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.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VIETNAMESE STUDENTS’ SELF-PERCEIVED MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has stated the critical importance of addressing the mental health care needs of students. With the abrupt and extensive changes brought about by the pandemic, such as lockdowns and shifts to online learning, students worldwide faced significant psychological challenges. This context led to a comprehensive study focusing on Vietnamese students, aiming to understand their perceptions of mental health amidst these unprecedented times. The research specifically targeted the initial lockdown phase, seeking to describe the prevalence of mental health issues and identify the factors contributing to these problems among students in Vietnam. By examining these aspects, the study aimed to provide insights into the mental well-being of students during a major global crisis. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1889 students in North and South Vietnam from 30 August, 2021 to 5 September, 2021. Socio-demographic information was collected via an online survey and the SF-12 Mental Composite Score (MCS) was used to assess self-perceived mental health problems. The study results show that the prevalence of selfperceived mental health problems, defined by an MCS<1st quartile, was 21.9% (95%CI: 20%-23.8%) among students during the COVID-19 lockdown. Regression models indicated that the following factors were significantly related to self-perceived mental health problems: Female sex, not living with family, financial difficulty, decreased health status, decreased academic performance and decreased social relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study showed that many factors related to student’s self-perceived mental health problems during COVID-19, affecting a significant number of students. Suggestions for teachers and university administrators were also discussed. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 25 (8) October, 2024;1-9.

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.

Following the first report of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in a domestic duck in Phu My District of Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam, many other cases were observed in the province. We determined the infection rate and intensity of O. viverrini infection in ducks in 4 districts of the province. A total of 178 ducks were randomly selected from 34 farms for examination of flukes in the liver and gall bladder. An infection rate of 34.3% (range 20.7-40.4% among districts) was found; the intensity of infection was 13.8 worms per infected duck (range 1-100). These findings show the role of ducks as a host for O. viverrini, duck genotype, which is sympatric with the human O. viverrini genotype in this province. It also stresses the need for investigations on the zoonotic potential and the life cycle of this parasite.
Agriculture ; Ducks* ; Genotype ; Humans ; Life Cycle Stages ; Liver ; Opisthorchis* ; Parasites ; Prevalence* ; Trematoda* ; Urinary Bladder ; Vietnam*