A study of genetic variants associated with skin traits in the Vietnamese population.

BACKGROUND: Most skin-related traits have been studied in Caucasian genetic backgrounds. A comprehensive study on skin-associated genetic effects on underrepresented populations such as Vietnam is needed to fill the gaps in the field. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop a computational pipeline to predict the effect of genetic factors on skin traits using public data (GWAS catalogs and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from the 1000 Genomes Project-1KGP) and in-house Vietnamese data (WGS and genotyping by SNP array). Also, we compared the genetic predispositions of 25 skin-related traits of Vietnamese population to others to acquire population-specific insights regarding skin health. METHODS: Vietnamese cohorts of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 1008 healthy individuals for the reference and 96 genotyping samples (which do not have any skin cutaneous issues) by Infinium Asian Screening Array-24 v1.0 BeadChip were employed to predict skin-associated genetic variants of 25 skin-related and micronutrient requirement traits in population analysis and correlation analysis. Simultaneously, we compared the landscape of cutaneous issues of Vietnamese people with other populations by assessing their genetic profiles. RESULTS: The skin-related genetic profile of Vietnamese cohorts was similar at most to East Asian cohorts (JPT: Fst = 0.036, CHB: Fst = 0.031, CHS: Fst = 0.027, CDX: Fst = 0.025) in the population study. In addition, we identified pairs of skin traits at high risk of frequent co-occurrence (such as skin aging and wrinkles (r = 0.45, p = 1.50e-5) or collagen degradation and moisturizing (r = 0.35, p = 1.1e-3)). CONCLUSION: This is the first investigation in Vietnam to explore genetic variants of facial skin. These findings could improve inadequate skin-related genetic diversity in the currently published database.

Uncovering epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of growth in Douglas-fir: identification of differential methylation regions in mega-sized introns.

Tree growth performance can be partly explained by genetics, while a large proportion of growth variation is thought to be controlled by environmental factors. However, to what extent DNA methylation, a stable epigenetic modification, contributes to phenotypic plasticity in the growth performance of long-lived trees remains unclear. In this study, a comparative analysis of targeted DNA genotyping, DNA methylation and mRNAseq profiling for needles of 44-year-old Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) having contrasting growth characteristics was performed. In total, we identified 195 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 115 differentially methylated loci (DML) that are associated with genes involved in fitness-related processes such as growth, stress management, plant development and energy resources. Interestingly, all four intronic DML were identified in mega-sized (between 100 and 180 kbp in length) and highly expressed genes, suggesting specialized regulation mechanisms of these long intron genes in gymnosperms. DNA repetitive sequences mainly comprising long-terminal repeats of retroelements are involved in growth-associated DNA methylation regulation (both hyper- and hypomethylation) of 99 DML (86.1% of total DML). Furthermore, nearly 14% of the DML was not tagged by single nucleotide polymorphisms, suggesting a unique contribution of the epigenetic variation in tree growth.

A theoretical study of the oxidation of benzene by manganese oxide clusters: formation of quinone intermediates.

Manganese oxides (MnxOy) have been widely applied in various chemical industrial processes owing to their long lifetime, low cost and high abundance. They have been used as co-reactants for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); however, their oxidation mechanism is not clearly established. In this theoretical study, interaction capacities between benzene (C6H6) and MnxOy clusters, which were modeled with MnO2 and Mn2O3 molecules, were investigated by quantum chemical computations using density functional theory (DFT) with the PBE-D3 functional. The interaction capacity between C6H6 and MnxOy was evaluated, and the probing of the initial stage of the C6H6 oxidation at a molecular level offers an in-depth oxidation reaction path. Interaction energies computed in several spin states, along with the analysis of the electron distribution using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, natural bond orbital and Wiberg bond index techniques as well as local softness values and MO energies of fragments, point out that the interaction between C6H6 and Mn2O3 is stronger than that with MnO2, amounting to -43 and -35 kcal mol-1, respectively, and the metal atom is identified as the primary active site. During the oxide cluster-assisted oxidation, benzene firstly undergoes an oxidation reaction by active oxygen to generate intermediates such as hydroquinone and benzoquinone. The pathway involving p-benzoquinone as the product (noted as PR1) is the most energetically favored one through a transition structure lying at 19 kcal mol-1, below the energy reference of the reactants, leading to an energy barrier significantly lower than that of 36 kcal mol-1 found for the gas phase oxidation reaction with molecular oxygen without the assistance of the oxide clusters. Potential energy profiles illustrating the reaction paths and molecular mechanisms were described in detail.

An in silico investigation of the toxicological effects and biological activities of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid and its metabolite products.

We aimed to elucidate the toxic effects and biological activities of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA) and its metabolite products.Numerous in silico methods were used to identify the toxic effects and biological activities of 3PBA, including PASS online, molecular docking, ADMETlab 2.0, ADMESWISS, MetaTox, and molecular dynamic simulation.Ten metabolite products were identified via Phase II reactions (O-glucuronidation, O-sulfation, and methylation).All of the investigated compounds were followed by Lipinski's rule, indicating that they were stimulants or inducers of hazardous processes.Because of their high gastrointestinal absorption and ability to reach the blood-brain barrier, the studied compounds' physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties matched existing evidence of harmful effects, including haematemesis, reproductive dysfunction, allergic dermatitis, toxic respiration, and neurotoxicity.The studied compounds have been linked to the apoptotic pathway, the reproductivity system, neuroendocrine disruptors, phospholipid-translocating ATPase inhibitors, and JAK2 expression.An O-glucuronidation metabolite product demonstrated higher binding affinity and interaction with CYP2C9, CYP3A4, caspase 3, and caspase 8 than 3PBA and other metabolite products, whereas metabolite products from methylation were predominant and more toxic.Our in silico findings partly meet the 3Rs principle by minimizing animal testing before more study is needed to identify the detrimental effects of 3PBA on other organs (liver, kidneys).Future research directions may involve experimental validation of in silico predictions, elucidation of molecular mechanisms, and exploration of therapeutic interventions.These findings contribute to our understanding of the toxicological profile of 3PBA and its metabolites, which has implications for risk assessment and regulatory decisions.

Key properties & pharmacokinetics of 3PBA & its metabolites were reportedMetabolite products from methylation were predominant and more toxicMain toxics: haematemesis, reproductive dysfunction, toxic respiration, dermatitis.

The underbelly of E-cigarette advertising: regulating online markets on social media platforms.

Australia prohibits the sale of nicotine-vaping products unless prescribed by medical practitioners. Significant policy reforms were announced on the 28th of November 2023 including a ban on single-use disposable vapes with and without nicotine, and the removal of the personal importation scheme. Despite stringent regulations, loopholes exist such that e-cigarette vendors are getting around it, and online markets provide a route to do so. We discuss strategies used by vendors to covertly market e-cigarettes online through social media. In this perspective, we highlight three proposed policies to strengthen social media regulations that may be feasible to implement. Our proposed strategies to regulate e-cigarette product listings on social media involve implementing robust age verification measures, enhancing the system for flagging and reporting prohibited content, and developing a more effective system to identify and flag content related to e-cigarettes.

Mapping Studies of Alcohol Use Among People Living with HIV/AIDS During 1990-2019 (GAPRESEARCH).

Alcohol drinking has long been reported to be common in people living with HIV/AIDS, having biological and behavioral impacts on the transmission, progression, and prevention of HIV/AIDS. A total of 7059 eligible articles and reviews published in English from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the WOS. Results show an increase in publication volume, while citations peak for papers published in 2006. Content analysis reveals a wide-ranging coverage of topics, with the most popular being effects of alcohol consumption on ART adherence and outcomes, alcohol-related sexual behaviors, TB co-infection, and psycho-socio-cultural considerations in examining and designing measures targeting alcohol use and interventions to reduce alcohol dependence in PLWHA. This calls for more active engagement of governments in research and in designing and implementing interventions, as well as collaborations and knowledge transfer from high-income countries to developing counterparts, to effectively address alcohol use-related issues in PLWHA, moving toward the HIV/AIDS eradication target.

Predicting the long-term effects of electronic cigarette use on population health: a systematic review of modelling studies.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and synthesise the findings of modelling studies on the population impacts of e-cigarette use and to identify potential gaps requiring future investigation. DATA SOURCE AND STUDY SELECTION: Four databases were searched for modelling studies of e-cigarette use on population health published between 2010 and 2023. A total of 32 studies were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data on study characteristics, model attributes and estimates of population impacts including health outcomes and smoking prevalence were extracted from each article. The findings were synthesised narratively. DATA SYNTHESIS: The introduction of e-cigarettes was predicted to lead to decreased smoking-related mortality, increased quality-adjusted life-years and reduced health system costs in 29 studies. Seventeen studies predicted a lower prevalence of cigarette smoking. Models that predicted negative population impacts assumed very high e-cigarette initiation rates among non-smokers and that e-cigarette use would discourage smoking cessation by a large margin. The majority of the studies were based on US population data and few studies included factors other than smoking status, such as jurisdictional tobacco control policies or social influence. CONCLUSIONS: A population increase in e-cigarette use may result in lower smoking prevalence and reduced burden of disease in the long run, especially if their use can be restricted to assisting smoking cessation. Given the assumption-dependent nature of modelling outcomes, future modelling studies should consider incorporating different policy options in their projection exercises, using shorter time horizons and expanding their modelling to low-income and middle-income countries where smoking rates remain relatively high.

Preference and willingness to pay for reproductive health services among adults in Urban-Rural transition settings of a developing country: evidence from a cross-sectional study in a rural district of Hanoi, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of fee-for-service models in public hospitals and the legalization of private health services in Vietnam in 1989, the price of reproductive health services has risen. These changes have exacerbated inequities in accessing reproductive health services. This study examines potential disparities in willingness to pay for reproductive health services among adults in a rural district of Hanoi. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 9 communes in Thanh Oai district, a rural district of Hanoi, Vietnam, in July 2019. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect self-reported data. The contingent valuation was used to examine willingness to pay for reproductive health services with a starting price of 2 million VND (~ US$86.2, July 2019 exchange rate), which is the average price of all RHS in public facilities in Vietnam. Multiple Logistic regression and Multiple Interval regression models were used to identify factors associated with willingness to pay and the amount that people were willing to pay for reproductive health services. RESULTS: Among 883 participants, this study found 59.1% of them willing to pay for reproductive health services at an average maximum amount of US$36.2, significantly less than the current average price of US$86.2. Occupation, number of sex partners, perception towards the necessity of reproductive health services, and prior use of reproductive health services were found to significantly influence willingness to pay for reproductive health services, while age, income level, gender, occupation, perception towards the necessity of reproductive health services and prior use of reproductive health services were reportedly correlated with the amount participants were willing to pay for reproductive health services. CONCLUSION: Lower willingness to pay for reproductive health services compared to the current prices (US$36.2 vs. US$86.2) is likely related to an overall low awareness of the necessity of reproductive health services, and future education campaigns should specifically target those from lower-income backgrounds. Financial subsidization should also be provided, especially for those from the low-income group, to ensure equitable access to reproductive health services. Given the heterogeneity of reproductive health services, further studies should examine the willingness to pay for each type of service independently.

Cadmium exposure is associated with chronic kidney disease in a superfund site lead smelter community in Dallas, Texas.

Background: The study was conducted in a Dallas lead smelter community following an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Cleanup project. Lead smelters operated in the Dallas community since the mid-1930s.Aim: To test the hypothesis that cadmium (Cd) exposure is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) ≥ stage 3.Subjects and methods: Subjects were African American residents aged ≥19 to ≤ 89 years (n=835). CKD ≥ stage 3 was predicted by blood Cd concentration with covariates.Results: In logistic regression analysis, CKD ≥ stage 3 was predicted by age ≥ 50 years (OR = 4.41, p < 0.0001), Cd level (OR = 1.89, p < .05), hypertension (OR = 3.15, p < 0.03), decades living in the community (OR = 1.34, p < 0.003) and T2DM (OR = 2.51, p < 0.01). Meta-analysis of 11 studies of Cd and CKD ≥ stage 3 yielded an ORRANDOM of 1.40 (p < 0.0001). Chronic environmental Cd exposure is associated with CKD ≥ stage 3 in a Dallas lead smelter community controlling covariates.Conclusion: Public health implications include screening for heavy metals including Cd, cleanup efforts to remove Cd from the environment and treating CKD with newer renal-sparing medications (e.g., SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1s).

Depressive symptoms are associated with immunological failure among HIV-positive patients in Vietnam.

As the lives of people living with HIV (PLWH) become increasingly normalized, more focus is being given to the associated comorbidities of HIV, including those related to mental health such as depression. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between depressive symptoms and HIV outcomes in Vietnam through the measurement of CD4 cell count. A mixed design was utilized, in which both a longitudinal assessment of CD4 cell counts and a cross-sectional survey of depressive symptoms were conducted on 481 patients in the Bach Mai and Ha Dong HIV clinics (Hanoi, Vietnam). CD4 cell count data was extracted from the medical records of participants, and depressive symptoms were screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The results illustrate that the presence of moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms is associated with lower CD4 cell counts, indicating poorer HIV outcomes resulting from comorbid depression. This correlation was especially noticeable in the PHQ-9 items for psychomotor agitation/retardation (p < 0.05) and suicidal ideation (p < 0.05). Future policy and treatment options for HIV in Vietnam should consider the presence of comorbid mental health conditions in order to provide more suitable and effective treatment in the goal of providing a higher quality of life for PLWH.

CRIF1 siRNA-Encapsulated PLGA Nanoparticles Suppress Tumor Growth in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system dysfunction in cancer cells has been exploited as a target for anti-cancer therapeutic intervention. The downregulation of CR6-interacting factor 1 (CRIF1), an essential mito-ribosomal factor, can impair mitochondrial function in various cell types. In this study, we investigated whether CRIF1 deficiency induced by siRNA and siRNA nanoparticles could suppress MCF-7 breast cancer growth and tumor development, respectively. Our results showed that CRIF1 silencing decreased the assembly of mitochondrial OXPHOS complexes I and II, which induced mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and excessive mitochondrial fission. CRIF1 inhibition reduced p53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) expression, as well as NADPH synthesis, leading to additional increases in ROS production. The downregulation of CRIF1 suppressed cell proliferation and inhibited cell migration through the induction of G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Similarly, the intratumoral injection of CRIF1 siRNA-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles inhibited tumor growth, downregulated the assembly of mitochondrial OXPHOS complexes I and II, and induced the expression of cell cycle protein markers (p53, p21, and p16) in MCF-7 xenograft mice. Thus, the inhibition of mitochondrial OXPHOS protein synthesis through CRIF1 deletion destroyed mitochondrial function, leading to elevated ROS levels and inducing antitumor effects in MCF-7 cells.

Promotions of vaping products near schools and central business district: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

ISSUES ADDRESSED: The increase of youth vaping in Australia has raised concerns, especially with increasing promotions of vaping products. We observed the visibility of vaping products near high-adolescent-traffic areas. METHODS: We examined stores within walking distance of high schools and the central business district (CBD) in Brisbane, Australia, observing the number and proportion of stores selling or displaying vaping products. Using an observational approach, we analysed advertisements and open displays of vaping products at tobacconists, vape stores, and convenience stores. RESULTS: We identified 61 eligible stores located near schools or in the CBD. Overall, 20% of stores displayed vaping products externally, with higher proportions among vape stores (78%) compared to tobacconists (36%). Additionally, 46% of stores had visible interior displays, with vape stores (89%) displaying them more frequently than tobacconists (71%). Among the 28 stores displaying vaping products, 57% included warnings, one store featured only flavoured products, and 25% showcased nicotine-containing products. Youth-appealing features were present in all but one store, with cartoons (61%) as the most common feature. CONCLUSION: Vapes were displayed near high schools and in the city, often featuring youth-appealing features, such as colours and flavours. SO WHAT?: The exposure to such promotions could normalise vaping and contribute to increased youth uptake. Continued monitoring of vaping product promotions is essential, particularly considering recent policy changes.

Structural barriers for retention of HIV/AIDS patients after initiating antiretroviral therapy in outpatient clinics of Vietnam.

Little evidence is available about structural factors associated with the retention in care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in Vietnam. This retrospective longitudinal study was conducted among PLWH initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 62 ART clinics from 15 provinces, to estimate retention rates and identify specific related structural factors. Facility-related factors such as location, duration of HIV service implantation, level of healthcare facility, frequency of drugs dispensed, integration of HIV care were examined. Cox proportional hazard model was employed to estimate the retention rate and association between facility-level factors and loss-to-follow up (LTFU). Among 20,119 patients, the retention rates after 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months were 96.5% (95% CI = 96.2%-96.7%), 93.6% (95% CI = 93.2%-93.9%), 90.2% (95% CI = 89.8%-90.6%), 87.9% (95% CI = 87.4%-88.4%) and 86.0% (95% CI = 85.4%-86.5%), respectively. Facility-level factors associated with increased risk of LTFU included duration of HIV service implementation, frequency of drug dispensed per month, integration of HIV care and of treatment procedures into general care, clinics at central or provincial level and in the Middle region of Vietnam. Such association should be addressed in future care planning and HIV/AIDS management to ensure greater coverage of therapy in Vietnam.

Investigation of target sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and immunogenic GWAS profiling in host cells of COVID-19 in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: A global pandemic has been declared for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has serious impacts on human health and healthcare systems in the affected areas, including Vietnam. None of the previous studies have a framework to provide summary statistics of the virus variants and assess the severity associated with virus proteins and host cells in COVID-19 patients in Vietnam. METHOD: In this paper, we comprehensively investigated SARS-CoV-2 variants and immune responses in COVID-19 patients. We provided summary statistics of target sequences of SARS-CoV-2 in Vietnam and other countries for data scientists to use in downstream analysis for therapeutic targets. For host cells, we proposed a predictive model of the severity of COVID-19 based on public datasets of hospitalization status in Vietnam, incorporating a polygenic risk score. This score uses immunogenic SNP biomarkers as indicators of COVID-19 severity. RESULT: We identified that the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is most prevalent in southern areas of Vietnam and it is different from other areas in the world using various data sources. Our predictive models of COVID-19 severity had high accuracy (Random Forest AUC = 0.81, Elastic Net AUC = 0.7, and SVM AUC = 0.69) and showed that the use of polygenic risk scores increased the models' predictive capabilities. CONCLUSION: We provided a comprehensive analysis for COVID-19 severity in Vietnam. This investigation is not only helpful for COVID-19 treatment in therapeutic target studies, but also could influence further research on the disease progression and personalized clinical outcomes.

From Genome Sequencing to CRISPR-Based Genome Editing for Climate-Resilient Forest Trees.

Due to the economic and ecological importance of forest trees, modern breeding and genetic manipulation of forest trees have become increasingly prevalent. The CRISPR-based technology provides a versatile, powerful, and widely accepted tool for analyzing gene function and precise genetic modification in virtually any species but remains largely unexplored in forest species. Rapidly accumulating genetic and genomic resources for forest trees enabled the identification of numerous genes and biological processes that are associated with important traits such as wood quality, drought, or pest resistance, facilitating the selection of suitable gene editing targets. Here, we introduce and discuss the latest progress, opportunities, and challenges of genome sequencing and editing for improving forest sustainability.

Acceptance and willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and the willingness to pay (WTP) for it, and investigate associated factors among pregnant women in Vietnam. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of pregnant women in two obstetric hospitals in Hanoi and Ca Mau provinces, Vietnam. Data on acceptance and WTP for COVID-19, demographic characteristics, maternal characteristics, and risk perceptions toward COVID-19 were collected. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were performed to identify factors associated with the acceptance and WTP for the vaccine. RESULTS: Of 651 pregnant women, 60.4% accepted to receive the vaccine, and 82.6% of the total pregnant women were willing to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine with the mean amount of WTP of USD 15.2 (SD ± 27.4). The most common reason for refusing vaccination was "Worry about the safety of the vaccine" (66.9%) in Hanoi and "The preventive effect of COVID-19 is low" (45.2%) in Ca Mau. A higher income, having children, self-perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, and perceived risk to friends were associated with a higher likelihood of acceptance and WTP for the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing COVID-19 vaccination and resource mobilisation among pregnant women in Vietnam is feasible, although communication programmes to improve risk perception and awareness about vaccine should be developed for facilitating acceptance of the vaccine.

Genome invasion by a hypomethylated satellite repeat in Australian crucifer Ballantinia antipoda.

Repetitive sequences are ubiquitous components of all eukaryotic genomes. They contribute to genome evolution and the regulation of gene transcription. However, the uncontrolled activity of repetitive sequences can negatively affect genome functions and stability. Therefore, repetitive DNAs are embedded in a highly repressive heterochromatic environment in plant cell nuclei. Here, we analyzed the sequence, composition and the epigenetic makeup of peculiar non-pericentromeric heterochromatic segments in the genome of the Australian crucifer Ballantinia antipoda. By the combination of high throughput sequencing, graph-based clustering and cytogenetics, we found that the heterochromatic segments consist of a mixture of unique sequences and an A-T-rich 174 bp satellite repeat (BaSAT1). BaSAT1 occupies about 10% of the B. antipoda nuclear genome in >250 000 copies. Unlike many other highly repetitive sequences, BaSAT1 repeats are hypomethylated; this contrasts with the normal patterns of DNA methylation in the B. antipoda genome. Detailed analysis of several copies revealed that these non-methylated BaSAT1 repeats were also devoid of heterochromatic histone H3K9me2 methylation. However, the factors decisive for the methylation status of BaSAT1 repeats remain currently unknown. In summary, we show that even highly repetitive sequences can exist as hypomethylated in the plant nuclear genome.

A global bibliometric analysis of antiretroviral treatment adherence: implications for interventions and research development (GAPRESEARCH).

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has helped HIV population to live longer, but they could face not only AIDS-related morbidity but also other non-communicable diseases. Paying attention to ART adherence requires a system thinking with the life-long factors, individual-environment interactions and contextualized dynamics. Although several quantitative research had been conducted, they were not able to fully demonstrate the development of research approaches and scopes of previous studies. Essential and practical public health policy should be based on the most accessible and strategically analyzed evidence. Therefore, our study uses a scientometric approach to supplement previous reviews research covering until the end of 2017. Using a combination of two quantitative approaches to supplement previous reviews, we attempt to identify the research trends and potential research gaps which could be very helpful for policies and practices enhancements to inform evidence-based strategies. Our result indicates countries tend to collaborate in traditional models rather than prioritize severity and characteristics of HIV epidemics. Further ART research should highlight the incorporation of newly developed technology to examine long-term impacts, combine multiple measures, address contextual factors, and involve available technologies and resources, e.g., family, community.

Burden of injuries in Vietnam: emerging trends from a decade of economic achievement.

BACKGROUND: Vietnam has been one of the fastest-growing world economies in the past decade. The burden of injuries can be affected by economic growth given the increased exposure to causes of injury as well as decreased morbidity and mortality of those that experience injury. It is of interest to evaluate the trends in injury burden that occurred alongside Vietnam's economic growth in the past decade. METHODS: Results from Global Burden of Disease 2017 were obtained and reviewed. Estimates of incidence, cause-specific mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years were analysed and reported for 30 causes of injury in Vietnam from 2007 to 2017. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2017, the age-standardised incidence rate of all injuries increased by 14.6% (11.5%-18.2%), while the age-standardised mortality rate decreased by 11.6% (3.0%-20.2%). Interpersonal violence experienced the largest increase in age-standardised incidence (28.3% (17.6%-40.1%)), while exposure to forces of nature had the largest decrease in age-standardised mortality (47.1% (37.9%-54.6%)). The five leading causes of injury in both 2007 and 2017 were road injuries, falls, exposure to mechanical forces, interpersonal violence and other unintentional injuries, all of which increased in incidence from 2007 to 2017. Injury burden varied markedly by age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid expansions of economic growth in Vietnam as well as improvements in the Sociodemographic Index have occurred alongside dynamic patterns in injury burden. These results should be used to develop and implement prevention and treatment programme.

Preferences for methadone clinics among drug users in Vietnam: a comparison between public and private models.

BACKGROUND: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been proven to be effective in treating opioid dependence. In Vietnam, MMT services are provided primarily by public clinics, with only one private MMT clinic established in recent years. Assessing the preferences of patients for different MMT models is important in evaluating the feasibility of these models. This study measured the preferences of drug users enrolling in public and private MMT clinics in Vietnam and examines the related factors of these preferences. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 395 participants at 3 methadone clinics in Nam Dinh. Data about the preferences for MMT models and sociodemographic characteristics of participants were collected. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to explore the construct validity of the questionnaire. The chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were used for analyzing demographic characteristics and preferences of participants. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with participants' preferences. RESULTS: Half the participants received MMT treatment in a private facility (49.4%). Two preference dimensions were defined as "Availability and convenience of service" and "Competencies of clinic and health professionals". Self-employed patients were more likely to consider these two dimensions when choosing MMT models. Only 9.9% of participants chose "Privacy" as one of the evaluation criteria for an MMT facility. Compared to public clinics, a statistically higher percentage of patients in the private clinic chose the attitudes of health workers as the reason for using MMT service (34.7% and 7.6% respectively). Mean score of satisfaction towards MMT services was 8.6 (SD = 1.0), and this score was statistically higher in a public facility, compared to the private facility (8.7 and 8.4 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted patterns of patient preferences towards MMT clinics. Compared to the public MMT model, the private MMT model may need to enhance their services to improve patient satisfaction.