COVID-19 vaccination: public preference and intention in Vietnam.

Backgrounds: Understanding public opinion in relation to vaccination is critical, as there are several COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess public COVID-19 vaccine preferences and intention in Can Tho, Vietnam. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed between September 20 and October 20, 2021. in people aged 18 and over living in Can Tho, Vietnam, A questionnaire captured demographic information, vaccination intention, preference for vaccine selection, and barriers and motivations related to COVID-19 vaccination. Predictors for vaccination willingness among unvaccinated people were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Out of the proposed vaccines that have been approved by the Vietnam Ministry of Health, AstraZeneca (31.4%), Pfizer (23.5%), and Moderna (14.7%) were the most preferred by participants. Out of 1,470 respondents, 35.8% have received at least one vaccine dose, and of these, 76.9% intended to continue to receive vaccinations. Among the unvaccinated, 74.8% reported that they would be willing to complete the vaccination. Most participants stated that they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine if provided with adequate information on effectiveness and safety (92.7%). The possibility of side effects after vaccination (75.4%) was the most important barrier to vaccination. Education, health status, and prior flu-vaccination were associated with the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccination among those who had not previously received one. Conclusions: Many unvaccinated adults were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, with AstraZeneca being the preferred choice. These findings could help in the planning of vaccination campaigns to increase vaccination uptake in Vietnam.

Cochlear implant user perceptions of magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To characterise opinions about needing to undergo MRI within the population of current cochlear implant (CI) users. BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of CI users is often associated with severe discomfort and magnet displacement. METHODS: A global online survey of 310 CI users was conducted between 22nd July and 13th September 2020. RESULTS: Only 55% of respondents had been told whether their model of CI could undergo MRI. 31% of respondents considered MRI when deciding whether to receive a CI, and 28% when deciding which CI model to have. 64% reported concerns related to their CI if needing MRI compared to 29% reporting concerns unrelated to their CI. Willingness to undergo MRI reduced when considering magnet removal, splinting, bandaging, local anaesthesia, lasting discomfort, an inability to use their CI, or a reduction in image quality because of their CI. The single most influential factor was the possibility of damaging their CI (63%). 59% of respondents would consider minor surgery to upgrade their retaining magnet to one of a rotating design. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the heterogeneity of CI users' opinions about MRI. CONCLUSION: We suggest several opportunities for improving the dissemination of current and accurate MRI-related information for CI users.

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

Introduction: The significance of herbal medicine (HM) during the COVID-19 pandemic has been confirmed. Nevertheless, limited studies have included the people perspectives on COVID-19 prevention/treatment using herbal medicine in Vietnam. Thus, this study tackled the aforementioned issue. Methods: Online-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Vietnamese adults between February-April 2021. Descriptive analysis, regression and Chi-squared tests were implemented for the statistical purposes. Results: total of 787 respondents attended the study, 368 (46.8%) confirmed that they use herbal medicine/nutritional supplements for COVID-19 prevention/treatment. Over 50% of the respondents possessed positive perspective on vitamin C ingestion. Using herbal medicine for external use as a disinfectant was mostly preferred. Respondents who had a 'very good' health self-perception or who lived in rural areas, were more likely to have a positive opinion in the COVID-19 prevention/treatment using herbal medicine. The main barrier for herbal medicine utilization was the deficiency of personal experience or expert advice. Conclusion: The Vietnamese people commonly utilize herbal medicine for the COVID-19 prevention/treatment. These data might help policy-makers in managing the public knowledge and practice on herbal medicine use in Vietnam.

Large Mucocele of the Appendix Discovered in a 48-Year-Old Male Presenting With Appendicitis: A Case Report.

The appendix is a vermiform-like organ that extends from the cecum and has been thought of as having a rudimentary immunologic function. However, the appendix can become distended and mucus-filled, classifying it as a mucocele appendix. Mucoceles can be found in various locations in the body, including the colon and the appendix, and have malignancy potential. We report a case of a 48-year-old male that presented to the ED with a history of two days of abdominal pain. Upon arriving at the ED, he had a CT scan showing a 9.5 x 4.2 x 6.4 cm fluid collection in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) juxtaposed to the cecum, suggesting appendicitis or an abscess. Initially, a laparoscopic approach was taken, which was then converted to an open laparotomy. The mass was excised and a right hemicolectomy was performed along with an ileocolonic anastomosis due to extensive involvement of the large intestine. Pathology reported a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm resected with negative margins and 16 negative lymph nodes.

Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy in a Sheep Model of Tay-Sachs Disease.

Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme hexosaminidase A (HexA). TSD also occurs in sheep, the only experimental model of TSD that has clinical signs of disease. The natural history of sheep TSD was characterized using serial neurological evaluations, 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiograms, electrodiagnostics, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Intracranial gene therapy was also tested using AAVrh8 monocistronic vectors encoding the α-subunit of Hex (TSD α) or a mixture of two vectors encoding both the α and ß subunits separately (TSD α + ß) injected at high (1.3 × 1013 vector genomes) or low (4.2 × 1012 vector genomes) dose. Delay of symptom onset and/or reduction of acquired symptoms were noted in all adeno-associated virus-treated sheep. Postmortem evaluation showed superior HexA and vector genome distribution in the brain of TSD α + ß sheep compared to TSD α sheep, but spinal cord distribution was low in all groups. Isozyme analysis showed superior HexA formation after treatment with both vectors (TSD α + ß), and ganglioside clearance was most widespread in the TSD α + ß high-dose sheep. Microglial activation and proliferation in TSD sheep-most prominent in the cerebrum-were attenuated after gene therapy. This report demonstrates therapeutic efficacy for TSD in the sheep brain, which is on the same order of magnitude as a child's brain.

MAVEN observations of the response of Mars to an interplanetary coronal mass ejection.

Coupling between the lower and upper atmosphere, combined with loss of gas from the upper atmosphere to space, likely contributed to the thin, cold, dry atmosphere of modern Mars. To help understand ongoing ion loss to space, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft made comprehensive measurements of the Mars upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and interactions with the Sun and solar wind during an interplanetary coronal mass ejection impact in March 2015. Responses include changes in the bow shock and magnetosheath, formation of widespread diffuse aurora, and enhancement of pick-up ions. Observations and models both show an enhancement in escape rate of ions to space during the event. Ion loss during solar events early in Mars history may have been a major contributor to the long-term evolution of the Mars atmosphere.

Early MAVEN Deep Dip campaign reveals thermosphere and ionosphere variability.

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, during the second of its Deep Dip campaigns, made comprehensive measurements of martian thermosphere and ionosphere composition, structure, and variability at altitudes down to ~130 kilometers in the subsolar region. This altitude range contains the diffusively separated upper atmosphere just above the well-mixed atmosphere, the layer of peak extreme ultraviolet heating and primary reservoir for atmospheric escape. In situ measurements of the upper atmosphere reveal previously unmeasured populations of neutral and charged particles, the homopause altitude at approximately 130 kilometers, and an unexpected level of variability both on an orbit-to-orbit basis and within individual orbits. These observations help constrain volatile escape processes controlled by thermosphere and ionosphere structure and variability.

Effect of exercise and environmental terrain on development of the digital cushion and bony structures of the bovine foot.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether exercise on alternative terrain affects the development of the digital cushion and bony structures of the bovine foot. ANIMALS: 20 weaned bull calves. PROCEDURES: Two-month-old calves were randomly allocated to an exercise or control group. For 4 months, the control group was maintained in grass paddocks, and the exercise group was maintained in a 0.8-km lane with a mixed terrain of dirt, stones (0.32- to 0.95-cm pea gravel and 5-cm crusher run), and grass. Water and food for the exercise group were located at opposite ends of the lane; calves were fed twice daily, which ensured they walked 3.2 km/d. Pedometers were applied to all calves to measure distance traveled. All calves were slaughtered at 6 months of age. The right forefeet and hind feet were harvested for MRI and CT evaluation. RESULTS: Control calves walked a mean of 1.1 km daily, whereas the exercised calves walked a mean of 3.2 km daily. Mean digital cushion volume and surface area were 25,335 mm(3) and 15,647 mm(2), respectively, for the exercised calves and 17,026 mm(3) and 12,745 mm(2), respectively, for the control calves. When weight was controlled, mean digital cushion volume and surface area for the exercise group were increased by 37.10% and 18.25%, respectively, from those for the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that exercise on alternative terrain increased the volume and surface area of the digital cushion of the feet of dairy calves, which should make them less susceptible to lameness.

Curcumin ameliorates autoimmune diabetes. Evidence in accelerated murine models of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that selectively destroys pancreatic ß cells. The only possible cure for T1DM is to control autoimmunity against ß cell-specific antigens. We explored whether the natural compound curcumin, with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, might down-regulate the T cell response that destroys pancreatic ß cells to improve disease outcome in autoimmune diabetes. We employed two accelerated autoimmune diabetes models: (i) cyclophosphamide (CYP) administration to non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and (ii) adoptive transfer of diabetogenic splenocytes into NODscid mice. Curcumin treatment led to significant delay of disease onset, and in some instances prevented autoimmune diabetes by inhibiting pancreatic leucocyte infiltration and preserving insulin-expressing cells. To investigate the mechanisms of protection we studied the effect of curcumin on key immune cell populations involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Curcumin modulates the T lymphocyte response impairing proliferation and interferon (IFN)-γ production through modulation of T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), a key transcription factor for proinflammatory T helper type 1 (Th1) lymphocyte differentiation, both at the transcriptional and translational levels. Also, curcumin reduces nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in T cell receptor (TCR)-stimulated NOD lymphocytes. In addition, curcumin impairs the T cell stimulatory function of dendritic cells with reduced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) and low surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules, leading to an overall diminished antigen-presenting cell activity. These in-vitro effects correlated with ex-vivo analysis of cells obtained from curcumin-treated mice during the course of autoimmune diabetes. These findings reveal an effective therapeutic effect of curcumin in autoimmune diabetes by its actions on key immune cells responsible for ß cell death.

Cell-based interventions to halt autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from death of insulin-secreting ß cells mediated by self-immune cells, and the consequent inability of the body to maintain insulin levels for appropriate glucose homeostasis. Probably initiated by environmental factors, this disease takes place in genetically predisposed individuals. Given the autoimmune nature of T1DM, therapeutics targeting immune cells involved in disease progress have been explored over the last decade. Several high-cost trials have been attempted to prevent and/or reverse T1DM. Although a definitive solution to cure T1DM is not yet available, a large amount of information about its nature and development has contributed greatly to both the improvement of patient's health care and design of new treatments. In this study, we discuss the role of different types of immune cells involved in T1DM pathogenesis and their therapeutic potential as targets and/or modified tools to treat patients. Recently, encouraging results and new approaches to sustain remnant ß cell mass and to increase ß cell proliferation by different cell-based means have emerged. Results coming from ongoing clinical trials employing cell therapy designed to arrest T1DM will probably proliferate in the next few years. Strategies under consideration include infusion of several types of stem cells, dendritic cells and regulatory T cells, either manipulated genetically ex vivo or non-manipulated. Their use in combination approaches is another therapeutic alternative. Cell-based interventions, without undesirable side effects, directed to block the uncontrollable autoimmune response may become a clinical reality in the next few years for the treatment of patients with T1DM.

Induced transgene expression for the treatment of solid tumors by hematopoietic stem cell-based gene therapy.

Tumor microenvironment is composed of different cell types including immune cells. Far from acting to eradicate cancer cells, these bone marrow-derived components could be involved in carcinogenesis and/or tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we describe an alternative approach to treat solid tumors based on the genetic modification of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with lentiviral vectors. To achieve transgene expression in derivative tumor infiltrating leukocytes and to try to decrease systemic toxicity, we used the stress inducible human HSP70B promoter. Functionality of the promoter was characterized in vitro using hyperthermia. Antitumor efficacy was assessed by ex vivo genetic modification of lineage-negative cells with lentiviral vectors encoding the dominant-negative mutant of the human transforming growth factor-ß receptor II (TßRIIDN) driven by the HSP70B promoter, and reinfusion of cells into recipient mice. Subsequently, syngeneic GL261 glioma cells were subcutaneously injected into bone marrow-transplanted mice. As a result, a massive antitumor response was observed in mice harboring TßRIIDN under the HSP70B promoter, without the need of any external source of stress. In summary, this study shows that stem cell-based gene therapy in combination with spatial and temporal control of transgene expression in derivative tumor-infiltrating cells represents an alternative strategy for the development of novel antitumor therapies.

Evidence-based guideline update: treatment of essential tremor: report of the Quality Standards subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.

BACKGROUND: This evidence-based guideline is an update of the 2005 American Academy of Neurology practice parameter on the treatment of essential tremor (ET). METHODS: A literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, and CINAHL was performed to identify clinical trials in patients with ET published between 2004 and April 2010. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Conclusions and recommendations for the use of propranolol, primidone (Level A, established as effective); alprazolam, atenolol, gabapentin (monotherapy), sotalol, topiramate (Level B, probably effective); nadolol, nimodipine, clonazepam, botulinum toxin A, deep brain stimulation, thalamotomy (Level C, possibly effective); and gamma knife thalamotomy (Level U, insufficient evidence) are unchanged from the previous guideline. Changes to conclusions and recommendations from the previous guideline include the following: 1) levetiracetam and 3,4-diaminopyridine probably do not reduce limb tremor in ET and should not be considered (Level B); 2) flunarizine possibly has no effect in treating limb tremor in ET and may not be considered (Level C); and 3) there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of pregabalin, zonisamide, or clozapine as treatment for ET (Level U).

Evaluation of cognitive loads imposed by traditional paper-based and innovative computer-based instructional strategies.

Strategies of presenting instructional information affect the type of cognitive load imposed on the learner's working memory. Effective instruction reduces extraneous (ineffective) cognitive load and promotes germane (effective) cognitive load. Eighty first-year students from two veterinary schools completed a two-section questionnaire that evaluated their perspectives on the educational value of a computer-based instructional program. They compared the difference between cognitive loads imposed by paper-based and computer-based instructional strategies used to teach the anatomy of the canine skeleton. Section I included 17 closed-ended items, rated on a five-point Likert scale, that assessed the use of graphics, content, and the learning process. Section II included a nine-point mental effort rating scale to measure the level of difficulty of instruction; students were asked to indicate the amount of mental effort invested in the learning task using both paper-based and computer-based presentation formats. The closed-ended data were expressed as means and standard deviations. A paired t test with an alpha level of 0.05 was used to determine the overall mean difference between the two presentation formats. Students positively evaluated their experience with the computer-based instructional program with a mean score of 4.69 (SD=0.53) for use of graphics, 4.70 (SD=0.56) for instructional content, and 4.45 (SD=0.67) for the learning process. The mean difference of mental effort (1.50) between the two presentation formats was significant, t=8.26, p≤.0001, df=76, for two-tailed distribution. Consistent with cognitive load theory, innovative computer-based instructional strategies decrease extraneous cognitive load compared with traditional paper-based instructional strategies.

Practice parameter: therapies for essential tremor: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.

BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common tremor disorders in adults and is characterized by kinetic and postural tremor. To develop this practice parameter, the authors reviewed available evidence regarding initiation of pharmacologic and surgical therapies, duration of their effect, their relative benefits and risks, and the strength of evidence supporting their use. METHODS: A literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, and CINAHL was performed to identify clinical trials in patients with ET published between 1966 and August 2004. Articles were classified according to a four-tiered level of evidence scheme and recommendations were based on the level of evidence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol and primidone reduce limb tremor (Level A). Alprazolam, atenolol, gabapentin (monotherapy), sotalol, and topiramate are probably effective in reducing limb tremor (Level B). Limited studies suggest that propranolol reduces head tremor (Level B). Clonazepam, clozapine, nadolol, and nimodipine possibly reduce limb tremor (Level C). Botulinum toxin A may reduce hand tremor but is associated with dose-dependent hand weakness (Level C). Botulinum toxin A may reduce head tremor (Level C) and voice tremor (Level C), but breathiness, hoarseness, and swallowing difficulties may occur in the treatment of voice tremor. Chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) (Level C) and thalamotomy (Level C) are highly efficacious in reducing tremor. Each procedure carries a small risk of major complications. Some adverse events from DBS may resolve with time or with adjustment of stimulator settings. There is insufficient evidence regarding the surgical treatment of head and voice tremor and the use of gamma knife thalamotomy (Level U). Additional prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed to better determine the efficacy and side effects of pharmacologic and surgical treatments of ET.

Pergolide use in Parkinson disease is associated with cardiac valve regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if pergolide injures heart valves, by comparing echocardiographic findings in pergolide-treated patients with those of a historical control group. METHODS: Letters were sent to all patients in the authors' practice believed to be taking pergolide, and those responders who wished to continue it were urged to undergo echocardiography. Echocardiograms were obtained on 46 patients, and scores for valvular regurgitation were compared with those from an age-matched control group derived from the Framingham Study. The composite valve regurgitation score was modeled as a linear function of total milligrams lifetime use of pergolide, controlling for age. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent of pergolide-treated patients had some degree of valvular insufficiency. For each of the three valves for which there are control data, we found an approximately 2- to 3-fold increased risk of abnormal valves in the pergolide patients (odds ratio [OR] approximately 3) and an estimated 14-fold increased risk of concerning tricuspid regurgitation (OR = 18.4). The composite valve score (the sum of valve scores for each of the four valves) was a function of lifetime pergolide use. CONCLUSION: Pergolide may injure cardiac valves, resulting most commonly in tricuspid regurgitation.

Accuracy of clinical detection of INO in MS: corroboration with quantitative infrared oculography.

The authors compared the accuracy of clinical detection (by 279 physician observers) of internuclear ophthalmoparesis (INO) with that of quantitative infrared oculography. For the patients with mild adduction slowing, INO was not identified by 71%. Intermediate dysconjugacy was not detected by 25% of the evaluators. In the most severe cases, INO was not identified by only 6%. Oculographic techniques significantly enhance the precision of INO detection compared to the clinical exam.

Benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo in multiple sclerosis: diagnosis, pathophysiology and therapeutic techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the most common causes of vertigo in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and emphasize appropriate diagnostic techniques and treatment interventions. BACKGROUND: True vertigo is estimated to occur in about 20% of MS patients. Lesions within the vestibular nuclei and in the root entry zone of cranial nerve VIII represent the most common locations where demyelinating activity can provoke vertigo in patients with MS. However, other causes of vertigo should be explored in MS patients in order to avoid unnecessary treatment with corticosteroids and vestibular suppressants. Recently, we reviewed our four-year experience with new onset vertigo in our university-based MS population and found that benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV) to be the most common cause. All patients diagnosed with BPPV were treated successfully with particle repositioning maneuvers. The remaining patients were treated with conventional therapies appropriate for the specific diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Empiric treatments with corticosteroids and/or vestibular suppressants should not be employed until all MS patients undergo a careful bedside examination, which includes diagnostic positional and, if indicated, particle repositioning maneuvers. Here we emphasize the pathophysiology of BPPV and illustrate the proper techniques for the diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers.

In utero gene delivery by intraamniotic injection of a retroviral vector producer cell line in a nonhuman primate model.

In utero gene therapy (IUGT) offers the promise of treating a wide variety of genetic diseases before the development of disease manifestations. The most convenient and potentially easiest method of targeting the fetus is through injection into the amniotic cavity. For long-term correction of genetic defects, retroviral vectors have great potential as a tool for gene therapy strategies. However, retroviral vectors are limited by growth to low titers. In an attempt to increase the amount of vector particles delivered and assess the potential of intraamniotic administration, we injected a retroviral vector producer cell line encoding the lacZ gene into the amniotic fluid of a nonhuman primate model. After birth the infants were analyzed for vector-mediated transduction. Two of four fetuses were successfully transduced, with transgene expression detected in the esophagus, trachea, and stomach. In some sections of tissue, nearly 100% of the cells lining the lumen of these tissues were positive for transduction. Although successful, the limited number of tissues in which transduction was observed led to an in vitro analysis of the effects of amniotic fluid (AF). The presence of amniotic fluid inhibited transduction by 99%. AF affected both the transducing activity of the vector and the health of the packaging cells. The negative effects of AF were gestational age dependent; greater inhibition was observed from AF collected at later stages of pregnancy. The fact that transduction was successful despite these negative effects indicates that this approach is a promising strategy for gene therapy.

Proprioception in Parkinson's disease is acutely depressed by dopaminergic medications.

OBJECTIVES: Impaired proprioception has been previously reported in patients with Parkinson's disease. It was hypothesised that dopaminergic medications transiently depress proprioception, with amplification of adventitious movements as a result. This study tested for effects on proprioception of dopaminergic drugs, and for associations between such effects and drug induced dyskinesias. METHODS: In 17 patients with Parkinson's disease, arm proprioception was tested in the practically defined "off" state, and retested 1 hour after taking levodopa or dopamine agonist. Testing consisted of side to side comparison of elbow angle, matching the contralateral elbow angle, and spatial recall of an unrestrained arm. RESULTS: Proprioception deteriorated as hypothesised, reaching significance by one tailed t test for each of the three tasks. The relative deterioration (and the 95% lower confidence bound for estimated deterioration) was 31% (4%) for side to side elbow comparison, was 27% (11%) for accuracy in matching the contralateral elbow angle, and was 11% (0%) for spatial recall. Dyskinetic (n=6) and non-dyskinetic (n=11) patients did not differ significantly in these effects on proprioception. Control subjects (n=6) and untreated parkinsonian subjects (n=5) did not significantly differ from the parkinsonian patients in the off state. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of levodopa and dopamine agonists were associated with a modest acute suppression in central responsiveness to joint position. It is speculated that compensatory exaggerated movement could account in part for the phenomenon of drug induced dyskinesias.