COVID-19 vaccination: public preference and intention in Vietnam

Backgrounds

Understanding public opinion in relation to vaccination is critical, as there are several COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess public COVID-19 vaccine preferences and intention in Can Tho, Vietnam.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was performed between September 20 and October 20, 2021. in people aged 18 and over living in Can Tho, Vietnam, A questionnaire captured demographic information, vaccination intention, preference for vaccine selection, and barriers and motivations related to COVID-19 vaccination. Predictors for vaccination willingness among unvaccinated people were determined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Out of the proposed vaccines that have been approved by the Vietnam Ministry of Health, AstraZeneca (31.4%), Pfizer (23.5%), and Moderna (14.7%) were the most preferred by participants. Out of 1,470 respondents, 35.8% have received at least one vaccine dose, and of these, 76.9% intended to continue to receive vaccinations. Among the unvaccinated, 74.8% reported that they would be willing to complete the vaccination. Most participants stated that they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine if provided with adequate information on effectiveness and safety (92.7%). The possibility of side effects after vaccination (75.4%) was the most important barrier to vaccination. Education, health status, and prior flu-vaccination were associated with the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccination among those who had not previously received one.

Conclusions

Many unvaccinated adults were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, with AstraZeneca being the preferred choice. These findings could help in the planning of vaccination campaigns to increase vaccination uptake in Vietnam.

Optimising remanufacturing decision-making using the bees algorithm in product digital twins

Remanufacturing is widely recognised as a key contributor to the circular economy (CE) as it extends the in-use life of products, but its synergy with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has received little attention when compared to manufacturing. An agglomeration of I4.0 technologies and methodologies is reflected in the emerging digital twin (DT) concept, which has been identified as a life-extending enabler. This article captures the design and demonstration of a DT model that optimises remanufacturing planning using data from different instances in a product's life cycle. The model uses a neural network for remaining useful life predictions and the Bees Algorithm for decision making within a DT. The model is validated using a real case study. The findings support the idea that intelligent tools within a DT can enhance decision-making if they have visibility and access to the product's current status and reliable remanufacturing process information.

Perspectives on COVID-19 prevention and treatment using herbal medicine in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The significance of herbal medicine (HM) during the COVID-19 pandemic has been confirmed. Nevertheless, limited studies have included the people perspectives on COVID-19 prevention/treatment using herbal medicine in Vietnam. Thus, this study tackled the aforementioned issue.

METHODS

Online-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Vietnamese adults between February-April 2021. Descriptive analysis, regression and Chi-squared tests were implemented for the statistical purposes.

RESULTS

total of 787 respondents attended the study, 368 (46.8%) confirmed that they use herbal medicine/nutritional supplements for COVID-19 prevention/treatment. Over 50% of the respondents possessed positive perspective on vitamin C ingestion. Using herbal medicine for external use as a disinfectant was mostly preferred. Respondents who had a 'very good' health self-perception or who lived in rural areas, were more likely to have a positive opinion in the COVID-19 prevention/treatment using herbal medicine. The main barrier for herbal medicine utilization was the deficiency of personal experience or expert advice.

CONCLUSION

The Vietnamese people commonly utilize herbal medicine for the COVID-19 prevention/treatment. These data might help policy-makers in managing the public knowledge and practice on herbal medicine use in Vietnam.

Self-Assembly of Porphyrin Nanofibers on ZnO Nanoparticles for the Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance for Organic Dye Degradation

Synthesizing novel photocatalysts that can effectively harvest photon energy over a wide range of the solar spectrum for practical applications is vital. Porphyrin-derived nanostructures with properties similar to those of chlorophyll have emerged as promising candidates to meet this requirement. In this study, tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) nanofibers were formed on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles using a simple self-assembly approach. The obtained ZnO/TCPP nanofiber composites were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and ultraviolet-visible absorbance and reflectance measurements. The results demonstrated that the ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 37 nm were well integrated in the TCPP nanofiber matrix. The resultant composite showed photocatalytic activity of ZnO and TCPP nanofibers concomitantly, with band gap energies of 3.12 and 2.43 eV, respectively. The ZnO/TCPP photocatalyst exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance for RhB degradation with a removal percentage of 97% after 180 min of irradiation under simulated sunlight because of the synergetic activity of ZnO and TCPP nanofibers. The dominant active species participating in the photocatalytic reaction were •O2 - and OH•, resulting in enhanced charge separation by exciton-coupled charge-transfer processes between the hybrid materials.

Heart transplantation outcomes in cardiac sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a progressive inflammatory cardiomyopathy that can lead to heart failure, arrhythmia, and death. There is limited data on Orthotopic Heart Transplantation (OHT) outcomes in patients with CS. Here we examine outcomes in patients with CS who have undergone OHT at centers throughout the United States from 1987 to 2019.

METHODS

This was an analysis of 63,947 adult patients undergoing OHT captured in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry. Patients were characterized as cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) or Non-CS. Baseline characteristics were compared using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis Tests. Outcomes of interest included primary graft failure, patient survival, treated graft rejection, hospitalization for infection, and post-transplant malignancy.

RESULTS

During the study period 227 patients with CS underwent OHT. Patients with CS were younger, had higher proportion of non-white patients, and received transplants at more urgent statuses. After multivariable modeling there was no difference in survival (HR 0.86, CI 0.59-1.3, p = 0.446) or graft failure (HR 0.849, CI 0.58-1.23, p = 0.394) between patients with CS and Non-CS. Patients with CS had lower odds of rejection (OR 0.558, CI 0.315- 0.985, p = 0.0444). Patients with CS had similar odds of hospitalization for infection and post-transplant malignancy, as Non-CS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CS and Non-CS had similar post OHT survival, odds of graft failure, hospitalizations for infection, and post-transplant malignancy. Results of this study confirm the role of heart transplantation as a viable option for patients with CS.

A cluster of Ankyrin and Ankyrin-TPR repeat genes is associated with panicle branching diversity in rice

The number of grains per panicle is an important yield-related trait in cereals which depends in part on panicle branching complexity. One component of this complexity is the number of secondary branches per panicle. Previously, a GWAS site associated with secondary branch and spikelet numbers per panicle in rice was identified. Here we combined gene capture, bi-parental genetic population analysis, expression profiling and transgenic approaches in order to investigate the functional significance of a cluster of 6 ANK and ANK-TPR genes within the QTL. Four of the ANK and ANK-TPR genes present a differential expression associated with panicle secondary branch number in contrasted accessions. These differential expression patterns correlate in the different alleles of these genes with specific deletions of potential cis-regulatory sequences in their promoters. Two of these genes were confirmed through functional analysis as playing a role in the control of panicle architecture. Our findings indicate that secondary branching diversity in the rice panicle is governed in part by differentially expressed genes within this cluster encoding ANK and ANK-TPR domain proteins that may act as positive or negative regulators of panicle meristem’s identity transition from indeterminate to determinate state.

Grain yield is one of the most important indexes in rice breeding, which is controlled in part by panicle branching complexity. A new QTL with co-location of spikelet number (SpN) and secondary branch number (SBN) traits was identified by genome-wide association study in a Vietnamese rice landrace panel. A set of four Ankyrin and Tetratricopeptide repeat domain-encoding genes was identified from this QTL based on their difference of expression levels between two contrasted haplotypes for the SpN and SBN traits. The differential expression is correlated with deletions in the promoter regions of these genes. Two of the genes act as negative regulators of the panicle meristem’s identity transition from indeterminate to determinate state while the other two act as positive regulators of this meristem fate transition. Based on the different phenotypes between overexpressed and mutant plants, two of these genes were confirmed as playing a role in the control of panicle architecture. These findings can be directly used to assist selection for grain yield improvement.

History of cigarette smoking and heart transplant outcomes

Background: Active cigarette smoking (CS) is a contraindication for Orthotopic Heart Transplantation (OHT) with a recommendation that HT candidates be free from CS for at minimum 6 months prior to HT. Animal studies have shown that a history of CS is associated with increased risk of allograft rejection, but few studies have examined the association of past CS and HT outcomes. Methods: Data were analyzed from HT recipients captured in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) transplant registry. Adults aged 18–79 who underwent HT from 1987 to 2018 and with data for all covariates (N = 32,260) were included in this study. The cohort was categorized by past smoking history (CS vs non-CS). Post-transplant outcomes of interest included survival, graft failure, treated rejection, malignancy and hospitalization for infection. Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups using the chi-squared analysis. Unadjusted associations between CS and patient survival were determined using the Kaplan-Meier estimations and confounding was addressed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results: HT recipients with a history of CS were older (55 vs 50, p = <0.0001), more likely to be Caucasian (75.7 vs 62.3, p = <0.0001), male (81.7 vs 68.2, p =< 0.0001), and diabetic (27.4 vs 24.4, p =< 0.0001). CS was associated with significantly worse survival (HR: 1.23, p < 0.0001). A history of CS was also associated with increased risk of acute rejection (OR: 1.20, p < 0.0001), hospitalization for infection (OR:1.24, p < 0.0001), graft failure (OR:1.23, p < 0.0001) and post-transplant malignancy (OR:1.43, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: A history of CS is associated with increased risk of adverse events post OHT.

Corifollitropin alfa vs recombinant FSH for controlled ovarian stimulation in women aged 35-42 years with a body weight ≥50 kg: a randomized controlled trial

STUDY QUESTION

Is corifollitropin alfa 150 μg equivalent to follitropin beta 300 IU/day for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COS) in older women weighing ≥50 kg undergoing IVF and/or ICSI in Vietnam?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Corifollitropin alfa 150 μg was equivalent to follitropin beta 300 IU/day with respect to the number of oocytes retrieved, the ongoing, cumulative and live birth rates and obstetric outcomes.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Corifollitropin alfa is a recombinant FSH (rFSH) preparation with slow absorption and a long half-life allowing administration of a single dose for COS lasting 7 days. Several randomized, controlled clinical trials have reported that COS with corifollitropin alfa is associated with similar outcomes compared with COS using daily rFSH. However, limited data are available in Asian patients.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single large IVF centre in Vietnam from June 2015 to August 2016. A total of 400 patients were included, 200 in each treatment group. The primary outcome measure was the number of oocytes retrieved. Patients were followed for 1 year after randomization.

PARTICIPANTS /MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Participants aged 35–42 years with a body weight ≥50 kg who were undergoing an IVF cycle were randomized to undergo COS with a single dose of corifollitropin alfa 150 μg on Day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle, or follitropin beta 300 IU/day for 7 days starting on Day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. All underwent ICSI according to standard institutional protocols. A beta hCG test was performed 17 days after ovum pick-up, and positive tests were confirmed on vaginal and/or abdominal ultrasound at 5–6 weeks after embryo transfer (clinical pregnancy) and at ≥10 weeks (ongoing pregnancy). Rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and maternal and foetal outcomes after one cycle of ICSI were monitored over 12 months.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Patients in the corifollitropin alfa and follitropin beta groups were well matched at baseline (mean age 37.5 ± 1.9 vs 37.7 ± 2.0 years, mean body weight 53.7 ± 5.4 vs 52.5 ± 4.8 kg). There was no significant difference between the corifollitropin alfa and follitropin beta groups in the number of oocytes retrieved (11.4 ± 5.9 vs 10.8 ± 5.8; P = 0.338). The ongoing pregnancy rate (31.5 vs 32.0%; P = 0.99) and live birth rate (30.5 vs 32.0%; P = 0.83) (both per initiated cycle at 12 months after randomization) were also similar in the two treatment groups. Complication rates were low and similar in the corifollitropin alfa and follitropin beta groups, and there were no significant between-group differences in obstetric outcomes.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study had an open-label design, and therefore, the potential for bias cannot be excluded. The findings are only applicable to patient populations with similar characteristics to those enroled in the study.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study adds to the body of evidence supporting the equivalence of corifollitropin alfa and follitropin beta for COS in a variety of patients undergoing IVF and/or ICSI. The ability to provide COS with corifollitropin alfa has the potential to reduce the burden of treatment for patients.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This study was supported by Merck Sharp and Dohme. The authors state that they have no financial or commercial conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02466204).

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE

2 June 2015.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT

19 June 2015.

[Follow-up of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and intravitreal injection of drugs - an analysis since 2009]

BACKGROUND

The frequency of intravitreal injection of drugs (IVI) has significantly increased recently and it is performed like cataract surgery as an outpatient procedure. The occurrence of postoperative endophthalmitis is rare, only few data of multicentre studies are available.

METHODS

We analysed the data of 30 consecutive patients with endophthalmitis following cataract surgery (group 1, n = 20) and IVI (group 2, n = 10) requiring therapy in a referral eye clinic from January 2009 to December 2013. All patients received topical and systemic anti-inflammatory and anti-infective therapy. Due to vitreous opacification and severe loss of vision 83 % of the eyes underwent immediately pars plana vitrectomy with diagnostic microbiological probe and intravitreal application of vancomycin and gentamicin.

RESULTS

Endophthalmitis occurred independently in both groups 1 to 10 days, on average 4 days, postoperatively. Group 1 showed conjunctival infection in 80 % (n = 16), group 2 in 20 % (n = 2). Hypopyon was found in group 1 in 65 % (n = 13), in group 2 in 40 % (n = 4). Group 1 presented retinal haemorrhages and epiretinal fibrin membranes in 15 % (n = 3), group 2 in 70 % (n = 7). Vitreous cultures were positive in 80 % (vancomycin-sensitive staphylococci). Staphylococcus was the most frequent bacteria, resistant to ceftazidime. In group 1 visual acuity was initially in 65 % (n = 13) of the eyes < 20/400 or worse, in group 2 90 % (n = 9) of the eyes had hand motions and in 10 % (n = 1) worse than 20/400. Visual outcome was 20/30 on average for group 1, PVR retinal detachment occurred once. In group 2 no patient achieved better visual outcome than < 20/400, 40 % of the eyes required permanent silicon oil tamponade because of PVR retinal detachment. The major pathogens were staphylococci resistant to ceftazidim.

CONCLUSION

Endophthalmitis following IVI had poor visual outcome compared to endophthalmitis following cataract surgery and showed less anterior segment symptoms.

[Effect of ocular compression on anterior chamber dimensions in cataract surgery using topical anaesthesia]

PURPOSE

Ocular compression is part of the preparation before cataract surgery to reduce the incidence of a positive intraoperative pressure. The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the influence of ocular compression on the anterior chamber dimensions and biometric parameters before cataract surgery using topical anaesthesia.

METHODS

In a prospective, comparative observational study the biometric parameters were assessed with slitlamp-adapted anterior segment OCT (SL-OCT, Heidelberg Engineering) and ultrasound biometry (A-Scan+, Sonomed) in 51 consecutive patients (51 eyes) with a mean axial eye length of 22.90 ± 1.05 mm before cataract surgery. The measurements were performed in all patients before and immediately after ocular compression (Oculopressor G-15392, Geuder). In 32 patients the measurements were repeated 10 minutes after ocular compression.

RESULTS

The optical and acoustic values of the anterior chamber depth did not change significantly after ocular compression (p > 0.05). Digital gonioscopy with OCT revealed a mean increase of the anterior chamber angle of 2.37° (p < 0.001) from 45.75 ± 7.28° to 48.12 ± 7.28°, and the angle opening distance of 37 µm (p = 0.017) from 627 ± 184 µm to 664 ± 162 µm. Also the average acoustic axial vitreous distance decreased significantly from 15.22 ± 0.98 to 15.18 ± 0.96 mm (p = 0.034) with a posterior shift in the relative lens position (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

In this clinical study, only slight anterior chamber and biometric changes were observed after ocular compression before cataract surgery using topical anaesthesia. There was a significant increase of the anterior chamber angle and angle opening distance with a concomitant decrease of the vitreous distance and shifting of the iris lens diaphragm.

[Individualised correction of presbyopia by the use of phacoemulsification: monovision and multifocal lenses]

The cataract operation has transformed from a procedure for correcting spherical and astigmatic errors to one for correcting even presbyopia. Higher demands by the patients and more and more complex and individual lifestyle options need customised concepts of presbyopic correction, taking also into account comorbidities and neuroadaption. One concept for achieving this goal is multifocal lenses, undergoing a renaissance these days. Monovision using monofocal lenses is a cost neutral alternative with very few side effects, if well performed. It is defined by the far focus of one eye and the near focus of the other. Binocularity of human vision enables multiple options by combining different means of presbyopia correction. But it also complicates making the right choice. This underlines the importance of an accurate patient selection and the precise definition of what to achieve for each individual patient.

[Clinical experience with brilliant blue G staining of the retinal surface]

BACKGROUND

Staining of the retinal surface has improved the intraoperative removal of semitransparent membranes during macular surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical experiences with brilliant blue G (BBG) staining of the retinal surface.

METHODS

BBG (Brilliant peel, Fluoron) was applied during vitrectomy and macular surgery in 43 patients. In 47 % there was a macular hole (MH), whereas 53 % had epiretinal membranes (ERM). Intraoperatively BBG was applied on the retinal surface under infusion or air conditions for 30 - 60 s. In MH the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and in ERM the membrane was removed. Postoperatively all patients were examined on average after 9 weeks.

RESULTS

Although intraoperative BBG staining was less intensive compared to ICG staining, the staining was sufficient to safely remove the semitransparent membranes in all cases. In all patients with MH hole closure was achieved, and in 96 % with ERM the metamorphopsiae decreased. The mean decimal visual acuity increased from 0.25 ± 0.13 to 0.37 ± 0.20 (p < 0.05) and improved in 63 % of the patients. Clinically, there were no toxic side-effects from BBG staining.

CONCLUSIONS

BBG allowed a complete and selective staining of the retinal surface. Thus, ILM and ERM could be removed safely during macular surgery. No clinical retinal toxicity was observed.