Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with twin pregnancy following day 3 double embryo transfer (DET). Methods: This retrospective cohort study incorporated data from 16,972 day 3 DET cycles. The participants were women aged between 18 and 45 years who underwent in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at My Duc Assisted Reproduction Technique Unit (IVFMD), My Duc Hospital, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results: Of the 16,972 day 3 DET cycles investigated, 8,812 (51.9%) resulted in pregnancy. Of these, 6,108 cycles led to clinical pregnancy, with 1,543 (25.3% of clinical pregnancies) being twin pregnancies. Factors associated with twin pregnancy included age under 35 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32 to 1.71; p<0.001) and cycles involving the transfer of at least one grade I embryo. Relative to the transfer of two grade III embryos, the risk of twin pregnancy was significantly elevated following the transfer of two grade I embryos (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.69; p<0.001) or a combination of one grade I and one grade II embryo (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.55; p=0.001). Conclusion By analyzing a large number of IVF/ICSI cycles, we identified several predictors of twin pregnancy. These findings can assist medical professionals in tailoring treatment strategies for couples with infertility.

Objective: To examine the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the alkaloid enriched extract (ELA) from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Methods: The in vitro antiinflammatory effects of ELA were evaluated by examining its inhibitory activities against nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expressions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The level of NO produced in the culture media was determined by Griess method. The iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot. The in vivo effect of ELA was evaluated on LPS-induced septic shock in mice model. Mice mortality was monitored for 5 days after injection of LPS. The chemical contents of the ELA were determined by using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Results: The ELA was found to exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect in both in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated that ELA dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced NO production as well as the protein iNOS and COX-2 expressions. In the septic shock model, ELA dose-dependently protected mice from LPS-induced mortality. Further study on the isolated components of ELA indicated that 9,10-dimethoxycanthin-6-one may contribute significantly to the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Conclusions: These results suggest that ELA exhibits the anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, and COX-2 and protects mice from LPS-induced mortality in septic shock model.

BACKGROUND: In the view of the epidemic growth of sensitization to indoor allergens in Southern Vietnam, there is a requirement to screen large population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate skin prick tests (SPTs) as predictors of positive specific IgE (sIgE) to dust allergens, among patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). METHODS: The sensitization to Blomia tropicalis (Blo t), Dermatophagoides pteronissinus (Der p), and Blattella germanica allergens (Bla g) were evaluated among 610 CRD, both SPT (≥4 mm) and sIgE by immuno-CAP (≥0.7 kUA/L). RESULTS: Based on sIgE, 45%, 32%, and 33% of patients with CRD were sensitized to Blo t, Der p, and Bla g, respectively, compared to 19%, 18%, and 13% by SPT. The association between SPT and sIgE was statistically significant, though the Kappa factor was fair (i.e., 0.39 to 0.23). While the specificity of SPT to detect sensitization (compared to sIgE) was >90% among the whole population, the sensitivity was only 34%, 41%, and 24% for Bo t, Der p, and Bla g, suggesting that SPT was not enough sensitive to screen the indoor allergen sensitization. Though, among the < 10 pack-year (PY) smokers, the sensitivity was 43% for Blo t, 52% for Der p, and 61% for Blo t and/or Der p, compared to 27%, 30%, and 35% among the ≥10 PY smokers. The sensitivity/specificity was not associated with the diagnosis of asthma compared to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CONCLUSION: In the present circumstance, SPT to dust mites allergens can be used to detect a sensitization among CRD population in Southern Vietnam.
Allergens ; Asthma ; Diagnosis ; Dust ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Mites ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Pyroglyphidae ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Skin Tests ; Skin ; Vietnam

Background: Dengue virus infection is a major public health problem. A hypothesis put forward for severe dengue is the cytokine storm, a sudden increase in cytokines that induces vascular permeability. Previous studies and our recent meta-analysis showed that IL-6, IL-8, IFNγ, TNFα, VEGF-A and VCAM-1 are associated with dengue shock syndrome. Therefore, in this study we aim to validate the association of these cytokines with severe dengue. Methods & Findings: In a hospital based case control study in Vietnam, children with dengue fever, other febrile illness and healthy controls were recruited. Dengue virus infection was confirmed by several diagnostic tests. Multiplex Immunoassay using Luminex technology was used to measure cytokines simultaneously. A positive association with dengue shock syndrome was found for VCAM-1, whereas a negative association was found for IFNγ. Furthermore, the multivariate logistic analysis also showed that VCAM-1 and IFNγ were independently correlated with dengue shock syndrome. Conclusion: IFNγ and VCAM-1 were associated with dengue shock syndrome, although their role in the severe dengue pathogenesis remains unclear. Additional studies are required to further investigate the function of these cytokines in severe dengue.

Background: Dengue virus infection is a major public health problem. A hypothesis put forward for severe dengue is the cytokine storm, a sudden increase in cytokines that induces vascular permeability. Previous studies and our recent meta-analysis showed that IL-6, IL-8, IFNγ, TNFα, VEGF-A and VCAM-1 are associated with dengue shock syndrome. Therefore, in this study we aim to validate the association of these cytokines with severe dengue. Methods & Findings: In a hospital based-case control study in Vietnam, children with dengue fever, other febrile illness and healthy controls were recruited. Dengue virus infection was confirmed by several diagnostic tests. Multiplex immunoassay using Luminex technology was used to measure cytokines simultaneously. A positive association with dengue shock syndrome was found for VCAM-1, whereas a negative association was found for IFNγ. Furthermore, multivariate logistic analysis also showed that VCAM-1 and IFNγ were independently correlated with dengue shock syndrome. Conclusion: IFNγ and VCAM-1 were associated with dengue shock syndrome, although their role in the severe dengue pathogenesis remains unclear. Additional studies are required to shed further light on the function of these cytokines in severe dengue.

This paper describes progress on formulating a national asbestos profile for the country of Vietnam. The Center of Asbestos Resource, Vietnam, formulated a National Profile on Asbestos-related Occupational Health, with due reference to the International Labor Organization/World Health Organization National Asbestos Profile. The Center of Asbestos Resource was established by the Vietnamese Health Environment Management Agency and the National Institute of Labor Protection, with the support of the Australian Agency for International Development, as a coordinating point for asbestos-related issues in Vietnam. Under the National Profile on Asbestos-related Occupational Health framework, the Center of Asbestos Resource succeeded in compiling relevant information for 15 of the 18 designated items outlined in the International Labor Organization/World Health Organization National Asbestos Profile, some overlaps of the information items notwithstanding. Today, Vietnam continues to import and use an average of more than 60,000 metric tons of raw asbestos per year. Information on asbestos-related diseases is limited, but the country has begun to diagnose mesothelioma cases, with the technical cooperation of Japan. As it stands, the National Profile on Asbestos-related Occupational Health needs further work and updating. However, we envisage that the National Profile on Asbestos-related Occupational Health will ultimately facilitate the smooth transition to an asbestos-free Vietnam.
Asbestos* ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Humans ; Japan ; Mesothelioma ; Occupational Health ; United States Agency for International Development ; Vietnam* ; World Health Organization

Background/Introduction:The proportion of TS \u2013 Q96 ranges from 1/1500 \u2013 1.300 female newborns and about 3% of fetuses. In most of the world, TS can be diagnosed and treated at the early stages of pregnancies. In Vietnam, TS patients are frequently detected at the later stages with serious syndromes. TS diagnosis mainly relies on chromosomal analysis of amnion cells. Thus, prenatal diagnosis of TS is the rationale of this study.\r\n', u'Objectives: Utilize chromosomal analysis and FISH methods to diagnose Turner syndrome from amnion cells. \r\n', u'Subject and method: 30 pregnancies (from week 14-22) with high risks of TS, which were detected by ultrasound scan and triple test, 15 mil amnio fluid is withdrawn for the FISH technique from interphase amniocytes and amnio cultures, chromosomal analysis from metaphase cultured cells. \r\n', u'Results/Outcomes: Chromosomal analysis and FISH analysis give the same results: - 12/30 fetus with TS, 5/30 fetus with normal female results, \u2013 4/30 fetus with normal male normal results, \u2013 4/30 fetus with Down syndrome, \u2013 5/30 fetus with Edward syndrome. 11/12 TS fetus have large cystic hygromas, 9/11 cystic hygromas are separated. 12/12 TS fetus have triple test (+) with the threshold: APF \u2264 0.7 MoM, HCG \u2265 2 MoM, uE3 \u2264 0.7 MoM.\r\n', u'Conclusion:Chromosonal analysis and FISH are standards for diagnosing TS fetus. FISH can provide a quick result (48-72h). \r\n', u'
Turner syndrome (TS) ; Chromosome ; Fluorescence in site hybridization (FISH)

Background: Fungal keratitis is a serious ocular infection that can cause corneal scarring and blindness. Currently, diagnosis of fungal pathogens remains a difficult problem. Objectives: To investigate the application of semi-nested PCR targeted ITS genes for detection of fungal agents causing keratitis. Material and method: Ten identified fungal strains, 4 bacterial strains, 20 scraping samples from patients with suspected fungal keratitis and 2 scraping samples from patients with suspected bacterial keratitis were tested using semi-nested PCR. Results: Semi-nested PCR showed positive results for the samples of identified fungal strains and for the 20 scraping samples from patients with suspected fungal keratitis. Neither samples of bacterial strains nor scraping samples from suspected bacterial keratitis patients gave positive PCR results. Conclusion: Semi-nested PCR is a robust tool for specific and rapid detection of fungal agents causing keratitis.
Fungal keratitis ; semi-nested PCR

Background: Cystic hygromas is a common abnormal event in obstetrics ultrasound, which is induced by a chromosome disorder; it is also one of the major causes inducing fetus\u2019s congenital malformation. Objective: Determining chromosomal aberration in nuchal cystic hygromas by FISH technique and outcomes the value of factors in prognosis fetuses with cystic hygroma. Subject and methods: 53 fetuses with cystic hygroma, which are detected by ultrasound scan, are analyzed by FISH technique. Compare results of FISH, band G chromosomal analysis, ultrasonographic abnormalities, followed the fetuses. Results: Chromosomal and FISH analysis give the same detection: abnormal chromosomes: 75.46%, the highest rate is Turner syndrome: 50.94%, normal chromosome: 24.53%. Abnormal chromosomal fetuses: multi-malformation, grim prognosis. Cystic hygroma with other malformation in scan: high rate chromosomal aberrations and septated hygroma, Turner syndrome fetuses have large cystic hygroma, 4/6 fetuses with normal chromosome and without other abnormal result scan have resolutions of hygroma in the second trimester, normal birth. Conclusions: Abnormal chromosomes: 75.46%. Prognosis is grim: abnormal chromosomes, other malformations in scan, large cystic, septated hygroma. Prognosis is better: normal chromosomes, without other ultrasonographic abnormalities, small cystic, nonseptated hygroma, resolution of cystic hygroma.
cystic hygroma ; FISH technique ; chromosome

Background: FISH can detect number and structural chromosome aberrations in DNA. FISH is new technique in Vietnam, we combine FISH with chromosome analysis to prenatal diagnosis Down syndrome and turner syndrome that are high rate in birth defect.Objectives: To detect Down syndrome and turner syndrome by using FISH technique with chromosome analysis from amniotic cell.Subjects and method: 14amniotic cells samples 15th - 20th week with high risk of birth defects. Advance using FISH and chromosome analysis from amniotic cell. Results: We obtained results as follow: - 14/14 samples: correspondence between FISH and chromosome analysis. \ufffd?Detected 2 Down syndrome (female. Trisomi 21) and 4 Turner syndrome (45, X). Conclusion: Detected Down syndrome and Turner syndrome by using FISH technique with chromosome analysis from amniotic cell.
Down Syndrome/ diagnosis ; Turner Syndrome/ diagnosis ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; In Situ Hybridization ; Fluorescence ;