HIGHLIGHTS

The clinical characteristics, etiologic pathogens and the risk factors associated with dehydration status among under-five children hospitalized with acute diarrhea in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR
Published on PloS One

Authors: Latdavanh Vorlasane, Mai Ngoc Luu, Ranjit Tiwari, Atsuko Imoto, Miho Sato, Nguyen Tien Huy, Yasuhiko Kamiya, Kazuhiko Moji 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281650

Abstract

Background: Acute diarrhea is a common health problem in children, especially those under five years of age (U5). The mortality rate due to acute diarrhea among U5 children accounted for 11% in Lao PDR in 2016. No study has been done to investigate the etiologic pathogens of acute diarrhea and the risk factors associated with dehydration status among U5 children hospitalized with acute diarrhea in this region.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, etiological agents and associated factors of dehydration status of acute diarrhea among hospitalized U5 children in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed paper-based medical records with available stool examination results of 33 U5 children hospitalized with acute diarrhea in Savannakhet Provincial Hospital, Lao PDR between Jan. 2018 and Dec. 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe clinical characteristics and etiologic agents of acute diarrhea of the children. Nonparametric test, Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to determine the risk factors associated with level of dehydration of the participants.

Results: Vomiting was the most common symptom (66.6%), followed by fever (60.6%). Dehydration was found in 48.4% of subjects. Rotavirus was the most common identified pathogen with a prevalence of 55.5%. Bacterial enteric infection was identified in 15.1% of patients. There is a significantly higher prevalence of dehydration among children with acute diarrhea caused by rotavirus compared to those with negative rotavirus testing (70.0% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions: Rotavirus was the most prevalent pathogen of acute diarrhea among U5 children. Pediatric patients with acute diarrhea caused by rotavirus had a higher prevalence of dehydration compared to those with negative rotavirus testing.

A comprehensive approach to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: telemanagement
Published on Pathogens and Global  Health

Authors: Venkata Vasavi Vadduri, Ayako Toyokawa, Nguyen Ngoc Hoang Linh, Dang Nguyen, Jeza M Abdul Aziz, Norio Ohmagari, Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20477724.2023.2176642 

Detect and suppress future zoonotic-derived outbreaks: A lesson from the last two decades
Published on Journal of Medical Virology

Authors:  Nguyen K. Quan MD, Dang H. Thien, Nguyen T. Huy MD, PhD

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.28530

A reminder to keep an eye on older people during heatwaves
Published on The Lancet Healthy Longevity

Authors:  Marcel Alied, Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(22)00198-2

Burden and mortality of sepsis and septic shock at a high-volume, single-center in Vietnam: a retrospective study
Published on Hospital Practice

Authors: Truong Hong Hieu, Pham Thi Ngoc Thao, Federica Cuce, Nguyen Hai Nam, Abdullah Reda, Osman Gamal Hassan, Le Thanh Hung, Dinh Thi Kim Nguyen, Jeza M Abdul Aziz, Loc Le Quang, Alison Marie Carameros, Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21548331.2022.2133414

ABSTRACT

Background

Sepsis and septic shock have high mortality rates and often require a prolonged hospital stay. Patient outcomes may vary according to multiple factors. We aim to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and factors associated with mortality and hospital stay.

Methods

Clinical and microbiological data of patients with sepsis or septic shock were retrospectively collected for 15 months. Patients with negative blood cultures and patients that did not meet the SEPSIS 3 criteria were excluded.

Results

We included 48 septic shock and 28 septic patients (mean APACHE II 20.32 ± 5.61 and mean SOFA 9.41 ± 3.17), with a mean age of 60.5 ± 16.8 years and 56.6% males. WBCs, neutrophils, INR, and fibrinogen levels were significantly associated with mortality. 59.5% of the cultured bacteria were gram-negative (most common E. coli) and 27.8% were gram-positive (most common S. aureus), while 7.6% were other types of bacteria and 5.1% were fungi. Resistance patterns to gram-negative were varying, and resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, carbapenems, and aminoglycosides were from 60% to 100% (A. baumanii), while they were highly sensitive to Colistin. E. coli was also resistant to ceftriaxone (77.8%) and sulbactam/cefoperazone (44.4%). Resistance rates for Gram-positives were high, from 86% to 100% for oxacillin, while for vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid, they were often low but arrived up to 42.8%. According to our logistic regression analysis, patients over 65 year-old and those who received corticosteroids had a significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR: 4.0; OR: 4.8).

Conclusion

Sepsis still poses a significant threat to patients’ health, even when positive blood culture results allow the administration of specific antibiotic treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and its current known unknowns: A narrative review
Published on Reviews in Medical Virology

Authors: Trang Thi Bich Le, Tamilarasy Vasanthakumaran, Hau Nguyen Thi Hien, I-Chun Hung , Mai Ngoc Luu, Zeeshan Ali Khan, Nguyen Thanh An, Van Phu Tran, Wei Jun Lee, Jeza Muhamad Abdul Aziz, Tasnim Ali, Shyam Prakash Dumre, Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2398 

Abstract

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has created great global distress. This variant of concern shows multiple sublineages, importantly B.1.1.529.1 (BA.1), BA.1 + R346K (BA.1.1), and B.1.1.529.2 (BA.2), each with unique properties. However, little is known about this new variant, specifically its sub-variants. A narrative review was conducted to summarise the latest findings on transmissibility, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and efficacy of current vaccines and treatments. Omicron has shown two times higher transmission rates than Delta and above ten times more infectious than other variants over a similar period. With more than 30 mutations in the spike protein's receptor-binding domain, there is reduced detection by conventional RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests. Moreover, the two-dose vaccine effectiveness against Delta and Omicron variants was found to be approximately 21%, suggesting an urgent need for a booster dose to prevent the possibility of breakthrough infections. However, the current vaccines remain highly efficacious against severe disease, hospitalisation, and mortality. Japanese preliminary lab data elucidated that the Omicron sublineage BA.2 shows a higher illness severity than BA.1. To date, the clinical management of Omicron remains unchanged, except for monoclonal antibodies. Thus far, only Bebtelovimab could sufficiently treat all three sub-variants of Omicron. Further studies are warranted to understand the complexity of Omicron and its sub-variants. Such research is necessary to improve the management and prevention of Omicron infection.

Keywords: B.1.1.529; BA.1; BA.2; Omicron; SARS-CoV-2; subvarian

Assessment of physical activity and its facilitators and barriers among Syrian refugees living in Amman City, Jordan: a cross-sectional study
Published on BMC Public Health

Authors: Yasue Yoshino, Miho Sato, Ibraheem Abu-Siam, Nadine Khost, Sumihisa Honda, Ahmad T Qarawi, Osama Gamal Hassan, Nguyen Tien Huy, Yasuhiko Kamiya

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14064-1 

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Few studies about physical activity have been conducted among refugees from neighbouring countries. Given changes in the situation of Syrians, assessment of physical activity among Syrian refugees is required to understand their situation. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of self-reported physical activity and to identify perceived facilitators of and barriers to physical activity among Syrian refugees living in Amman, Jordan, in 2017.

Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were eligible for the study if they were Syrian refugees aged 18-64 years, living in Amman city, and were either registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, waiting for their registration, or had a service card issued by the Jordanian Ministry of Interior. The relationship between physical activity level and sex was assessed using the chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage tests. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess the relationship between the median metabolic equivalent scores of physical activity and gender. Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between predictors of physical inactivity and physical activity level.

Results: Among the 173 participants, the majority (91.9%) reported moderate to a high level of physical activity, and 8.1% were physically inactive. The metabolic equivalent scores for the walking activity of males (median: 1039.5, IQR: 0, 2772) was significantly higher than that of females (median: 396, IQR: 0, 1188) (p < 0.01). "Perceived change in the amount of physical activity" was a significant predictor of physical inactivity (adjusted OR = 3.00; 95%CI: 1.27-7.26). Common facilitators of physical activity were "psychological wellbeing"(49.7%) and "prevent diseases"(46.8%). The greatest barriers to physical activity were "time limitation"(43.4%) and "high cost"(57.8%).

Conclusion: This study revealed the physical activity level among Syrian refugees in Amman. The perceived facilitators and barriers to physical activity identified among Syrian refugees were similar to those in previous studies conducted among non-refugees. These results provide a valuable baseline for future examinations of physical activity level and to verify its possible facilitators and barriers.

Keywords: Barriers; Facilitators; Health; IPAQ; Jordan; Non-communicable diseases; Physical activity; Physical inactivity; Syrian Refugees; Urban refugees.

Evaluation of risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Published on Current medical research and opinion

Authors: Mai Ngoc Luu 1, Shamael Thabit Mohammed Alhady 2, Minh Duc Nguyen Tran 3, Le Van Truong 4, Ahmad Qarawi 5, U Venkatesh 6, Ranjit Tiwari 7, Ian Christopher Naungayan Rocha 8, Le Huu Nhat Minh 9, Rohanti Ravikulan 10, Shyam Prakash Dumre 11, Hoang Thi Nam Giang 12, Dmytro Pavlenko 13, Fatmaelzahraa Yasser Ali 14, Bao-Tran Do Le 15, Sedighe Karimzadeh 16, Parshal Bhandari 17, Jaffer Shah 18, Jeza Muhamad Abdul Aziz 19 20, Nguyen Tien Huy 21, and the TMGH COVID-19 Collaborators

DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2125258 

Abstract

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since there is not enough evidence of risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, this study aimed to evaluate them.

Methods: This survey-based study was conducted across 66 countries from May to November 2020 among suspected and confirmed individuals with COVID-19. The stepwise AIC method was utilized to determine the optimal multivariable logistic regression to explore predictive factors of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Results: Among 2372 respondents who participated in the study, there were 1172 valid responses. The profession of non-healthcare-worker (OR: 1.77, 95%CI: 1.04 - 3.00, p = 0.032), history of SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV infection (OR: 4.78, 95%CI: 2.34 - 9.63, p < 0.001), higher frequency of contact with colleagues (OR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.01 - 1.37, p = 0.041), and habit of hugging when greeting (OR: 1.25, 95%CI: 1.00 - 1.56, p = 0.049) were associated with an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Current smokers had a lower likelihood of having COVID-19 compared to former smokers (OR: 5.41, 95%CI: 1.93-17.49, p = 0.002) or non-smokers (OR: 3.69, 95%CI: 1.48-11.11, p = 0.01).

Conclusions: Our study suggests several risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission including the profession of non-healthcare workers, history of other coronavirus infections, frequent close contact with colleagues, the habit of hugging when greeting, and smoking status.

Keywords: COVID-19; Global Survey; Health Surveys; Risk Factors; Transmission

Association of self-reported allergic rhinitis with dengue severity: a case-control study
Published on Acta Tropica

Authors: Nguyen Thi Cam Huong, Nguyen Thi Ngan, Abdullah Reda, Vinh Dong, Dong Thi Hoai Tam, Van The Trung, Dao Huy Manh, Nguyen Hoang Quan, Abdelrahman M Markam, Shyam Prakash Dumre, Kenji Hirayama,  Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106678 

Abstract

Background

 The severity of dengue infection has been reportedly associated with patients’ allergic reactions. To further elucidate the role of allergy in dengue severity, we conducted a matched case-control study to assess the association between allergic background and dengue shock syndrome. 

Methods

This is a matched case-control study that was carried out in the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from January to December 2017. Dengue infection was determined by non-structure protein 1 (NS1) diagnostic quick test or anti-dengue antibodies (IgM). The total and dengue-specific IgE levels were measured using ELISA. Patients’ demographics, clinical, and allergic profiles were collected using a structured questionnaire.

Results

 A total of 572 dengue patients with positive NS1 (92.7%) or IgM antibodies (7.3%) results were included in this study. Of these patients, 143 patients developed dengue shock syndrome (case group) while the other 429 patients did not (control group). None of the baseline characteristics including age, sex, or being overweight was significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). In multivariable analysis, having a history of dengue infection (OR=3.35, 95% CI: 1.8-6.17, p<0.001) and allergic rhinitis (OR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.11-3.4, p=0.019) were found to be associated with dengue shock syndrome. Higher levels of dengue-specific IgE were not associated with worse outcomes in patients with allergies (p=0.204) or allergic rhinitis (p=0.284).

Conclusion

 Dengue patients presenting with a history of a previous dengue infection or allergic rhinitis should be considered high-risk patients for the development of dengue shock syndrome.

Factors associated with the very high caesarean section rate in urban areas of Viet Nam
Published on PLOS ONE

Authors:  Hoang Thi Nam Giang, Do Thi Thuy Duy, Le Tho Minh Hieu, Nguyen Lam Vuong, Nguyen Thi Tu Ngoc, Mai Thi Phuong, Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273847

Abstract

Background

Caesarean section and associated factors require detailed investigation globally. This study aims to determine the rate and associated factors of caesarean deliveries in urban areas of Vietnam.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using questionnaire answered by women who had infants aged under 30 months was conducted from March to May 2021. Data were collected in 18 commune health centres in two cities during the day of routine immunization. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with caesarean section.

Results

The overall caesarean section rate was 49.6%. The caesarean section rate in private hospitals (57.8%) were significantly higher than in public hospitals (49.1%). Caesarean section rate in first-time mothers (47.1%) were as high as this rate among mothers who had given birth before (50.6%). Factors associated with higher rate of caesarean section include increasing in women’s age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and infant’s birth weight; first-time mothers; mothers living in urban areas; and mothers giving birth in private hospitals.

Conclusions

This study revealed a high rate of caesarean deliveries in urban areas of Vietnam. Comprehensive investigations of both medical and non-medical reasons for caesarean deliveries in Vietnam are urgent needs to shape the prioritized interventions.

Dengue fever on the rise in Southeast Asia
Published on BMC Pediatrics

Authors:  Marcel Alied, Dang Nguyen, Jeza Muhamad Abdul Aziz, Dang Phuc Vinh, Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20477724.2022.2116550 

The timing setting in kinetic dengue studies: A systematic review
Published on Acta Tropica

Authors: Linh Tran , Nguyen Minh Tuan , Dao Ngoc Hien Tam , Abdulmueti Alshareef , Essam Emad , Ahmed Mohamed Khalifa , Truong Hong Hieu , Zeeshan Ali Khan , Lee Wei Jun , Kenji Hirayama , Nguyen Tien Huy  

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106584 

Abstract

Dengue is classified as an endemic infectious disease, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. Kinetic studies, which monitor the viral load of the disease, have been the mainstay for several decades in humanity's quest to control this disease. Our study aims to systematically evaluate the usage of different timing systems in dengue kinetic studies. A search in nine electronic databases and manual search of reference and citation lists were conducted to find relevant studies. A quality assessment using the National Institute of Health tools for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies was performed. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with number CRD42018086435. As results, among included 87 studies, 71 studies (81.6%) use a timing system which is based on the day of illness onset, of which, 11 studies designate the day of illness onset as “day 0″ (type 1A) while 60 studies designate it as “day 1″ (type 1B). Only ten articles (11.5%) designate the day of defervescence as “day 0″, the day before and after defervescence as “day -1″ and “day +1″, respectively. Four articles (4.6%) use a timing system based on the day of hospital admission. Lastly, two studies (2.3%) designate the day of hemorrhagic manifestation as “day 0″ and two studies (2.3%) designate the day of pharmacological treatment as “day 1″. Therefore, the timing system which designates the day of illness onset as “day 1″ (type 1B) was most commonly used. Inconsistent definitions of "day 0″ and “day 1″ may lead to disparities in results across the studies and may have a negative impact on treatment guidelines implementation. 

Prevalence of early skin-to-skin contact and its impact on exclusive breastfeeding during the maternity  hospitalization
Published on BMC Pediatrics

Authors:  Hoang Thi Nam Giang , Do Thi Thuy Duy, Nguyen Lam Vuong, Nguyen Thi Tu Ngoc, Thu Thi Pham, Le Quang Tuan, Le Oai, Pham Do Thuc Anh, Ton That Khanh, Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Mai Ngoc Luu, Tran Thi Tuyet Nga, Le Tho Minh Hieu, Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03455-3

Abstract

Background: Early essential newborn care has been implemented in countries regardless high or low neonatal mortality. This study aims to investigate the current practice of skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and its effect on exclusive breastfeeding during the hospital stay.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 1812 Vietnamese mothers in multicenter. A questionnaire answered by the mothers was used to assess the duration of both SSC and breastfeeding practices. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify a dose-response relationship between early SSC and prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in hospital.

Results: There were 88.7% of mothers experiencing SSC with their infants right after birth and the highest prevalence of SSC was found in district hospitals. Among those experiencing SSC, 18.8% of the infants received more than 90 min of SSC and completed the first breastfeeding during SSC time. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding during maternity hospital stay was 46.7%. We found a significant dose-response relation between the duration of SSC and exclusive breastfeeding in hospital. Compared with infants without SSC, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was higher in infants who experienced SSC for 15-90 min (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [95%-CI]: 2.62 [1.61-4.27]) and more than 90 min (aOR [95%-CI]: 5.98 [3.48-10.28]). Completed first breastfeeding during SSC time (aOR [95%-CI]: 4.24 [3.28-5.47]) and being born in district hospitals (aOR [95%-CI]: 2.35 [1.79-3.09]) were associated with increased prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding during hospital stay. On the other hand, mother education level as high school/intermediate (aOR [95%-CI]: 0.58 [0.42-0.82]) and place of residence classified as rural decreased odds of exclusive breastfeeding in hospital (aOR [95%-CI]: 0.78 [0.61-0.99]).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a strong dose-response relationship between duration of SSC and exclusive breastfeeding in hospital. Interventions that support exclusive breastfeeding during hospital stay, especially achieving prolonged uninterrupted SSC, could improve the duration of breastfeeding.

Trends in Primary Gallbladder  Cancer Incidence and Incidence-based  Mortality in the United States, 1973 to 2015
Published on American Journal of Clinical Oncology

Authors: Soon Khai Low , Dimitrios Giannis , Nguyen D Thuong , Nguyen Hai Nam , Abdulmueti Alshareef , Ioannis Koulas , Georgios Geropoulos , Dimitrios Moris , Ernesto P Molmenti , Nguyen Tien Huy  

DOI: 10.1097/COC.0000000000000918

Abstract

Objectives: Primary gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common biliary tract cancer with poor survival despite aggressive treatment. This study aimed to investigate the trends of GBC incidence and incidence-based mortality (IBM) over the last 4 decades.

Materials and methods: GBC cases diagnosed between 1973 and 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Incidence rates, IBM rates, and annual percent changes (APCs) were calculated and stratified according to population and tumor characteristics.

Results: The cohort consisted of 10,792 predominantly white (81%) and female (71%) GBC patients. The overall GBC incidence decreased by 1.65% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45% to 1.84%) per year since 1973, but has plateaued since 2002. IBM decreased by 1.69% (95% CI: 1.22% to 2.16%) per year from 1980 to 2015; the rate of decrease in IBM rates was lower during 1997 to 2015 (APC: -1.19%, 95% CI: -1.68% to -0.71%) compared with 1980 to 1997 (APC: -3.13%, 95% CI: -3.68% to -2.58%).

Conclusions: The incidence and IBM rates of GBC have been decreasing over the last 40 years, but the decrease plateaued over the last 2 decades. The effects of treatment modalities, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation on the incidence and IBM of GBC need to be further investigated.

Negative impact from school closures on children and parents in Vietnam during COVID-19
Published on The Lancet Respiratory Medicine

Authors: Ngoc Phuong Hong Tao; Abdelrahman M Makram; Phan Nguyen Quoc Khanh; Nguyen Thanh An; Adnan Safi; Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(22)00221-1 

The Global  Response: How Cities and Provinces Around the Globe Tackled Covid-19 Outbreaks in 2021
Published on The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia

Authors: Nityanand Jain, I-Chun Hung, Hitomi Kimura, Goh Yi Lin, William Jau, Khoa Le Anh Huynh, Deepkanwar Singh Panag, Ranjit Tiwari, Sakshi Prasad, Emery Manirambona, Tamilarasy Vasanthakumaran, Tan Weiling Amanda, Ho-Wei Lin, Nikhil Vig, An Nguyen Thanh, Emmanuel Uwiringiyimana, Darya Popkova, Ting-Han Lin, Minh Anh Nguyen, Shivani Jain, Tungki Pratama Umar, Mohamed Hoosen Suleman, Elnur Efendi, Chuan-Ying Kuo, Sikander Pal Singh Bansal, Hui-Hui Peng, Mohit Bains, Marija Rozevska, Thang Huu Tran, Meng-Shan Tsai, Pahulpreet, Suvinai Jiraboonsri, Ruo-Zhu Tai, Zeeshan Ali Khan, Dang Thanh Huy, Supitsara Kositbovornchai, Ching-Wen Chiu, Thi Hien Hau Nguyen, Hsueh-Yen ChenThanawat Khongyot, Kai-Yang Chen, Dinh Thi Kim Quyen, Jennifer Lam, Kadek Agus Surya Dila, Thanh Ngan Cu, Tam Huynh Thi My, Le Anh Dung, Kim Oanh Nguyen Thi, Hoai An Nguyen Thi, My Trieu Duc Thao, Yen Cao Thi, Thien Trang Pham, Koya Ariyoshi, Chris Smith, Nguyen Tien Huy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100031  

Background

Tackling the spread of COVID-19 remains a crucial part of ending the pandemic. Its highly contagious nature and constant evolution coupled with a relative lack of immunity make the virus difficult to control. For this, various strategies have been proposed and adopted including limiting contact, social isolation, vaccination, contact tracing, etc. However, given the heterogeneity in the enforcement of these strategies and constant fluctuations in the strictness levels of these strategies, it becomes challenging to assess the true impact of these strategies in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Methods

In the present study, we evaluated various transmission control measures that were imposed in 10 global urban cities and provinces in 2021– Bangkok, Gauteng, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, London, Manila City, New Delhi, New York City, Singapore, and Tokyo.

Findings

Based on our analysis, we herein propose the population-level Swiss cheese model for the failures and pitfalls in various strategies that each of these cities and provinces had. Furthermore, whilst all the evaluated cities and provinces took a different personalized approach to managing the pandemic, what remained common was dynamic enforcement and monitoring of breaches of each barrier of protection. The measures taken to reinforce the barriers were adjusted continuously based on the evolving epidemiological situation.

Impediments to child education, health and development during the COVID-19 pandemic in India
Published on The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia
Authors: Akshay Raut; Nguyen Tien Huy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2022.04.001

Chest imaging features of Coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Link: DOI: 10.23736/S2784-8477.21.01937-4
Journal: Edizione Minerva Medica
AUTHORS: Soon K. LOW, Mai N. LUU, Le H. MINH, Abdelaziz ABDELAAL, Sze JIA NG, Abdelrahman G. GAD, Le H. NHI, Tran N. LE, Nguyen T. HUY
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to systematically review the evidence reporting the key imaging findings in confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search for articles reporting the prevalence of imaging findings in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was conducted in seven databases up to April 10, 2020. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020172528).
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 25 imaging features were identified in 29 studies. The most characteristic radiographic features of COVID-19 pneumonia include peripheral distribution (92.4%, 95% CI: 86.8-95.8), bilateral involvement (82.8%, 95% CI: 76.0-87.9), and ground-glass opacities (GGO) (76.0%, 95% CI: 59.5-87.3). Right lower lobe (RLL) was the most frequently involved lobe (89.0%, 95% CI: 79.6-94.4), followed by left lower lobe (LLL) in 86.5% (95% CI: 74.8-93.2) of patients. The atypical imaging features included bronchial wall thickening, lymphadenopathy, and pleural effusion, which were observed more commonly in severe and critical COVID-19 pneumonia compared to mild and moderate condition.
CONCLUSIONS: Chest imaging can help to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in regions where the availability of RT-PCR testing kits is limited. Recognition of key radiographic features of COVID-19 pneumonia is essential to identify patients at early stages, monitor disease progression, and optimize their management plan.

The efficacy and adverse effects of favipiravir on COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published clinical trials and observational studies

AUTHORS: Dang The Hung; Suhaib Ghula; Jeza Muhamad Abdul Aziz; Abdelrahman M.Makram; Gehad Mohamed Tawfik; Ali Ahmed-Fouad Abozaid; Rohan Andrew Pancharatnam; Amr Mohamed Ibrahim; Muhammad Besher Shabouk; Morgan Turnage; Saloni Nakhare; Zahra Karmally; Basel Kouz; Tran Nhat Le; Suleiman Alhijazeen; Nguyen Quoc Phuong; Alaa Mohamed Ads; Ali Hussein Abdelaal; Nguyen Hai Nam; Tatsuo Iiyama; Kyoshi Kita; Kenji Hirayama; Nguyen Tien Huy.

Abstract 

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of favipiravir in COVID-19 patients. 

Methods: Our protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020206305). Fourteen databases were searched until February 8th, 2021. An update search for new RCTs was done on March 2nd, 2022. Meta-analysis was done for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs. 

Results: Overall, 157 studies (24 RCTs, one non-RCT, 21 observational studies, two case series, and 106 case reports) were included. On hospitalized patients, in comparison to standard of care, favipiravir showed a higher rate of viral clearance at day 5 (RR=1.60, p=0.02), defervescence at day 3-4 (RR=1.99, p<0.01), chest radiological improvement (RR=1.33, p<0.01), hospital discharge at day 10-11 (RR=1.19, p<0.01), and shorter clinical improvement time (MD=-1.18, p=0.05). Regarding adverse events, favipiravir groups had higher rates of hyperuricemia (RR=9.42, p<0.01), increased alanine aminotransferase (RR=1.35, p<0.01), but lower rates of nausea (RR=0.42, p<0.01) and vomiting (RR=0.19, p=0.02). There were no differences regarding mortality (RR=1.19, p=0.32), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (RR=1•11, p=0•25). On non-hospitalized patients, no significant differences were reported.
Conclusion: Adding favipiravir to the standard of care provides better outcomes for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Pregnant, lactating women, and patients with a history of hyperuricemia should avoid using favipiravir.

Keywords: Favipiravir; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; efficacy; side effects