Promoting Respectful Maternity Care by Reducing Unnecessary Episiotomies: Experiences from Centers of Excellence for Breastfeeding in Vietnam.

(1) Background: Routine episiotomy is not recommended by international guidelines; however, it occurs at a high rate in Vietnam. (2) Methods: A process to reduce unnecessary episiotomies was developed and implemented as part of the Centers of Excellence for Breastfeeding initiative, which aims to deliver high-quality breastfeeding and early essential newborn care services within a supportive policy environment. The aim of this project report is to outline the steps undertaken to reduce episiotomies, the experience in pilot hospitals, and the process towards changing policy.

Immunolocalization and functional analysis of -M60-like-1 metallopeptidase in animal models.

Host mucins have crucial physical roles in preventing the parasitic establishment and maturation, and also in expelling the invading parasites. However, some parasites utilize mucinase enzymes to facilitate the infection. Recently, we have identified a mucinase enzyme of the liver fluke , -M60-like-1, which exhibits metallopeptidase activity against bovine submaxillary mucin substrate.

The Association between a Novel Baby-Friendly Hospital Program and Equitable Support for Breastfeeding in Vietnam.

Rates of early initiation of breastfeeding are low in Southeast Asia, despite evidence that increased initiation of early breastfeeding would lead to better long-term infant and child health and decrease inequities in long-term health and well-being. In response, a novel performance-based, baby-friendly hospital program designates hospitals that adhere to evidence-based early essential newborn care (EENC) and breastfeeding interventions as Centers of Excellence for Breastfeeding (COE). This study examined whether hospital participation in the program was associated with better breastfeeding outcomes.

Identification, recombinant protein production, and functional analysis of a M60-like metallopeptidase, secreted by the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini.

The carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) is endemic in Thailand and neighboring countries including Laos PDR, Vietnam and Cambodia. Infections with O.