Objectives: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a “social vaccine” that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnamfrom December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (usingthe 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions. Results: Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD.Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.12; p < 0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; p = 0.001). Conclusion Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.

Objectives: The study was conducted to comprehensively assess the status cervical cancer screening registry based on the experience of several countries and the domestic context, to propose related recommendations for Vietnam. Method: The study collected and evaluated the models and induced lessons in implementing and managing cervical cancer recording systems, from four countries/territory namely: Australia, Taiwan-China, Korea, and Thailand. Additionally, a literature review on policies documents and programs related to cervical cancer screening that have been implemented in Vietnam was also conducted. Results and Conclusion: All four selected countries/territory have prioritized to develop their cervical screening data management system with different models, all systems aimed at personalized management and used the data to evaluate the effectiveness of the screening program. Currently, there is no system to record and manage data on cervical screening in Vietnam. However, the country has many strengths and opportunities for the implementation of this program at the national level. The recommendations focus on the preparation and establishment of an integrated system for cervical cancer screening registry data, is suggested as a component of the information system of maternal and child health/ reproductive health, into the existing medical data management system, according to the short-term and long-term roadmap.

Repeated morphine administration induces tolerance to its analgesic effects. A previous study reported that repeated morphine treatment activates transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) expression in the sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglion, and spinal cord, contributing to morphine tolerance. In the present study, we analyzed TRPV1 expression and binding sites in supraspinal pain pathways in morphine-tolerant mice. The TRPV1 mRNA levels and binding sites were remarkably increased in the cortex and thalamus of these animals. Our data provide additional insights into the effects of morphine on TRPV1 in the brain and suggest that changes in the expression of, and binding to TRPV1 in the brain are involved in morphine tolerance.

Aim: DNA molecular size markers or DNA ladders play a vital role in molecular biology laboratories where DNA electrophoresis experiments are usually conducted. This study aimed to produce a 100 bp DNA ladder at laboratory scale, which could be applied to determine the size of DNA fragments in molecular biology experiments. Methodology and results: In this study, 14 primers including 4 forwards and 10 reverses were designed based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of Bacillus subtilis. These primers were able to amplify 10 DNA fragments with accurate sizes from 100 to 1000 bp. Furthermore, touchdown PCR was involved to maximize the specificity and yield of PCR products. Ten DNA fragments with the sizes including 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 bp were synthesized, and such bands were equivalent with commercial DNA ladders. Moreover, the quantity and quality of PCR products were measured using a nanodrop spectrophotometer. The optimal concentration ratios between such fragments (100- 1000 bp) were 800, 300, 150, 150, 500, 50, 50, 50, 50 and 50 (ng/µL), respectively. These ratios showed the clear and high resolution on 1.5% agarose gel. Conclusion, significance and impact of the study The results indicated that 16S rRNA gene of B. subtilis was a potential material for DNA ladder preparation due to the multiple copies number of this gene. Furthermore, in combination with touchdown PCR, the nonspecific bands were reduced, and the products could be used directly without the need of purification step.
Bacillus subtilis--genetics

Objective: The purpose of this survey was to estimate the prevalence of viral load (VL) suppression and emergence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) among individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 36 months or longer in Viet Nam using a nationally representative sampling method. Methods: The survey was conducted between May and August 2014 using a two-stage cluster design. Sixteen ART clinics were selected using probability proportional to proxy size sampling, and patients receiving ART for at least 36 months were consecutively enrolled. Epidemiological information and blood specimens were collected for HIV-1 VL and HIVDR testing; HIVDR was defined by the Stanford University HIVDR algorithm. Results: Overall, 365 eligible individuals were recruited with a mean age of 38.2 years; 68.4% were men. The mean time on ART was 75.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.0–81.9 months), and 93.7% of the patients were receiving non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimens. Of the 365 individuals, 345 (94.7%, 95% CI: 64.1–99.4%) had VL below 1000 copies/mL and 19 (4.6%, 95% CI: 2.8-–7.5) had HIVDR mutations. Discussion Our nationally representative survey found a high level of VL suppression and a low prevalence of HIVDR among individuals who received ART for at least 36 months in Viet Nam. Continued surveillance for HIVDR is important for evaluating and improving HIV programs.

Liquiritigenin (LQ) is a flavonoid that can be isolated from Glycyrrhiza radix. It is frequently used as a tranditional oriental medicine herbal treatment for swelling and injury and for detoxification. However, the effects of LQ on cognitive function have not been fully explored. In this study, we evaluated the memory-enhancing effects of LQ and the underlying mechanisms with a focus on the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) in mice. Learning and memory ability were evaluated with the Y-maze and passive avoidance tests following administration of LQ. In addition, the expression of NMDAR subunits 1, 2A, and 2B; postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95); phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII); phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2); and phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding (CREB) proteins were examined by Western blot. In vivo, we found that treatment with LQ significantly improved memory performance in both behavioral tests. In vitro, LQ significantly increased NMDARs in the hippocampus. Furthermore, LQ significantly increased PSD-95 expression as well as CaMKII, ERK, and CREB phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Taken together, our results suggest that LQ has cognition enhancing activities and that these effects are mediated, in part, by activation of the NMDAR and CREB signaling pathways.
Animals ; Behavior Rating Scale ; Blotting, Western ; Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 ; Cognition ; Glycyrrhiza ; Hippocampus ; In Vitro Techniques ; Learning ; Medicine, East Asian Traditional ; Memory ; Mice* ; N-Methylaspartate* ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; Protein Kinases ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate* ; Response Elements

Several reports on taeniasis and cysticercosis in Vietnam show that they are distributed in over 50 of 63 provinces. In some endemic areas, the prevalence of taeniasis was 0.2-12.0% and that of cysticercosis was 1.0-7.2%. The major symptoms of taeniasis included fidgeted anus, proglottids moving out of the anus, and proglottids in the feces. Clinical manifestations of cysticercosis in humans included subcutaneous nodules, epileptic seizures, severe headach, impaired vision, and memory loss. The species identification of Taenia in Vietnam included Taenia asiatica, Taenia saginata, and Taenia solium based on combined morphology and molecular methods. Only T. solium caused cysticercosis in humans. Praziquantel was chosen for treatment of taeniasis and albendazole for treatment of cysticercosis. The infection rate of cysticercus cellulosae in pigs was 0.04% at Hanoi slaughterhouses, 0.03-0.31% at provincial slaughterhouses in the north, and 0.9% in provincial slaughterhouses in the southern region of Vietnam. The infection rate of cysticercus bovis in cattle was 0.03-2.17% at Hanoi slaughterhouses. Risk factors investigated with regard to transmission of Taenia suggested that consumption of raw meat (eating raw meat 4.5-74.3%), inadequate or absent meat inspection and control, poor sanitation in some endemic areas, and use of untreated human waste as a fertilizer for crops may play important roles in Vietnam, although this remains to be validated.
Albendazole/*therapeutic use ; Animals ; Anthelmintics/therapeutic use ; Antiprotozoal Agents/therapeutic use ; Cattle/parasitology ; Cattle Diseases/parasitology ; Cysticercosis/*drug therapy/*epidemiology/parasitology/transmission ; Feces/parasitology ; Humans ; Meat/parasitology ; Praziquantel/*therapeutic use ; Raw Foods/adverse effects ; Risk Factors ; Swine/parasitology ; Swine Diseases/parasitology ; Vietnam/epidemiology

Background: Shoulder pain is a common secondary complication of hemiplegia patients after stroke. To treat and rehabilitate shoulder pain is not only helpful to the recovery of movements for the arms, hands and keeping balance, but also to relieve the pain for patients. Objectives: (1) To determine the prevalence, risk factors of shoulder pain of hemiplegia patients after a stroke; and (2) To assess the treatment results of shoulder pain in hemiplegia patients after a stroke. Subjects: 110 stroke-related hemiplegia patients with the mean age of 60.2 years, treated at the Rehabilitation Department, Bach Mai Hospital from March to November 2007. Method: Descriptive, prospective, interventional study. Data was analyzed by Epi-Info software, version 6.13. Results and conclusion: The prevalence of shoulder pain was 47.27%.Risk factors of shoulder pain were the level of arm movement (r= - 0.75) and duration of disease (r= 0.53). After 1 month of treatment and rehabilitation, compare with the self-exercise group. The level of arm movement and shoulder pain of the intervention group were significantly improved.
shoulder pain ; hemiplegia

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.
Man power ; Preventive medicine.

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.
IMCI ; Child health care