Objective: In Viet Nam, tuberculosis (TB) prevalence surveys revealed that approximately 98% of individuals with pulmonary TB have TB-presumptive abnormalities on chest radiographs, while 32% have no TB symptoms. This prompted the adoption of the “Double X” strategy, which combines chest radiographs and computer-aided detection with GeneXpert testing to screen for and diagnose TB among vulnerable populations. The aim of this study was to describe demographic, clinical and radiographic characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic Double X participants and to assess multilabel radiographic abnormalities on chest radiographs, interpreted by computer-aided detection software, as a possible tool for detecting TB-presumptive abnormalities, particularly for subclinical TB. Methods: Double X participants with TB-presumptive chest radiographs and/or TB symptoms and known risks were referred for confirmatory GeneXpert testing. The demographic and clinical characteristics of all Double X participants and the subset with confirmed TB were summarized. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate associations between participant characteristics and subclinical TB and between computer-aided detection multilabel radiographic abnormalities and TB. Results: From 2020 to 2022, 96 631 participants received chest radiographs, with 67 881 (70.2%) reporting no TB symptoms. Among 1144 individuals with Xpert-confirmed TB, 51.0% were subclinical. Subclinical TB prevalence was higher in older age groups, non-smokers, those previously treated for TB and the northern region. Among 11 computer-aided detection multilabel radiographic abnormalities, fibrosis was associated with higher odds of subclinical TB. Discussion: In Viet Nam, Double X community case finding detected pulmonary TB, including subclinical TB. Computer-aided detection software may have the potential to identify subclinical TB on chest radiographs by classifying multilabel radiographic abnormalities, but further research is needed.

Background: The facial artery is an important blood vessel responsible for supplying the anterior face. Understanding the branching patterns of the facial artery plays a crucial role in various medical specialties such as plastic surgery, dermatology, and oncology. This knowledge contributes to improving the success rate of facial reconstruction and aesthetic procedures. However, debate continues regarding the classification of facial artery branching patterns in the existing literature. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive anatomical study, in which we dissected 102 facial arteries from 52 embalmed and formaldehyde-fixed Vietnamese cadavers at the Anatomy Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results: Our investigation revealed eight distinct termination points and identified 35 combinations of branching patterns, including seven arterial branching patterns. These termination points included the inferior labial artery, superior labial artery, inferior alar artery, lateral nasal artery, angular artery typical, angular artery running along the lower border of the orbicularis oculi muscle, forehead branch, duplex, and short course (hypoplastic). Notably, the branching patterns of the facial artery displayed marked asymmetry between the left and right sides within the same cadaver. Conclusion The considerable variation observed in the branching pattern and termination points of the facial artery makes it challenging to establish a definitive classification system for this vessel. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an anatomical map summarizing the major measurements and geometric features of the facial artery. Surgeons and medical professionals involved in facial surgery and procedures must consider the detailed anatomy and relative positioning of the facial artery to minimize the risk of unexpected complications.

VIETNAMESE STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND ACADEMIC BURNOUT This study explores the mental health status of high school students in Hanoi, Vietnam, focusing on depression, anxiety, stress, and academic burnout. Using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-S-23) scale, the study assesses the prevalence of these conditions among students and their awareness of these issues. The findings reveal significant levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout risk, with notable differences based on gender and grade level. The study underscores the importance of mental health interventions and burnout prevention programs in schools. It also highlights the potential of the BAT-S-23 scale as a tool for assessing burnout. The results are expected to contribute to the development of effective strategies for promoting student mental health and managing burnout, thereby holding significant implications for the future of mental health management in the Vietnamese educational setting. Future research should focus on identifying the specific factors contributing to these mental health issues among high school students in Vietnam and developing targeted interventions to address them. Despite some limitations, the study offers important contributions to the ongoing efforts to promote mental health and academic success among students. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 25 (3) April, 2024;1-11.

STRESS IN RELATIONSHIP WITH BURNOUT DUE TO COVID-19: THE MODERATING ROLE OF COPING STRATEGIES This study investigates the relationship between stress and burnout related to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the moderating influence of positive and negative coping strategies. In a cross-sectional survey involving 3,664 Vietnamese citizens aged 18 and above, the research explores the dynamics of stress and burnout symptoms associated with the ongoing pandemic. The results reveal a negative impact of stress symptoms on COVID-19-related burnout among the population. Notably, both positive and negative coping strategies are identified as significant moderators in the interplay between stress and burnout. This suggests that individuals’ coping mechanisms influence the severity of stress and burnout experienced in dealing with COVID-19 challenges. These findings contribute to the foundational understanding of the stress-burnout relationship during the pandemic and provide essential insights for interventions. By recognizing the moderating role of coping strategies, this study lays the groundwork for strategies aimed at enhancing individuals’ coping abilities, ultimately reducing stress and burnout levels. These insights hold the potential to assist individuals in adapting more effectively to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering improved mental well-being in the face of ongoing uncertainties. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 25 (3) March, 2024; 1-10.

Background: In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of perioral vascular complications resulting from filler injections, such as necrosis of the lip or alar rim, occlusion, and in severe cases, blindness. Conversely, the use of perioral arterial flaps is becoming more prevalent in the treatment of cleft lips, cancer, and trauma. A thorough understanding of perioral arteries is essential to minimize complications and maximize the success of these flaps. However, the course of the facial artery (FA) in the perioral region remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to describe the variations of the FA in the perioral region. Methods: We dissected 52 embalmed and formaldehyde-fixed Vietnamese cadavers. We then studied the size and distribution of perioral arteries in 102 specimens. Results: The superior labial artery (SLA) was the most common branch, occurring in 87.25% of cadavers, followed by the inferior labial artery (ILA) at 78.43%. The SLA primarily originated above the mouth corner (cheilion), accounting for 91.01% of cases, and predominantly exhibited a tortuous course within the submucosa (78.65%). The ILA’s branching pattern varied, but it was primarily located below the cheilion (91.25%). The ILA also followed a twisted path, generally within the submucosa. The ILA exhibited two patterns: the typical pattern, distributed at the vermilion border of the lower lip (8.82%), and the horizontal labiomental artery pattern, which ran horizontally in the middle of the lower lip area (69.61%). At their origin, the SLA and ILA had average external diameters of 1.29 mm and 1.28 mm, respectively. Conclusion Numerous anatomical variations in the FA in the perioral region were found. A detailed anatomic description, suggested landmarks, and angiography before the procedure will be useful to help doctors avoid complications.

Background: Among mandibular fractures, condyle fractures are common injuries which directly affect the occlusal function and aesthetics of the patients. Accurate diagnosis based on clinical and radiographic features helps to choose the appropriate treatment. This study aims to evaluate clinical features, morphologies on CT Scan of mandibular condyle fractures and analyze the relationship between these characteristics. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study on 30 patients with mandibular condyle fractures were conducted at Department of ENT - Ophthalmology - Odonto Stomatology in the Hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, from December 2021 to June 2023. Results: The male:female ratio was about 2:1, the main cause of fractures was traffic accidents (73.4%). The common clinical symptoms were malocclusion (96.7%) with occlusal interferences on posterior teeth and limited mouth opening (83.3%). On CT Scan, condylar neck fractures were the most common position (58.8%). There was a relationship between the side of deviated mouth opening and the affected sides (p < 0.05). In cases of unilateral condyle fractures, there was a relation between the side of premature contact on posterior teeth and the affected sides (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fractures of condylar neck was the most common fractures in the mandibular condyle, which resulted in malocclusion, interferences on posterior teeth, limited and deviated mouth opening. There was a relationship between deviated mouth opening and premature contacts on posterior teeth with the fractured side.

Background: Lung cancer is a common cancer with a high mortality rate. The identification of prognostic factors in lung cancer patients in Vietnam is still limited and inconsistent in clinical practice. Objectives: To describe the clinical, paraclinical characteristics and m-LCPI index in patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer and evaluate the factors affecting overall survival in patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Prospective study of 210 cases of non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed with primary non-small cell lung cancer at the Oncology Department of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Hue Central Hospital from February 2020 to February 2023. Results: The majority of hospitalizations were at late stages, from stage IIIA (89%), group 3 and 4 in m-LCPI grading scale constituted the majority (80%). Average overall survival at 3 years was 20.0 ± 14 months, and gradually decreased to 54.8%, 40%, and 38.6% after 1 year, 2 years and 3 years, respectively. Regression analysis of COX model between m-LCPI and OS showed statistical significance with m-LCPI 4 (HR = 3.9, 95%CI = 1.57 - 9.69, p = 0.003), while m-LCPI 3 (HR = 2.44, 95% CI 0.97 - 6.13), p = 0.058) had a weak correlation. Conclusion: Our study shows that 38.6% of patients were still alive after 3 years of diagnosis. m-LCPI index is a good predictor of the patients’ overall survival.

Aims: This study was aimed to test the specificity of primers and probes with target genes by using multiplex PCR and multiplex real-time PCR methods. These methods were compared with traditional blood culture methods in detecting five bacteria causing sepsis, including Acinetorbacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Methodology and results: A total of 587 blood samples from patients diagnosed with sepsis and septic shock were collected at Thanh Nhan Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. Each sample was divided into three parts for bacterial culture, multiplex PCR and multiplex real-time PCR to detect the similarity of the two PCR methods with the bacterial culture method. Conditions in multiplex PCR and multiplex real-time PCR were optimized to ensure the successful amplification of target genes. Results showed that the primers and probes were tested completely specific to the target genes and using multiplex PCR and multiplex real-time PCR techniques could detect five pathogens causing sepsis, including A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. aureus. Conclusion, significance and impact of study Both multiplex PCR and multiplex real-time PCR methods have high similarities with the culture method, showing potential in the application of bacteria detection in sepsis.
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sepsis--microbiology

Objective: Female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cervical cancer due to their high number of sexual partners. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of HPV and identify risk factors for high-risk HPV infection among FSWs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Viet Nam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hanoi and HCMC between December 2017 and May 2018. We surveyed and screened 699 FSWs aged ≥18 years for HPV infection and abnormal cytology. A multivariable modified Cox regression model was used to determine risk factors for high-risk HPV infection. Results The overall prevalence of any HPV, high-risk HPV and HPV-16/18 infection in the 699 FSWs was 26.3%, 17.6% and 4.0%, respectively, and were similar in both cities. Multiple infections were identified in 127 participants (69.0%).HPV-52 was the most prevalent (7%), followed by HPV-58 (6%). Abnormal cytology was detected in 91 participants (13.0%). FSWs who are divorced (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–3.81), widowed (aPR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.49–7.12) or living alone (aPR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.01–3.39) were associated with a higher prevalence of high-risk HPV infection.