Objectives: The objective of this study was to characterize mental health issues among Vietnamese healthcare workers (HCWs) and to identify related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 990 HCWs in 2021. Their mental health status was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Results: In total, 49.9%, 52.3%, and 29.8% of respondents were found to have depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. The multivariable linear regression model revealed that factors associated with increased anxiety scores included depression scores (β, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.51) and stress scores (β, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.52). Factors associated with increased depression scores included being frontline HCWs (β, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.10 to 1.10), stress scores (β, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.56), and anxiety scores (β, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.47), while working experience was associated with reduced depression scores (β, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.01). Factors associated with increased stress scores included working experience (β, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.16), personal protective equipment interference with daily activities (β, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.07 to 1.00), depression scores (β, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.59), and anxiety scores (β, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.50), while age was associated with reduced stress scores (β, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.05). Conclusions Specific interventions are necessary to enhance and promote the mental health of HCWs so they can successfully cope with the circumstances of the pandemic.

Aims: The objective of the study was to isolate bacteriophages and conduct a comprehensive analysis of their potential against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strains in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Methodology and results: Twelve Xoo strains were isolated from rice fields located in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Among these strains, three strains Xoo L019, L020 and L024, showed the highest disease index of bacterial blight. Four phages specific to Xoo were isolated from soil, water and leaf samples, and their morphologies were determined. In a test against 12 Xoo strains, phage L541, MLA23 or W41 could infect 10 of the 12 Xoo strains, while phage LBH01 could infect 8 of the 12 Xoo strains. The stability of the phages to pH, organic solvents, UV-A and UV-B was also evaluated. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The initial characterization of the phages indicates their potential as biocontrol agents against bacterial blight in rice. The study is one of the very first studies about Xoo phages in rice in Vietnam.

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the workload of healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting their health. This study aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and identify factors associated with poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1000 frontline HCWs were recruited from various healthcare facilities in Vietnam between October 2021 and November 2021. Data were collected using a 3-part self-administered questionnaire, which covered demographics, sleep quality, and factors related to poor sleep. Poor sleep quality was defined as a total PSQI score of 5 or higher. Results: Participants’ mean age was 33.20±6.81 years (range, 20.0-61.0), and 63.0% were women. The median work experience was 8.54±6.30 years. Approximately 6.3% had chronic comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. About 59.5% were directly responsible for patient care and treatment, while 7.1% worked in tracing and sampling. A total of 73.8% reported poor sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between poor sleep quality and the presence of chronic comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 5.24), being a frontline HCW directly involved in patient care and treatment (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.16), increased working hours (OR, 1.84; 95% CI,1.37 to 2.48), and a higher frequency of encountering critically ill and dying patients (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95). Conclusions The high prevalence of poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that in other countries. Working conditions should be adjusted to improve sleep quality among this population.

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) are national health burdens in Vietnam. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of rifampicin (RIF) and/or isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide, INH) resistance in patients with suspected TB, and applied appropriate techniques to help rapidly target DR-TB. Methods: In total, 1,547 clinical specimens were collected and cultured using the BACTEC MGIT system (Becton Dickinson and Co.). A resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) was used to determine the proportions of RIF and/or INH resistance. A real-time polymerase chain reaction panel with TaqMan probes was employed to identify the mutations of rpoB and katG associated with DR-TB in clinical isolates. Genotyping of the identified mutations was also performed. Results: A total of 468 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were identified using the REMA. Of these isolates, 106 (22.6%) were found to be resistant to 1 or both antibiotics. Of the resistant isolates, 74 isolates (69.8%) were resistant to isoniazid (INH) only, while 1 isolate (0.94%) was resistant to RIF only. Notably, 31 isolates (29.24%) were resistant to both antibiotics. Of the 41 phenotypically INH-resistant isolates, 19 (46.3%) had the Ser315Thr mutation. There were 8 different rpoB mutations in 22 (68.8%) of the RIF-resistant isolates. The most frequently detected mutations were at codons 531 (37.5%), 526 (18.8%), and 516 (6.3%). Conclusion To help prevent new cases of DR-TB in Vietnam, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the genotypic DR-TB isolates.

An adolescent’s most common mental condition is depression. Adolescent depression is rising. This study examined characteristics that could affect adolescent depressive symptoms and if they would have a substantial impact on depressive disorders. 1,336 secondary and high school students from Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam, were convenience sampled. This study examined how academic stress, self-rating life experiences, rejection, (over) protection, emotional warmth, social support, life satisfaction, and resilience can lead to depressive disorder. Academic stress, self-rating life events, rejection, and (over) protection were positively associated with depression symptoms among teenagers in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Depressive illnesses are also linked to life satisfaction, social support, and resilience. Academic stress dominated work contentment.

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.

Background: Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression have been recognized as the etiology of temporomandibular disorders. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in dental students and describe the state of depression and anxiety and related factors in the students with the disorders. Materials and methods: 323 students at the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, were examined to detect temporomandibular disorders, using the DC/TMD axis I. Then GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaires were used to screen for anxiety and depression in the group with the disorders. Results: The proportion of students with temporomandibular disorders was 38.1%, intra-articular disorders accounted for the highest rate (80.5%). The percentages of depression and anxiety among students with the disorder were 28.4% and 55.3%, respectively. 41.5% of TMD students had mild anxiety and the same proportion of students had risk of depression. Risk factors associated with depression and anxiety were economic status and excercise, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The percentage of students with temporomandibular disorders is relatively high. The majority of students with the disorders are at risk for depression and low level of anxiety. There is a link between the economic status and depression, between exercise and anxiety.

Objective: To explore the correlation of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in older adults with high-risk hypertension. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 older adults (≥ 60 years old) with treated high-risk hypertension. Socio-demographic and cardiovascular risk information were gathered. The patients were performed 24-hour ABPM. Results: The mean age was 70.88 ± 7.86 years, and 64.6% were women. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was as follows: dyslipidemia: 80.2%, family history of hypertension: 54.2%, diabetes mellitus: 51%, smoking: 24%, prior stroke: 11.5%. Significant differences in 24-hour, awake, and sleep systolic BP were observed between men and women. There were significant correlations between 24-hour mean systolic BP with age (r = 0.229, p = 0.025), dyslipidemia (r = 0.223, p = 0.029), family history of hypertension (r = 0.214, p = 0.036), BMI (r = 0.212, p = 0.039), waist circumference (r = 0.226, p = 0.027) and creatinine level (r = 0.207, p = 0.043). There were significant correlations between 24-hour mean diastolic BP with BMI (r = 0.289, p = 0.004) and prior stroke (r = -0.224, p = 0.029). There were significant correlations between 24-hour mean BP with BMI (r = 0.268, p = 0.009), waist circumference (r = 0.220, p = 0.032) and prior stroke (r = -0.215, p = 0.036). Conclusion: There were significant correlations between ABPM parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in older adults with high-risk hypertension.

Background: Cervical tooth wear is a common oral health issue that often leads to the loss of tooth structure integrity, making the teeth sensitive, prone to plaque buildup, affecting the dental pulp, and causing aesthetic concerns. Assessing the extent of tooth erosion and its correlation with brushing habits is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of necessary interventions and preventive measures. Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of cervical tooth wear in young individuals aged 18-25 and examine the association between brushing habits and cervical tooth wear. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 60 undergraduate students from the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, aged 18 - 25, who visited the Odonto-Stomatology Clinic, Family Medicine Center from November 2020 to April 2021. Study participants were interviewed and provided clinical examinations after obtaining their consent. Results: The study findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of cervical tooth wear (53.3%). Most cases exhibited a severity score 0 (no tooth wear), and no cases were classified as score 4. The highest prevalence of cervical tooth wear was observed in the left mandibular (65.6%). Regarding the association between cervical tooth wear and brushing habits, there was a significant correlation between horizontal brushing technique and brush hardness with cervical tooth wear (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between brushing frequency, toothbrush replacement time, brushing duration, and force applied during brushing with cervical tooth wear (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In general, the prevalence of cervical tooth wear is relatively high, and there exists a correlation between horizontal tooth brushing habits and brush hardness with the condition of cervical tooth wear. Therefore, implementing preventive measures against cervical tooth wear is crucial for enhancing oral health for everyone.

Background: Buxus latistyla Gagnep. (Buxaceae) has been used as a remedy for treating malaria, haemoptysis, amoebic dysentery etc. However, its chemical constituents are still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify phytochemicals isolated from this plant. Materials and method: Aerial parts of B. latistyla were collected from Quang Tri province. Pure compounds were isolated using the combination of chromatographic methods. Structures of isolated compounds were identified by analyzing spectral data of nuclear magnetic resonance as well as by comparing with reported data. Results & Conclusion: Five triterpenes were isolated and identified including lupeol (1), lupenone (2), betulin (3), 20(29)-lupene-2α,3α-diol (4), 20(29)-lupene-2α,3α,28-triol (5). This is the first report about those phytochemicals of B. latistyla collected in Vietnam.