Mirizzi syndrome type IV, a rare and complex form of biliary obstruction, has traditionally required major open surgery. This case report describes a groundbreaking alternative: a 44-year-old woman successfully treated using a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach.The less invasive procedure resulted in rapid, complication-free recovery, with no evidence of biliary stricture at the 6-month follow-up. This outcome challenges conventional management and demonstrates that a minimally invasive approach can be both feasible and highly effective in carefully selected patients.

This article presented a reflexive narrative inquiry into the work–life–study balance of Vietnamese nurse scholars pursuing advanced education in the Philippines. Drawing on qualitative interviews and personal insights, it explored the complex interplay of cultural, institutional, and personal dynamics that had shaped their academic journeys. Integrating feminist, intersectional, and decolonial perspectives, the study highlighted the significance of power, positionality, and structural inequities in shaping these scholars' lived realities. Reflexivity serves as both method and critical lens, enabling deeper engagement with ethical responsibilities, knowledge production, and the politics of representation. This inquiry not only foregrounded the voices of Vietnamese nurse scholars but also contributed to broader conversations on transnational education, academic labor, and feminist praxis in qualitative health research.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), Copenhagen Index (CPH-I), and Ovarian Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) for the preoperative prediction of ovarian cancer (OC). Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 462 patients diagnosed with ovarian tumors admitted to the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, and Hue Central Hospital from May 2020 to December 2022. ROMA and CPH-I were calculated using cancer antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymal protein 4 (HE4) levels, and patient characteristics (age and menopausal status). O-RADS criteria were applied to describe ovarian tumor characteristics from ultrasound findings.Compared with histopathological results, the predictive values of ROMA, CPH-I, and O-RADS alone or in combination with CA125/HE4 for OC were calculated. Results: Among 462 patients, 381 had benign tumors, 11 had borderline tumors, and 50 had OC. At optimal cut-off points, ROMA’s and CPH-I’s areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.880 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.846–0.909) and 0.890 (95% CI=0.857–0.918), respectively, and ROMA and CPH-I sensitivities/specificities (Se/Sp) were 68.85%/95.01% and 77.05%/91.08%, respectively. O-RADS ≥3 yielded an AUCs of 0.949 (95% CI=0.924–0.968), with Se/Sp of 88.52%/88.98% (p<0.001). Combining O-RADS with CA125 demonstrated the highest predictive value, with AUCs of 0.969 (95% CI=0.949–0.983) and Se/Sp of 98.36%/86.09% (p<0.001). Conclusion The ROMA, CPH-I, O-RADS, O-RADS + CA125, and O-RADS + HE4 models demonstrated good predictive values for OC; the combination of O-RADS and CA125 yielded the highest values.

Streptocaulon juventas, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, has been previously investigated for certain biological activities of its roots; however, studies on its leaves remain limited. In this study, leaf extracts were evaluated for their in vitro anti-proliferative activity against B16F10 (murine melanoma) and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cell lines, as well as for their αglucosidase inhibitory potential. MTT assays revealed that the hexane (Sj-Hx) and dichloromethane (Sj-DCM) fractions exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effects on B16F10 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 36.09 µg/mL and 45.91 µg/mL, respectively. The hexane fraction (Sj-Hx) also demonstrated potent activity against HepG2 cells, with an IC50 value of 36.65 µg/mL. Notably, none of the extracts exhibited cytotoxicity toward Hs68 normal human fibroblasts, indicating favorable selectivity. DAPI staining further confirmed that both Sj-Hx and Sj-DCM induced nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation, consistent with apoptosis induction. Additionally, in vitro assays of anti-diabetic activity revealed that the hexane (Sj-Hx) and ethyl acetate (Sj-EA) extracts displayed the strongest α-glucosidase inhibition, with IC₅₀ values of 221.59 µg/mL and 265.73 µg/mL, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggest that S. juventas leaf extracts possess selective pro-apoptotic activity against cancer cells and represent a promising natural source for the discovery of anti-diabetic agents.

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: s/Aims: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the only radical treatment for periampullary malignancies. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) first approach combined with total meso-pancreas (MP) excision was conducted to improve the oncological results.There has not been any previous research of a technique that combines the SMA first approach and total MP excision with a detailed description of the MP macroscopical shape. Methods: We prospectively assessed 77 patients with periampullary malignancies between October 2020 and March 2022 (18 months). All patients had undergone PD with SMA first approach combined total MP excision. The perioperative indications, clinical data, intra-operative index, R0 resection rate of postoperative pathological specimens (especially mesopancreatic margin), postoperative complications, and follow-up results were evaluated. Results: The median operative time was 289.6 min (178−540 min), the median intraoperative blood loss was 209 mL (30−1,600 mL).Microscopically, there were 19 (24.7%) cases with metastatic MP, and five cases (6.5%) with R1-resection of the MP. The number of lymph nodes (LNs) harvested and metastatic LNs were 27.2 (maximum was 74) and 1.8 (maximum was 16), respectively. Some (46.8%) patients had pancreatic fistula, but mostly in grade A, with 7 patients (9.1%) who required re-operations. Some 18.2% of cases developed postoperative refractory diarrhea. The rate of in-hospital mortality was 1.3%. Conclusions The PD with SMA first approach combined TMpE for periampullary malignancies was effective in achieving superior oncological statistics (rate of MP R0-resection and number of total resected LNs) with non-inferior short-term outcomes. It is necessary to evaluate survival outcomes with long-term follow-up.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with twin pregnancy following day 3 double embryo transfer (DET). Methods: This retrospective cohort study incorporated data from 16,972 day 3 DET cycles. The participants were women aged between 18 and 45 years who underwent in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at My Duc Assisted Reproduction Technique Unit (IVFMD), My Duc Hospital, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results: Of the 16,972 day 3 DET cycles investigated, 8,812 (51.9%) resulted in pregnancy. Of these, 6,108 cycles led to clinical pregnancy, with 1,543 (25.3% of clinical pregnancies) being twin pregnancies. Factors associated with twin pregnancy included age under 35 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32 to 1.71; p<0.001) and cycles involving the transfer of at least one grade I embryo. Relative to the transfer of two grade III embryos, the risk of twin pregnancy was significantly elevated following the transfer of two grade I embryos (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.69; p<0.001) or a combination of one grade I and one grade II embryo (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.55; p=0.001). Conclusion By analyzing a large number of IVF/ICSI cycles, we identified several predictors of twin pregnancy. These findings can assist medical professionals in tailoring treatment strategies for couples with infertility.

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of mental health (MH) symptoms and associated factors among medical students who were engaged in combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in 4 provinces/cities of Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 580 participants was conducted at a medical university in Northern Vietnam. MH was assessed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, which was previously standardized in Vietnam. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the association between MH symptoms and relevant factors. Results: Out of a total of 2703 medical students, 21.5% responded to the questionnaire. Among the 580 respondents, the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 43.3%, 44.0%, and 24.7%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with self-reported depression included being female and having a COVID-19 infection. Similarly, being female and having a COVID-19 infection were significantly associated with self-reported anxiety. Factors associated with self-reported stress included being female, having a personal or family history of MH symptoms, working more than 8 hr/day, and having a COVID-19 infection. Conclusions COVID-19 has adversely impacted the MH of medical students. Our findings are valuable in their potential to motivate universities, MH professionals, and authorities to offer mental healthcare services to this group. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for training courses designed to equip future healthcare workers with the skills to manage crises effectively.

Objectives: This study was conducted to characterize the symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QoL), and associated factors following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 394 participants previously infected with COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mental health was assessed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Participants self-reported health-related QoL was measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale. Results: Among the participants, 76.4% reported experiencing at least one symptom following COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue (42.1%), cognitive dysfunction (42.9%), and hair loss (27.9%). According to the DASS-21 results, the proportions of depression, anxiety, and stress were 28.7%, 26.4%, and 20.6%, respectively. The mean scores on the EQ-5D-5L and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were 0.94±0.11 and 84.20±13.11, respectively. Regarding QoL issues, the highest proportion of participants (32.7%) reported experiencing anxiety or depression, followed by pain or discomfort (25.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with the presence of symptoms following COVID-19 infection included female (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.91) and having QoL issues (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.71 to 6.19). Conclusions The study investigated the prevalence rates of various symptoms following COVID-19 infection. These findings underscore the need to prioritize comprehensive care for individuals recovering from COVID-19 and to implement strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of the disease on mental health and QoL.

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.