Detection and genetic characterization of canine distemper virus isolated in civets in Vietnam.

Canine distemper (CD), caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), is a lethal systemic disease to a wide range of wild and domestic carnivorous hosts, including civets. In this study, a possible CD outbreak in a backyard farm with 32 diseased civets (Viverricula indica) in Hanoi, Vietnam, was investigated. The sick civets showed CD-like clinical signs such as anorexia, sedentary behavior, diarrhea, dermatitis, nasal, and footpad hyperkeratosis. Various tissue samples collected from the dead civets were utilized for molecular screening of CDV and histopathological examination. The genetic detection and characterization confirmed that samples collected from dead civets tested positive for CDV. The phylogenetic analysis based on the full-length H gene sequences indicated that all CDV strains isolated from civets belonged to the Asia-1 lineage and were closely related to the CDV strains previously reported from dogs in Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Histopathological examination showed severe interstitial pneumonia, hemorrhagic alveolar septa, necrotic alveolar epithelial cells, necrotic, degenerated, or lost Purkinje cells, eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, edema, and perivascular cuff. This study confirmed the detection of CDV in civets for the first time in Vietnam.

Exploring the Kinh Vietnamese genomic database for the polymorphisms of the P450 genes towards precision public health.

BACKGROUND: Human cytochrome P450 (CYPs) genes are essential in metabolising drugs. Due to their high polymorphism, population-specific studies are of great interest. AIM: This research examined the six CYP genes, including CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A5, and CYP4F2 in the Kinh Vietnamese (KHV) for population-scale precision medicine. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We processed data from a genomics database of 206 healthy and unrelated KHV individuals to calculate CYP allele frequencies. First, we compared the CYP genes of the KHV to six other populations retrieved from the 1000 Genomes Project. Second, we searched the PharmGBK database for drug-CYP interaction data to compile a drug dosage recommendation for the KHV. RESULTS: We observed the diverging trends in genetic variations of CYP2B6, CYP2D6, and CYP3A5 in the KHV. Regarding phenotypic drug responses in the KHV, CYP2C19 exhibited all metabolic phenotypes at a non-trivial frequency. In addition, CYP3A5 metabolised drugs at a lower rate compared to the other five CYPs. CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale study to investigate multiple CYP genes in the KHV for precision medicine from a public health perspective. Differences found in the distributions of metabolizers for the KHV suggest careful prescriptions for CYP2C19 and CYP3A5-metabolised drugs.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy during the verbal fluency task of English-Speaking adults with mood disorders: A preliminary study.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) provides a direct and objective assessment of cerebral cortex function. It may be used to determine neurophysiological differences between psychiatric disorders with overlapping symptoms, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Therefore, this preliminary study aimed to compare fNIRS signals during the verbal fluency task (VFT) of English-speaking healthy controls (HC), patients with MDD and patients with BD. Fifteen HCs, 15 patients with MDD and 15 patients with BD were recruited. Groups were matched for age, gender, ethnicity and education. Relative oxy-haemoglobin and deoxy-haemoglobin changes in the frontotemporal cortex was monitored with a 52-channel fNIRS system. Integral values of the frontal and temporal regions were derived as a measure cortical haemodynamic response magnitude. Both patient groups had lower frontal and temporal region integral values than HCs, and patients with MDD had lower frontal region integral value than patients with BD. Moreover, patients could be differentiated from HCs using the frontal and temporal integral values, and patient groups could be differentiated using the frontal region integral values. VFT performance, clinical history and symptom severity were not associated with integral values. These results suggest that prefrontal cortex haemodynamic dysfunction occurs in mood disorders, and it is more extensive in MDD than BD. The fNIRS-VFT paradigm may be a potential tool for differentiating MDD from BD in clinical settings, and these findings need to be verified in a larger sample of English-speaking patients with mood disorders.

Nonlinear Buckling Behavior of Spiral Corrugated Sandwich FGM Cylindrical Shells Surrounded by an Elastic Medium.

This paper presents a semi-analytical approach for investigating the nonlinear buckling and postbuckling of spiral corrugated sandwich functionally graded (FGM) cylindrical shells under external pressure and surrounded by a two-parameter elastic foundation based on Donnell shell theory. The improved homogenization theory for the spiral corrugated FGM structure is applied and the geometrical nonlinearity in a von Karman sense is taken into account. The nonlinear equilibrium equation system can be solved by using the Galerkin method with the three-term solution form of deflection. An explicit solution form for the nonlinear buckling behavior of shells is obtained. The critical buckling pressure and the postbuckling strength of shells are numerically investigated. Additionally, the effects of spiral corrugation in enhancing the nonlinear buckling behavior of spiral corrugated sandwich FGM cylindrical shells are validated and discussed.

Capacity for microbiological diagnosis the etiology of communicable disease at provincial centers for preventive medicine

Background: Like other countries in the world, Vietnam has seen the appearance of many infectious diseases such as SARS, influenza A/H1N1. Therefore, monitoring and quick response to infectious diseases, increasingly require enhancing the capacity of test systems. \r\n', u'Objectives: To determine the capacity for microbiological diagnosis and etiology of communicable diseases at the provincial centers for preventive medicine.\r\n', u'Subjects and methods: With the application of the cross-sectional approach, the study was conducted on microbiology diagnostic capacity for communicable diseases surveillance and response system in 55 Provincial Preventive Medicine Centers (PPMCs)\r\n', u'Results: Laboratory testing and confirmation (isolation and bio-chemical tests, gram stain) are only available for common nitrobacteria such as Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholera, Shigella, Salmonella, and some of the respiratory bacteria as streptococcus, meningococcus, etc... in most PPMCs. ELISA/MACELISA technique for detecting virus pathogen such as Arbo viruses (Dengue, Japanese B encephalitis) and Hepatitis B, HIV is also a focus of these PPMCs. However, for diseases caused by other viruses like Polio, Rota, measles, influenza, PPMCs have only the ability to collect specimens. \r\n', u'Conclusions: Most of the cases reported in the surveillance reports are based on clinical signs, only. Case confirmation was done by hospital/regional or national laboratory. \r\n', u'\r\n', u'

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards cervical cancer and its preventive measures among parents of young adolescent girls in Tuliem district, Hanoi city and Cuchi district, Ho Chi Minh city

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers in women worldwide.\r\n', u'Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice towards cervical cancer and its preventive measures among the parents of young adolescent girls. \r\n', u'Subjects and methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted in Tuliem District, Hanoi and Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh city. By employing a structured interview there have been 218 fathers/mothers of young adolescent girls at secondary school age (11to14 years old) participated in the survey. \r\n', u"Results: There was a limitation in the respondents' understanding about cervical cancer. Although 83% parents have been aware of cervical cancer and 89% considered it as a fatal disease, nearly a half of them does not know any symptoms of the disease. Similarly, inadequate knowledge on causes and risk factors of the disease has been common among respondents. Only 25% of parents are aware of HPV and few knew about the transmission route of this virus. HPV vaccines are still very new for parents. Only 29.8% of interviewees have heard about HPV vaccines. However, 74.3% parents have expressed a wish to have their daughters vaccinated, once HPV vaccines are introduced in Vietnam. \r\n", u'Conclusions: Knowledge, attitude and practice towards cervical cancer among parents of young adolescent girls in these district were quite limited\r\n', u'\r\n', u'

Assessment of child health care services in Bac Giang and Ha Nam provinces

Background: The strategy of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) was developed as an approach/tool for reducing the childhood mortality in developing countries. IMCI was approved by the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam and has been implemented in more than 3500 communal health centers nationwide. Aims: 1) To discover the quality of health care services for children under-5 and the situation of IMCI in health facilities. 2) To propose solutions to improve the quality of health care services for children. Materials and method: The cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative approaches conducted 58 direct observations in health workers, interviewed 58 caretakers, comprehensively interviewed 20 local leaders and technical staffs, facilitated 12 focal group discussions and reviewed 120 records of 12 commune health centers. Results: IMCI was considered by all of the participants as a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of childhood health care at first-level health facilities. IMCI contributed towards improved case management skills of health workers, improved the supply of essential drugs and supplies for child health care. As a result, the quality of health services for children under-5 has been promoted (93% of illness children were correctly assessed and classified, 84.6% of them were correctly treated and counseled). Health workers in Ly Nhan district, Ha Nam province adhered to 8.4+/-1.5 out of 10 essential steps of comprehensive child health care. Contrarily, this indicator was low in the districts of Bac Giang province (4.8+/-1.5), not much different to untrained IMCI health workers. Conclusion: IMCI is a useful strategy to improving the quality of child health care. But there were some difficulties that affected the implementation of this strategy in first-level health facilities.

Man power and organization of provincial preventive medicine centers in the northern provinces

Background: Investment to meet the man power requirements are recognized as urgent; especially to efficiently implement the National Strategy of Preventive Medicine. To strengthen the capability of provincial preventive medicine centers, the Ministry of Health has approved Decision No 05/2006QD-BYT for functions, tasks, authorization and organizational structure of Provincial Preventive Medicine Centers (PPMCs). Objectives: The study was conducted to evaluate the manpower and organization structure of northern PPMCs and provide recommendations for policy makers. Subjects and method: Using the cross-sectional descriptive method, the study covered the preventive medicine centers of 29 northern provinces between Jan to Jun 2007. The information was collected by interviews and self-reported questionnaires. Results:23/29 PPMCs have not met the criteria of man power stated in the Circular 08/2007/TTLB-BYT-BNV. Only 9/29 PPMCs were well organized in accordance with Decision 05/2006/QD-BYT of the Ministry of Health. The average number of staffs in PPMCs was 50+15. Medical staffs accounted for 53%, out of which 21.1% had postgraduate degrees; 32.2% had graduate degrees and 23.3% had been trained in preventive care. Conclusion: To meet the requirements provided by the Decision No05/2006QD-BYT, the man power and training for staffs in PPMCs should be improved and strengthened.

Expression of Heparansulfate Interacting Protein (HIP) in benign prostatic hyperplasia,prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer

Background: Heparansulfate Interacting Protein (HIP) is up-regulated in various human cancer cell lines at both transcript and protein levels. HIP expression is related to the differentiation status and cancer development. Objectives: To determine HIP in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer tissues. Materials and method: Western blot method was used to determine HIP expression in 3 different types of prostate tissue, including 11 prostate cancer samples, 2 benign prostatic hyperplasia samples and 11 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia samples. Results. HIP was particularly up-regulated in prostate cancer and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, indicating that up-regulation of HIP expression may be an early event in tumorgenesis. Conclusion: The expression of HIP was different between cancer, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia tissue and benign prostatic hyperplasia. HIP may serve as a prognostic marker for prostate carcinoma.

The differences of transcript level of Heparan-sulfate Interacting Protein (HIP) in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer tissues

Background: Heparan-sufate interacting protetin (HIP) has been known to be up-regulated and expressed in various human cancer cell lines at both transcript and protein levels. HIP\u2019s expression was related to the differentiation status and cancer development. Objective: Using a semi-quantitative PCR method to determine HIP transcript levels in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostate cancer tissues. Subjects and methods: 30 samples of BPH, 12 samples of high-grade PIN, and 40 samples of prostate cancer were collected from patients at Viet Duc Hospital and Friendship Hospital. Total RNA was extracted from BPH, PIN and prostate cancer tissues; cDNA synthesis by reverse transcript - polymerase chain reaction (RT - PCR); HIP transcript determination using semi-quantitative PCR. Results: There was significant difference in HIP transcript levels. HIP transcript was very highly up-regulated in the prostate cancer tissues. The up-regulation of HIP transcript was lower in PIN, and lowest in BPH. HIP transcript levels in benign samples were 1/2 and 2/3 compared with cancer and PIN samples, respectively (P< 0.05). These indicated that up-regulation of HIP transcript may be an early event in tumorigenesis. Conclusions: Levels of HIP transcript were different between tissues of prostate cancer, PIN, and BPH. HIP may be a marker for pre-cancer of the prostate.

Study of the mutation of the CCR5 and SDF1 gene in the HIV-1 infected mothers and their children

Background: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. Objectives:To study the CCR5- 32 and SDF 1-3 A allelic frequence in the HIV -1 infected mothers and their children. Subjects and method: Amplificated on CCR5 and SDF1 gene by PCR and restriction of this fragment length polymorphisme (RLFP) assay for detection of the mutated gene by EcoR1 and Hpall. Results: No mutation of CCR5 was found but only mutation identified at the SDF1 gene. Mutation identified at the SDF1 gene of the mother was: homozygote 2.7% (accounted for 2/37 cases), heterozygote 40.54% (accounted for 15/37 cases) and at the children: homozygote 5.4% (accounted for 1/37 cases), heterozygote 45.95% (accounted for 17/37 cases). The CCR5 chemokin receptor is a co-receptor for M trofic HIV-1 strains, which predominate in the early stage of the HIV disease and SDF-1 natural ligand for the CXCR4 reception. The mutation of these genes protect from HIV-1 infection (slow progression).\r\n', u'Conclusion: It\u2019s necessary to find the mutation of CCR5 and CCR2b related the progression of HIV patients. \r\n', u'

The familial characteristics of haemophiliacs treated at regional hematology and blood transfusion center of Hue Central Hospital

Background: Hemophilia is the most common clotting disorder in the hereditary blood clotting disorders causing harm to health and psychology. The disease can lead to disability and leave the burden on families and society as well as the development of race\r\n', u"Objectives: To study the familial characteristics of haemophiliacs treated at Regional Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center of Hue Central Hospital. Subject and method: This was a prospective study. It included 48 patients diagnosed and treated Haemophilia A and B at Regional Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center of Hue Central Hospital from 7/2005 - 8/2007. Results: In 48 patients, there were 23 patients who had obviously familial history (included 12 families). They were siblings, cousins, maternal grandfathers or mother's brothers. Among 67 haemophiliacs, 23 haemophiliacs had been studied (34.32%), 30 haemophiliacs died of the disease (44.77%). Most of them died at childhood, below age of 15 years (80.64%). Conclusion: Numbers of deaths in the family was not related to the severity of the disease. The age of clinical detection, morphology, number, site, characteristics of haemorrhage as well as the level of articuar injures were not completely the same between the haemophiliacs of the same family. \r\n", u'\r\n', u'

Assessment of knowledge and practices related to biosafety of researchers in microbiological laboratories of provincial centers for preventive medicine

Background: In recent years, due to the outbreak of new infectious diseases, re-emerging diseases and bio-terrorist threats, the biological safety for laboratories is essential\r\n', u'Objectives: to evaluate knowledge and practices related to biosafety of researchers in microbiological laboratories\r\n', u'Subjects and method: The study was carried out in the period 2006-2007. Questionnaires and checklists were used for the direct interview the knowledge and observe the practices related to biological safety of 97 laboratory technicians from microbiology laboratories of 22 provincial centers for preventive medicine, which represent for all areas in Vietnam.\r\n', u'Results: The percentage of technicians defines correctly the hazardous groups of some common pathogens are 8.2-33%. The percentage of technicians define correctly the transmission routes of Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococus, Streptococcus are 1%, 15% and 19.6%, respectively. The opinion that thay can wear the laboratory blouse out of laboratories, bring personal belongings into the laboratory and pipeting by mouth are 21.6%, 50.5% and 23.7%, respectively. Regarding laboratory practices: The percentage of technicians does not use gloves is 37.8%; pipeting by mouth: 22.6%. Over 40% technicians do not disinfect working area or washing hands with alcohol after experiments\r\n', u'Conclusion: The results of this study are a basis for planning programs to train, supervise and improve the operational quality of the microbiological laboratory of the provincial preventive health care centers.\r\n', u'\r\n', u'\r\n', u'

Prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes in pregnant women, followed up at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi

Background: Gestational diabetes is a special form of diabetes mellitus, which is initially diagnosed during gestation. In Vietnam, routine screens for gestational diabetes are not performed. The risk factors of the disease are not taken into account during early screening. Many pregnancies are later diagnosed when complications present themselves. Objective: To determine the prevalence and discover the risk factors for Gestational Diabetes (GD) among pregnant women, who followed up at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bach Mai Hospital. Subject and methods: A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted on 415 pregnant women, who had 24-28 weeks of gestation, followed up at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bach Mai Hospital from December, 2006 to April, 2007. All were asked about the risk factors and given an oral glucose tolerance test with 75g of glucose. Results: The prevalence of GD in general population accounted for 7.9%. The prevalence of GD, who had BMI \u226523, family history with 1st degree relative of diabetes and positive glycosuria at gestational age under 24 weeks in subgroups were 25.8%, 37.8% and 55.6%, respectively. None of the pregnant women who had a child weighed \u22654.000g at the previous delivery was diagnosed as GD. However, all thepregnant women, who had history of abnormal glucose tolerance, were GD. Conclusion: Prevalence of GD is increasing. BMI\u226523, family history with 1st degree relative of diabetes and positive glycosuria at age of gestation <24 weeks are considered as high risk factors of GD.

Effects of artesunate in the cobination of other antimalarial drugs on activities of some murine plasma enzymes

Effects of artesunate in the combination of other antimalarial drugs (primaquine, mefloquine or chloroquine) on activities of some murine plasma enzymes were studied: (1) The combination of artesunate with primaquine induced significantly plasma activities of GOT, GPT, LDH, - HBDH, CK and CK- MB in comparison with artesunate alone; (2) The combination of artesunate with mefloquine also induced significantly plasma activities of GOT, GPT, LDH, -HBDH, CK and CK- MB in comparison with artesunate alone; (3) The companation of artesunate with chloroquine reduced slightly plasma activities of GOT, GPT, LDH, -HBDH, CK and CK-MB. The results obtained in the study suggest that the combination of artesunate with primaquine or mefloquine on murine cellular damage is synergistic, while the combination of artesunate with chloroquine is probably antagonistic

Some opinions of monitoring the adverse drug reactions in hospitals throughout the country in 1998:

Among adverse drug reactions, the anaphylactic shock is most severe and easily causes death. The cause of anaphylactic shock can be drugs (especially antibiotics), intravenous solution, and allergy, poison and microbial, the data of the anaphylactic shock in hospitals throughout the country has been reported. In order to limit the adverse drug reactions, it should know the medical history as well as have ready the drugs and equipment for timely management.

Management of toxic drug, stupefacients, psychotropes and pro-drug in hospital

In order to manage and safely and rationally use the drug, the Ministry of Health promulgates the regulations for management of toxic drug, stupefacients and psychotrope such as the toxic drug regulation accopanying the Dicision No 278BYT-QD; The addictive drug regulation and the list of addictive drug; the psychotic drug regulation and list of psychotropes. Concurrently, there have many texts of government, criminal law, inter-ministry circular letter, decree of president, the programs of ministry of health.

Some results in study on Japanese peppermint SK-33

This paper presents the study on Japanese mint SK-33 (M.arvensis L.) and its essential oil. After 3 years cultivated and observed this mint at CoNhue - TuLiem-Hanoi, we have some following notes: its essential oil content at full flowering stage is about 0.64-0.71% in fresh aerial part of plants, 1.38-1.55% in fresh leaves and flowers, 5.13-5.29% in absolute dry leaves and flowers. The chemical composition of this oil was analyzed by GC/MS, 32 constituents were identified. The main constituents are menthol (81.79%), menthone (7.86%), isomenthone (4.95%). Japanese mint SK-33 has rather high content of essential oil, good quality and can create a large quantity of underground stems. It is prospective new mint form for cultivation at large area in our country.