1.Artificial intelligence-assisted screening reveals high prevalence of osteoporosis in Vietnamese adults using pelvic and hip radiographs
Dat Minh NGUYEN ; Chih-Hsing WU ; Tuan Van NGUYEN ; Lan T. HO-PHAM ; Kim Thi Hoang DANG ; Hy Van NGUYEN ; Sung-Yen LIN ; Chung-Hwan CHEN ; Ta-Wei TAI
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2026;12(1):18-25
Objectives:
Osteoporosis is a silent disease with low screening rates in many developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system to screen osteoporosis from pelvic and hip radiographs in Vietnam.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study at a tertiary medical center in Central Vietnam in 2023. A total of 2000 consecutive pelvic and hip radiographs from patients aged ≥ 40 years were collected. After excluding poorquality images, 1987 radiographs were analyzed using an AI-based software designed to estimate bone mineral density (BMD) from plain radiographs and derive T-scores. Osteoporosis was defined as a T-score ≤ − 2.5. Patient characteristics, radiographic findings, and risk factors for osteoporosis were analyzed.
Results:
Among 1987 patients (mean age 66.4 ± 15.1 years; 41.3% men), osteoporosis was identified in 872 patients (43.9%). The prevalence increased with age and was higher in women than in men (58.7% vs 22.8%, P < 0.001). Osteoporosis was associated with femoral neck (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.7–5.2) and intertrochanteric fractures (OR = 7.0, 95% CI: 4.5–11.0). Patients with lower T-scores had a higher risk of hip fractures, especially those with T-scores ≤ − 3.0 (OR = 11.5, 95% CI: 5.5–24.5).
Conclusions
AI-based analysis of pelvic and hip radiographs is a feasible and effective tool for osteoporosis screening in Vietnam. The prevalence of osteoporosis in this hospital-based setting was high, particularly among elderly women.AI-assisted screening may offer an accessible strategy for early detection of osteoporosis in resource-limited settings.
2.FDFT1 Acts as a Negative Regulator of Autophagy by Modulating AMPK–ULK1 Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Thi Ha NGUYEN ; Yongook LEE ; Minh Tuan NGUYEN ; Seoung Gyu CHOI ; Phuong Ngan NGUYEN ; Boram KIM ; Eun Ji KIM ; Gyeoung Jin KANG ; Mi Kyung PARK ; Sung Hoon LEE ; Sang Geon KIM ; Chang Hoon LEE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(3):632-640
Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process that degrades proteins and damaged organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis, and its role in cancer depends on stage and context. Farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1) is an essential enzyme in the sterol branch of the mevalonate pathway, but its functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in the regulation of autophagy remain poorly understood. In this study, we show that FDFT1 acts as a negative regulator of autophagy in HCC cells. Loss of FDFT1 led to increased autophagosome formation and fusion with lysosomes, whereas its overexpression suppressed both basal and induced autophagy. These changes were associated with AMPK–ULK1 signaling, suggesting that FDFT1 influences a central pathway controlling autophagy. Our findings connect cholesterol metabolism with autophagy regulation and tumor growth, highlighting FDFT1 as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in liver cancer.
3.Cyberbullying among Hanoi medical university students and some associated factors in 2023
Tran Quynh Anh ; Nguyen Thi Phuong Oanh ; Ha Tuan Dung ; Tran Minh Hai ; Dang Quang Tan ; Ngo Toan Anh
Vietnam Journal of Public Health 2025;11(1):2-
Objectives: The rapid and widespread development of social networking sites has created a potential venue for an increase in cyberbullying among adolescents. While much research has been done on middle school/high school students, this issue for college/university students has yet to receive much attention. The present study described the prevalence of cyberbullying and associated factors among Hanoi Medical University students.
Methods: Data were obtained from an online survey of conveniently selected Hanoi Medical University students. A total of 736 students participated and finished a structured questionnaire based on the Cyberbullying Victimization Scale (CVS).
Results: The prevalence of cyberbullying victims among Hanoi Medical University students was 17.4%, and 9.0% of the students had engaged in cyberbullying behaviors. Research also indicated that there is an association between cyberbullying behavior and factors such as internet usage duration and frequency of monitoring violent information. Gender didn't have any relationship with cyberbullying victimization but had a significant association with cyberbullying perpetration (OR = 2.37, 95%CI = 1.42 – 3.96).
Conclusion: Cyberbullying has become an important phenomenon related to internet usage duration and violent information among students of Hanoi Medical University. Therefore, it is necessary to build healthy internet habits and manage online information to reduce cyberbullying prevalence and promote student health in the digital age.
4.Comparative Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Banana-Shaped Versus Straight Cages in Biportal Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Nguyen Ngoc THOI ; Nguyen Le Hoang TUAN ; Le Tuong VIEN ; Nguyen Thanh NHAN ; Hoang Nguyen Anh TUAN ; Nguyen Van THANH ; Tran Nguyen PHUONG ; Bui Hong Thien KHANH
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2025;10(2):172-182
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (BE-TLIF) using banana-shaped versus straight interbody cages. BE-TLIF has emerged as a minimally invasive technique for treating lumbar spondylolisthesis. Banana-shaped and straight cages are the most commonly used cage types in BE-TLIF; however, their relative clinical and radiological outcomes remain unclear.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 34 patients undergoing single-level BE-TLIF from January 2023 to May 2024. Seventeen patients received banana-shaped cages (group A) and 17 received straight cages (group B). Radiological assessments included disc height (DH), segmental lordosis angle (SLA), lumbar lordosis angle, cage position, and subsidence. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Fusion status was evaluated at 12 months postoperatively using computed tomography according to the modified Bridwell grading system.
Results:
Both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in VAS and ODI scores, with no statistically significant differences between the groups. Radiological outcomes, including restoration of DH and SLA, were slightly better in the banana-shaped cage group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Straight cages were more often placed anteriorly, whereas banana-shaped cages tended to occupy the midlateral position. Fusion rates were comparable (100% vs. 94.1%, p>0.05), and subsidence occurred in 23.5% of cases in both groups.
Conclusion
Despite differences in cage positioning, banana-shaped and straight cages yielded comparable clinical and radiological outcomes in BE-TLIF. Either cage type can be effectively utilized in BE-TLIF, providing flexibility in surgical planning, particularly in resource-limited settings.
5.Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam
Nhan Phuc Thanh NGUYEN ; Ha Phan Ai NGUYEN ; Cao Khoa DANG ; Minh Tri PHAN ; Huynh Ho Ngoc QUYNH ; Van Tuan LE ; Chinh Van DANG ; Tinh Huu HO ; Van Trong PHAN ; Thang Van DINH ; Thang PHAN ; Thi Anh Thu DANG
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2024;57(1):37-46
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.
6.EVALUATING PATIENT UTILIZATION AND SATISFACTION OF SOCIAL WORK SERVICES IN A HOSPITAL SETTING
Tuan Minh Nguyen ; Hai Trung Nguyen ; Anh Thi Le
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2024;25(3):1-10
EVALUATING PATIENT UTILIZATION AND SATISFACTION OF SOCIAL WORK SERVICES IN A HOSPITAL SETTING
Purpose: This study aims to explore the utilization patterns of social work consulting
services by patients within a hospital setting and assess patient satisfaction with these
services to identify areas for improvement and enhance patient care and support.
Methods: Utilizing a convenience sample of 130 patients from Trung Vuong Hospital, we
conducted a survey to investigate patients’ engagement with social work consulting services
and their satisfaction levels. The study employed descriptive statistics data analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that the most utilized social work service is patient orientation
upon hospital entry (88.4%), highlighting the importance of initial patient support. However,
specialized services, such as support for victims of violence (1.6%) and coordination with
organizations for social work (1.6%), are significantly underutilized, with many patients
citing a lack of perceived need. Patient satisfaction was highest for emergency support
services (mean=4.50), suggesting the value of social work in addressing critical needs, while
routine services like patient orientation received slightly lower satisfaction scores.
Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role of social workers in healthcare,
particularly in patient orientation and emergency support. There is a clear need for
increased awareness among patients about the range of available social work services and
for more patient-centered approaches to enhance engagement and satisfaction. The findings
advocate for healthcare settings to prioritize personalized and comprehensive orientation
services and address barriers to accessing specialized social work support. ASEAN Journal
of Psychiatry, Vol. 25 ( ) April, 2024; 1-10.
7.Regulatory Mechanisms Governing the Autophagy-Initiating VPS34 Complex and Its inhibitors
Yongook LEE ; Nguyen Minh TUAN ; Gi Jeong LEE ; Boram KIM ; Jung Ho PARK ; Chang Hoon LEE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2024;32(6):723-735
VPS34 is a crucial protein in cells, essential for handling cellular stress through its involvement in autophagy and endocytosis.This protein functions as a Class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, producing phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, which is necessary for autophagy and vesicle trafficking. Additionally, VPS34 forms two mutually exclusive complexes, each playing a vital role in autophagy and endocytic sorting. These complexes share common subunits, including VPS15, VPS34, and Beclin 1, with complex I having ATG14 as a specific subunit. Due to its association with various human diseases, regulation of the VPS34 complex I has garnered significant interest, emerging as a potential therapeutic target for drug discovery. Summaries of the structure, function of VPS34 complexes, and developed VPS34 inhibitors have been provided, along with discussions on the regulation mechanism of VPS34, particularly in relation to the initiation complex I of autophagy. This offers valuable insights for treating autophagy-related diseases.
8.Regulatory Mechanisms Governing the Autophagy-Initiating VPS34 Complex and Its inhibitors
Yongook LEE ; Nguyen Minh TUAN ; Gi Jeong LEE ; Boram KIM ; Jung Ho PARK ; Chang Hoon LEE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2024;32(6):723-735
VPS34 is a crucial protein in cells, essential for handling cellular stress through its involvement in autophagy and endocytosis.This protein functions as a Class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, producing phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, which is necessary for autophagy and vesicle trafficking. Additionally, VPS34 forms two mutually exclusive complexes, each playing a vital role in autophagy and endocytic sorting. These complexes share common subunits, including VPS15, VPS34, and Beclin 1, with complex I having ATG14 as a specific subunit. Due to its association with various human diseases, regulation of the VPS34 complex I has garnered significant interest, emerging as a potential therapeutic target for drug discovery. Summaries of the structure, function of VPS34 complexes, and developed VPS34 inhibitors have been provided, along with discussions on the regulation mechanism of VPS34, particularly in relation to the initiation complex I of autophagy. This offers valuable insights for treating autophagy-related diseases.
9.Active case finding to detect symptomatic and subclinical pulmonary tuberculosis disease: implementation of computer-aided detection for chest radiography in Viet Nam
Anh L Innes ; Andres Martinez ; Gia Linh Hoang ; Thi Bich Phuong Nguyen ; Viet Hien Vu ; Tuan Ho Thanh Luu ; Thi Thu Trang Le ; Victoria Lebrun ; Van Chinh Trieu ; Nghi Do Bao Tran ; Nhi Dinh ; Huy Minh Pham ; Van Luong Dinh ; Binh Hoa Nguyen ; Thi Thanh Huyen Truong ; Van Cu Nguyen ; Viet Nhung Nguyen ; Thu Hien Mai
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2024;15(4):14-25
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.
10.Pancreaticoduodenectomy with superior mesenteric artery first-approach combined total meso-pancreas excision for periampullary malignancies:A high-volume single-center experience with short-term outcomes
Thanh Khiem NGUYEN ; Ham Hoi NGUYEN ; Tuan Hiep LUONG ; Kim Khue DANG ; Van Duy LE ; Duc Dung TRAN ; Van Minh DO ; Hong Quang PHAM ; Hoan My PHAM ; Thi Lan TRAN ; Cuong Thinh NGUYEN ; Hong Son TRINH ; Yosuke INOUE
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2024;28(1):59-69
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.


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