Predictors of twin pregnancy in in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles with day 3 double embryo transfer / 대한생식의학회지

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.

Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#The objective of this study was to characterize mental health issues among Vietnamese healthcare workers (HCWs) and to identify related factors. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was conducted with 990 HCWs in 2021. Their mental health status was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. @*Results@#In total, 49.9%, 52.3%, and 29.8% of respondents were found to have depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. The multivariable linear regression model revealed that factors associated with increased anxiety scores included depression scores (β, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.51) and stress scores (β, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.52). Factors associated with increased depression scores included being frontline HCWs (β, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.10 to 1.10), stress scores (β, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.56), and anxiety scores (β, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.47), while working experience was associated with reduced depression scores (β, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.01). Factors associated with increased stress scores included working experience (β, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.16), personal protective equipment interference with daily activities (β, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.07 to 1.00), depression scores (β, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.59), and anxiety scores (β, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.50), while age was associated with reduced stress scores (β, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.05). @*Conclusions@#Specific interventions are necessary to enhance and promote the mental health of HCWs so they can successfully cope with the circumstances of the pandemic.

Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorderas modified by health literacy: an observational study inVietnam

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.

Effect of culture conditions on pyocyanin production by recombinant pyocyanin-producing strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa PS39-phzM

Aims@#A suitable medium and cultivation parameters have an important role in the improvement of the production of pyocyanin pigment by Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganism. The study aimed to optimize culture conditions and medium components for maximal pyocyanin production in a recombinant strain P. aeruginosa PS39-phzMS created in previous research. In addition, the process of extraction of pyocyanin was also investigated to select a proper applied solvent for recovering a high amount of pyocyanin as well as its quality. @*Methodology and results@#The pyocyanin purification has based on solvent. Among six tested solvents for extracting pyocyanin out of bacterial broth, two out of six recovered a significant amount of pyocyanin, namely dichloromethane and chloroform, in which chloroform showed a higher pyocyanin yield (25.27 ± 1.02 µg/mL) than dichloromethane (20.26 ± 0.88 µg/mL). The thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of the extracted pyocyanin illustrated a similar to pure pyocyanin with Rf of 0.72 and no mark of other impurity metabolites. The UV-Vis spectra showed a similar peak at 520 nm with pure pyocyanin and the highest peak at 274 nm. Each single culture parameter was studied for the maximal production of pyocyanin. Next, a pyocyanin-producing GM medium was modified on the base of the KingA to find the relative capacity to biosynthesize high pyocyanin yield in P. aeruginosa PS39-phzMS. The results showed that pyocyanin production was the highest in optimal culture conditions, at 30 °C, pH 8, 120 h and agitation of 200 rpm. In the combination of culture condition with the GM, pyocyanin was created at the highest amount of 49.57 µg/mL.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Based on the obtained results of the study, a pyocyanin-producing procedure was optimized, which suggests a promising application to scale-up pyocyanin production by the P. aeruginosa PS39-phzMS.

Study on the effect of processing methods on the total polyphenol, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilben-2-O-ß-D-glucoside, and physcion contents in Fallopia multiflora Thunb. Haraldson root

Abstract This study investigated the changes in the ingredients in Fallopia multiflora Thunb. Haraldson (FMT) root after processing it with different methods such as soaking, stewing, and steaming or combined methods. The total polyphenol, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilben-2-O-ß-D-glucoside (THSG), and physcion contents in FMT products after processing were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) methods. The results demonstrated that the processing method and time significantly affected the contents of polyphenol, THSG, and physcion. The physcion and total polyphenol content increased or decreased during processing depending upon the processing time, while the THSG content gradually decreased with an increase in the processing time. The content of physcion (a substance that can cause liver toxicity) was analysed, and the suitable conditions for processing of the FMT products were determined as initial soaking in rice swill for 24 h and subsequent stewing with black beans and water for 12 h

Utility of combining PIVKA-II and AFP in the surveillance and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific region

Even though the combined use of ultrasound (US) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is recommended for the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the utilization of AFP has its challenges, including accuracy dependent on its cut-off levels, degree of liver necroinflammation, and etiology of liver disease. Though various studies have demonstrated the utility of protein induced by vitamin K absence II (PIVKA-II) in surveillance, treatment monitoring, and predicting recurrence, it is still not recommended as a routine biomarker test. A panel of 17 experts from Asia-Pacific, gathered to discuss and reach a consensus on the clinical usefulness and value of PIVKA-II for the surveillance and treatment monitoring of HCC, based on six predetermined statements. The experts agreed that PIVKA-II was valuable in the detection of HCC in AFP-negative patients, and could potentially benefit detection of early HCC in combination with AFP. PIVKA-II is clinically useful for monitoring curative and intra-arterial locoregional treatments, outcomes, and recurrence, and could potentially predict microvascular invasion risk and facilitate patient selection for liver transplant. However, combining PIVKA-II with US and AFP for HCC surveillance, including small HCC, still requires more evidence, whilst its role in detecting AFP-negative HCC will potentially increase as more patients are treated for hepatitis-related HCC. PIVKA-II in combination with AFP and US has a clinical role in the Asia-Pacific region for surveillance. However, implementation of PIVKA-II in the region will have some challenges, such as requiring standardization of cut-off values, its cost-effectiveness and improving awareness among healthcare providers.

Sleep Quality and Poor Sleep-related Factors Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the workload of healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting their health. This study aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and identify factors associated with poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Methods@#In this cross-sectional study, 1000 frontline HCWs were recruited from various healthcare facilities in Vietnam between October 2021 and November 2021. Data were collected using a 3-part self-administered questionnaire, which covered demographics, sleep quality, and factors related to poor sleep. Poor sleep quality was defined as a total PSQI score of 5 or higher. @*Results@#Participants’ mean age was 33.20±6.81 years (range, 20.0-61.0), and 63.0% were women. The median work experience was 8.54±6.30 years. Approximately 6.3% had chronic comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. About 59.5% were directly responsible for patient care and treatment, while 7.1% worked in tracing and sampling. A total of 73.8% reported poor sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between poor sleep quality and the presence of chronic comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 5.24), being a frontline HCW directly involved in patient care and treatment (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.16), increased working hours (OR, 1.84; 95% CI,1.37 to 2.48), and a higher frequency of encountering critically ill and dying patients (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95). @*Conclusions@#The high prevalence of poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that in other countries. Working conditions should be adjusted to improve sleep quality among this population.

Timing and Predictors of Recanalization After Anticoagulation in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose Vessel recanalization after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is associated with favorable outcomes and lower mortality. Several studies examined the timing and predictors of recanalization after CVT with mixed results. We aimed to investigate predictors and timing of recanalization after CVT. @*Methods@#We used data from the multicenter, international AntiCoagulaTION in the Treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (ACTION-CVT) study of consecutive patients with CVT from January 2015 to December 2020. Our analysis included patients that had undergone repeat venous neuroimaging more than 30 days after initiation of anticoagulation treatment. Prespecified variables were included in univariate and multivariable analyses to identify independent predictors of failure to recanalize. @*Results@#Among the 551 patients (mean age, 44.4±16.2 years, 66.2% women) that met inclusion criteria, 486 (88.2%) had complete or partial, and 65 (11.8%) had no recanalization. The median time to first follow-up imaging study was 110 days (interquartile range, 60–187). In multivariable analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.07), male sex (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.24–0.80), and lack of parenchymal changes on baseline imaging (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29–0.96) were associated with no recanalization. The majority of improvement in recanalization (71.1%) occurred before 3 months from initial diagnosis. A high percentage of complete recanalization (59.0%) took place within the first 3 months after CVT diagnosis. @*Conclusion@#Older age, male sex, and lack of parenchymal changes were associated with no recanalization after CVT. The majority recanalization occurred early in the disease course suggesting limited further recanalization with anticoagulation beyond 3 months. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

The impact of hyperandrogenism on the outcomes of ovulation induction using gonadotropin and intrauterine insemination in women with polycystic ovary syndrome / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the impact of hyperandrogenism (HA) on the outcomes of ovulation induction (OI) using gonadotropin and intrauterine insemination (IUI) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). @*Methods@#This was a retrospective cohort study including 415 patients undergoing OI using gonadotropin and IUI treatment between January 2018 and December 2020 at a single infertility center. Baseline characteristics, clinical and laboratory parameters, and pregnancy outcomes were investigated. @*Results@#Among the study population, there were 105 hyperandrogenic (25.3%) and 310 non-hyperandrogenic patients (74.7%). The live birth rate was lower in the HA group than in the non-HA group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance due to the limited sample size (14.3% vs. 21.0%, relative risk=0.68; 95% CI, 0.41–1.14, p=0.153). No predictive factors for live birth were identified through logistic regression analysis. @*Conclusion@#HA did not negatively affect the outcomes of OI using gonadotropin and IUI cycles in Vietnamese women with PCOS. The result may not be applicable elsewhere due to the large variation in the characteristics of women with PCOS across races and populations.

Índices biométricos oculares en vietnamitas de 46 a 65 años de edad / Ocular biometric indices in Vietnamese 46 to 65 years of age

Introducción: La longitud axial ocular, la profundidad de la cámara anterior y el grosor corneal central, son tres índices biométricos oculares importantes. Estas medidas son útiles para mostrar los cambios en la población vietnamita con presbicia. Objetivos: Determinar los índices biométricos oculares, longitud axial ocular, profundidad de la cámara anterior y espesor corneal central, en población vietnamita y evaluar la correlación entre ellos y con la edad y el sexo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en población vietnamita, con edad de 46 a 65 años. Se recogieron los datos de longitud axial ocular, profundidad de la cámara anterior y grosor corneal central. Se utilizaron la prueba t de Student y ANOVA para comparar las medias de los índices, agrupados por edad y sexo. La relación entre los índices biométricos oculares fue probada mediante la correlación de Pearson, con un nivel de significación de p < 0,05. Resultados: Se analizaron 390 ojos de 195 personas. La longitud media del eje ocular fue 23,13 ± 0,66 mm, la profundidad de la cámara anterior, 3,15 ± 0,36 mm, el grosor corneal central, 529,15 ± 30,57 µm. Los tres índices biométricos disminuyeron con la edad y fueron mayores en los hombres (p < 0,05). La longitud del eje ocular tuvo relación positiva con la profundidad de la cámara anterior (r = 0,411 y p < 0,001) y el espesor corneal central (r = 0,141 y p < 0,001). No hubo relación entre la profundidad de la cámara anterior y el grosor corneal central (r = 0,039 y p = 0,44). Conclusión: Los tres índices biométricos oculares disminuyeron con la edad y fueron mayores en los hombres. La longitud del eje ocular se relacionó con la profundidad de la cámara anterior y el grosor de la córnea central(AU)

Introduction: Ocular axial length, anterior chamber depth and central corneal thickness are three important ocular biometric indices. These measurements are useful to show changes in the Vietnamese population with presbyopia. Objectives: To determine the ocular biometric indices, ocular axial length, anterior chamber depth and central corneal thickness, in Vietnamese population and evaluate the correlation between these indices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a Vietnamese population, aged 46 to 65 years. Data on ocular axial length, anterior chamber depth and central corneal thickness were collected. The Student's t test and ANOVA were used to compare the means of the indices, grouped by age and sex. The relationship between the ocular biometric indices was tested using Pearson's correlation, with a significance level of p <0.05. Results: 390 eyes of 195 people were analyzed. The mean length of the ocular axis was 23.13 ± 0.66 mm, the depth of the anterior chamber, 3.15 ± 0.36 mm, and the central corneal thickness, 529.15 ± 30.57 µm. The three biometric indices decreased with age and were higher in men (p <0.05). The length of the ocular axis had a positive relationship with the depth of the anterior chamber (r = 0.411 and p <0.001) and the central corneal thickness (r = 0.141 and p <0.001). There was no relationship between anterior chamber depth and central corneal thickness (r = 0.039 and p = 0.44). Conclusion: Three ocular biometric indices decreased with age and were higher in men. The length of the ocular axis was related to the depth of the anterior chamber and the thickness of the central cornea(AU)

Virological characteristics of cases of COVID-19 in northern Viet Nam, January–May 2020

Background@#Viet Nam confirmed its first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on 23 January 2020 among travellers from Wuhan, China, and experienced several clusters of community transmission until September. Viet Nam implemented an aggressive testing, isolation, contact tracing and quarantine strategy in response to all laboratory-confirmed cases. We report the results of SARS-CoV-2 testing during the first half of 2020 in northern Viet Nam.@*Methods@#Between January and May 2020, 15 650 upper respiratory tract specimens were collected from 14 470 suspected cases and contacts in northern Viet Nam. All were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR. Individuals with positive specimens were tested every three days until two tests were negative. Positive specimens from 81 individuals were cultured.@*Results@#Among 14 470 tested individuals, 158 (1.1%) cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were confirmed; 89 were imported and 69 were associated with community transmission. Most patients (122, 77%) had negative results after two tests, while 11 and 4 still tested positive when sampled a third and fourth time, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from 29 of 81 specimens (36%) with a cycle threshold (Ct) value <30. Seven patients who tested positive again after testing negative had Ct values >30 and negative cultures.@*Conclusion@#Early, widespread testing for SARS-CoV-2 in northern Viet Nam identified very few cases, which, when combined with other aggressive strategies, may have dramatically contained the epidemic. We observed rapid viral clearance and very few positive results after clearance. Large-scale molecular diagnostic testing is a critical part of early detection and containment of COVID-19 in Viet Nam and will remain necessary until vaccination is widely implemented.

The first newborn patient with SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 identified in Viet Nam: treatment and care practices

@#SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7, first detected in September 2020 in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, has spread quickly to many countries around the world. While some publications have described the clinical features of adult patients with the B.1.1.7 variant, little information is available on newborn patients. We report the clinical characteristics, treatment and care practices for a 21-day-old newborn patient who was confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in Viet Nam during contact tracing after her father was confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. The patient displayed no symptoms of COVID-19 on admission but 3 days later developed diarrhoea, vomiting, a runny nose and a productive cough. These symptoms lasted for 3 days before becoming milder for 1 day and then stopping until discharge. During treatment, the patient received Vietnamese traditional herbal peppermint extracts for cough and digestive probiotics for diarrhoeal symptoms. A saltwater solution (Sterimar 0.9%) was used to clean the patient’s sinuses. The patient was cared for and fed breastmilk by her mother, who was provided with personal protective equipment, including sterilized infant equipment, medical masks and hand sanitizer, during hospitalization. The patient’s mother tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 throughout hospitalization. In conclusion, we found no severely abnormal clinical symptoms in a newborn infected with SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 during treatment. Our case suggests that newborn patients with the B.1.1.7 variant can receive exclusive breastmilk feeding if sufficient preventive measures are provided for both mother and child.

Expression of Chicken NK-Lysin and Its Role in Chicken Coccidiosis Induced by Eimeria necatrix

Coccidiosis in chickens is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites named Eimeria spp. In some Eimeria infections, intestinal lymphocytes are known to highly express chicken NK-lysin (cNK-lysin), an antimicrobial peptide with anticoccidial activity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the expression of cNK-lysin in E. necatrix-infected chickens and its role in E. necatrix infection. The expression of cNK-lysin transcript was significantly increased in E. necatrix sporozoites-treated lymphocytes. In E. necatrix infection, cNK-lysin transcript was induced in intestinal lymphocytes but not in the spleen. The recombinant cNK-lysin exhibited anticoccidial activity against E. necatrix sporozoites as well as immunomodulatory activity on macrophages by inducing proinflammatory cytokines. These results indicated that E. necatrix infection induces high local expression of cNK-lysin and the secreted cNK-lysin helps protect coccidiosis.

Anticoccidial Activity of Berberine against Eimeria-Infected Chickens

Avian coccidiosis has a major economic impact on the poultry industry, it is caused by 7 species of Eimeria, and has been primarily controlled using chemotherapeutic agents. Due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains, alternative control strategies are needed. We assessed anticoccidial effects of berberine-based diets in broiler chickens following oral infection with 5 Eimeria species (E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, E. mitis, and E. praecox). When 0.2% berberine, a concentration that does not affect weight gain, was added to the diet, the 4 groups infected with E. acervulina, E. tenella, E. mitis, or E. praecox showed significant reductions in fecal oocyst shedding (P<0.05) compared to their respective infected and untreated controls. In chickens treated 0.5% berberine instead of 0.2% and infected with E. maxima, fecal oocyst production was significantly reduced, but body weight deceased, indicating that berberine treatment was not useful for E. maxima infection. Taken together, these results illustrate the applicability of berberine for prophylactic use to control most Eimeria infections except E. maxima. Further studies on the mechanisms underlying the differences in anticoccidial susceptibility to berberine, particularly E. maxima, are remained.

Influences of Xeno-Free Media on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion for Clinical Application

Abstract Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent somatic stem/progenitor cells that can be isolated from various tissues and have attracted increasing attention from the scientific community. This is due to MSCs showing great potential for incurable disease treatment, and most applications of MSCs involve tissue degeneration and treatment of immune- and inflammation-mediated diseases. Conventional MSC cultures contain fetal bovine serum (FBS), which is a common supplement for cell development but is also a risk factor for exposure to animal-derived pathogens. To avoid the risks resulting from the xenogeneic origin and animal-derived pathogens of FBS, xeno-free media have been developed and commercialized to satisfy MSC expansion demands for human clinical applications. This review summarized and provided an overview of xeno-free media that are currently used for MSC expansion. Additionally, we discussed the influences of different xeno-free media on MSC biology with particular regard to cell morphology, surface marker expression, proliferation, differentiation and immunomodulation. The xeno-free media can be serum-free and xeno-free media or media supplemented with some human-originating substances, such as human serum, human platelet lysates, human umbilical cord serum/plasma, or human plasma-derived supplements for cell culture medium. These media have capacity to maintain a spindle-shaped morphology, the expression of typical surface markers, and the capacity of multipotent differentiation and immunomodulation of MSCs. Xeno-free media showed potential for safe use for human clinical treatment. However, the influences of these xeno-free media on MSCs are various and any xeno-free medium should be examined prior to being used for MSC cultures.

Anticoccidial Activity of Berberine against Eimeria-Infected Chickens

Avian coccidiosis has a major economic impact on the poultry industry, it is caused by 7 species of Eimeria, and has been primarily controlled using chemotherapeutic agents. Due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains, alternative control strategies are needed. We assessed anticoccidial effects of berberine-based diets in broiler chickens following oral infection with 5 Eimeria species (E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, E. mitis, and E. praecox). When 0.2% berberine, a concentration that does not affect weight gain, was added to the diet, the 4 groups infected with E. acervulina, E. tenella, E. mitis, or E. praecox showed significant reductions in fecal oocyst shedding (P<0.05) compared to their respective infected and untreated controls. In chickens treated 0.5% berberine instead of 0.2% and infected with E. maxima, fecal oocyst production was significantly reduced, but body weight deceased, indicating that berberine treatment was not useful for E. maxima infection. Taken together, these results illustrate the applicability of berberine for prophylactic use to control most Eimeria infections except E. maxima. Further studies on the mechanisms underlying the differences in anticoccidial susceptibility to berberine, particularly E. maxima, are remained.

Influences of Xeno-Free Media on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion for Clinical Application

Abstract Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent somatic stem/progenitor cells that can be isolated from various tissues and have attracted increasing attention from the scientific community. This is due to MSCs showing great potential for incurable disease treatment, and most applications of MSCs involve tissue degeneration and treatment of immune- and inflammation-mediated diseases. Conventional MSC cultures contain fetal bovine serum (FBS), which is a common supplement for cell development but is also a risk factor for exposure to animal-derived pathogens. To avoid the risks resulting from the xenogeneic origin and animal-derived pathogens of FBS, xeno-free media have been developed and commercialized to satisfy MSC expansion demands for human clinical applications. This review summarized and provided an overview of xeno-free media that are currently used for MSC expansion. Additionally, we discussed the influences of different xeno-free media on MSC biology with particular regard to cell morphology, surface marker expression, proliferation, differentiation and immunomodulation. The xeno-free media can be serum-free and xeno-free media or media supplemented with some human-originating substances, such as human serum, human platelet lysates, human umbilical cord serum/plasma, or human plasma-derived supplements for cell culture medium. These media have capacity to maintain a spindle-shaped morphology, the expression of typical surface markers, and the capacity of multipotent differentiation and immunomodulation of MSCs. Xeno-free media showed potential for safe use for human clinical treatment. However, the influences of these xeno-free media on MSCs are various and any xeno-free medium should be examined prior to being used for MSC cultures.

Effectiveness of educational interventions on knowledge and counseling regarding common cold management: The case of community pharmacists in Hue, Vietnam

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of educational interventions on the knowledge andcounseling practice of community pharmacists in Hue, Vietnam with respect to common cold management.Method: Thirty-eight pharmacists were invited to participate in educational initiatives, including in-class training andreference to a printed pocket handbook. The knowledge was measured before and after the interventions via a paperbased test, and actual practice was evaluated via a pseudo customer experiment a week later.Results: The interventions significantly improved pharmacists’ knowledge (p = 0.001). In the pre-test, only 37.4%of the participants provided correct answers, but this increased to 83.9% in the post-test. In the pseudo customerexperiment, pharmacists asked about patient identification, age, and symptoms (93.3%, 80.0%, and 80.0%,respectively) but not about medical and medication histories or allergies (less than 20%). All pharmacists offeredadvice as regards dosage, but only half of them shared information on drug names and indications. A third providedguidance on drug interactions. Practices related to inappropriate drug dispensing included the issuance of incorrectmedications or the sale of prescription-only drugs to customers with no prescriptions.Conclusion: Although educational interventions effectively enhance the knowledge and counseling practice ofpharmacists, a huge gap continues to exist between these variables.

Does conventional freezing affect sperm DNA fragmentation? / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Sperm cryopreservation has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology, as it offers great potential for the treatment of some types of male infertility. However, cryopreservation may result in changes in membrane lipid composition and acrosome status, as well as reductions in sperm motility and viability. This study aimed to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation damage caused by conventional freezing using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. METHODS: In total, 120 fresh human semen samples were frozen by conventional methods, using SpermFreeze Solution as a cryoprotectant. Routine semen analysis and a Halosperm test (using the Halosperm kit) were performed on each sample before freezing and after thawing. Semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were compared between these groups. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in sperm progressive motility, viability, and normal morphology after conventional freezing (32.78%, 79.58%, and 3.87% vs. 16%, 55.99%, and 2.55%, respectively). The sperm head, midpiece, and tail defect rate increased slightly after freezing. Furthermore, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was significantly higher after thawing than before freezing (19.21% prior to freezing vs. 22.23% after thawing). Significant increases in the DFI after cryopreservation were observed in samples with both normal and abnormal motility and morphology, as well as in those with normal viability. CONCLUSION: Conventional freezing seems to damage some sperm parameters, in particular causing a reduction in sperm DNA integrity.

Potentiation of the glycine response by serotonin on the substantia gelatinosa neurons of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis in mice

The lamina II, also called the substantia gelatinosa (SG), of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), is thought to play an essential role in the control of orofacial nociception. Glycine and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) are the important neurotransmitters that have the individual parts on the modulation of nociceptive transmission. However, the electrophysiological effects of 5-HT on the glycine receptors on SG neurons of the Vc have not been well studied yet. For this reason, we applied the whole-cell patch clamp technique to explore the interaction of intracellular signal transduction between 5-HT and the glycine receptors on SG neurons of the Vc in mice. In nine of 13 neurons tested (69.2%), pretreatment with 5-HT potentiated glycine-induced current (I(Gly)). Firstly, we examined with a 5-HT₁ receptor agonist (8-OH-DPAT, 5-HT(1/7) agonist, co-applied with SB-269970, 5-HT₇ antagonist) and antagonist (WAY-100635), but 5-HT₁ receptor agonist did not increase IGly and in the presence of 5-HT₁ antagonist, the potentiation of 5-HT on I(Gly) still happened. However, an agonist (α-methyl-5-HT) and antagonist (ketanserin) of the 5-HT₂ receptor mimicked and inhibited the enhancing effect of 5-HT on I(Gly) in the SG neurons, respectively. We also verified the role of the 5-HT₇ receptor by using a 5-HT₇ antagonist (SB-269970) but it also did not block the enhancement of 5-HT on I(Gly). Our study demonstrated that 5-HT facilitated I(Gly) in the SG neurons of the Vc through the 5-HT₂ receptor. The interaction between 5-HT and glycine appears to have a significant role in modulating the transmission of the nociceptive pathway.