HLA-Cw6 increases the risk of psoriasis and early onset before twenty-seven years of age among the Vietnamese population.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects people all over the world. It is linked to the HLA-Cw6 allele, which is more common in Caucasians than in Asians and varies across ethnic groups. We investigated the association between the disease severity and the onset age of HLA-Cw6 prevalence in Vietnamese psoriasis patients. In 121 psoriasis patients and 30 healthy controls, we looked at the relationship between HLA-Cw6 and clinical features. We found that patients with psoriasis had significantly higher levels of HLA-Cw6 (64.5%) than controls (26.7%) (p=0.0001), with an odds ratio of 4.98 (2.04-12.15). Positive HLA-Cw6 patients had a significantly lower mean age of psoriasis onset than negative HLA-Cw6 patients. Patients with mild psoriasis (100%) were more likely to have the AA genotype, while patients with moderate to severe psoriasis (47.2% and 59.0%, respectively) and those with high PASI scores (55.1% and 54.1%, respectively) were more likely to have the TA genotype. Thus, HLA-Cw6 is a major genetic risk factor for psoriasis in Vietnamese patients, especially early-onset cases. Variations in HLA-Cw6 genotypes also affect disease severity.

Sensor macrophages derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to assess pyrogenic contaminations in parenteral drugs.

Ensuring the safety of parenteral drugs before injection into patients is of utmost importance. New regulations around the globe and the need to refrain from using animals however, have highlighted the need for new cell sources to be used in next-generation bioassays to detect the entire spectrum of possible contaminating pyrogens. Given the current drawbacks of the Monocyte-Activation-Test (MAT) with respect to the use of primary peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells or the use of monocytic cell lines, we here demonstrate the manufacturing of sensor monocytes/macrophages from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iMonoMac), which are fully defined and superior to current cell products. Using a modern and scalable manufacturing platform, iMonoMac showed typical macrophage-like morphology and stained positive for several Toll like receptor (TLRs) such as TLR-2, TLR-5, TLR-4. Furthermore, iMonoMac derived from the same donor were sensitive to endotoxins, non-endotoxins, and process related pyrogens at a high dynamic range and across different cellular densities. Of note, iMonoMac showed increased sensitivity and reactivity to a broad range of pyrogens, demonstrated by the detection of interleukin-6 at low concentrations of LPS and MALP-2 which could not be reached using the current MAT cell sources. To further advance the system, iMonoMac or genetically engineered iMonoMac with NF-κB-luciferase reporter cassette could reveal a specific activation response while correlating to the classical detection method employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure cytokine secretion. Thus, we present a valuable cellular tool to assess parenteral drugs safety, facilitating the future acceptance and design of regulatory-approved bioassays.

A Biopsychosocial Framework for Apathy Following Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Apathy, the deficit of goal-directed behaviour, is well recognised as one of the most debilitating syndromes after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, mechanisms underlying apathy, or at least factors associated with apathy, are sporadically reported. Based on a biopsychosocial framework, this systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised evidence regarding neurobiological, socio-environmental and individual factors associated with apathy. Our searches identified 21 studies satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results showed that the majority of work has focused on cognitive dysfunction, TBI-related factors, demographic variables and psychological correlates of apathy, while evidence for neural substrates and socio-cultural and premorbid aspects is scant. Overall, the current literature suggests that TBI-related and patient demographic factors did not contribute to apathy after TBI, whereas complex neurocognitive alterations, socio-environmental and cultural factors as well as patients' self-related factors may be important components. The evidence points to the multifaceted interplay of certain biopsychosocial contributors to apathy and suggests future investigations of more complex behavioural traits, cultural elements and pre-injury levels to better characterise the aetiology of this detrimental impairment after TBI.

Comorbidity Burden and Treatment Patterns of Psoriasis in Vietnam: Real-World Data from the EXPAND Study.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a multi-faceted, immune-mediated inflammatory disease associated with a wide range of comorbidities. Real-world data on treatment patterns, comorbidities, and economic burden in patients with psoriasis are needed for comprehensive patient care in Vietnam. METHODS: A retrospective chart review study was conducted using secondary data extracted from patients' medical records of two hospitals in Vietnam, with the aim of identifying adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis. The index date was defined as the date of first diagnosis between 1 January 2020 and 31 October 2021. Sociodemographic factors, disease characteristics, comorbidities, medication usage, drug survival, and medication costs were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 661 patients were identified (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 43.5 ± 14.8 years). The most prevalent comorbidity was dyslipidemia (49.6% of patients), followed by hypertension (23.4%), and psoriatic arthritis (10.4%). In total, 44% of patients received biologic therapies. Overall, 66.7% and 54.3% of patients receiving biologic and non-biologic therapies, respectively, had ≥ 1 comorbidity. Only 23.2% of patients with psoriasis-related comorbidities stopped therapy with biologics. Biologics had a longer retention time (17.0 months) than non-biologics (6.0 months) in patients with comorbidities. Patients with comorbidities had significantly higher total annual healthcare costs than those without comorbidities (in US dollars: USD901 vs. USD304; p < 0.001), mainly due to the relatively higher costs associated with the use of biologics. CONCLUSION: Patients with psoriasis in Vietnam experience a high disease and economic burden due to comorbidities. Evidence from this real-world study supports the need for routine monitoring of and an appropriate treatment course for psoriasis-related comorbidities.

Outbreak of Sexually Transmitted Nongroupable Neisseria meningitidis-Associated Urethritis, Vietnam.

We report on an outbreak of nongroupable Neisseria meningitidis-associated urethritis, primarily among men who have sex with men in southern Vietnam. Nearly 50% of N. meningitidis isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. This emerging pathogen should be considered in the differential diagnosis and management of urethritis.

Programmable multispecific DNA-origami-based T-cell engagers.

Multispecific antibodies have emerged as versatile therapeutic agents, and therefore, approaches to optimize and streamline their design and assembly are needed. Here we report on the modular and programmable assembly of IgG antibodies, F(ab) and scFv fragments on DNA origami nanocarriers. We screened 105 distinct quadruplet antibody variants in vitro for the ability to activate T cells in the presence of target cells. T-cell engagers were identified, which in vitro showed the specific and efficient T-cell-mediated lysis of five distinct target cell lines. We used these T-cell engagers to target and lyse tumour cells in vivo in a xenograft mouse tumour model. Our approach enables the rapid generation, screening and testing of bi- and multispecific antibodies to facilitate preclinical pharmaceutical development from in vitro discovery to in vivo proof of concept.

Long-Term Effectiveness and Drug Survival of Secukinumab in Vietnamese Patients with Psoriasis: Results from a Retrospective ENHANCE Study.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis (PsO), an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder, has substantial negative impact on patients' quality of life. Secukinumab, an approved treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque PsO, has an established long-term efficacy and safety profile. This study aims to provide real-world evidence of long-term effectiveness and retention rate of secukinumab in Vietnamese patients with PsO. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study collected medical records of adult patients with moderate-to-severe PsO receiving secukinumab treatment from Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology. The primary objective was to evaluate secukinumab effectiveness in PsO as measured by 75% improvement in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI 75) at month 12. Secondary objectives were PASI 90/100, absolute PASI ≤ 3 and ≤ 5, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and retention rate over 48 months. RESULTS: In total, 232 patients with moderate-to-severe PsO met inclusion criteria; 68.1% were male, with median age and age of onset of 39 and 27.5 years, respectively. Median time from onset of PsO to secukinumab treatment was 120 months, 95.3% were prior biologics/disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs naive and 41.4% received concomitant therapies for PsO; 82.3% had national insurance coverage. At month 12, 93.9% of patients achieved PASI 75 (primary endpoint); 80.2/56.9% achieved PASI 90/100; 91.4 and 84.8% patients achieved absolute PASI ≤ 5 and ≤ 3, respectively. The response was sustained over 48 months, with 91.9%/78.0%/52.0% of patients achieving PASI 75/90/100, 89.5% and 82.1% patients achieving absolute PASI ≤ 5 and ≤ 3, respectively. At month 12, 61.4% of patients achieved DLQI 0/1 which was sustained up to month 48 (69.2%). Secukinumab adherence rate of 84.9% at month 12 dropped to 34.2% at month 48. Patients receiving concomitant therapy and national insurance showed higher adherence rate. CONCLUSION: Secukinumab demonstrated long-term effectiveness in real-world Vietnamese patients with moderate-to-severe PsO, with treatment adherence being higher in patients having concomitant therapies and national insurance.

New onset of psoriasis following COVID-19 vaccination.

The cutaneous side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are being studied and their immunogenicity is most likely linked to the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Although uncommon, several cases of exacerbation and new onset of psoriasis have been reported globally after vaccination. To contribute to the literature on this intriguing topic, we present three cases of de novo psoriasis in adult patients following COVID-19 vaccination. Our observations and a literature review show that this occurrence is independent of the type and brand of vaccines.

Generalized erythrodermic psoriasis triggered by vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Generalized erythrodermic psoriasis (GEP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening variant of psoriasis. Possible triggers that have been identified to date include poorly controlled psoriasis, medications, abrupt discontinuation of anti-psoriatic treatment, and underlying systemic illnesses. However, vaccines have rarely been reported to exacerbate GEP. Herein, we report two unique cases with GEP exacerbated following a dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 (as their second dose, the first being the mRNA-1273 vaccine). Based on our observations and a literature review, vaccination was considered the most likely trigger of GEP due to the close temporal relationship between the second vaccination and the onset of GEP.

Three new species of the genus Miridiba Reitter, 1902 (Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) from Vietnam along with a new country record.

Three new species of the genus Miridiba Reitter, 1902 from Vietnam are described and illustrated: Miridiba apicespinosa P.V. Pham & Keith, new species, M. ngoclinhensis P.V. Pham & Keith, new species, and M. quangnamensis P.V. Pham & Keith, new species. Miridiba bannaensis Gao & Fang, 2018 is reported for the first time from Vietnam. Additionally, an updated checklist and a key to all Vietnamese species are provided.

Secukinumab Demonstrated High Effectiveness in Vietnamese Patients with Moderate-To-Severe Plaque Psoriasis in a Real-World Clinical Setting: 16 Week Results from an Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Plaque psoriasis (PsO), characterized by demarcated, erythematous, scaly skin, can have a substantial negative impact on patients' quality of life. This observational (non-interventional) retrospective study was conducted to characterize treatment patterns and response among patients with plaque PsO treated with secukinumab under routine medical practice in Vietnam. METHODS: Patient medical records from the specialized clinic of the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology (N = 236) were collected. Patients (male or female) aged ≥ 18 years with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque PsO, defined as > 10% involvement of the body surface area (BSA > 10) or a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score > 10 and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score > 10, were included. RESULTS: In total, 230 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, the majority of whom were men (66.1%). At baseline, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the ITT population was 41.46 ± 14.29 years, mean disease duration was 7.91 ± 7.91 years, and 27% (n = 62) were obese. More than 90% of the patients were biologic naïve prior to initiation of secukinumab therapy. At week 4, 54.6% patients (n = 124) achieved ≥ 75% reduction in PASI scores from baseline (PASI 75). By week 16, 81.1, 68.9, and 36.5% of the overall population (n = 180, 153, and 81) achieved PASI scores of 75, 90, and 100, respectively; 66.1% of the overall population (n = 154) reported DLQI scores of 0/1 by week 16. The effectiveness of secukinumab was validated in subgroups of patients with or without obesity, concomitant conditions (hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, and/or obesity [body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2]), and concomitant psoriatic arthritis (PsA). CONCLUSION: The study validated the real-world effectiveness of secukinumab in Vietnamese patients irrespective of obesity, concomitant conditions, and concomitant PsA status.

Notes on the genus Netelia, subgenus Parabates (Ichneumonidae, Tryphoninae), with description of a new species from Oriental Region.

The characters that define the subgenus Parabates of the genus Netelia are investigated. The shape of the basal apodeme of the aedeagus is considered to be a synapomorphy of this subgenus, suggesting the monophyly of Parabates. A new species, Netelia (Parabates) fusciapicalis n. sp. belonging to the ishiharai group is described from Taiwan, Vietnam and Laos. This is the sixth extant species of the subgenus, the first record of the genus Netelia from Vietnam and Laos, and the first record of the subgenus Parabates from Taiwan.

Dicamptus Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae) from Vietnam.

A new species of Darwin wasp of the genus Dicamptus Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae), D. curvus Pham, Matsumoto Shimizu sp. nov., is described on the basis of type specimen from Lai Chau Province, northwest Vietnam. The new species probably belongs to the giganteus species group and is easily distinguishable from the other species of the group by the smaller indices of fore wing AI and CI as well as the form of sclerites. Two species, D. cantoni Gauld Mitchell and D. reticulatus (Cameron), are recorded for the first time from Vietnam; and additional distribution records for D. nigropictus (Matsumura) in Vietnam are provided. Through the present study, a total of four Dicamptus species have been recognized in Vietnam and illustrated.

A review of the genus Apophysius Cushman (Ichneumonidae: Phygadeuontinae), with descriptions of six new species.

The phygadeuontine genus Apophysius (Ichneumonidae) is reviewed for the first time. Six new species are described, A. baolocensis Pham, Matsumoto Broad sp. nov., A. constrictus Pham, Matsumoto Broad sp. nov. and A. taynguyenensis Pham, Matsumoto Broad sp. nov. from the Central Highlands of Vietnam, A. latus Pham, Matsumoto, Konishi, Sheng Broad sp. nov. from China and Vietnam, A. takasukai Pham, Konishi Broad sp. nov. from the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, and A. pentaceratops Broad sp. nov. from Sarawak, Malaysia. A key to the nine known species of the genus Apophysius is included.

First records of the genus Spilopteron Townes (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Acaenitinae) from Vietnam, with descriptions of five new species.

The genus Spilopteron Townes, 1960 (Ichneumonidae: Acaenitinae) is reported for the first time from Vietnam. Five of the seven reported species are described as new, comprising: S. brunneum sp. nov., S. lamdongensis sp. nov., S. nigromaculatum sp. nov., S. tamdaoensis sp. nov., and S. tumidium sp. nov. In addition, two further species, S. flaviapicus Wang Huang, 1993, and S. fuscomaculatum Wang, 1988, are recorded for the first time from the country.

Taxonomic study of the genus Townesia Ozols (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) with description of a new species from China and a key to world species.

Five species of the genus Townesia Ozols are reported. One, Townesia sulcata Sheng & Li, sp. nov. collected from Liaoning province, China, is new to science. In addition, digital images and a taxonomic key to the all species of Townesia are presented.

Two new species of the genus Ishigakia (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Acaenitinae) from Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence.

The genus Ishigakia is reported from Vietnam for the first time, and two new species (I. babeensis sp. nov. and I. duongi sp. nov.) are described from Northeast Vietnam using morphological and genetic data. These new species are also inserted in the key to world species of Ishigakia provided by Ito Maeto (2016).