Urban-rural disparities in acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination among women in Can Tho, Vietnam.

Background: In Vietnam, cervical cancer is a significant public health concern for women. Unfortunately, despite the availability of the HPV vaccine, low vaccination rates persist. Objectives: This study investigates the discrepancy between urban and rural areas in the willingness to receive HPV vaccination with or without fees. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 648 women aged between 15 and 49, living in two urban and two rural Vietnamese districts of Can Tho, between May and December 2021. Results: The overall vaccination rate was 4%, with urban women having a higher rate of 4.9% compared to rural women at 3.1%. Among unvaccinated women, those from rural areas expressed a significantly higher desire to receive the free vaccine (91.4%) than urban women (84.4%). However, the intention to vaccinate declined when rural women and urban women were advised to pay the cost (63.4% and 57.1%, respectively). A strong correlation was found between a positive attitude and intention for vaccination, irrespective of its price or free availability. Education and access to information about the HPV vaccine were also identified as the most significant factors influencing the intention to vaccination among urban and rural women. Conclusion: The low HPV vaccination rates among women aged 15-49 living in both urban and rural regions of Vietnam are a notable public health concern. These outcomes emphasize the critical need for effective programs of vaccine laterization, as an introduction to the offer of affordable and accessible HPV vaccines for women in Can Tho, Vietnam.

Optomechanical properties of GaAs/AlAs micropillar resonators operating in the 18 GHz range.

Recent experiments demonstrated that GaAs/AlAs based micropillar cavities are promising systems for quantum optomechanics, allowing the simultaneous three-dimensional confinement of near-infrared photons and acoustic phonons in the 18-100 GHz range. Here, we investigate through numerical simulations the optomechanical properties of this new platform. We evidence how the Poisson's ratio and semiconductor/vacuum boundary conditions lead to very distinct features in the mechanical and optical three-dimensional confinement. We find a strong dependence of the mechanical quality factor and strain distribution on the micropillar radius, in great contrast to what is predicted and observed in the optical domain. The derived optomechanical coupling constants g0 reach ultra-large values in the 106 rad/s range.

Effects of stretching on the frictional stress of rubber.

In this paper, we report on new experimental results on the effects of in-plane surface stretching on the friction of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) rubber with smooth rigid probes. Friction-induced displacement fields are measured at the surface of the PDMS substrate under steady-state sliding. Then, the corresponding contact pressure and frictional stress distributions are determined from an inversion procedure. Using this approach, we show that the local frictional stress τ is proportional to the local stretch ratio λ at the rubber surface. Additional data using a triangular flat punch indicate that τ(λ) relationship is independent on the contact geometry. From friction experiments using pre-stretched PDMS substrate, it is also found that the stretch-dependence of the frictional stress is isotropic, i.e. it does not depend on the angle between stretching and sliding directions. Potential physical explanations for this phenomenon are provided within the framework of Schallamach's friction model. Although the present experiments are dealing with smooth contact interfaces, the reported τ(λ) dependence is also relevant to the friction of statistically rough contact interfaces, while not accounted for in related contact mechanics models.

A spatial and temporal analysis of paediatric central nervous system infections from 2005 to 2015 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Central nervous system infections (CNSI) are a leading cause of death and long-term disability in children. Using ICD-10 data from 2005 to 2015 from three central hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, we exploited generalized additive mixed models (GAMM) to examine the spatial-temporal distribution and spatial and climatic risk factors of paediatric CNSI, excluding tuberculous meningitis, in this setting. From 2005 to 2015, there were 9469 cases of paediatric CNSI; 33% were ⩽1 year old at admission and were mainly diagnosed with presumed bacterial CNSI (BI) (79%), the remainder were >1 year old and mainly diagnosed with presumed non-bacterial CNSI (non-BI) (59%). The urban districts of HCMC in proximity to the hospitals as well as some outer districts had the highest incidences of BI and non-BI; BI incidence was higher in the dry season. Monthly BI incidence exhibited a significant decreasing trend over the study. Both BI and non-BI were significantly associated with lags in monthly average temperature, rainfall, and river water level. Our findings add new insights into this important group of infections in Vietnam, and highlight where resources for the prevention and control of paediatric CNSI should be allocated.

BioAssay Research Database (BARD): chemical biology and probe-development enabled by structured metadata and result types.

BARD, the BioAssay Research Database (https://bard.nih.gov/) is a public database and suite of tools developed to provide access to bioassay data produced by the NIH Molecular Libraries Program (MLP). Data from 631 MLP projects were migrated to a new structured vocabulary designed to capture bioassay data in a formalized manner, with particular emphasis placed on the description of assay protocols. New data can be submitted to BARD with a user-friendly set of tools that assist in the creation of appropriately formatted datasets and assay definitions. Data published through the BARD application program interface (API) can be accessed by researchers using web-based query tools or a desktop client. Third-party developers wishing to create new tools can use the API to produce stand-alone tools or new plug-ins that can be integrated into BARD. The entire BARD suite of tools therefore supports three classes of researcher: those who wish to publish data, those who wish to mine data for testable hypotheses, and those in the developer community who wish to build tools that leverage this carefully curated chemical biology resource.

Sinonasal symptom-related sleep disorders before and after surgery for nasal polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with nasal polyposis (NP) complain of several sinonasal symptoms that impact their sleep and quality of life. However, data on sleep disorders related to NP symptoms, before and after surgery, is poor. The aim of the present study was to analyze sleep complaints related to each NP symptom, before and after surgery, using the Dynachron questionnaire. METHODOLOGY: 63 patients operated for NP were included in this prospective study. They filled the DyNaChron questionnaire one day before surgery (V0), 6 weeks (V1) and 7 months (V2) after surgery. The self-ratings (0-10 point visual analog scale) of nasal obstruction, anterior rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, cough and 5 items related to sleep disturbances, due to each symptom of chronic nasal dysfunction, were extracted from the questionnaire and analyzed. RESULTS: There was significant improvement of symptoms and symptom-related sleep disturbance scores at V1 and V2 compared to baseline scores. Before surgery, moderate/severe sleep disorders that patients attributed to nasal obstruction (the patient thinks it is due to nasal obstruction rather than a clinical test to show nasal obstruction) or anterior rhinorrhea were reported in two thirds of patients, postnasal discharge in one half, and chronic cough in one third. After surgery, less than 10% of patients reported moderate/severe sleep disorders at V1. There was a mild increase of patients who rated moderate/severe sleep disorders at V2 in comparison to V1. The correlation between scores of nasal obstruction and its impacts on sleep quality was weak before surgery and strong afterwards. CONCLUSION: Nasalization improved sleep quality significantly at 6 weeks and at 7 months after surgery. However, there was a mild increase of complaints related to postnasal discharge and cough at 7 months after surgery.

"Watchful observation" follow-up scheme after endoscopic CO2 laser treatment for small glottic carcinomas: A retrospective study of 93 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the clinical outcome of patients treated with CO2 laser surgery for early-stage glottic carcinomas followed up with 3-month laryngoscopy regardless of tumor grade and margins. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Retrospective review of the clinical records of patients treated at the ENT department of a tertiary university hospital. PARTICIPANTS AND METHOD: Clinical records from patients with early-stage glottic carcinomas (Tis/T2) treated with curative intent by CO2 laser surgery in a ten-year period were evaluated. Regardless of tumor margin status, patients underwent fiber endoscopy 6 weeks after surgery and a systematic second look by direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia at 3 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Local control, laryngeal preservation rate. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were included. Disease control was obtained in 90/93 cases. Laryngeal preservation rate was 96.8%. Twenty patients had a local residual disease or recurrence after the first laser surgery, but 17 were salvaged (85%). Local residual disease and recurrence were more frequent in patients with advanced disease (T1b/T2), invasion of anterior commissure and "non-safe" margins. CONCLUSION: The proposed follow-up scheme might be a valuable option, but with caution for positive or unevaluable margins as the latter is an independent risk factor for local recurrence. An early laser excision procedure (eg, within the first two months after surgery) or an alternative strategy may be discussed in this situation. "Watchful observation" should be reserved for compliant patients only so that the risk of missing potential recurrences is minimised.

Controlled coupling of a single nanoparticle in polymeric microstructure by low one-photon absorption-based direct laser writing technique.

We investigated the coupling of a single nanoparticle (NP) into a polymer-based photonic structure (PS). The low one-photon absorption microscopy with a two-step technique allowed us first to accurately determine the location of a NP and then to embed it as desired into an arbitrary PS. The coupling of a gold NP and a polymer-based PS was experimentally investigated showing a six-fold photon collection enhancement as compared to that of a NP in unpatterned film. The simulation results based on finite-difference time-domain calculation method confirmed this observation and showed a 2.86-fold enhancement in extraction efficiency thanks to the NP/PS coupling.

Experience of French patients with olfactory disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the experience of subjects with olfactory disorders in their daily life and medical management, and their expectations and proposals for improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over the period January 2020 to December 2021, with 300 subjects with olfactory disorders: 222 female, 78 male; mean age 46±15 years. In total, 126 were patients consulting in ENT, and 174 were members of the Anosmie.org patients' association. Participants filled out a questionnaire; free texts were analyzed thematically and coded for various qualitative variables. RESULTS: Olfactory disorders considerably impacted health, safety and quality of life. Non-COVID-19 acute etiologies (non-COVID-19 viral infection, cranial trauma) showed particularly high risk of psychological, social, safety-related and nutritional consequences. Almost all patients (94%) were dissatisfied with their medical management: 28% had received little explanation, and 23% felt their dysosmia was completely neglected, with no exploration and no etiology suggested. Patients wished above all to have follow-up and accompaniment. CONCLUSION: Despite significant impact on health and quality of life, olfactory disorders are neglected by the medical community. Patients should be given an ENT assessment with olfactometry, to establish diagnosis and prognosis. Global multidisciplinary management is necessary, including therapeutic education, and psychological, social and nutritional follow-up.

Exposing the third chromosome of Burkholderia cepacia complex strains as a virulence plasmid.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) consists of 17 closely related species of opportunistic bacterial pathogens, which are particularly problematic for cystic fibrosis patients and immunocompromised individuals. Bcc genomes consist of multiple replicons, and each strain sequenced to date has three chromosomes. In addition to genes thought to be essential for survival, each chromosome carries at least one rRNA operon. We isolated three mutants during a transposon mutagenesis screen that were non-pathogenic in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. It was demonstrated that these mutants had lost chromosome 3 (c3), and that the observed attenuation of virulence was a consequence of this. We constructed a c3 mini-replicon and used it to cure c3 from strains of several Bcc species by plasmid incompatibility, resulting in nine c3-null strains covering seven Bcc species. Phenotypic characterization of c3-null mutants revealed that they were attenuated in virulence in multiple infection hosts (rat, zebrafish, C. elegans, Galleria mellonella and Drosophila melanogaster), that they exhibited greatly diminished antifungal activity, and that c3 was required for d-xylose, fatty acid and pyrimidine utilization, as well as for exopolysaccharide production and proteolytic activity in some strains. In conclusion, we show that c3 is not an essential chromosomal element, rather a large plasmid that encodes virulence, secondary metabolism and other accessory functions in Bcc bacteria.

Recombinant canine distemper virus strain Snyder Hill expressing green or red fluorescent proteins causes meningoencephalitis in the ferret.

The propensity of canine distemper virus (CDV) to spread to the central nervous system is one of the primary features of distemper. Therefore, we developed a reverse genetics system based on the neurovirulent Snyder Hill (SH) strain of CDV (CDV(SH)) and show that this virus rapidly circumvents the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barriers to spread into the subarachnoid space to induce dramatic viral meningoencephalitis. The use of recombinant CDV(SH) (rCDV(SH)) expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or red fluorescent protein (dTomato) facilitated the sensitive pathological assessment of routes of virus spread in vivo. Infection of ferrets with these viruses led to the full spectrum of clinical signs typically associated with distemper in dogs during a rapid, fatal disease course of approximately 2 weeks. Comparison with the ferret-adapted CDV(5804P) and the prototypic wild-type CDV(R252) showed that hematogenous infection of the choroid plexus is not a significant route of virus spread into the CSF. Instead, viral spread into the subarachnoid space in rCDV(SH)-infected animals was triggered by infection of vascular endothelial cells and the hematogenous spread of virus-infected leukocytes from meningeal blood vessels into the subarachnoid space. This resulted in widespread infection of cells of the pia and arachnoid mater of the leptomeninges over large areas of the cerebral hemispheres. The ability to sensitively assess the in vivo spread of a neurovirulent strain of CDV provides a novel model system to study the mechanisms of virus spread into the CSF and the pathogenesis of acute viral meningitis.

Maxillary ostium preservation in ethmoidectomy.

The paranasal sinuses play a role in producing and storing nitric oxide (NO). NO is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial gas which may be involved in the non-specific immune defenses of the respiratory tract. Conducted by the inspiratory current at the alveolar-capillary membrane, it increases pulmonary venous blood oxygenation. NO is actively released in the form of independent boluses in the respiratory tract, thanks to a sphincter function that can be identified during ethmoidectomy under general anesthesia. Safeguarding paranasal sinus physiology necessarily involves conserving this ostial sphincter function, which is essential to the respiratory role of the paranasal sinuses. Although it has not yet been demonstrated that the destruction of this ostial function has measurable consequences for respiratory function, it makes sense to avoid systematic antrostomy and to preserve this ostial function whenever possible, depending on the clinical conditions. This technical note describes step-by-step how to conserve the maxillary ostium, in the example of radical ethmoidectomy with mucosal ablation for nasal polyposis (nasalization). It is illustrated by two videos. The discussion focuses on the respective indications for ostial preservation and middle meatotomy (antrostomy).

Minimal clinically important differences on the DyNaChron questionnaire after surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for the DyNaChron chronic rhinosinusitis quality-of-life questionnaire. INTRODUCTION: MCIDs are the smallest changes in a quality-of-life score that are of clinical relevance for the patient. They allow treatment benefit to be estimated. MCIDs have not previously been determined for DyNaChron. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective study analyzed DyNaChron questionnaires filled out between June 2016 and December 2021 by all patients consulting for chronic nasal dysfunction. Five hundred and thirteen of the 2390 patients were operated on for nasal polyposis (NP; n=282) or septo(rhino)plasty+inferior turbinoplasty (SPIT; n=231). Standard error of measurement was used to determine MCIDs. RESULTS: MCID for DyNaChron global score was 60 in NP and 58 in SPIT. MCIDs per symptom domain in NP and SPIT respectively were: 15 and 13 for nasal obstruction, 21 and 21 for anterior rhinorrhea, 20 and 19 for posterior rhinorrhea, and 17 and 17 for olfaction. In agreement with global MCID, 257 NPs (91%) and 149 SPITs (65%) showed clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: MCID helps assess response to treatment. In the DyNaChron questionnaire, MCIDs enable global and symptom-specific assessment of chronic nasal dysfunction and its impact on quality of life in a single patient or in groups.

Critical review of diagnosis in rhinology and its therapeutical implications.

Diagnosis in rhinology is currently based on the concept of inflammation (chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS]) or the clinical concept of chronic nasal dysfunction (CND). The complementarity between these two approaches can be discussed by a critical review of the literature structured by the analysis of the fundamental and diagnostic bases and the therapeutic implications linked to each. The concept of CRS is based on the anatomical continuity of the nasal and sinus respiratory mucosa and molecular biology data, seeking to analyze the mechanisms of chronic inflammation and to identify proteins and biomarkers involved in the different supposed endotypes of chronic inflammation of this mucosa. The concept of CND seeks to analyze medical, instrumental or surgical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, taking account of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory causes impacting the anatomy or physiology of each of the three noses (olfactory, respiratory and sinus) that make up the mid-face sinonasal organ of evolution-development (Evo-Devo) theory. Thus, the concept of CRS offers an endotypic approach, based on biological characterization of mucosal inflammation, while the concept of CND offers a compartmentalized phenotypic and pathophysiological approach to sinonasal diseases. The joint contribution of these two concepts in characterizing nasal functional pathology could in future improve the medical service provided to patients.

Bioconjugation of COL1 protein on liquid-like solid surfaces to study tumor invasion dynamics.

Tumor invasion is likely driven by the product of intrinsic and extrinsic stresses, reduced intercellular adhesion, and reciprocal interactions between the cancer cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is a dynamic material system that is continuously evolving with the tumor microenvironment. Although it is widely reported that cancer cells degrade the ECM to create paths for migration using membrane-bound and soluble enzymes, other nonenzymatic mechanisms of invasion are less studied and not clearly understood. To explore tumor invasion that is independent of enzymatic degradation, we have created an open three-dimensional (3D) microchannel network using a novel bioconjugated liquid-like solid (LLS) medium to mimic both the tortuosity and the permeability of a loose capillary-like network. The LLS is made from an ensemble of soft granular microgels, which provides an accessible platform to investigate the 3D invasion of glioblastoma (GBM) tumor spheroids using in situ scanning confocal microscopy. The surface conjugation of the LLS microgels with type 1 collagen (COL1-LLS) enables cell adhesion and migration. In this model, invasive fronts of the GBM microtumor protruded into the proximal interstitial space and may have locally reorganized the surrounding COL1-LLS. Characterization of the invasive paths revealed a super-diffusive behavior of these fronts. Numerical simulations suggest that the interstitial space guided tumor invasion by restricting available paths, and this physical restriction is responsible for the super-diffusive behavior. This study also presents evidence that cancer cells utilize anchorage-dependent migration to explore their surroundings, and geometrical cues guide 3D tumor invasion along the accessible paths independent of proteolytic ability.

Comprehensive and high-resolution typing of swine leukocyte antigen DQA from genomic DNA and determination of 25 new SLA class II haplotypes.

We previously reported the development of genomic-DNA-based high-resolution genotyping methods for SLA-DQB1 and DRB1. Here, we report the successful typing of SLA-DQA using similar methodological principles. We designed a method for comprehensive genotyping of SLA-DQA using intronic sequence information of SLA-DQA exon 2 that we had obtained from 12 animals with different SLA-DQB1 genotypes. We expanded our typing to 76 selected animals with diverse DQB1 and DRB1 genotypes, 140 random animals from 7 pig breeds, and 3 wild boars. This resulted in the identification of 17 DQA alleles with 49 genotypes. Two new alleles were identified from wild boars. Combine with SLA-DQB1, and DRB1 typing results, we identified 34 SLA class II haplotypes including 25 that were previously unreported.

An outbreak of severe respiratory tract infection caused by human metapneumovirus in a residential care facility for elderly in Utrecht, the Netherlands, January to March 2010.

Recognition of infections with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) among institutionalised elderly is rising. When HMPV was found to be the causative agent of an outbreak of pneumonia in a residential care facility for elderly in the Netherlands, an elaborate outbreak investigation was set up, including active surveillance for new cases. From clinical cases, defined by fever (> 38°C) and symptoms of respiratory tract infections, respiratory samples for analyses of viral pathogens by real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) and blood samples for determination of HMPV-specific IgM and IgG antibody titres were taken. Five staff members and 18 residents fulfilled the clinical case definition. Of those, five residents tested positive for HMPV by rRT-PCR. The combination of rRTPCR and serology identified nine confirmed cases, six probable cases, six possible cases and ruled out two persons as cases. Among residents, the outbreak of HMPV had an attack rate, ranging from 5% for laboratory- confirmed cases, to 13% for clinical cases. This outbreak investigation shows that HMPV is a potential serious pathogen for institutionalised elderly.

Chronic respiratory rhinitis: Toward endoscopic diagnosis of nasal allergy? An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess the functional, endoscopic and tomodensitometric semiology of a cohort of patients with chronic respiratory rhinitis (CRR). The concept of CRR is based on the anatomical, pathophysiological and semiological individualization of the respiratory nose within the sinonasal organ, in which three noses are distinguished by the parallel study of evolution and development in the "evo-devo" theory of the origins of the nose, anterior base of the skull and middle third of the face. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A single-center retrospective study included a cohort of 28 patients (16 men and 12 women, aged 19 to 69years) with CRR. The main objective was to describe symptoms clinically, endoscopically and on CT. The secondary objective was to compare clinical symptomatology and CT data between CRR and a control group of 31 patients with nasal polyposis (NP). The endoscopic semiology of CRR was analyzed consensually on video recordings using a pre-established grid. The DyNaChron self-administered questionnaire was used to compare symptom intensity and deterioration in quality of life. Olfaction was compared using the Sniffin' Sticks test. CT opacities were compared between CRR and NP on Lund-Mackay sinus score and a specific ethmoid opacities score. RESULTS: In CRR, endoscopy found a constant association of inflammatory or edematous signs in the inferior or middle turbinates with signs of hypersecretion. Ethmoid opacities in CRR were discrete and significantly smaller than in NP (P<0.0001), and were mainly located in the medial compartment in contact with the olfactory cleft (P<0.0001). Allergological assessment was positive in 17 of the 28 cases of CRR. Chronic nasal dysfunction was similar in CRR and NP, but olfactory impairment was significantly lower in CRR (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The CRR entity clinically resembles atopic central compartment disease. In both entities, endoscopy reveals inflammatory lesions restricted to the nasal cavities without significant ethmoid opacity on CT, an observation which seems to contradict the pathophysiological united airway concept.

[Screening and prevention of toxic optic neuropathies due to anti-mycobacterium therapies: proposal of recommendations]. / Dépistage et prévention des neuropathies optiques toxiques aux anti-mycobactériens : proposition de recommandations.

While treatment of pulmonary infections by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is currently only rarely the cause of iatrogenic complications, treatment of atypical mycobacterial infections often requires prolonged treatment duration, which can lead to toxic optic neuropathies. This review summarizes the indications for such prolonged treatment and risk factors for toxic optic neuropathies when using ethambutol, isoniazid and/or linezolid and proposes customized screening recommendations.