Showing papers by "Hai phong University Of Medicine and Pharmacy published in 2010"

Associations of Psychosocial Factors with Maternal Confidence among Japanese and Vietnamese Mothers.

Abstract: We conducted this cross-sectional study among 392 Japanese and 294 Vietnamese mothers who attended routine child health visits in a Japanese city and at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam, in order to investigate the prevalence and associated sociodemographic, parenting, and psychological characteristics of low maternal confidence in child rearing among them. All data were collected from medical files in Japan, and from medical files and self-administered questionnaires in Vietnam. The proportion of mothers without secure feeling of confidence in the present study was 22% in Japan and 66% in Vietnam. Significant factors associated with a lack of confidence were first-time motherhood and unintended pregnancy in the Japanese dataset and younger age in the Vietnamese dataset. In both groups, a higher proportion of mothers who lacked confidence reported negative parenting outcomes than did confident mothers. Among the three psychological measurements (mood, self-efficacy and depression), higher self-efficacy was associated independently with a significantly reduced risk of not having confidence in child rearing. These results suggest the importance of developing parenting support programs to help Japanese and Vietnamese mothers, particularly those who are young, first-time mothers or who became pregnant unexpectedly, improve their self-efficacy.

Multiple routes of hepatitis C virus transmission among injection drug users in Hai Phong, Northern Vietnam

Abstract: To identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission routes among injection drug users in Northern Vietnam, plasma samples were collected from 486 drug users in Hai Phong. Plasma viral RNA was extracted from 323 (66.5%) samples that were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Portions of the HCV 5'-untranslated (5'UTR)-Core and NS5B genes were amplified by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, sequenced directly, and genotyped in 194 and 195 specimens, respectively. Both regions were genotyped in 137 specimens. In the 5'UTR-Core region, genotype 6a was predominant (32.5%), followed by genotype 1a (23.7%), genotype 1b (20.6%), and genotype 6e (14.4%). In the NS5B region, genotype 1a was predominant (42.6%), followed by genotype 1b (24.1%), genotype 6a (14.4%), genotype 3b (7.2%), and genotype 6e (5.1%). Of the 137 specimens with both regions genotyped, 23 (16.8%) showed discordant genotyping results between the two regions, suggesting possible recombination and/or dual infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close associations between Hai Phong strains and strains from Southern China: the Yunnan province for genotype 3b; the Guangxi province for genotype 6e; the USA for genotype 1a; and Southern Vietnam for genotypes 1a and 6e. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rate among HCV-infected injection drug users was 52.6-55.4% and did not differ significantly by HCV genotype. Most drug users infected with HIV-1 [98.8% (171/173)] were co-infected with HCV. These results suggest multiple routes of HCV transmission among injection drug users in Northern Vietnam that may also be HIV transmission routes.

Continuing medical education in Vietnam: new legislation and new roles for medical schools.

Abstract: Driven by health care reform and the advent of the private sector in the late 1980s, and by commitments made to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam is faced with a need to increase the regulation and training of its health care professionals. Previously, a diploma from an accredited health professional school was sufficient to practice for a lifetime. Legislation has recently been passed that will institute a licensing system, will require continuing medical education (CME) to maintain the license, and will probably place a large burden on the health professional schools and training institutes to provide CME. Supported by international nongovernmental organizations and foreign universities, the medical universities in Vietnam are responding and are preparing for their new and expanded role.

Primary pituitary abscess followed by empty sella syndrome in an adolescent girl

Abstract: Primary pituitary abscess is a rare pituitary pathology, particularly at a young age and is characterized by atypical clinical features making the diagnosis difficult. Correct diagnosis and therapy are mandatory due to the potentially lethal outcome of pituitary infection. We report the case of an adolescent girl presenting with headache, diabetes insipidus and central thyro-gonadic insufficiency with no history of infection, in whom the intra-operative diagnosis of primary pituitary abscess was made. Bacterial cultures indicated infection with Streptococcus spp. One year after neurosurgery and antibiotic therapy, recovery of diabetes insipidus and pituitary insufficiency was documented except for persistence of subnormal growth hormone secretion. Post-surgery, pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed an empty sella syndrome.

Podoplanin expression in tumor-free resection margins of oral squamous cell carcinomas: an immunohistochemical and fractal analysis study.

Abstract: Podoplanin is involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression in head and neck malignancies and its expression is not restricted to lymphatic vessel endothelium. The aim of this study was to establish podoplanin expression in the tumor-free resection margins of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and to evaluate the geometric complexity of the lymphatic vessels in oral mucosa by utilizing fractal analysis. As concerns the podoplanin expression in noncancerous tissue, forty tumor-free resection margins from OSCCs were investigated utilizing immunohistochemistry for D2-40 antibody and image densitometry analysis. Podoplanin expression was extremely low in basal cells, especially in resection margins of OSCCs developed in the lower lip regions. However, a highly variable D2-40 expression in tumor-free resection margins associated with hyperplastic or dysplastic lesions was identified. Moreover, podoplanin expression also extended to the basal layer of the lower lip skin appendages, the myoepithelial cells of acini and ducts of minor salivary glands, and other structures from the oral cavity. As concerns the study of the density and complexity of oral lymphatic vessels architecture by means of immunohistochemistry (D2-40, CD31 and Ki-67 antibodies) and fractal analysis, we demonstrated that in normal oral mucosa the geometry of the lymphatic vessels was less complex at the level of the lower lip compared to the anterior part of the oral floor mucosa or the tongue. A comparative analysis between the normal and pathological aspects revealed statistically significant differences between the fractal dimension (FD) of the vessels' outline, especially in the tongue. Fractal analysis proved an increasing lymphatic network complexity from normal to premalignant oral mucosal lesions, providing additional prognostic information in oral malignant tumors.

Potential Impact of Climate Change on Pandemic Influenza Risk

Abstract: Health problems related to the environment continue to be a major source of concern all over the world. Society needs to develop measures that will eliminate or considerably reduce hazardous factors from the environment that can result in health risk to humans.

Structural studies on serum albumins under green light irradiation.

Abstract: This paper presents two new experimental results: the protective effect of green light (GL) on ultraviolet (UV) denaturation of proteins, and the effect of GL on protein macromolecular structures. The protective effect of GL was revealed on two serum albumins, bovine (BSA) and human (HSA), and recorded by electrophoresis, absorption, and circular dichroism spectra. The effect of GL irradiation on protein structure was recorded by using fluorescence spectroscopy and electrophoresis. These new effects were modeled by quantum-chemistry computation using Gaussian 03W, leading to good fit between theoretical and experimental absorption and circular dichroism spectra. A mechanism for these phenomena is suggested, based on a double-photon absorption process. This nonlinear effect may lead to generation of long-lived Rydberg macromolecular systems, capable of long-range interactions. These newly suggested systems, with macroscopic quantum coherence behaviors, may block the UV denaturation processes.

Nonconventional papillary thyroid carcinomas with pleomorphic tumor giant cells: a diagnostic pitfall with anaplastic carcinoma

Abstract: The presence of pleomorphic tumor giant cells in thyroid carcinomas of follicular cell origin is always worrisome for the pathologist as they first of all refer to anaplastic carcinoma, one of the most aggressive human malignancies. However, non-anaplastic pleomorphic giant cells are well described in other thyroid diseases, most often benign. In this paper, we describe four cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma displaying pleomorphic tumor giant cells with features that differ from those of anaplastic carcinoma. Pleomorphic giant cells were admixed with the underlying thyroid carcinoma and constituted from 5% to 25% of the tumor. Cytologically, they had an abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm with large and irregular nuclei. Compared to pleomorphic giant cells of anaplastic carcinoma, they reproduced the growth pattern of the underlying carcinoma, had a low mitotic index without necrosis or inflammation, and were reactive with thyroglobulin and thyroid-specific transcription factor-1 and strongly and diffusely positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3. After 16-84 months of follow-up, patients are relapse-free and still alive. These cases show that pleomorphic tumor giant cells arising in papillary thyroid carcinomas do not always represent dedifferentiation and progression to anaplastic carcinoma. Distinction among these processes is critical as their treatment and prognosis are very different.

Robert F. Furchgott and his heritage: endothelial vasomotor control.

Abstract: This Special Issue on “Endothelial vasomotor control” would be unthinkable without the seminal work of Robert F Furchgott, a heritage that has triggered a huge progress in our understanding of vascular biology. It has revealed completely new targets, in biology in general and cardiovascular pharmacology in particular, and has guided us into the understanding of unexpected mechanisms of signal transduction. We dedicate this issue of Pflugers Archiv to him.

Epidemiology research training in vietnam: evaluation at the five year mark

Abstract: Recently, the importance of research capacity development has been rediscovered as a vital approach to help strengthen health systems for improved global health. The University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City (UMP) in Vietnam in collaboration with the Department of Public Health at the Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (PHFMU) developed an epidemiology training course for mid-career Vietnamese physicians. We trained a total of 128 participants over four courses since 2004. In order to balance basic and advanced course content for first-time and returning participants, we encouraged active participation of past graduates in teaching Course IV in 2009. Not only did this provide further training opportunities for advanced learners, it also increased project ownership by Vietnamese participants. Although more rigorous evaluation is needed, we believe that this summary of our past activities presents a useful example for others undertaking similar initiatives. To further upgrade the project in Vietnam, institutional support is required to nurture a strong scientific emphasis as well as self-sustainability in research capacity development.

Colposcopic evaluation of neoplasic and preneoplasic lesions of the cervix - a retrospective study.

Abstract: Based on observation sheets and the existing database in Obstetrics - Gynecology Department, we reviewed the outcome for patients diagnosed with neoplasic and preneoplasic lesions of the cervix that were examined in our clinic. Colposcopic diagnosis efficiency was analyzed retrospectively reported to the histopathologic diagnosis and to the results of other studies. Our results were similar to those presented in international literature, showing a carefull evaluation of cervical lesions in our colposcopy department.

The Relationship Between Infant Methemoglobinemia and Environmental Exposure to Nitrates

Abstract: In the framework of the paper the incidence of infant methemoglobinemia in Cluj county, Romania was evaluated from medical records. The incidence rate ranged from 42 to 239 per 100,000 live births between 2000 and 2004. Bottle-babies less than 4 months are the age group most at risk of acquired methemoglobinemia. Well water was the main source of nitrate, though early incorporation of vegetable juices and table food into infant diet were also incriminated. Some recommendations for the management of methemoglobinemia in this area are described: introduce a low nitrate water supply scheme specially for infant feeding, education program for mothers to increase duration of breast feeding, further studies on long-term development effects on infants.

West Nile Virus: Risk Factors of Spreading, Prevention and Control Measures

Abstract: West Nile is an insect-borne flavivirus which can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal diseases. It has been detected in at least 48 species of mosquitoes, over 250 species of birds, and at 18 mammalian species, including humans. The most serious manifestation of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection is fatal encephalitis in humans and horses, as well as mortality in certain domestic and wild birds. Approximately one in 150 infections results in severe neurological illness. Given our incomplete and evolving knowledge of the ecology and public health impact of WN virus, as well as the efficacy of control efforts, the virus will remain an important public health challenge in the next years all round the world. The purpose of this study is to understanding how and why the WNV epidemics occurred, by the evaluation of epidemiological, ecological, clinical and potential risk factors that can lead to epidemic manifestation. This information will be both interesting and useful in order to developing a global surveillance and effective control strategies for preventing the spread of WNV.

Ectopic thymoma mimicking a pleuropericardial cyst: a case report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Thymoma, an epithelial thymic tumor with malignant potential is usually located in the antero-superior mediastinum and may be associated with myasthenia. METHODS (case report): The medical files of a 41-year old male patient, initially diagnosed with an asymptomatic pleuropericardial cyst, but 6 years later reconsidered to be a cystic thymoma due to occurrence of myasthenic symptoms, were reviewed. RESULTS: The preoperative diagnosis was based on the clinical picture, immunological test, and thorax computertomography. An extended thymomectomy was performed using a median longitudinal sternotomy. The histological evaluation of the tumor revealed a thymoma type AB according to WHO or stage I according to Masaoka. Although postoperatively mechanical ventilation and immunosuppressive treatment were required, the patient was discharged 32 days later in almost complete remission of myasthenic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Unusual location of the tumor, cystic appearance and the initial absence of myasthenic symptoms misled to the diagnosis of pleuropericardial cyst and delayed surgical removal.

Approaches on H5N1 Avian Influenza Spreading in Relation with Human Health Risk

Abstract: Recent experiences with highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza have given the world its first advance warning that another influenza pandemic may be imminent. Given the serious consequences of past pandemics, this advance warning has stimulated a search for ways to prevent such an event from occurring through preparedness, rapid response and containment. The rapid response and containment strategy aims to stop, or at least slow the spread of pandemic influenza at the source of its emergence in order to minimize global morbidity and mortality.

Cephalometric measurements and their correlation to the diurnal sleepiness grade in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract: AIM: The evaluation of the oropharyngeal and facial modifications made by cephalometry represents a complementary method of analysis of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The anatomical modifications frequently associated with the sleeping respiratory pathology can be evaluated with satisfactory results through the correlation of the clinical data made by flexible pharyngoscopy with the results of the cephalometric examinations. During the cephalometric examinations the screening of the following parameters is being made: the posterior airways space (PAS), uvula size PM-PU, distance between the inferior border of the mandibula and hyoid (MPH = maximum palate height). The literature demonstrates in the case of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome at least two of these parameters must be modified. RESULTS: Thirty (30) patients with sleep respiratory disfunctions like snoring and obstructive sleep apnea have been included in this prospective study, following the cephalometric investigations with all its parameters mentioned earlier. The obtained data were correlated to the diurnal sleepiness/daytime somnolence grade ESS and the value of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). It can be claimed as a fact, the anatomical modifications frequently associated with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome evidenced on cephalometry, these are in relationship with the AHI value and can be correlated to the diurnal sleepiness/daytime somnolence grade measured on the Epworth scale – ESS.