The patients were divided into 2 groups, group I: 56 children under 15 years of age, group II: 119 adults. The most frequent initial mechanism of the traumatic cataract in our series was perforating injury of the eye, representing 73.2% of the cases in children, 43.2% in adults. Implantation and cataract surgery were performed simultaneously in 138 cases (78.86%) and secondarily in 137 cases (21.14%). Implantation was performed in the cases of perforating trauma, including 85.5% implants in the posterior chamber, 5% in the anterior chamber, and 12% with sclera fication of the posterior chamber. We noted a visual acuity equal to or better than 0.2 in 73.2% of the cases in the 2 groups (75% in children, 73.95% in adults). Results of visual acuity equal to or better than 0.5 after contusion (44%) with an incidence higher than that after perforating injuries (39.7%). The optical correction that gives the best functional results is the primary implantation (76.8% of visual acuity better than 0.2).
Lenses, Intraocular ; Injuries

From 1996 to 1998, secondary IOL implantation after traumatic cataract surgery was performed on 60 patients (60 eyes) of the age ranged from 5 to 56 years with a follow-up period of 3 to 18 months. Interval between cataract surgery and secondary IOL ranged from 7 days to over 2 years. Basing on the state and the size of the posterior capsule, patients were divided into 3 groups. IOL was implanted in posterior chamber: 32 eyes, anterior chamber: 3 eyes, and scleral fixation of posterior chamber: 25 eyes. Postoperative visual acuity was 0.2 or better in 53 eyes (88.33%) and 0.1 or worse in 7 eyes (11.67%). Post-operative complications include retinal detachment with fibrous vitreous: 1 eyes, fibrous membrane formation: 4 eyes, capsular opacification: 6 eyes, dislocations of IOL: 7 eyes, intraocular hypertension: 2 eyes. Pupillary ascension, prolapsed vitreous, and peripheral anterior synechia were common conditions limiting the result. Secondary IOL implantation after traumatic cataract surgery seems to be a reasonable way to improve visual function and to prevent amblyopia.
Lenses, Intraocular ; Aphakia

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.

Backgrounds: Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is commonly used in colorectal cancer screening programs. Many studies have compared different FOBT methods, but the correlation between traditional red cell microscopy and FOBT remains unclear. Objectives: 1) To evaluate the rate of positive FOBT in patients with different disease groups; 2) To compare the sensitivity and specificity of red blood cells detection in fresh stool by microscopy technique and FOBT. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 120 patients from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital who requested a stool test from 4/2021 to 4/2022. Fresh stool samples were examined for the presence of red blood cells using traditional microscopy and FOBT technique. Results: The overall positivity rate of FOBT was 20%, and in the group of gastrointestinal diseases (n = 24), clinical anemia (n = 21), hepatobiliary diseases (n = 26) and other diseases (n = 49), it was 37.5%, 23.8%, 11.5% and 14.3%, respectively. In comparison with the FOBT technique, microscopic RBC detection had a sensitivity of 33.3% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusions: A high rate of fecal occult blood tests was observed in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Microscopic erythrocyte detection has low sensitivity and many disadvantages compared to the rapid test. This rapid test should be widely used in clinical practice to aid in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding

Objective: To investigate the cause of a foodborne outbreak that occurred in Dong Nai province, Viet Nam, in 2024, and implement control measures. Methods: An initial investigation was conducted to confirm the outbreak, which was followed by epidemiological and environmental investigations to find the plausible causative food item. Clinical specimens and food samples were tested to identify the pathogen. Results: A total of 547 symptomatic cases were recorded, of whom two were in severe condition requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventilation, one of whom died. Among 99 interviewed cases, the mean incubation time was 9 hours (range 2–24 hours), with the main symptoms being fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. All patients had eaten banh mi from a local bakery. Salmonella spp. were identified in food samples and clinical specimens. The bakery halted production, and the outbreak ended after 1 week. Discussion: All the patients were exposed to only one food in common, which facilitated the investigation process. This outbreak is a reminder to small retailers and take-away shops of the importance of food safety management in preventing similar future outbreaks. All food handlers must comply with food hygiene principles, especially in hot temperatures, which boosts bacterial growth.