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.Characteristics of Immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2in a Community-Based Model of Care during the Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City
Tu Hoang KIM TRINH ; Tuan Diep TRAN ; Duy Le PHAM ; Vinh Nhu NGUYEN ; Quan Tran THIEN VU ; Toan Duong PHAM ; Phong Hoai NGUYEN ; Minh Kieu LE ; Diem Dinh KIEU TRUONG ; Vu Anh HOANG ; Nghia HUYNH ; Dat Quoc NGO ; Lan Ngoc VUONG
Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(9):501-510
Purpose:
Although some immune protection from close contact with individuals who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been documented, there is limited data on the seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals who were in lockdown with confirmed COVID-19 cases. This study investigated immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 in household members and people who lived near home-quarantined patients with COVID-19.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted during the community-based care that took place during lockdowns in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from July to September 2021. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were determined in index cases of COVID-19, household contacts, and a no-contact group from the same area.
Results:
A total of 770 participants were included (355 index cases, 103 household contacts, and 312 no contacts). All index cases were unvaccinated, but >90% of individuals in the household and no-contact groups had received ≥1 vaccine dose. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) were present in >77% of unvaccinated index cases versus 64%/65.4% in the householdo-contact groups (p=0.001). Antibody concentrations in unvaccinated index cases were significantly higher than those in household contacts and no contacts, with no difference between the latter groups. In all cases, antibody levels declined markedly ≥6 weeks after infection, and failed to persist beyond this time in the household and no-contact groups.
Conclusion
Community-based care may have helped to create community immunogenicity, but Nabs did not persist, highlighting a need for vaccination for all individuals before, or from 6 weeks after, infection with SARS-CoV-2.
6.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.
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.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.
9.Parenchymal-sparing anatomical hepatectomy based on portal ramification of the right anterior section: A prospective multicenter experience with short-term outcomes
Truong Giang NGUYEN ; Thanh Khiem NGUYEN ; Ham Hoi NGUYEN ; Hong Son TRINH ; Tuan Hiep LUONG ; Minh Trong NGUYEN ; Van Duy LE ; Hai Dang DO ; Kieu Hung NGUYEN ; Van Minh DO ; Quang Huy TRAN ; Cuong Thinh NGUYEN
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2024;28(1):25-33
Background:
s/Aims: Parenchymal-sparing anatomical hepatectomy (Ps–AH) based on portal ramification of the right anterior section (RAS) is a new technique to avoid unnecessarily transecting too much liver parenchyma, especially in cases of major anatomical hepatectomy.
Methods:
We prospectively assessed 26 patients with primary hepatic malignancies having undergone major Ps–AH based on portal ramification of the RAS from August 2018 to August 2022 (48 months). The perioperative indications, clinical data, intra-operative index, pathological postoperative specimens, postoperative complications, and follow-up results were retrospectively evaluated.
Results:
Among the 26 patients analyzed, there was just one case that had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma The preoperative level of α– Fetoprotein was 25.2 ng/mL. All cases (100%) had Child–Pugh A liver function preoperatively. The ventral/dorsal RAS was preserved in 19 and 7 patients, respectively. The mean surgical margin was 6.2 mm. The mean surgical time was 228.5 minutes, while the mean blood loss was 255 mL. In pathology, 5 cases (19.2%) had microvascular invasion, and in the group of HCC patients, 92% of all cases had moderate or poor tumor differentiation. Six cases (23.1%) of postoperative complications were graded over III according to the Clavien–Dindo system, including in three patients resistant ascites or intra-abdominal abscess that required intervention.
Conclusions
Parenchymal-sparing anatomical hepatectomy based on portal ramification of the RAS to achieve R0-resection was safe and effective, with favorable short-term outcomes. This technique can be used widely in clinical practice.
10.The branching patterns and termination points of the facial artery: a cadaveric anatomical study
Vu Hoang NGUYEN ; Lin CHENG-KUAN ; Tuan Anh NGUYEN ; Trang Huu Ngoc Thao CAI
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2024;25(2):77-84
Background:
The facial artery is an important blood vessel responsible for supplying the anterior face. Understanding the branching patterns of the facial artery plays a crucial role in various medical specialties such as plastic surgery, dermatology, and oncology. This knowledge contributes to improving the success rate of facial reconstruction and aesthetic procedures. However, debate continues regarding the classification of facial artery branching patterns in the existing literature.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive anatomical study, in which we dissected 102 facial arteries from 52 embalmed and formaldehyde-fixed Vietnamese cadavers at the Anatomy Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Results:
Our investigation revealed eight distinct termination points and identified 35 combinations of branching patterns, including seven arterial branching patterns. These termination points included the inferior labial artery, superior labial artery, inferior alar artery, lateral nasal artery, angular artery typical, angular artery running along the lower border of the orbicularis oculi muscle, forehead branch, duplex, and short course (hypoplastic). Notably, the branching patterns of the facial artery displayed marked asymmetry between the left and right sides within the same cadaver.
Conclusion
The considerable variation observed in the branching pattern and termination points of the facial artery makes it challenging to establish a definitive classification system for this vessel. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an anatomical map summarizing the major measurements and geometric features of the facial artery. Surgeons and medical professionals involved in facial surgery and procedures must consider the detailed anatomy and relative positioning of the facial artery to minimize the risk of unexpected complications.


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