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.

Objectives: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a “social vaccine” that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnamfrom December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (usingthe 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions. Results: Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD.Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.12; p < 0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; p = 0.001). Conclusion Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.

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.

Objectives: Online misinformation has reached unprecedented levels during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study analyzed the magnitude and sentiment dynamics of misinformation and unverified information about public health interventions during a COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang, Vietnam, between July and September 2020. Methods: We analyzed user-generated online information about five public health interventions during the Da Nang outbreak. We compared the volume, source, sentiment polarity, and engagements of online posts before, during, and after the outbreak using negative binomial and logistic regression, and assessed the content validity of the 500 most influential posts. Results: Most of the 54,528 online posts included were generated during the outbreak (n = 46,035; 84.42%) and by online newspapers (n = 32,034; 58.75%). Among the 500 most influential posts, 316 (63.20%) contained genuine information, 10 (2.00%) contained misinformation, 152 (30.40%) were non-factual opinions, and 22 (4.40%) contained unverifiable information. All misinformation posts were made during the outbreak, mostly on social media, and were predominantly negative. Higher levels of engagement were observed for information that was unverifiable (incidence relative risk [IRR] = 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–0.62), posted during the outbreak (before: IRR = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.07–0.35; after: IRR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.34-0.63), and with negative sentiment (IRR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.23–2.75). Negatively toned posts were more likely to be misinformation (odds ratio [OR] = 9.59; 95% CI, 1.20–76.70) or unverified (OR = 5.03; 95% CI, 1.66–15.24). Conclusions Misinformation and unverified information during the outbreak showed clustering, with social media being particularly affected. This indepth assessment demonstrates the value of analyzing online “infodemics” to inform public health responses.

Anaplasma marginale and A. platys were detected and characterized (16S rDNA sequence analysis) from dairy and indigenous cattle, and the latter in domestic dogs in Vietnam. A phylogenetic tree was inferred from 26 representative strains/species of Anaplasma spp. including 10 new sequences from Vietnam. Seven of our Vietnamese sequences fell into the clade of A. marginale and 3 into A. platys, with strong nodal support of 99 and 90%, respectively. Low genetic distances (0.2–0.4%) within each species supported the identification. Anaplasma platys is able to infect humans. Our discovery of this species in cattle and domestic dogs raises considerable concern about zoonotic transmission in Vietnam. Further systematic investigations are needed to gain data for Anaplasma spp. and members of Anaplasmataceae in animal hosts, vectors and humans across Vietnam.
Anaplasma marginale ; Anaplasma ; Anaplasmataceae ; Animals ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cattle ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Dogs ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Trees ; Vietnam

Abstract Objective: The World Health Organization’s guidelines on viral hepatitis testing and treatment recommend prioritizing high prevalence groups. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection disproportionately affects people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men, but data on female sex workers (FSW) are limited. The study aimed to determine active HCV infection and risk factors associated with HCV exposure among Vietnamese FSW. Methods: We surveyed 1886 women aged ≥ 18 years from Haiphong, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City who had sold sex in the last month. We tested for HCV antibody and HCV core antigen as markers for exposure to HCV and active infection, respectively. Results: Across these provinces, high prevalence of HCV exposure (8.8–30.4%) and active infection (3.6–22.1%) were observed. Significant associations with HCV exposure were HIV infection (aOR = 23.7; 95% CI: 14.8–37.9), injection drug use (aOR = 23.3; 95% CI: 13.1–41.4), history of compulsory detention (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4–4.2) and having more than 10 sex clients in the last month (aOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.2). Among FSW who reported never injecting drugs, HIV infection (aOR = 24.2; 95% CI: 14.8–39.4), a history of non-injection drug use (aOR = 3.3, CI: 1.8–5.7), compulsory detention (aOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2–4.0) and having over 10 sex clients in the last month (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.7) were independently associated with HCV exposure. Discussion: FSW have elevated HCV risks through sex- and drug-related pathways. These findings highlight the need to offer FSW-targeted HCV interventions and ensure their access to HIV prevention and treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare the performance of a modified Glasgow Blatchford score (mGBS) to the Glasgow Blatchford score (GBS) and the pre-endoscopic Rockall score (RS) in predicting clinical interventions in Vietnamese patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AN-VUGIB). METHODS: A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted in five tertiary hospitals from May 2013 to February 2014. The mGBS, GBS, and pre-endoscopic RS scores were prospectively calculated for all patients. The accuracy of mGBS was compared with that of GBS and pre-endoscopic RS using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Clinical interventions were defined as blood transfusions, endoscopic or radiological intervention, or surgery. RESULTS: There were 395 patients including 128 (32.4%) needing endoscopic treatment, 117 (29.6%) requiring blood transfusion and two (0.5%) needing surgery. In predicting the need for clinical intervention, the mGBS (AUC, 0.707) performed as well as the GBS (AUC, 0.708; p=0.87) and outperformed the pre-endoscopic RS (AUC, 0.594; p<0.001). However, none of these scores effectively excluded the need for endoscopic intervention at a threshold of 0. CONCLUSIONS: mGBS performed as well as GBS and better than pre-endoscopic RS for predicting clinical interventions in Vietnamese patients with ANVUGIB.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Blood Transfusion ; Cohort Studies* ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhage* ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies* ; ROC Curve ; Tertiary Care Centers