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Abstract The Vietnamese native pig (VnP)—a porcine breed with a small body—has proven suitable as a biomedical animal model. Here, we demonstrate that, compared to other breeds, VnPs have fewer copies of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs), which pose a risk for xenotransplantation of pig organs to humans. More specifically, we sought to characterize non-reference PERVs (nrPERVs) that were previously unidentified in the reference genome. To this end, we used whole-genome sequencing data to identify nrPERV loci with long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences in VnPs. RetroSeq was used to estimate nrPERV loci based on the most current porcine reference genome (Sscrofa11.1). LTRs were detected using de novo sequencing read assembly near the loci containing the target site duplication sequences in the inferred regions. A total of 21 non-reference LTR loci were identified and separated into two subtypes based on phylogenetic analysis. Moreover, PERVs within the detected LTR loci were identified, the presence of which was confirmed using conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing. These novel loci represent previously unknown PERVs as they have not been identified in the porcine reference genome. Thus, our RetroSeq method accurately detects novel PERV loci, and can be applied for development of a useful biomedical model.

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Vietnamese diabetics in an outpatient setting regarding hypoglycaemia, insulin use, and insulin pen and to evaluate the factors related to the KAP, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and glycaemic control status. Methods: We interviewed patients by 16‐item questions on knowledge and eight questions on attitude, and requested the patient to demonstrate the injection technique with a sampled insulin pen. Results: The response rate was 74% (148 patients included). The proportions of patient having a good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice were 45.9%, 78.4%, and 44.6%, respectively. The two most common incorrect steps in using insulin pen were skipping to prime pen needle (90.9%) and not removing the used needle from the pen after using (87.8%). Patients using insulin at least 1 year had better knowledge (P =.025), more positive attitude (P =.017), and better practice of using insulin pen (P =.042). Patients had more positive attitude of insulin's role (P =.038) if they either used insulin in combination with oral diabetic medications or had history of using insulin vials. The number of patients having good knowledge was statistically significant higher in participants who previously received counselling from health professionals (P =.001). We also found a positive correlation between good knowledge of patients and good practice skills (P <.001). Patients with poor practice of insulin were more likely to have ADRs at the injection sites (P =.013). The patients with poorer level of knowledge had significant higher risk of hypoglycaemia (P =.001). KAP levels did not correlate with glycaemic control status. Conclusions: The majority of outpatients had positive attitude towards insulin's role; however, their knowledge and practice of hypoglycaemia and using insulin pen needs improvement. This study will be helpful in the planning of patient education strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Vietnamese Ban pig is a precious genetic resource that needs to be preserved. In vitro embryo production from in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes is an important tool for the utilization of cryopreserved porcine sperm. The aim of this study was to compare two media for the IVM of Ban pig oocytes. Immature oocytes were subjected to IVM either in a non-defined (TCM-199 + pig follicular fluid) or in a defined base medium (POM + epidermal growth factor). At the end of IVM, the oocytes were in vitro fertilized (IVF) with frozen Ban sperm. Ten hours after IVF, the oocytes were either subjected to orcein staining to check fertilization and maturation status or cultured in vitro for 7 days. There was no difference between the two IVM media in terms of percentages of oocyte maturation and blastocyst production. However, the percentage of male pronuclear formation after IVF and the total cell numbers in blastocysts were higher with the defined system. Zygotes obtained by the two IVM systems survived vitrification at similar rates. In conclusion, the two IVM systems were both effective for the production of Ban pig embryos; however, better embryo quality was achieved with the defined one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are a number of Vietnamese native pig (VnP) populations, some are on the verge of extinction, and therefore adequate management and conservation are necessary. In this study, we conducted a field survey of VnP populations and analyzed interrelationships among their characteristics. We also established a relational database for management of field data on these populations. For data collection, we conducted interviews with farmers and visual inspection of 32 VnP populations in 22 provinces of Vietnam, as well as taking photographs of individual animals. Data on the characteristics of VnP populations were subjected to multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). For establishment of the database, normalization and table partitioning were performed to eliminate redundancy and ensure consistency of the collected data items. Passport data, characteristics data, and image data were collected from a total of 1,918 VnPs and entered as a normalized table. Upon MCA, most of the populations were not separated from each other, but the Mong Cai, O Lam, and Chu Prong populations were separated from the other populations. Thus, we have constructed a relational database from comprehensive information on the characteristics of VnP populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIDS-associated Cryptococcus neoformans and Penicillium marneffei coinfection has not been adequately studied and poses unique therapeutic challenges in resource-limited settings. Itraconazole poorly penetrates the central nervous system, whereas fluconazole has poor activity against P. marneffei. We prospectively report management of 1 patient and retrospectively review 7 coinfection cases from Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led intervention on improving adherence and practice of inhaler use in outpatients with asthma at a hospital in Vietnam. Methods A pre-post interventional study was conducted at Hue University Hospital. An adapted checklist for both metered-dose inhalers and/or dry powder inhalers was used to evaluate the inhaler technique. Adherence was assessed by using the Test of Adherence to Inhalers questionnaire. The means of interventions comprised "Face-to-face training," "Creating the leaflet for patients," and "Watching guidance video." Results The number of participants with complete data was 79. Before the intervention, 54.4% of patients had misused inhalers, especially inappropriate posture when using devices (70.2%) and not exhaling before inhalation (46.8%). Non-adherence accounted for 55.7% of patients, and the erratic pattern was the highest, with 83.5%. The intervention had remarkably raised the number of good practice and good adherence patients after three months ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Pharmacist-led intervention has a positive impact on improving the adherence to inhalers and inhalation techniques of patients with asthma. Practice Implications The pharmacist-led education model could be considered as an effective and feasible solution for asthma management in outpatients and better medication use. Key Points (1) The most frequently observed mistakes in this study were inappropriate posture and inhalation skill when using devices. (2) Pharmacist-led training remarkably improved patients' practice of inhaler use as well as medication adherence.