A study on 151 pneumonia children aged from 1 to 60 months admitted to Thanh Nhan Hospital from November 2001 to September 2002. Results: the highest pneumonia rate was children from 1 month to 2 years of age (64.24%). Males were more than females at all ages, most of children admitted hospital with mild pneumonia. The rate of isolated bacteria (+) was 29.4%. Among 44 cases with bacteria (+), 40 cases ( 99.91 %) were infected with a single bacterium and only 4 cases (10.09%) with 2 pathogens (both due to S. pneumonia and H. influenza). The common bacteria causing pneumonia in children included Hemophilus influenza (39.58%) and Streptococcus pneumonia (35.42%). H. influenza was sensitive with cefotaxim 100%, cephalothin 72.22%, cefuroxim 50%, but was strong resistant with erythromycin 86.66%, oxacillin 85.71%. Streptococcus pyogenes is most sensitive with 3rd generation cephalosporin such as ceftriaxon, cefotaxim, but strong resist with cefoperazon, co-trimoxazol, gentamicin, penicillin G
Pneumonia

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'
Antioxidants ; Lipid Peroxidation ;

Endophytic fungi are promising sources for the production of podophyllotoxin-an important anticancer compound, replacing depleted medical plants. In this study, the endophytes associated with Dysosma difformis-an ethnomedicinal plant species were isolated to explore novel sources of podophyllotoxin. Fifty-three endophytic fungi were isolated and identified by morphological observation and ITS-based rDNA sequencing, assigning them to 27 genera in 3 divisions. Fusarium was found the most prevalent genus with a colonization frequency of 11.11%, followed by Trametes (9.26%) and Penicillium (7.41%). Phylogenetic trees were constructed for the endophytic fungi community in two collection sites, Ha Giang and Lai Chau, revealing the adaptation of the species to the specific tissues and habitats. Cytotoxic activity of endophytic fungal extracts was investigated on cancer cell lines such as SK-LU-1, HL-60, and HepG2, demonstrating strong anti-cancer activity of six isolates belonging to Penicillium, Trametes, Purpureocillium, Aspergillus, and Ganoderma with IC 50 value of lower than 10 10 µg/mL. The presence of podophyllotoxin was indicated in Penicillium, Trametes, Aspergillus and for the first time in Purpureocillium and Ganoderma via high-performance liquid chromatography, which implied them as a potential source of this anticancer compound.

Sphaeranthus africanus is commonly used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and pain treatment in Vietnam. The aerial parts have been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. However, the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the plant has not been explored. In this work, hydrophilic extracts of the plant's aerial parts were prepared in order to investigate its antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Also, the cytotoxicity of the root was evaluated and compared to that of the aerial parts. All of the extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation with IC 50 values ranging from 2.05 to 3.56 µg/mL, indicating substantial antioxidant activity. At an IC 50 value of 4.80 μg/mL, the 50% ethanol extract exhibited the most potent inhibition of α-glucosidase. The cytotoxic activity of root extracts is 2 to 5-fold less than that of the aerial parts. Nevertheless, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the root demonstrated a selective effect on leukemia cells, with no harm towards the normal HEK-293 cell line. This work provides a scientific support for the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the plant. Hence, it may find a promising material for the development of novel antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. More research can be conducted on the phytochemistry and anticancer activities of the plant’s root.

Objective: To evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of Polygonatum kingianum rhizome extract using both in vitro and in vivo models.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with an ethanol extract of Polygonatum kingianum rhizomes at different concentrations to determine nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. For in vivo study, Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract was further investigated for its anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse model with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. Phytochemical study of Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract was also performed. Results: Saponins (142 mg/g total yield) was the main component in the Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract. 5α,8α-ergosterol peroxide, (E,E)-9-oxooctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid and 3-(2?-hydroxy-4?-methoxy-benzyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-8-methyl-chroman-4-one were isolated from the extract. Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract exhibited potential anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide and PGE2 production in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The level of arthritis in mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis was significantly reduced (P<0.01) after treatment with Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract, particularly at a dose of 1?000 mg/kg body weight. Besides, the extract demonstrated the regulatory effects on serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 in treated mice. Conclusions: Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract has beneficial effects on inflammatory cytokine regulation and PGE2 inhibition in an experimental mouse model with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. The phytochemical screening reveals that the saponin, as the main component, and sterols (daucosterol and 5α,8α-ergosterol peroxide) from Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract may contribute to its promising in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities.

To evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of Polygonatum kingianum rhizome extract using both in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with an ethanol extract of Polygonatum kingianum rhizomes at different concentrations to determine nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. For in vivo study, Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract was further investigated for its antiinflammatory effect in a mouse model with collagen antibodyinduced arthritis. Phytochemical study of Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract was also performed. Results: Saponins (142 mg/g total yield) was the main component in the Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract. 5a,8a-ergosterol peroxide, (E,E)-9-oxooctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid and 3-(2'- hydroxy-4'-methoxy-benzyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-8-methyl-chroman-4- one were isolated from the extract. Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract exhibited potential anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide and PGE2 production in RAW 264.7 cells in a dosedependent manner. The level of arthritis in mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis was significantly reduced (P0.01) after treatment with Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract, particularly at a dose of 1 000 mg/kg body weight. Besides, the extract demonstrated the regulatory effects on serum tumor necrosis factoralpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 in treated mice. Conclusions: Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract has beneficial effects on inflammatory cytokine regulation and PGE2 inhibition in an experimental mouse model with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. The phytochemical screening reveals that the saponin, as the main component, and sterols (daucosterol and 5a,8a-ergosterol peroxide) from Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract may contribute to its promising in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities.

Objective: To investigate the osteoblastogenic activity of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of Smilax glabra Roxb roots and its major active compound astilbin. Methods: Astilbin was isolated from EtOAc extract using silica gel chromatography combined with fraction crystallization. Chemical structure of astilbin was determined by analysis of the spectroscopic data in comparison with the literature. MTT method was used to detect the toxicity. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined by the spectrophotometric method at 405 nm using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as a substrate. Calcium deposition was stained with alizarin red-S, distained with cetylpyridium chloride, and quantified at 562 nm. In silico model for astilbin-ALP interaction was analyzed using AutoDock 4.2.6. The changes in expression of osteoblast differentiation related genes were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Both the EtOAc extract and astilbin had no toxicity toward osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells at 5.0, 10, 25, and 50 μg/mL. At 25 μg/ mL, they enhanced ALP activity and mineralization of osteoblasts up to 30% and 55% for the EtOAc extract and 22% and 41% for astilbin, respectively. Molecular docking analysis of astilbin-ALP interaction revealed Arg167, Asp320, His324, and His437 were key residues participating in hydrophobic interaction; meanwhile, His434 and Thr436 residues were involved in hydrogen bond formation in the active site of human tissue-nonspecific ALP. Moreover, the expression level of genes opn, col1, osx, and runx2 were up-regulated in astilbin treated samples with the fold changes as 2.2; 3.7; 4.1; 2.3, respectively at 10 μg/mL (P<0.05). Conclusions: The EtOAc extract and its major compound astilbin exhibit osteoblastogenic activity by up-regulating important markers for bone cell differentiation. It could be a new and promising osteogenic agent with dual actions for therapeutic applications.

Objective: The risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from schoolchildren to their household and the protective effects of vaccination in these settings remain poorly understood. We assessed the transmission dynamics of schoolchildren with SARS-CoV-2 within their households and the protective effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination among household members in Viet Nam. Methods: We estimated the attack rate, vaccine effectiveness and adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission to household contacts of children confirmed to have COVID-19 who attended three schools in Ha Nam, Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces between September and December 2021 using multivariable regression with household-level random effects. Results: This retrospective cohort study included 157 children infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their 540 household contacts. The attack rate among household contacts was 24.6% (133/540). Overall, vaccine effectiveness among household contacts was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1 to -63), higher among males than females and higher in adults aged >40 years. COVID-19 transmission was greater among female household contacts compared with males (aRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.95), although not statistically significant, and highest among those aged 19–39 years (aRR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.50 to 4.21). Fully vaccinated household contacts had significantly lower infection risk (aRR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.84). Discussion: We found substantial onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from schoolchildren to household members, and older people were more likely to be protected by vaccination. We recommend that schoolchildren and all household members living with schoolchildren receive at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Recognizing the role of schoolchildren in the onward transmission of COVID-19 is an important lesson learned by Viet Nam that can help not only in managing other outbreaks but also in protecting schoolchildren by predicting the progress of the outbreak and preparing for a timely response.