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BACKGROUND: We conducted a community-based seroprevalence study using three HBV seromarkers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, to (1) determine the prevalence of HBV serologic profiles; (2) document factors associated with HBV infection or susceptibility; and (3) propose strategies toward HBV elimination by 2030. METHODS: During 2019-2020, we deployed a multistage cluster design with probability proportionate to size, to recruit 20,000 adults for an HBV screening and linkage to care program citywide. Screening results with interpretation, recommendations, and health education materials were returned to participants. Post-study surveys were conducted within three months to identify gaps in linkage to care. FINDINGS: Of the 17,600 adults invited, 15,275 (86.7%) participated in the study, 14,674 (96.1%) completing all data for final analyses. The prevalence of HBsAg (+) and HBV-naïve were 7.5% and 37.7%, respectively. HBV vaccination rates were 18.7% and about 50% of HCMC population had been exposed to HBV. Of the persons with HBsAg (+), 27.1% linked to care (76% used health insurance). There were wide variations in HBsAg (+) and HBV vaccination rates between districts, risk factors, and socio-economic statuses. INTERPRETATION: The significant disease burden of and gaps in the continuum of care highlight the need and urgency to address the HBV public health problem in Vietnam. Using three screening seromarkers that tailor interventions to the needs of HBV micro-populations could be an effective strategy to pursue HBV elimination goals. FUNDING: Gilead Sciences Inc; Roche Diagnostic International Ltd; Roche Diagnostics-Vietnam; Abbott Diagnostics-Vietnam; Hepatitis B Foundation; Medic MedicalCenter, Vietnam; Center of Excellence for Liver Disease in Vietnam, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

BackgroundA baseline of hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden and other HCV epidemiological profiles is necessary for HCV micro-elimination in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Viet Nam. This study aimed to determine HCV exposure and prevalence of HCV viremia as well as the proportion of HCV testing and treatment uptake among participants.MethodsFrom 2019 to 2020, the probability proportionate to size sampling method was deployed to representatively invite approximately 20,000 adults (18 or older) throughout HCMC to free screening and linkage to care for HCV.FindingsIn HCMC, the weighted prevalence of anti-HCV was 1·3% (95% CI, 1·1%-1·6%). Individuals born from 1945 to 1964 had the anti-HCV prevalence of 3·6% (95% CI, 3·0%-4·2%) and represented 40·4% of all HCV cases. There were wide variations in anti-HCV prevalence in HCMC, including variations between districts, risk factors, and socioeconomic statuses. A baseline HCV continuum of care for the city demonstrated that only 28·5% (85/298, 95%CI 23·4-33·7%) of persons with anti-HCV (+) were aware of their HCV status, with 77.6% (66/85, 95%CI 68·8-86·5%) diagnosing HCV incidentally, 82·7% (62/75, 95%CI 74·1-91·2%) initiating anti-HCV therapy, and 53.6% (30/56, 95%CI 40·5-66·6%) achieving HCV cures.InterpretationThere remains a considerable disease burden of HCV in HCMC of which a significant proportion was in the age group born between 1945 to 1964. Additionally, there were significant gaps in HCV awareness, screening, and access to care in the community in Viet Nam. Thus, future interventions must have pragmatic targets, be tailored to the local needs, and emphasise screening.FundingThis work was supported by investigator-sponsored research grants from Gilead Sciences Inc. (Grant No: IN-US-987-5382); Roche Diagnostic International Ltd. (Grant No. SUB-000196); and in-kind donations from Abbott Diagnostic Viet Nam; Hepatitis B Foundation; Medic Medical Center, Viet Nam; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine's Center of Excellence for Liver Disease in Viet Nam; and the Board of Directors, Viet Nam Viral Hepatitis Alliance (V-VHA).

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects various brain cell types, including astrocytes, which are the most abundant cell types in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes not only provide homeostatic support to neurons but also actively regulate synaptic signaling and functions and become reactive in response to CNS insults through diverse signaling pathways including the JAK/STAT, NF‐κB, and GPCR‐elicited pathways. The advent of new technology for transcriptomic profiling at the single‐cell level has led to increasing recognition of the highly versatile nature of reactive astrocytes and the context‐dependent specificity of astrocyte reactivity. In AD, reactive astrocytes have long been observed in senile plaques and have recently been suggested to play a role in AD pathogenesis and progression. However, the precise contributions of reactive astrocytes to AD remain elusive, and targeting this complex cell population for AD treatment poses significant challenges. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of astrocyte reactivity and its role in AD, with a particular focus on the signaling pathways that promote astrocyte reactivity and the heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes. Furthermore, we explore potential implications for the development of therapeutics for AD. Our objective is to shed light on the complex involvement of astrocytes in AD and offer insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies for treating and managing this devastating neurodegenerative disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectivesIn an era where obesity remains an important public health concern, food addiction has emerged as a possible contributor to obesity. The DRD2 gene is the most studied polymorphism. The aim of this study was to investigate a relationship between food addiction questionnaires, body composition measurements, and a dopamine- resistant receptor polymorphism (DRD2 A1) among Asian Americans.Methods and study designA total of 84 Asian American college students were recruited. Participants underwent body composition measurement via bioelectrical impedance, answered questionnaires (Food Craving Inventory and Power of Food Scale), and had blood drawn for genotyping (PCR).ResultsThere was no difference in body composition (BMI, percent body fat) between the A1 (A1A1 or A1A2) and A2 (A2A2) groups. There were statistically significant differences in food cravings of carbohydrates and fast food on the Food Craving Inventory between the A1 and A2 groups (p=0.03), but not for sugar or fat. Among Asian college females, there was also a difference on the Power of Food questionnaire (p=0.04), which was not seen among men. 13 out of 55 women also had >30% body fat at a BMI of 21.4 to 28.5 kg/m2.ConclusionGreater carbohydrate and fast food craving was associated with the DRD2 A1 versus A2 allele among Asian Americans. Further studies examining the ability of dopamine agonists to affect food craving and to reduce body fat in Asian American are warranted. More studies in food addiction among obese Asian Americans are needed with careful definition of obesity, specifically for Asian women.

Background: We conducted a community-based seroprevalence study using three HBV seromarkers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, to (1) determine the prevalence of HBV serologic profiles; (2) document factors associated with HBV infection or susceptibility; and (3) propose strategies toward HBV elimination by 2030., Methods: During 2019-2020, we deployed a multistage cluster design with probability proportionate to size, to recruit 20,000 adults for an HBV screening and linkage to care program citywide. Screening results with interpretation, recommendations, and health education materials were returned to participants. Post-study surveys were conducted within three months to identify gaps in linkage to care., Findings: Of the 17,600 adults invited, 15,275 (86.7%) participated in the study, 14,674 (96.1%) completing all data for final analyses. The prevalence of HBsAg (+) and HBV-naïve were 7.5% and 37.7%, respectively. HBV vaccination rates were 18.7% and about 50% of HCMC population had been exposed to HBV. Of the persons with HBsAg (+), 27.1% linked to care (76% used health insurance). There were wide variations in HBsAg (+) and HBV vaccination rates between districts, risk factors, and socio-economic statuses., Interpretation: The significant disease burden of and gaps in the continuum of care highlight the need and urgency to address the HBV public health problem in Vietnam. Using three screening seromarkers that tailor interventions to the needs of HBV micro-populations could be an effective strategy to pursue HBV elimination goals., Funding: Gilead Sciences Inc; Roche Diagnostic International Ltd; Roche Diagnostics-Vietnam; Abbott Diagnostics-Vietnam; Hepatitis B Foundation; Medic MedicalCenter, Vietnam; Center of Excellence for Liver Disease in Vietnam, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine., Competing Interests: MC.Jr received consulting fees from the Vietnam Viral Hepatitis Alliance. RGG has received grants or research support in last two years from Gilead. RGG has also performed as a consultant or advisor in the past two years to Abbott, AbbVie, Altimunne, Antios, Arrow head, Dynavax, Eiger, Eisai, Enyo, Genentech, Genlantis, Gerson Lehrman Group, Gilead Sciences, Helios, HepaTX, HepQuant, Intercept, Janssen, Merck, Pfizer, Topography Health, and Venatorx. RGG is on scientific or clinical advisory boards for AbbVie, Antios, Dynavax, Enyo, Genentech, Genlantis, Gilead, Helios, HepaTX, HepQuant, Intercept, Janssen, Merck, Pfizer, and Prodigy. RGG is a member of Topography Health clinical trials alliance. RGG is chair of the clinical advisory board for Prodigy. RGG is an advisory consultant for Fibronostics, Fujifilm/Wako, Perspectum, Quest, and Sonic Incytes. RGG is on data safety monitoring boards for Altimmune, Arrowhead, CymaBay Therapeutics, and Durect. RGG currently has consulting confidentiality agreements with Abbvie, Abbott, Access Biologicals, Active Genome Expressed Diagnostics, ADMA Biologics, AEC Partners, Aligos Therapeutics, Arena Pharma ceuticals Inc, Ark Biopharmaceutical Co Ltd, Arrowhead, Arterys Inc, Alexion, Altimmune, Antios Therapeutics, AprosTx, Audentes Therapeutics, Bayer, Bausch/Salix, Cirina, Consumer Health Products Assoc, CymaBay Therapeutics Inc, DiaSorin Inc, Dova Pharmaceuticals, DRG Abacus, DURECT Corporation, Dynavax, Echosens, Eiger, Eisai, Enyo, Exelixis, Fibronostics Inc, Forty-Seven Inc, Fujifilm Wako Diagnostics, Gilead, HepQuant, HepaTx, IDLogiq, Intellia, Intercept, Inotek, Iqvia, Janssen/J&J, KannaLife, Kezar Life Sciences Inc, LabCorp, Laboratory for Advanced Medicine, Labyrinth Holdings, Life Line Screening, Lilly, MedImmune, Merck, New Enterprise Associates, Ogilvy CommonHealth, Organovo, Patient Connect, Perspectum, Pfizer, Pharmaceutical Research Associates, ProdigY Biotech, Prometheus Laboratories, Refuah Solutions, Regulus Therapeutics, Sagimet Inc, Salix, Saol Bermuda Ltd, Shenzhen HEC Industrial Develop ment, Shionogi Inc, Spring Bank, Tonghua Anrate Biopharmaceutical, Topography Health, Trimaran, Venatorx, and Viravaxx AG. RGG reports activities for Speakers Bureau, focusing on HBV, HCV, HDV and liver cancer; specifically, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition, program presentations on vaccination for HBV and management of complications of cirrhosis. RGG has speaker's contracts to do promotional talks for AbbVie, BMS, Eisai, Genentech, Gilead Sciences Inc., and Intercept. RGG is a minor stock shareholder (liver space noted only) for RiboSciences and CoCrystal. RGG holds stock options in Eiger, Gen lantis, HepQuant, AngioCrine, and HepaTx, outside the submitted work. The rest of the authors declare no competing interests., (© 2022 The Author(s).)