Preferences for a new vaccine against an emerging infectious disease: A discrete choice experiment among Millennials and Generation Z in Vietnam

The rising threat of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) highlights the need to understand factors influencing vaccine adoption. The aim of this study was to explore the willingness to vaccinate and vaccine acceptance preferences among Millennials and Generation Z in Vietnam. Convenience sampling was conducted, after which a traditional discrete choice experiment was performed. Participants were tasked with selecting their preferred options from a set of eight vaccination choice tasks, each consisting of two alternatives distinguished by varying degrees of vaccine efficacy, side effects, influential endorsements, trusted sources, and disease susceptibility through literature reviews, expert interviews, and pilot tests. A minimum sample size of 375 participants was recruited via Internet-based and paper-based surveys.  A latent class model was used to explore the heterogeneity in participant preferences, while a mixed logit model was employed to facilitate the computation of the predicted probabilities of vaccine acceptance. Among the 818 included participants, 494 (60.4%) were Millennials generation. The predicted probability of vaccine acceptance was 61.8%, with slight differences between Millennials (62.4%) and Generation Z (61.0%). Four latent classes with significant preference variations were identified. Class 1 (38%) was influenced by vaccine effectiveness, side effects, and health authority recommendations, showing lower opt-out rates. Class 2 (28%) prioritized vaccine effectiveness and authority recommendations but had higher opt-out rates and a stronger religious influence. Class 3 (23%) focused on vaccine effectiveness and side effects, with a tendency to opt-out. Class 4 (11%) valued high vaccine effectiveness and advice from family, with infection risks to family or local areas being significant motivators. Influential voices were more important in Classes 1 and 2, while side effects and effectiveness were prioritized in Classes 3 and 4. In conclusion, Vietnamese Millennials and Generation Z preferred vaccination when the vaccine had 90% efficacy, mild to moderate side effects, endorsements from the Ministry of Health, positive recommendations from family and social networks, and high exposure risks from family members

KOMPAK: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of an instrument for assessing interprofessional collaboration between pharmacists and physicians in Indonesia

Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for addressing the complexity of health problems, requiring contributions from various professions to enhance healthcare quality, improve patient satisfaction, and achieve better clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the physicians and pharmacists collaborative practice instrument, known as KOMPAK (Kolaborasi Medis Persepsi Apoteker dan Dokter/Medical Collaboration: Perceptions of Pharmacists and Physicians) for use in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted across the western, central, and eastern rigors of Indonesia, targeting physicians and pharmacists. The study included translation (forward and backward), cross-cultural adaptation (with 30 participants), and validation using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) among 315 physicians and 315 pharmacists. The present study found no significant changes emerged during the translation and adaptation phases. In the validation phase, the CFA results for the physician instrument indicated a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.94 (>0.92), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.93 (>0.92), Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.055 (<0.07), Standardized Root Mean Residual (SRMR) of 0.07 (<0.08), and Cronbach’s Alpha reliability of 0.88. The pharmacist instrument yielded similar results with a CFI of 0.94 (>0.92), TLI of 0.93 (>0.92), RMSEA of 0.06 (<0.07), SRMR of 0.05 (<0.08), and Cronbach’s Alpha reliability of 0.83. The final instrument consists of 24 items. In conclusion, the KOMPAK instrument demonstrated validity and reliability, supporting its use for measuring interprofessional collaboration between physicians and pharmacists in Indonesia

Exploring factors contributing to falls in home-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study in Northeastern Thailand

Falls are the most common accidents among older adults in home settings. Older adults experience falls due to several risk factors. In 2005, Thailand became an aging society, with projections indicating that by 2021, older adults would represent the majority of the population, and by 2035, approximately 30 percent of the population would be older adults. Approximately 3 million fall episodes transpire among older adults each year in Thailand, leading to almost 60,000 hospitalizations. The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with falls among older adults in northeastern Thailand, hypothesizing that characteristics such as cognitive capacity, visual acuity, hearing acuity, balance ability, and mobility are associated with fall risk in this population. A cross-sectional analytical study involved 264 older adults aged 60 years or older using a questionnaire and a battery of tests that assessed the participants’ cognitive capacity, eyesight proficiency, hearing ability, balancing ability, and mobility. The variables that exhibited a statistically significant association (p<0.05) were employed in a binary logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that falls among home-living older adults were significantly associated with sex, family size, congenital issues, and mobility. Older adults who were female and had a large family, congenital disorders, or mobility impairments were at a higher risk of falls, which emphasizes the need for personalized prevention strategies. It is recommended to adopt a proactive healthcare strategy to prevent falls and ensure safe living conditions. Interventions aimed at improving balance, mobility, and mental health, as well as encouraging an active lifestyle, may reduce the risk of falls among older adults living in the community. The findings may aid private and government agencies in developing effective fall prevention programs for older adults living at home

Community-based intervention in mosquito control strategy: A systematic review

As part of the World Health Organization’s One Health Initiative, vector-borne disease control requires multidisciplinary and community involvement. This review examined community-based mosquito control intervention methods, their efficacy, and limitations. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, data were extracted from four medical databases: PubMed, Clinical Key, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect, covering the period from 2014 to 2023. The search used the keywords "community intervention," "vector control," and "mosquito." Filters were applied for full text, primary sources, scholarly journals, and publications within the last ten years (2014–2023). Studies without community intervention components were excluded. The initial search retrieved 1,035 articles, and 32 full-text articles were selected and assessed for eligibility, with 15 papers included in the final analysis. The included studies focused on arbovirus or malaria vectors and used randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pre- and post-intervention surveys, community-based implementation surveys, or qualitative research designs. Commonly applied interventions included community-driven vector population control and community education. Overall, the studies reported improvements in outcome measures such as entomological indices, community knowledge and practices, costs, and disease incidence or prevalence. However, some studies reported challenges with community perception and acceptance. In conclusion, this review consistently demonstrated a positive impact of community interventions on managing mosquito control

Occupational risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders among Praewa silk weavers in the Northeast region, Thailand

Praewa silk weavers are subject to numerous occupational risk factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), primarily due to inadequate occupational safety measures, limited access to health services, and substandard working conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate and determinants of MSDs among Praewa silk weavers. A cross-sectional study employing a convenience sampling method was conducted, involving 198 Praewa silk weavers from four provinces in the Northeast region of Thailand. Data collection was facilitated through a two-part research tool. The first part included a questionnaire assessment using demographic information, workplace conditions, and self-reported MSDs. The second part involved an ergonomic risk assessment using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and hand activity level (HAL). Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of MSDs among participants. The findings revealed that the prevalence rates of MSDs in the past 7 days and 12 months were 68.68% and 96.46%, respectively. The highest prevalence rates of MSDs (over 60.00%) were observed in the wrists, fingers, and neck, with similar trends reported in both the past 7 days and 12 months. Key factors associated with MSDs over the past 12 months included low hand strength test results (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.09; 95%CI: 0.44–11.05), quite low hand strength test results (AOR=2.49; 95%CI: 0.29–21.15), weaving experience of 21–30 years (AOR=1.07; 95%CI: 0.20–5.64), age between 31–40 years  (AOR=2.63; 95%CI: 0.49–13.91), age above 41 years (AOR=1.13; 95%CI: 1.08–1.19), RULA level 4 (AOR=3.62; 95%CI: 0.66–19.96), and HAL score exceeding 0.78 (AOR=0.63; 95%CI: 0.80–0.98) were significantly associated with MSDs during the past 12 months. This study highlights the high prevalence of MSDs among Praewa silk weavers, attributed to occupational risk factors such as low hand strength, high hand activity level, extensive weaving experience, and poor working posture. The weaving process itself is a significant contributor to these disorders. In conclusion, ergonomics interventions aimed at preventing MSDs, including postural training, injury prevention programs, and re-designed pull-cloth devices, are recommended to mitigate these risks

Exploring adolescent girls' involvement in decision-making processes regarding child marriage: A systematic review

Child marriage often involves adolescents aged 10–19 years and poses significant health risks and challenges to gender equality. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the involvement of adolescent girls in decision-making processes regarding child marriage and identify influencing factors. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this review covered studies published between January 2014 and July 2024. The databases searched included ScienceDirect, Springer Link, PubMed, and Taylor & Francis, using terms related to adolescent girls, decision-making, and child marriage. Inclusion criteria targeted studies involving girls aged 10–19, with methods including qualitative, quantitative, longitudinal, and mixed-method, published in English. Data extraction and quality assessment followed the standards of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Of 6,967 articles, 29 met the inclusion criteria, spanning 26 countries across three continents, with 51.7% being qualitative studies. Economic pressure was identified as the primary driver of child marriage, with significant parental and community influences restricting the girls' decision-making autonomy. Parents, especially fathers, often force girls into marriage to reduce economic burdens and enhance family honor. Some adolescent girls initiate marriage to escape adverse home conditions or societal stigma. Education and strong family support emerged as protective factors, while entrenched social norms perpetuated early marriages. Comprehensive approaches including educational improvement, economic support, and social norm transformation are essential. Addressing child marriage requires multidimensional strategies, encompassing enhanced educational opportunities, economic support, and changing entrenched social norms. Future research should focus on interventions that boost adolescent girls' life skills and decision-making autonomy to delay marriage and enable informed choices

Comparison of PD-L1, CTR-1, VEGF, and p53 expression in sensitive and resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients to platinum-based chemotherapy

The current standard treatment for ovarian cancer is a combination of cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy; however, many patients develop resistance, leading to a high recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of PD-L1, CTR-1, VEGF, and p53 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients, comparing those sensitive and resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among EOC patients who underwent surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy between 2020 and 2023 at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, with evaluations performed six months post-chemotherapy. The expression of PD-L1, CTR-1, VEGF, and p53 were measured using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and compared between chemotherapy-sensitive and resistant patients. A total of 65 patients were included: 31 resistant and 34 sensitive cases. The results showed higher PD-L1 expression in the resistant group compared to the sensitive group (mean combined positive score (CPS) of 0.46±0.29 vs 0.17±0.09, p<0.001). The CTR-1 expression was lower in the resistant group (immunoreactive score 2.90±1.30) compared to the sensitive group (immunoreactive score 6.82±2.68) with p<0.001. VEGF and p53 expression were also higher in the resistant group (6.68±2.59 vs 2.76±1.10 and 64.68±13.54% vs 30.15±13.06%, respectively) compared to the sensitive group, with both having p<0.001. The study suggests that increased expression of PD-L1, VEGF, and p53 and decreased CTR-1 expression are associated with platinum-based chemotherapy resistance among EOC patients. Therefore, these biomarkers might have the potential for predicting treatment responses and understanding resistance mechanisms

Effects of traditional music therapy on the psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrine aspect of burnout syndrome in healthcare workers: A randomized controlled trial

Burnout syndrome (BOS) is an occupational phenomenon highly prevalent among healthcare workers, particularly physicians and nurses. Despite its prevalence, no single therapy universally addresses all cases of BOS. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to managing BOS through traditional music therapy, evaluated from psychosomatic, neurological, immunological, and endocrine perspectives. The study involved 80 participants who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received traditional music therapy for 10–15 minutes, three times a week, over four weeks. Key outcomes were assessed at weeks 2 and 4. Measurements included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), heart rate variability (HRV), saliva cortisol, saliva β-endorphin, saliva immunoglobulin A (IgA), and serum FOXP3. Instruments included the MBI-HSS questionnaire and HRV measuring devices. Over four weeks, significant improvements were observed in the MBI scores (p=0.001), HRV (p=0.001), and FOXP3 delta (p=0.035) in the intervention group compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were found for cortisol, β-endorphin, or IgA. These findings suggest that traditional music therapy positively impacts the psychological, neurological, and immunological aspects of BOS and potentially influences immunological and endocrine responses. Future research should explore the effects of longer intervention durations, test varying doses, and examine the combination of music therapy with other non-pharmacological treatments to enhance its therapeutic potential

Apium graveolens leaf ethanolic extract triggers apoptosis in human tongue cancer cells via caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase pathways: An in vitro study

Recent advances in cancer treatment have focused on developing alternative therapies with reduced adverse effects. Chemoprevention using natural products derived from plants has gained significant attention. Apium graveolens has demonstrated anticancer properties against various cancer cell types, suggesting its potential efficacy against tongue cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and mechanisms of action of Apium graveolens leaf ethanolic extract (AGLEE) on the HSC-3 tongue cancer cell line. The leaves were processed and extracted with 70% ethanol to obtain an ethanolic extract. HSC-3 cells were cultured, subjected to starvation, and pre-treated with or without Z-DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 inhibitor. Subsequently, the cells were treated with or without doxorubicin or varying concentrations of AGLEE. To assess cell viability and apoptosis, MTT and sub-G1 assays were performed. Additionally, treated HSC-3 cells were collected, lysed, and analyzed for levels of cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (cleaved-PARP) using ELISA. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of AGLEE for reducing viable HSC-3 cells was determined to be 48.29 μg/mL. AGLEE significantly decreased HSC-3 cell viability and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. It exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability and an increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, the extract elevated the levels of cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP in HSC-3 cells. Pre-treatment with Z-DEVD-FMK reduced the levels of cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP induced by AGLEE. Taken together, AGLEE could be proposed as a potential natural therapeutic agent by inducing apoptosis through the caspase-3/PARP pathway in tongue cancer cells

Unraveling the power of peptides from Cucumaria frondosa coelomic fluid as multitarget therapy of diabetic kidney disease: An in-silico study

Diabetic kidney disease is a condition characterized by persistent albuminuria, diabetic glomerular lesions, and a reduced glomerular filtration rate in people with diabetes. Peptides in Cucumaria frondosa coelomic fluid have been proven to provide antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity that can be used as one of the innovations in developing a multitarget therapy, especially in diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to unravel the power of peptide-based metabolites from C. frondosa coelomic fluid as multitarget therapy for diabetic kidney disease using an in-silico study. UCSF Chimera software was utilized to construct the three-dimensional structure of coelomic fluid peptides from C. frondosa. The toxicity and allergenicity of peptides were examined using the ToxinPred and AllerTop websites, respectively. From the PDBJ database, the 3D structures of protein kinase B, alpha isoform (AKT1); vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2); epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); α-glucosidase; and glucokinase were obtained. Molecular docking was carried out using MOE Software. In this in-silico study, peptide 9 (-10.32 kcal/mol), peptide 1 (-9.41 kcal/mol), and peptide 3 (-9.55 kcal/mol) were shown to act as specific adenosine triphosphate-competitive inhibitors of EGFR, AKT1, and VEGFR2, respectively. Peptide 8 (-11.06 kcal/mol) can specifically inhibit α-glucosidase by binding to its active site. Peptide 1 (-9.80 kcal/mol) is predicted to specifically inhibit glucokinase activity by blocking its active side. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable interactions with receptor proteins. In conclusion, C. frondosa coelomic fluid peptides have been shown not only to alleviate diabetic kidney disease but also to stabilize blood glucose levels and prevent hyperglycemia based on in-silico analysis