta Stenosis Treated by Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stenting with Coaxial Sheath Introduction Technique in a Small Child.

A 10-year-old girl (23 kg) having a medical history of uncontrolled hypertension was presented to our hospital because of acute left heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed stenosis of descending thoracic aorta with a maximum trans-stenotic pressure gradient of 50 mmHg and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 20%. She was diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis with a long severe stenosis of segment III of the thoracic aorta. The procedure of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed and helped to reduce the pressure gradient significantly. After a 6-month follow-up, the left ventricular function was unimproved. Hence, aortic angiography was done and revealed the descending thoracic aorta restenosis with a pressure gradient of 46 mmHg. Despite the difficulties of small vascular access and the disease severity, this patient was intervened by cover stent without any complications. The trans-stenotic pressure gradient decreased remarkably to 5 mmHg. The stent implantation should be considered in the severe stenosis of descending thoracic aorta because of its benefit and safety.

Age Related Differences in Acute Coronary Syndrome: an Observation at a Central Hospital in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is little data regarding the characteristics of young Vietnamese patients (<40 years old) who get acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to compare the risk factors, clinical-subclinical characteristics, coronary lesions, and mortality prediction (based on the GRACE and TIMI scores) of young ACS patients with their older counterparts. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst 69 patients with ACS at the Cardiovascular Center of Hue Central Hospital from May 2017 to December 2018. These patients were divided into two groups: 33 patients were < 40 years old (group 1), and 36 patients were ≥ 40 years old (group 2). Demographic data, risk factors profile, clinical-subclinical characteristics, coronary lesions, and mortality prediction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with group 2, group 1 had a higher proportion of severe angina (the prevalence of angina graded III-IV by CCS classification was 69.7% in group 1 versus 36.1% in group 2, P = 0.0108) and lower systolic pressure (median was 120 mmHg in group 1 versus 135 mmHg in group 2, P = 0.006). The prevalence of unstable angina and STEMI was higher in group 1 (51.5% and 36.4% in group 1 versus 30.6% and 11.1% in group 2, respectively), while NSTEMI was higher in group 2 (58.3% in group 2 versus 12.1% in group 1, P = 0.0002). The prevalence of single-vessel CAD, normal coronary angiography (CAG), nonobstructive CAD in group 1 was also higher and multi-vessel CAD was lower than group 2 (45.5%, 33.3%, 12.1% and 9.1% in group 1 versus 33.3%, 2.8%, 2.8% and 61.2% in group 2, respectively). The Gensini, GRACE, and TIMI scores were lower in group 1 (median was 5; medium was 78.55 and median was 2 in group 1 versus 37.5, 130.22 and 3 in group 2, respectively). Smoking was a risk factor for obstructive CAD in group 1 (OR = 7.12, 95% CI: 1.25-40.63, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Young patients with ACS tended to be males, smokers, and with positive familial history; the grade of angina was more severe, and systolic pressure was lower; the prevalence of unstable angina and STEMI was higher. Smoking was a risk factor for obstructive CAD in young patients.

Efficacy of nimotuzumab (hR3) conjugated with 131I or 90Y in laryngeal carcinoma xenograft mouse model.

PURPOSE: The humanized monoclonal antibody hR3, both alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy, can be used to treat head and neck cancers. Substantial progress has been made in the development of targeted radioimmunotherapy using iodine-131 (131I) and yttrium-90 (90Y) radioisotopes in recent years. In the present study, we examined the efficacy of hR3 conjugated with 131I or 90Y to inhibit tumor growth in a laryngeal carcinoma xenograft tumor model. METHODS: hR3 was labeled with 131I or 90Y to generate the conjugates 131I-hR3 or 90Y-hR3. The conjugates were incubated with HEp-2 laryngeal carcinoma cells to evaluate binding capacity. The efficacy of the labeled hR3 conjugates to treat laryngeal cancer was also evaluated in nude mice inoculated with HEp-2 tumors. RESULTS: The purified radioimmunoconjugates with specific activities of 187-191 MBq/mg had radiochemical purity >98% and >80% immunoreactivity with HEp-2 cells. Mice with HEp-2 xenografts treated with 131I-hR3 or 90Y-hR3 showed reduced tumor volume and improved survival rates compared to the untreated control group and the group treated with unlabeled hR3. At equivalent doses, radioimmunotherapeutic hR3 labeled with 90Y had increased tumor inhibition activity compared to hR3 labeled with 131I. CONCLUSIONS: 131I-hR3 and 90Y-hR3 are promising targeted radiopharmaceuticals for treatment of head and neck cancers, especially laryngeal cancers.

Regional, Layer, and Cell-Type-Specific Connectivity of the Mouse Default Mode Network.

The evolutionarily conserved default mode network (DMN) is a distributed set of brain regions coactivated during resting states that is vulnerable to brain disorders. How disease affects the DMN is unknown, but detailed anatomical descriptions could provide clues. Mice offer an opportunity to investigate structural connectivity of the DMN across spatial scales with cell-type resolution. We co-registered maps from functional magnetic resonance imaging and axonal tracing experiments into the 3D Allen mouse brain reference atlas. We find that the mouse DMN consists of preferentially interconnected cortical regions. As a population, DMN layer 2/3 (L2/3) neurons project almost exclusively to other DMN regions, whereas L5 neurons project in and out of the DMN. In the retrosplenial cortex, a core DMN region, we identify two L5 projection types differentiated by in- or out-DMN targets, laminar position, and gene expression. These results provide a multi-scale description of the anatomical correlates of the mouse DMN.

Association between processes of diabetes care and health care utilization in patients with diabetes: Evidence from a nationally representative US sample.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the association between quality of processes of diabetes care in terms of adherence to American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recommended guidelines and health care utilization in patients with diabetes. METHODS: Adults with diabetes were identified from the pool of five panels of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative US sample, between 2012 and 2017. The Diabetes Care Survey was used to determine adherence to the ADA-recommended guidelines for processes of diabetes care if all of the following were performed annually: glycosylated hemoglobin check, foot examination, dilated eye examination, lipid panel, influenza immunization, blood pressure check, and dental examination. Health care utilization in terms of inpatient hospitalization, and emergency department (ED) and outpatient visits were estimated using two-part hurdle models. RESULTS: An estimated 26.3 million adults with diabetes were derived from the pooled 5-panel data, of which 7.8% met the ADA-recommended guidelines for processes of diabetes care, and adherence rates of individual recommendations were generally below 50%. Overall, adults who adhered to the ADA-recommendations were older, non-Hispanic white, and married nonsmokers with private insurance and higher income. Mean inpatient hospital stays, ED, and outpatient visits between ADA-adherent vs nonadherent patients were 0.98 vs 1.62 (P < .001), 0.36 vs 0.39 (P = .074), and 17.9 vs 12.8 (P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic disadvantage and minority status were linked with nonadherence to the ADA-recommended processes of diabetes care. Adherence to the ADA recommendation was associated with significant reduction in inpatient hospitalization and a trend toward less ED visits. Our findings may apply to the United States and are likely to be different in other parts of the world.

Serum dioxin concentrations in military workers at three dioxin-contaminated airbases in Vietnam.

An estimated 91,998,400 L of herbicides were stocked at three US airbases in Vietnam between 1962 and 1971. These herbicides were contaminated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetraCDD). In 2017, we sampled blood from 120 male Vietnamese military workers in the three dioxin-contaminated airbases (Bien Hoa, Da Nang, and Phu Cat) and from 20 workers at an uncontaminated airbase. 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD concentrations were highest in samples from Bien Hoa (18.2 pg/g lipid), followed by samples from Da Nang (9.2 pg/g lipid), Phu Cat (3.7 pg/g lipid), and the reference base (2.1 pg/g lipid). In Bien Hoa, 31 of the 50 subjects had blood 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD levels in the range of 10-100 pg/g lipid and four subjects had 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD levels that exceeded 100 pg/g lipid. In Da Nang, almost half of the subjects had blood 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD concentrations in the range of 10-100 pg/g lipid. These findings suggest that military workers at contaminated bases are the population most vulnerable to dioxin exposure, especially at Bien Hoa.

Preoperative embolization of high-flow peripheral AVMs using plug and push technique with low-density NBCA/Lipiodol.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) embolization is considered as a promising option either its single treatment or in combination with surgery, and the use of low-density N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)/Lipiodol is acceptable mixture agents but its application should be performed by experienced endovascular teams. We describe a successful case preoperative embolization of high-flow AVMs with low-density NBCA/Lipiodol. A 26-year-old male patient was hospitalized with a big pulsatile mass at the right thigh. Doppler ultrasound showed a mass with high systolic, and diastolic velocities coming from the right superficial femoral artery. Angiogram showed a large and high-flow AVM type IV, according to Yakes classification. Low-density NBCA/Lipiodol 12.5% were performed to obstruct all the nidus and feeding arteries. Extirpation surgery was implemented 4 days after the complete embolization procedure.

Endovascular treatment for chronic total occlusion of superficial femoral artery: Is retrograde approach from popliteal artery effective and safe?

A 55-year-old male was admitted with numbness in the left foot and intermittent claudication. Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography presented chronic total occlusion in the ostial of left superficial femoral artery and reperfusion flow at one-third below from collateral channels of deep femoral artery. Thus, we decided to perform an endovascular intervention for this patient. First, we used contralateral transfemoral approach technique, but the microwire could not reach to the occluded superficial femoral artery lesion. Then, we approached the chronic total occlusion lesion retrogradely. A wire was passed successfully from the popliteal artery to ostial superficial femoral artery. Finally, 2 stents were implanted. This case highlights that popliteal retrograde approach is effective and safe for total occlusion of superficial femoral artery.

'Henicorhynchus' thaitui, a new species of cavefish from Central Vietnam (Teleostei, Cyprinidae).

'Henicorhynchus' thaitui sp. nov. is described from a subterranean stream in a karst cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, Central Vietnam. It differs from all congeners in having a pale pink body in life, smaller eyes with diameter less than the maxillary barbel length, and two pairs of barbels, the maxillary barbel being much longer than the rostral barbel.