Background: Liver fibrosis is a common outcome of chronic liver disease and is primarily driven by hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Irisin, a myokine released during physical exercise, is beneficial for metabolic disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the effects of irisin on liver fibrosis in HSCs, a bile duct ligation (BDL) mouse model, and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods: In vitro experiments utilized LX-2 cells, a human HSC line, stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a major regulator of HSC fibrosis, with or without irisin. Mitochondrial function was assessed using mitochondrial fission markers, transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. In vivo, liver fibrosis was induced in mice via BDL, followed by daily intraperitoneal injections of irisin (100 μg/kg/day) for 10 days. Results: In vitro, irisin mitigated HSC activation and reduced reactive oxygen species associated with the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Irisin restored TGF-β1-induced increases in fission markers (Fis1, p-DRP1) and reversed the decreased expression of TFAM and SIRT3. Additionally, irisin restored mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production lowered by TGF-β1 treatment. In vivo, irisin ameliorated the elevated liver-to-body weight ratio induced by BDL and alleviated liver fibrosis, as evidenced by Masson’s trichrome staining. Irisin also improved mitochondrial dysfunction induced by BDL surgery. Conclusion Irisin effectively attenuated HSC activation, ameliorated liver fibrosis in BDL mice, and improved associated mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of irisin for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Background: Liver fibrosis is a common outcome of chronic liver disease and is primarily driven by hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Irisin, a myokine released during physical exercise, is beneficial for metabolic disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the effects of irisin on liver fibrosis in HSCs, a bile duct ligation (BDL) mouse model, and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods: In vitro experiments utilized LX-2 cells, a human HSC line, stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a major regulator of HSC fibrosis, with or without irisin. Mitochondrial function was assessed using mitochondrial fission markers, transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. In vivo, liver fibrosis was induced in mice via BDL, followed by daily intraperitoneal injections of irisin (100 μg/kg/day) for 10 days. Results: In vitro, irisin mitigated HSC activation and reduced reactive oxygen species associated with the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Irisin restored TGF-β1-induced increases in fission markers (Fis1, p-DRP1) and reversed the decreased expression of TFAM and SIRT3. Additionally, irisin restored mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production lowered by TGF-β1 treatment. In vivo, irisin ameliorated the elevated liver-to-body weight ratio induced by BDL and alleviated liver fibrosis, as evidenced by Masson’s trichrome staining. Irisin also improved mitochondrial dysfunction induced by BDL surgery. Conclusion Irisin effectively attenuated HSC activation, ameliorated liver fibrosis in BDL mice, and improved associated mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of irisin for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Background: Liver fibrosis is a common outcome of chronic liver disease and is primarily driven by hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Irisin, a myokine released during physical exercise, is beneficial for metabolic disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the effects of irisin on liver fibrosis in HSCs, a bile duct ligation (BDL) mouse model, and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods: In vitro experiments utilized LX-2 cells, a human HSC line, stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a major regulator of HSC fibrosis, with or without irisin. Mitochondrial function was assessed using mitochondrial fission markers, transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. In vivo, liver fibrosis was induced in mice via BDL, followed by daily intraperitoneal injections of irisin (100 μg/kg/day) for 10 days. Results: In vitro, irisin mitigated HSC activation and reduced reactive oxygen species associated with the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Irisin restored TGF-β1-induced increases in fission markers (Fis1, p-DRP1) and reversed the decreased expression of TFAM and SIRT3. Additionally, irisin restored mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production lowered by TGF-β1 treatment. In vivo, irisin ameliorated the elevated liver-to-body weight ratio induced by BDL and alleviated liver fibrosis, as evidenced by Masson’s trichrome staining. Irisin also improved mitochondrial dysfunction induced by BDL surgery. Conclusion Irisin effectively attenuated HSC activation, ameliorated liver fibrosis in BDL mice, and improved associated mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of irisin for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Background: Liver fibrosis is a common outcome of chronic liver disease and is primarily driven by hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Irisin, a myokine released during physical exercise, is beneficial for metabolic disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the effects of irisin on liver fibrosis in HSCs, a bile duct ligation (BDL) mouse model, and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods: In vitro experiments utilized LX-2 cells, a human HSC line, stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a major regulator of HSC fibrosis, with or without irisin. Mitochondrial function was assessed using mitochondrial fission markers, transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. In vivo, liver fibrosis was induced in mice via BDL, followed by daily intraperitoneal injections of irisin (100 μg/kg/day) for 10 days. Results: In vitro, irisin mitigated HSC activation and reduced reactive oxygen species associated with the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Irisin restored TGF-β1-induced increases in fission markers (Fis1, p-DRP1) and reversed the decreased expression of TFAM and SIRT3. Additionally, irisin restored mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production lowered by TGF-β1 treatment. In vivo, irisin ameliorated the elevated liver-to-body weight ratio induced by BDL and alleviated liver fibrosis, as evidenced by Masson’s trichrome staining. Irisin also improved mitochondrial dysfunction induced by BDL surgery. Conclusion Irisin effectively attenuated HSC activation, ameliorated liver fibrosis in BDL mice, and improved associated mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of irisin for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

The severe gummy smile and a skeletal class II profile pose challenges in treatment. This case report outlines an effective alternative for addressing these problems in a patient with skeletal class II division 2, class II molar relationship, retroclination of upper incisors, and lip protrusion. Treatment objectives included normalizing the overjet and overbite, improving the gummy smile, and establishing a satisfactory occlusion. A three-dimensional simulation was performed to consult with the patient, assess possible results, and predict treatment biomechanics. The treatment involved the use of two zygomatic and one inter-radicular temporary anchorage devices, along with botulinum toxin. After the 2-year follow-up, a satisfactory dental occlusion, aesthetic improvement, and adequate function were achieved. This approach offers a viable alternative to orthognathic surgery for adults with skeletal class II malocclusion and a severe gummy smile due to hypermobile lip.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family originating from the Mediterranean region. In Vietnam, there are some varieties of artichoke which are extensively cultivated and propagated in highland areas, however, there have been limited detailed scientific publications on the chemical composition and biological activity of artichoke grown in Vietnam. Therefore, this study provides a detailed description of the extraction, isolation, and structural determination of 20 natural secondary metabolites present in harvested artichoke. The antioxidant activity of the extract and the 9 isolated compounds are tested in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ex vivo malondialdehyde model. Among the selected compounds, 1-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, cynarin, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid, cynaroside, and scolymoside exhibited strong radical scavenging activity with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 to 61.6 µM. In the malondialdehyde assay, 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid (or cynarin) showed the strongest activity with an IC50 value of 24.7 µM, followed by 1,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid (66.8 µM), and 4,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid (127.3 µM). This outcome contributes to establishing a database on the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of the Vietnamese artichoke.

Background: Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide. Recently, more than 45,000 children in the age group of 10 to 19 years died by suicide, making it the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15 to 19, surpassed only by traffic accidents, tuberculosis, and fighting. Objective: To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents whose parents are separated/divorced; and to explore the factors associated with suicidal ideation and describe adverse experiences among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 309 adolescents with separated/separated parents in Hue City. Data was collected through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Suicidal ideation was defined as the presence of thoughts or plans related to suicide within the last 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation in adolescents with separated/ separated parents. Results: The study found that 15.5% (95% CI:11.7 - 20.1) of adolescents with separated /separated parents reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, in which men accounted 8.4% (95% CI:5.6 – 11.2) and women accounted 7.1% (95% CI:4.5 - 10.6). Several factors were identified as increasing the risk of suicidal ideation, including alcohol use (OR = 3.24; 95% CI:1.42 - 7.42), hyperactivity/inattention (OR = 4.96; 95% CI:1.58 - 15.605), and a poor quality of family relationships (OR = 4.82; 95% CI:1.26 - 18.50). On the contrary, certain factors were found to reduce the risk, including being in the 14-15 age group of 14-15 (OR = 0.26; 95% CI:0.10 - 0.69) and participating in physical activity (OR = 0.44; 95% CI:0.21 – 0.94). Conclusions: The research highlights a significant percentage of adolescents with separated / divided parents who experience suicidal ideation. Therefore, it is imperative for families, schools, and society to develop comprehensive strategies to monitor and address various risky behaviours among students simultaneously.

Background: Little is known about the burden of hair loss following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in older adults. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of hair loss in older outpatients in Vietnam. Materials and methods: Between March 2022 and July 2022, this multicenter cross-sectional study included 547 older patients (aged ≥ 60 years; mean age 68.5 ± 6.9 years; men 27.1%) from three post-COVID-19 clinics. Factors associated with hair loss were assessed using logistic regression. Results: In total, 63 patients (11.5%) experienced hair loss. All of the patients with hair loss exhibited diffuse type. In the adjusted model, factors associated with hair loss were women (odds ratio [OR], 3.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43 - 7.89; P = 0.005), single or divorced in marital status (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.33 - 8.02; P = 0.01), and history of COVID-19 related hospitalization (OR, 5.17; 95% CI, 2.44 - 10.95; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study found a substantial prevalence of post-COVID-19 hair loss in older outpatients.

Background: Vertebral fractures are the most common complication of osteoporosis, but more than two-thirds are asymptomatic. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) To describe some characteristics of incident asymptomatic vertebral fractures in adults aged 50 years and older in Vietnam; (2) To evaluate some factors related to incident asymptomatic vertebral fractures in adults aged 50 years and older in Vietnam. Materials and Methods: 455 adults aged 50 years and older volunteered to participate in the study. Cohort study of the Vietnam Osteoporosis Study (VOS) project. Results and Conclusions: In 29/455 cases of incident asymptomatic vertebral fractures followed after 2 years, the most common characteristics included: wedge fracture type (73.3%), grade 2 fracture (56.7%), and the most common locations are T12 and L1 (over 50%). Factors associated with incident vertebral fractures are advanced age and smoking.

Numerous studies have also revealed that students with a high level of Nomophobia have an increased risk of depression. However, few researchers are interested in examining how the association between nomophobia and depressive symptoms mediates loneliness and self-control. This study aimed to investigate, among Vietnamese High School Students, the association between nomophobia and depressive symptoms, specifically focusing on the role that loneliness and self-control play as potential mediators of that relationship. The Nomophobia Scale (NMP-Q), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), The UCLA loneliness scale version 3 (UCLA III), and The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) were completed by 556 Vietnamese high school students. Using the PROCESS macro, mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between variables. According to our findings, nomophobia was positively associated with symptoms of depression, and loneliness and self-control partially mediated this relationship. It is suggested that methods for preventing claustrophobia and depressive symptoms be taken seriously in order to increase self-control and decrease loneliness.