Background: While advanced age is a known risk factor for postoperative complications following hip arthroplasty, its role as an independent predictor versus a surrogate for comorbidity remains unclear, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the independent impact of age on postoperative outcomes and explore the mediating role of key comorbidities in a resource-limited setting. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 769 adult patients undergoing hip arthroplasty at a Vietnamese tertiary hospital (2021–2024), categorized into three groups: younger adults (18–64 years), older adults (65–79 years), and oldest old (≥80 years). The primary outcome was a composite of major postoperative complications. Multivariable logistic regression and structural equation modeling were used to identify independent predictors and assess mediation effects. Results: Among 769 patients, 363 were younger (47.2%), 241 older adults (31.3%), and 165 oldest old (21.5%). Complication rates increased significantly with age (18.7%, 36.9%, and 60.0%, respectively; p<0.001). However, multivariable adjustment showed that age was not an independent predictor. Instead, heart failure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=5.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.19–13.74) and preoperative anemia (aOR=1.77, 95% CI 1.21– 2.59) were identified as independent risk factors. Mediation analysis revealed that the effect of age on complications was significantly mediated through preoperative anemia. Conclusion Increased postoperative risk in older adults is driven by comorbidity burden rather than chronological age. Preoperative anemia and heart failure are critical, independent predictors, with anemia acting as a key mediator for the effects of age. Individualized correction of modifiable comorbidities may be more beneficial than using age alone to assess surgical risk.

BACKGROUND: Acellular tubular artery scaffolds offer structural support for vascular regeneration but are inherently limited by poor anticoagulant properties, which increases the risk of thrombus formation following implantation. This thrombogenicity remains a major obstacle to their clinical application, particularly in small-diameter vascular grafts. METHODS: To address this challenge, the present study investigates the use of the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly technique for heparin immobilization under low-speed rotation. Utilizing a roller tube system, heparin was immobilized onto decellularized scaffolds through electrostatic interactions facilitated by a DHI-based linker. This low-speed rotation LbL approach enhanced the uniformity and stability of heparin deposition compared to traditional static methods. One, 4, 7, 10, 13 deposition cycles were performed to achieve optimal heparin loading, resulting in scaffolds capable of sustained heparin release over 28 days. RESULTS: The heparinized scaffolds exhibited an initial burst release (approximately 80%), followed by a sustained phase with 18.24% ± 0.242 remaining to support prolonged anticoagulant activity. Importantly, the modified scaffolds significantly reduced thrombus formation and exhibited minimal hemolytic activity, indicating improved hemocompatibility. In addition to their antithrombotic properties, the scaffolds also promoted endothelial cell adhesion, which is critical for restoring vascular integrity, regulating vascular tone, and maintaining long-term patency. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the efficacy of roller-assisted LbL heparinization as a practical and scalable strategy to enhance the blood compatibility of acellular vascular grafts. This method holds considerable promise for addressing thrombogenicity in vascular tissue engineering and advancing the clinical translation of bioengineered vascular constructs.

A 47-year-old female was admitted with progressive exertional dyspnea and diagnosed with anomalous drainage of the left pulmonary veins into the coronary sinus (CS), combined with an intact interatrial septum and a small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Multimodal imaging, including echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac catheterization, helps diagnosis, optimal management and monitoring. The patient successfully underwent surgical repair, which involved rerouting the left anomalous pulmonary veins into the left atrium through a surgically created atrial septal defect, while the CS continued to drain into the right atrium and the PDA was closed directly via a transpulmonary approach. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Background: Patients with beta-thalassemia major are susceptible to malnutrition, yet limited evidence exists in Vietnam. This study aims to identify factors associated with underweight status among adults with beta-thalassemia major in Vietnam. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 201 adults (≥18 years) with beta-thalassemia major. Underweight was defined as BMI < 18.5 kg/m². Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with underweight status, including age, sex, ethnicity, place of residence, educational level, marital status, and employment status. Results: Over half of the participants (54.2%) were underweight. Female (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12–0.73, p-value=0.008) and married patients (aOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.79, p-value=0.013) were significantly associated with lower odds of underweight status compared to male and unmarried counterparts. Underweight patients had significantly lower fat mass, muscle mass, and bone mineral content, but higher total body water percentage compared to those with normal weight. Conclusion: Underweight status is highly prevalent among adults with beta-thalassemia major in Vietnam, particularly among males and unmarried individuals. These findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional and psychosocial support strategies to improve care and quality of life for this vulnerable population. We recommend implementing tailored nutritional interventions to improve their nutritional status.

Solar lentigines are benign pigmented lesions commonly treated with 532-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, though outcomes can be limited by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), especially in darker skin types. This case series evaluated a novel 532-nm nanosecond Nd:YAG vasculature salvage laser surgery (VSLS) system, designed to minimize PIH risk through two key features: cryo-photothermolysis, which induces vasoconstriction to reduce hemoglobin absorption, and AutoDerm®, which enables precise lesion targeting. Two female patients in their 60s with persistent solar lentigines, unresponsive to prior laser treatments, underwent a single VSLS session. Complete resolution of the lentigines was achieved after one treatment session, with no signs of PIH, prolonged erythema, or scarring observed throughout 3 months of follow-up. This outcome suggests the VSLS system may offer a safer and more effective alternative for treating solar lentigines, particularly in patients at a higher risk of laser-induced complications.

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.

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.

Sphaeranthus africanus is commonly used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and pain treatment in Vietnam. The aerial parts have been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. However, the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the plant has not been explored. In this work, hydrophilic extracts of the plant's aerial parts were prepared in order to investigate its antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Also, the cytotoxicity of the root was evaluated and compared to that of the aerial parts. All of the extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation with IC 50 values ranging from 2.05 to 3.56 µg/mL, indicating substantial antioxidant activity. At an IC 50 value of 4.80 μg/mL, the 50% ethanol extract exhibited the most potent inhibition of α-glucosidase. The cytotoxic activity of root extracts is 2 to 5-fold less than that of the aerial parts. Nevertheless, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the root demonstrated a selective effect on leukemia cells, with no harm towards the normal HEK-293 cell line. This work provides a scientific support for the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the plant. Hence, it may find a promising material for the development of novel antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. More research can be conducted on the phytochemistry and anticancer activities of the plant’s root.

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

Background: Vietnamese herbs are considered as a botanical resource, a precious medicinal source of our country, and are widely used in the residential community in general. Phu Vang district is a coastal plain and lagoon in Thua Thien Hue province, where people’s living standards are not high, health facilities lack equipment. Therefore, the needs for primary health care are necessary to be strengthened, especially in the treatment of common diseases using Vietnamese herbs to reduce costs and improve health for the people. However, the knowledge of the local residents about Vietnamese herbs preventing and treating common diseases at home has not been surveyed. Objectives: (1) To describe the knowledge, attitude and practice on the use of Vietnamese herbs used in the treatment of common diseases of residents in some communes of Phu Vang district. (2) To determine some factors related to the use of Vietnamese herbs in the treatment of common diseases among the residents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 residents representing the heads of households in three communes of Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province, Thua Thien Hue province. Descriptive statistical analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed with SPSS software. Results: Knowledge: Good: 45.2%; Fair: 30.8%; Average: 9.0%; Poor: 2.0%. Attitude: 97.0% of residents preferred using Vietnamese herbs in the treatment of common diseases, and 96.6% of residents agreed to continue using Vietnamese herbs to treat similar diseases later. Practice: Good: 7.8%; Fair: 16.7%; Average: 25.3%; Poor: 50.2%. Receiving information about Vietnamese herbs and growing them at home gardens were two factors related to the use of Vietnamese herbs to treat common diseases (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The practice of using Vietnamese herbs to treat common diseases of the residents in Phu Vang district is still low, it is necessary to strengthen educational propaganda to raise the awareness and practice among residents on the prevention and treatment of diseases with Vietnamese herbs at home.