1.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.
2.Clinical and molecular characteristics of simple virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: insight from a tertiary pediatric center in Vietnam
Khanh Ngoc NGUYEN ; Giang Thi Kim DANG ; Ngoc Thi Bich CAN ; Dien Minh TRAN ; Thao Phuong BUI ; Mai Nguyen Thi PHUONG ; Huong Thu PHAM ; Ngoc Diem NGO ; Dung Chi VU
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism 2025;30(6):330-339
Purpose:
Simple virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (SV-CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by pathogenic variants of the CYP21A2 gene. Children with SV-CAH often experience delayed diagnosis, presenting with pseudo-precocious puberty in males and genital virilization in females. Genotyping is essential for diagnosis, treatment, optimization, and phenotype prediction. This study describes the clinical and genetic characteristics of SV-CAH to guide treatment strategies.
Methods:
From November 2016 to March 2023, 79 children (accounting for 34.3% of 230 CAH cases in the overall children’s cohort) from 75 families were classified as SV-CAH due to 21-OHD at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital. Forty-three children underwent CYP21A2 mutation analysis using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and complete gene sequencing to detect pathogenic variants.
Results:
Median age at diagnosis was 4.5 years (interquartile range, 1 day–22.3 years). There were 38.0% males and 62.0% females. The most common symptoms were penile enlargement in males (53.3%) and clitoromegaly (87.8%) in females; the height standard deviation (SD) at diagnosis was 1.90±1.79 SD (-2.02 to 5.43) according to the World Health Organization; and bone age advancement was 4.65±2.59 years. Genetic analysis identified 21 pathogenic variants and 22 genotypes in 43 children. The most common variant was p.I173N (47.7%); the most common genotype was p.I173N/p.I173N (16.3%).
Conclusion
Children with SV-CAH are often diagnosed late. To avoid that, early genetic analysis should be prioritized, especially for children diagnosed through newborn screening programs. Determining the genotype is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies, ensuring personalized management, and avoiding overtreatment.
3.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.
4.In Vitro Evaluation of the Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Diabetic Activities of Streptocaulon juventas Leaf Extracts
Tran Nhat MAI ; Bui Thi PHUONG ; Tran Thi HUYEN ; Nguyen Minh NAM
Natural Product Sciences 2025;31(4):278-283
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.
5.Benign Versus Malignant Solid Liver Lesions: How Can Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Value Be Added to the Differentiation?
Hong Phuong Dung TRAN ; Ngoc Thanh HOANG ; Cam Nhung DANG ; Thanh Thao NGUYEN ; Trong Binh LE
Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging 2025;29(4):216-224
Purpose:
To determine the efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and ratios (lesion/liver tissue, lesion/splenic tissue, lesion/paraspinal muscle) in differentiating benign from malignant solid liver lesions.
Materials and Methods:
This study retrospectively analyzed data from 115 patients with solid liver lesions who underwent abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a single institution between January 2023 and December 2024. Lesions were classified as benign or malignant based on biochemical tests as well as radiographic and/or histopathologic findings. ADC values and ratios were determined using a 1.5 T MRI scanner.Quantitative variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the cut-off values for ADC value and ratio, for which associated areas under the ROC curve were calculated.
Results:
The present analysis included 115 lesions—36 benign and 79 malignant. The median ADC value of the benign lesions was significantly higher than that of malignant lesions: 1744.5 × 10-6 mm2 /s vs. 1168.0 × 10-6 mm2 /s, respectively. The average lesion-toliver ADC (rADC l), lesion-to-spleen ADC (rADCsp), and lesion-to-paraspinal muscle ADC (rADC m) ratios for the benign lesions were significantly higher than those of malignant lesions: 1.79 vs. 1.09, 2.31 vs. 1.44, and 1.19 vs 0.80, respectively. A threshold of 1416 × 10-6 mm2 /s was used to differentiate benign vs. malignant lesions, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 78.5%. The cut-off values for rADC l, rADCsp, and rADC m were 1.55, 1.95, and 0.97, respectively, with sensitivities of 69.4%, 69.4%, and 83.3% and specificities of 87.3%, 91.1%, and 79.9%, respectively.
Conclusion
ADC metrics obtained from diffusion-weighted MRI effectively distinguished benign from malignant solid liver lesions.
6.Effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture analgesia in controlling intraoperative pain and hemodynamics during total thyroidectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Dong Phuong Tran ; Quoc Dung Nguyen ; Ninh Khac Nguyen ; Van Hong Pham
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(2):165-171
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture in conjunction with additional medications in providing analgesia and stabilizing hemodynamic parameters during total thyroidectomy.
Methods:
This randomized controlled trial included 100 patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy between October 2022 and October 2023 at the Vietnam National Hospital of Acupuncture. The patients were randomized into two groups. The electroacupuncture analgesia (EA) group received EA stimulation at five acupuncture points: Hegu (LI 4), Neiguan (PC 6), Shuitu (ST 10), Quepen (ST 12), and Yifeng (SJ 17), while the control group received a bilateral superficial cervical plexus block. Primary outcomes included the level of analgesia and perioperative vital signs in both groups. Additionally, pain thresholds and serum β-endorphin levels were measured before and after electroacupuncture in the EA group.
Results:
Complete analgesia (Level A) was attained in 86% and 76% of the patients in the EA and control groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 1.00). In the EA group, the mean pain threshold after receiving EA doubled (648.7 (77.4) g/s vs. 305.3 (45.3) g/s, P < .001), and the mean serum β-endorphin level increased by approximately 13.5 pg/mL (P < .001). All patients remained hemodynamically stable throughout the surgery.
Conclusion
EA, in conjunction with additional medications that stimulate five acupuncture points, LI 4, PC 6, ST 10, ST 12, and SJ 17, was well tolerated and effectively maintained a suitable level of analgesia and hemodynamic stability during total thyroidectomy.
7.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.
8.Sesquiterpenes from Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Rosc. Rhizomes and Their Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effects
Ngan Thi TRAN ; Phuong Nguyen Thi THU ; Mai-Ngan Thi LE ; Quynh-Mai Thi NGO
Natural Product Sciences 2024;30(4):300-303
Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Rosc. is a popular traditional herb to treat digestive disorders in Asian tropical countries. Previous studies indicated the presence of sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and curcuminoids with various bioactivities. To enrich the phytocomposition data of this plant, this investigation was conducted.The dried rhizomes of C. zedoaria were collected in Hai Phong City (Vietnam), extracted with methanol and fractionated with n-hexane, CH2Cl2 , and EtOAc. Compounds were isolated from n-hexane soluble fraction by open column chromatography combined with thin layer chromatography from fraction n-hexane. Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1D, and 2D NMR spectra and comparison with reported data. As a result, a phytochemical investigation was conducted to isolate six sesquiterpenes from C. zedoaria. Their chemical structures were elucidated to be curcumenol (1), procurcumenol (2), neoprocurcumenol (3), 13-hydroxygermacrone (4), zederone (5), and curcumalactone (6). Among isolated compounds, compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 were reported from C. zedoaria. Meanwhile, neoprocurcumenol (3) and curcumalactone (6) are isolated from this species for the first time. Compound 5 exhibited a mild inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase with an IC50 of 99.45 ± 0.50 μg/mL.
9.Outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma:Experiences from a Vietnamese center
Khai Viet NINH ; Dang Hai DO ; Trung Duc NGUYEN ; Phuong Ha TRAN ; Tuan HOANG ; Dung Thanh LE ; Nghia Quang NGUYEN
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2024;28(1):34-41
Background:
s/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) provides a favorable outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was launched in Vietnam in 2004. In this study, we evaluated the short-term and long-term outcomes of LT and its risk factors.
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed HCC patients who underwent LT at Viet Duc University hospital, Vietnam, from 01/2012–03/2022. The following data were gathered: demographics, virus infection, tumor characteristics, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, Child-Pugh and MELD scores, selection criteria, type of LT, complications, 30-day mortality, and disease-free and overall survival (DFS and OS).
Results:
Fifty four patients were included, the mean age was 55.39 ± 8.46 years. Nearly 90% had hepatitis B virus-related HCC. The median (interquartile range) AFP level was 16.2 (88.7) ng/mL. The average MELD score was 10.57 ± 5.95; the rate of Child-Pugh A and B were 70.4% and 18.5%, respectively. Nearly 40% of the patients were within Milan criteria, brain-dead donor was 83.3%. Hepatic and portal vein thrombosis occurred in 0% and 1.9%, respectively; hepatic artery thrombosis 1.9%, biliary leakage 5.6%, and postoperative hemorrhage 3.7%. Ninety-day mortality was 5.6%. Five-year DFS and OS were 79.3% and 81.4%, respectively. MELD score and ChildPugh score were predictive factors for DFS and OS (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh score was the only significant factor (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
In Vietnam, LT is an effective therapy for HCC with an acceptable complication rate, mortality rate, and good survival outcomes, and should be further encouraged.
10.Field and laboratory investigation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N6 and H5N8 in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, 2020 to 2021
Trong Duc TRAN ; Suwicha KASEMSUWAN ; Manakorn SUKMAK ; Waraphon PHIMPRAPHAI ; Tippawon PRARAKAMAWONGSA ; Long Thanh PHAM ; Tuyet Bach HOANG ; Phuong Thi NGUYEN ; Thang Minh NGUYEN ; Minh Van TRUONG ; Tuan Pham DAO ; Pawin PADUNGTOD
Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;25(2):e20-
Background:
Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious disease that causes illness and death in poultry and humans. High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) H5N6 outbreaks commonly occur in Quang Ninh province bordering China. In June 2021, the first HPAI H5N8 outbreak occurred at a Quang Ninh chicken farm.
Objectives:
This study examined the risk factors associated with HPAI H5N6 and H5N8 outbreaks in Quang Ninh.
Methods:
A retrospective case-control study was conducted in Quang Ninh from Nov 2021 to Jan 2022. The cases were households with susceptible poultry with two or more clinical signs and tested positive by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The controls were households in the same village as the cases but did not show clinical symptoms of the disease. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess the risk factors associated with HPAI outbreaks at the household level.
Results:
There were 38 cases with H5N6 clade 2.3.4.4h viruses (n = 35) and H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses (n = 3). Compared to the 112 controls, raising poultry in uncovered or partially covered ponds (odds ratio [OR], 7.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–39.27), poultry traders visiting the farm (OR, 8.66; 95% CI, 2.7–27.69), farms with 50–2,000 birds (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.06–8-51), and farms with ≥ 2,000 birds (OR, 11.35; 95% CI, 3.07–41.94) were significantly associated with HPAI outbreaks.
Conclusions
Combining biosecurity measures, such as restricting visitor entry and vaccination in farms with more than 50 birds, can enhance the control and prevention of HPAI in Quang Ninh and its spread across borders.


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