1.Isolation and Cytotoxic Potency of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Dysosma difformis, a Study for the Novel Resources of Podophyllotoxin
Hoa Thi TRAN ; Giang Thu NGUYEN ; Hong Ha Thi NGUYEN ; Huyen Thi TRAN ; Quang Hong TRAN ; Quang Ho TRAN ; Ngoc Thi NINH ; Phat Tien DO ; Ha Hoang CHU ; Ngoc Bich PHAM
Mycobiology 2022;50(5):389-398
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.
2.Optic foramen location on computed tomography
Vuong Duc NGUYEN ; Minh Tran Quang LE ; Chuong Dinh NGUYEN ; Tho Thi Kieu NGUYEN
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2023;24(4):174-178
Background:
This study aimed to identify the location of the optic foramen in relation to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall, which is essential information for surgeons in planning and performing endoscopic transnasal surgery.
Methods:
Computed tomography scans of 200 orbits from 100 adult patients with no abnormalities were examined. The results included the location of the optic foramen in relation to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall and the distance between them, as well as the distance from the optic foramen and the anterior sphenoid sinus wall to the carotid prominence in the posterior sphenoid sinus.
Results:
The optic foramen was anterior to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall in 48.5% of orbits, and posterior in the remaining 51.5%. The mean distance from the optic foramen to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall was 3.82 ± 1.25 mm. The mean distances from the optic foramen and the anterior sphenoid sinus wall to the carotid prominence were 7.67 ± 1.73 and 7.95 ± 2.53 mm, respectively.
Conclusion
The optic foramen was anterior to the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus in approximately half of the orbits examined in this study, and posterior in the remaining half. The mean distance from the optic foramen to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall of the sphenoid sinus was 3.82 ± 1.25 mm.
3.Rare Complication of Strongyloidiasis in Vietnam: A Case of Venous Thromboembolism and Duodenal Obstruction
Tien Huynh MANH ; Khanh Quoc Le TRAN ; Phat Tan HO ; Man Minh VO ; Thong Quang PHAM ; Thong Duy VO
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology 2023;81(6):270-275
Strongyloidiasis, a chronic helminth infection caused by the parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, has various clinical manifestations. Although rare, duodenal obstructions and venous thromboembolism are possible complications of strongyloidiasis.This paper presents the case of a 47-year-old Vietnamese male with a history of right lower limb edema, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort lasting for four months. Venous Doppler ultrasound detected a thrombus in the right femoral vein, while an abdominal CT scan revealed a mass lesion suggestive of a lower bile duct tumor. Esophageogastroduodenoscopy showed a friable duodenal cap mucosa with multiple ulcers and edematous mucosa of the second part of the duodenum that caused a partial lumen obstruction. The final histological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed chronic duodenitis with larvae consistent with Strongyloides stercoralis. The patient was treated with Ivermectin for two weeks and anticoagulation therapy for three months. After treatment and a six-month follow-up, the patient's gastrointestinal symptoms and leg swelling resolved completely. This is the first documented case of a patient in Vietnam with strongyloidiasis who presented with venous thromboembolism and duodenal obstruction. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2023;81:270-275)
4.Management of Antibiotic-Resistant Helicobacter pylori Infection: Perspectives from Vietnam
Vu VAN KHIEN ; Duong Minh THANG ; Tran Manh HAI ; Nguyen Quang DUAT ; Pham Hong KHANH ; Dang Thuy HA ; Tran Thanh BINH ; Ho Dang Quy DUNG ; Tran Thi Huyen TRANG ; Yoshio YAMAOKA
Gut and Liver 2019;13(5):483-497
Antibiotic resistance is the most important factor leading to the failure of eradication regimens. This review focuses on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori primary and secondary resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and multidrug in Vietnam. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Vietnamese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Vietnamese Biomedical databases from January 2000 to December 2016. The search terms included the following: H. pylori infection, antibiotic (including clarithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and multidrug) resistance in Vietnam. The data were summarized in an extraction table and analyzed manually. Finally, Excel 2007 software was used to create charts. Ten studies (three studies in English and seven in Vietnamese) were included in this review. A total of 308, 412, 523, 408, 399, and 268 H. pylori strains were included in this review to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori primary resistance to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and multidrug resistance, respectively. Overall, the primary resistance rates of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and multidrug resistance were 15.0%, 34.1%, 69.4%, 27.9%, 17.9% and 48.8%, respectively. Secondary resistance rates of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and multidrug resistance were 9.5%, 74.9%, 61.5%, 45.7%, 23.5% and 62.3%, respectively. In Vietnam, primary and secondary resistance to H. pylori is increasing over time and affects the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication.
Amoxicillin
;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
;
Bismuth
;
Clarithromycin
;
Drug Resistance, Microbial
;
Drug Resistance, Multiple
;
Helicobacter pylori
;
Helicobacter
;
Humans
;
Levofloxacin
;
Metronidazole
;
Prevalence
;
Tetracycline
;
Vietnam
5.Atypical Toxocara canis-Induced Hepatic Visceral Larva Migrans: Diagnostic Challenges and Literature Review
Tien Manh HUYNH ; Khanh Quoc Le TRAN ; Trung Hoang DINH ; Man Minh VO ; Thong Quang PHAM ; Thong Duy VO
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology 2024;83(6):247-252
Toxocariasis, a zoonotic infection transmitted by Toxocara canis (from dogs) and Toxocara cati (from cats) larvae, poses rare but severe risks to humans. We present a case of hepatic visceral larva migrans (VLM) caused by Toxocara canis in a 21-year-old male with a history of close contact with a pet dog. Initial symptoms and imaging findings mimicked a pyogenic liver abscess. The initial laboratory investigations revealed neutrophilia and elevated levels of IgE. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, persistent fever prompted further investigation. Subsequent serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue demonstrating eosinophil infiltrates and Charcot-Leyden crystals led to a confirmed diagnosis of a liver abscess caused by Toxocara canis. Serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue confirmed a Toxocara canis-induced liver abscess. Albendazole treatment yielded significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the necessity of considering toxocariasis in liver abscess differentials, particularly in high-seroprevalence regions like Vietnam. Relying solely on serological tests may be insufficient, emphasizing the need for corroborative evidence, including invasive procedures like liver biopsy, for accurate hepatic toxocariasis diagnosis.
6.High hepatitis C virus infection among female sex workers in Viet Nam: strong correlation with HIV and injection drug use
Linh-Vi Le ; Siobhan O&rsquo ; Connor ; Tram Hong Tran ; Lisa Maher ; John Kaldor ; Keith Sabin ; Hoang Vu Tran ; Quang Dai Tran ; Van Anh Thi Ho ; Tuan Anh Nguyen
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2019;10(3):9-18
Abstract
Objective: The World Health Organization’s guidelines on viral hepatitis testing and treatment recommend prioritizing high prevalence groups. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection disproportionately affects people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men, but data on female sex workers (FSW) are limited. The study aimed to determine active HCV infection and risk factors associated with HCV exposure among Vietnamese FSW.
Methods: We surveyed 1886 women aged ≥ 18 years from Haiphong, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City who had sold sex in the last month. We tested for HCV antibody and HCV core antigen as markers for exposure to HCV and active infection, respectively.
Results: Across these provinces, high prevalence of HCV exposure (8.8–30.4%) and active infection (3.6–22.1%) were observed. Significant associations with HCV exposure were HIV infection (aOR = 23.7; 95% CI: 14.8–37.9), injection drug use (aOR = 23.3; 95% CI: 13.1–41.4), history of compulsory detention (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4–4.2) and having more than 10 sex clients in the last month (aOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.2). Among FSW who reported never injecting drugs, HIV infection (aOR = 24.2; 95% CI: 14.8–39.4), a history of non-injection drug use (aOR = 3.3, CI: 1.8–5.7), compulsory detention (aOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2–4.0) and having over 10 sex clients in the last month (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.7) were independently associated with HCV exposure.
Discussion: FSW have elevated HCV risks through sex- and drug-related pathways. These findings highlight the need to offer FSW-targeted HCV interventions and ensure their access to HIV prevention and treatment.
7.Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction and its associated factors among Vietnamese men with Type 2 Diabetes
Khoa Tuan Vo ; Hoi Quoc Huynh ; Nam Quang Tran ; Aya Goto ; Yuriko Suzuki ; Khue Thy Nguyen
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2014;29(1):19-23
Objective:
This study sought to estimate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and to ascertain risk factors among Vietnamese men with diabetes.
Methodology:
One hundred and fifty one diabetic patients were recruited from the People’s Hospital 115 between August 2011 and March 2012. They were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire that included the International Index for Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5) and the World Health Organization (WHO) - Five Well-being Index. Medical history, anthropometric measures, and laboratory test results were recorded. ED was classified based on the IIEF-5 total score.
Results:
Of the 151 diabetic men, 135 (89%) completed the IIEF-5. The overall prevalence of ED was 84%; majority (65%) were classified as mild to moderate, while 10% were considered severe. The prevalence of ED was higher among those with peripheral neuropathy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 5.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-21.89] and longer duration of diabetes (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.24).
Conclusion
ED represents a prevalent major complication among men with type 2 diabetes. The presence of peripheral neuropathy and long duration of diabetes may be useful indicators of ED.
Diabetes Mellitus
;
Erectile Dysfunction
;
Vietnam
;
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
8.Building the hospital event-based surveillance system in Viet Nam: a qualitative study to identify potential facilitators and barriers for event reporting
Hien Do ; Hien T Ho ; Phu D Tran ; Dang B Nguyen ; Satoko Otsu ; Cindy Chiu de Vá ; zquez ; Tan Q Dang ; Quang D Tran ; Van Anh Pham ; Nanako Mikami ; Masaya Kato
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2020;11(3):10-20
Introduction: Hospitals are a key source of information for the early identification of emerging disease outbreaks and acute public health events for risk assessment, decision-making and public health response. The objective of this study was to identify potential facilitators and barriers for event reporting from the curative sector to the preventive medicine sector in Viet Nam.
Methods: In 2016, we conducted 18 semi-structured, in-depth interviews, as well as nine focus group discussions, with representatives from the curative and preventive medicine sectors in four provinces. We transcribed the interviews and focus group discussions and used thematic analysis to identify the factors that appeared to affect public health event reporting.
Results: We identified five major themes. First, the lack of a legal framework to guide reporting meant hospital staff relied on internal procedures that varied from hospital to hospital, which sometimes delayed reporting. Second, participants stated the importance of an enabling environment, such as leadership support and having focal points for reporting, to facilitate reporting. Third, participants described the potential benefits of reporting, such as support provided during outbreaks and information received about local outbreaks. Fourth, some challenges prohibited timely reporting such as not perceiving reporting to be the task of the curative sector and hesitancy to report without laboratory confirmation. Finally, limited resources and specialist capacities in remote areas hindered timely detection and reporting of unusual events.
Discussion: This study identified potential opportunities to promote the detection and reporting of unusual events from health-care workers to the public health sector, and thus to improve the overall health security system in Viet Nam.The influenza virus is a respiratory pathogen that is transmitted through respiratory droplets.1 During seasonal influenza epidemics, high attack rates cause a significant public health burden.2 The infection is usually self-limited in young adults but can lead to severe infections in people in high-risk groups, including elderly people (> 65 years old), pregnant women, children aged 6–59 months and adults with chronic illnesses.3
9.Findings and lessons from establishing Zika virus surveillance in southern Viet Nam, 2016
Lan Trong Phan ; Quang Chan Luong ; Thi Hong Hien Do ; Cindy H Chiu ; Thang Minh Cao ; Thao Thi Thanh Nguyen ; Hai Thanh Diep ; Thao Phuong Huynh ; Dung Tri Nguyen ; Nga Hong Le ; Satoko Otsu ; Phu Dac Tran ; Thuong Vu Nguyen ; Masaya Kato
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2019;10(2):22-30
Objective:
To document the evolution and optimization of the Zika virus (ZIKV) disease surveillance system in southern Viet Nam in 2016 and to describe the characteristics of the identified ZIKV-positive cases.
Methods:
We established a sentinel surveillance system to monitor ZIKV transmission in eight sites in eight provinces and expanded the system to 71 sites in 20 provinces in southern Viet Nam in 2016. Blood and urine samples from patients who met the case definition at the sentinel sites were tested for ZIKV using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City (PI-HCMC). We conducted descriptive analysis and mapped the ZIKV-positive cases.
Results:
In 2016, 2190 specimens from 20 provinces in southern Viet Nam were tested for ZIKV at PI-HCMC; 626 (28.6%), 484 (22.1%), 35 (1.6%) and 1045 (47.7%) tests were conducted in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of the year, respectively. Of these tested specimens, 214 (9.8%) were ZIKV positive with 212 (99.1%) identified in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, the highest positivity rate was those in age groups 30–39 years (30.0%) and 40–59 years (31.6%). Of the 214 ZIKV-positive patients, 210 (98.1%) presented with rash, 194 (90.7%) with fever, 149 (69.6%) with muscle pain, 123 (57.5%) with joint pain and 66 (30.8%) with conjunctivitis.
Discussion
The surveillance system for ZIKV disease underwent several phases of optimization in 2016, guided by the most up-to-date local data. Here we demonstrate an adaptable surveillance system that detected ZIKV-positive cases in southern Viet Nam.