A 47-year-old female was admitted with progressive exertional dyspnea and diagnosed with anomalous drainage of the left pulmonary veins into the coronary sinus (CS), combined with an intact interatrial septum and a small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Multimodal imaging, including echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac catheterization, helps diagnosis, optimal management and monitoring. The patient successfully underwent surgical repair, which involved rerouting the left anomalous pulmonary veins into the left atrium through a surgically created atrial septal defect, while the CS continued to drain into the right atrium and the PDA was closed directly via a transpulmonary approach. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Objective: The risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from schoolchildren to their household and the protective effects of vaccination in these settings remain poorly understood. We assessed the transmission dynamics of schoolchildren with SARS-CoV-2 within their households and the protective effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination among household members in Viet Nam. Methods: We estimated the attack rate, vaccine effectiveness and adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission to household contacts of children confirmed to have COVID-19 who attended three schools in Ha Nam, Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces between September and December 2021 using multivariable regression with household-level random effects. Results: This retrospective cohort study included 157 children infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their 540 household contacts. The attack rate among household contacts was 24.6% (133/540). Overall, vaccine effectiveness among household contacts was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1 to -63), higher among males than females and higher in adults aged >40 years. COVID-19 transmission was greater among female household contacts compared with males (aRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.95), although not statistically significant, and highest among those aged 19–39 years (aRR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.50 to 4.21). Fully vaccinated household contacts had significantly lower infection risk (aRR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.84). Discussion: We found substantial onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from schoolchildren to household members, and older people were more likely to be protected by vaccination. We recommend that schoolchildren and all household members living with schoolchildren receive at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Recognizing the role of schoolchildren in the onward transmission of COVID-19 is an important lesson learned by Viet Nam that can help not only in managing other outbreaks but also in protecting schoolchildren by predicting the progress of the outbreak and preparing for a timely response.

Immunosenescence denotes a state of dysregulated immune cell function characterized by a confluence of factors, including arrested cell cycle, telomere shortening, markers of cellular stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of proteostasis, epigenetic reprogramming, and secretion of proinflammatory mediators. This state primarily manifests during the aging process but can also be induced in various pathological conditions, encompassing chronic viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders. Age-associated immune system alterations extend to innate and adaptive immune cells, with T-cells exhibiting heightened susceptibility to immunosenescence. In particular, senescent T-cells have been identified in the context of metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Recent investigations suggest a direct link between T-cell senescence, inflammation, and insulin resistance. The perturbation of biological homeostasis by senescent T-cells appears intricately linked to the initiation and progression of metabolic diseases, particularly through inflammation-mediated insulin resistance. Consequently, senescent T-cells are emerging as a noteworthy therapeutic target. This review aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between metabolic diseases and T-cell senescence, providing insights into the potential roles of senescent T-cells in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Through a comprehensive examination of current research findings, this review seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between immunosenescence and metabolic health.

Background: Aging leads to sarcopenia, which is characterized by reduced muscle mass and strength. Many factors, including altered muscle protein turnover, diminished neuromuscular function, hormonal changes, systemic inflammation, and the structure and composition of muscle fibers, play a crucial role in age-related muscle decline. This study explored differences in muscle fiber types contributing to overall muscle function decline in aging, focusing on individuals with hip fractures from falls. Methods: A pilot study at Chungnam National University Hospital collected muscle biopsies from hip fracture patients aged 20 to 80 undergoing surgical treatment. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis and gluteus maximus were obtained during hip arthroplasty or internal fixation. Handgrip strength, calf and thigh circumference, and bone mineral density were evaluated in individuals with hip fractures from falls. We analyzed the relationships between each clinical characteristic and muscle fiber type. Results: In total, 26 participants (mean age 67.9 years, 69.2% male) were included in this study. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 53.8%, and that of femoral and lumbar osteoporosis was 19.2% and 11.5%, respectively. Vastus lateralis analysis revealed an age-related decrease in type IIx fibers, a higher proportion of type IIa fibers in women, and an association between handgrip strength and type IIx fibers in men. The gluteus maximus showed no significant correlations with clinical parameters. Conclusion This study identified complex associations between age, sex, handgrip strength, and muscle fiber composition in hip fracture patients, offering insights crucial for targeted interventions combating age-related muscle decline and improving musculoskeletal health.

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.

Based on our previous study, we evaluated the modulatory effects on LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-10 cytokine production in RAW 264.7 macrophages of several medicinal herbs, including P. scandens. The results showed that P. scandens extract showed significant effects on LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-10 cytokine production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Therefore, in the current research, we focused on the P. scandens sample. Cytokine production effects bioassay-guided isolation of ethyl acetate fraction of 70% ethanol extract from roots of Paramignya scandens (XL) obtained seven coumarins (1–7). Their chemical structures were identified using spectroscopic methods (NMR and MS) and compared with those previously published data to be xanthyletin (1), luvangetin (2), clausenidin (3), nordentatin (4), dentatin (5), clausarin (6), and anisocoumarin E (7). This study represents the first report on the presence of compounds 3, 6, and 7 in the Paramignya genus and compounds 1 and 2 in XL. All isolates (1–7) exhibited significant inhibition of LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1β production compared to the LPS 5 ng/mL control group, with IL-1β concentrations ranging from 42.77 to 69.76 pg/mL. Additionally, the IL-10 production induced by compounds 1‒7 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages ranged from 175.98 to 321.56 pg/mL, demonstrating a marked increase as compared to the LPS 5 ng/mL control group. The stimulatory effect on IL-10 production and inhibitory effect on IL-1β production of compounds 1, 2, and 6 gradually increased with the test concentration in both RAW 264.7 macrophages and LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compounds 1, 2, and 6 inhibited IL-1β production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC 50 values of 10.70 ± 1.18 µM, 8.57 ± 1.05 µM, and 17.43 ± 1.05 µM, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of all the compounds derived from P. scandens roots in inducing IL-1β and IL-10 cytokines activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results contributed to expanding the knowledge of the chemistry and bioactivities of P. scandens and provided valuable data for future investigations on this species.

Globally, providing evidence on the economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is becoming essential as it assists the health authorities to efficiently allocate resources. This study aimed to summarize the literature on economic burden evidence for COPD from 1990 to 2019. This study examined the economic burden of COPD through a systematic review of studies from 1990 to 2019. A search was done in online databases, including Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. After screening 12,734 studies, 43 articles that met the inclusion criteria were identified. General study information and data on direct, indirect, and intangible costs were extracted and converted to 2018 international dollars (Int$). Findings revealed that the total direct costs ranged from Int$ 52.08 (India) to Int$ 13,776.33 (Canada) across 16 studies, with drug costs rannging from Int$ 70.07 (Vietnam) to Int$ 8,706.9 (China) in 11 studies. Eight studies explored indirect costs, while one highlighted caregivers’ direct costs at approximately Int$ 1,207.8 (Greece). This study underscores the limited research on COPD caregivers’ economic burdens, particularly in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of increased research support, particularly in high-resource settings. This study provides information about the demographics and economic burden of COPD from 1990 to 2019. More strategies to reduce the frequency of hospital admissions and acute care services should be implemented to improve the quality of COPD patients’ lives and reduce the disease’s rising economic burden.

Species in the genus Trametes (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) have been used in natural medicine for a long time. Many studies reported that mycelia or fruiting bodies of Trametes spp. exhibited effects of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities.However, comparative analysis in this genus is scarce due to limitation of morphological identification and the sample number. In this study, the 19 strains of seven Trametes species were chosen to generate a five-gene-based phylogeny with the 31 global references. In addition, 39 culture extracts were prepared for 13 strains to test for anticancer and antibacterial activities. Strong anticancer activities were found in several extracts from T. hirsuta and T. suaveolens. Anticancer activities of T. suaveolens, T. cf. junipericola and T. trogii were first described here. The antibacterial ability of T. versicolor and T. hirsuta extracts has been confirmed. The antibacterial activities of T. suaveolens have been reported at the first time in this study. These results suggest an efficient application of the genus Trametes as the drug resources especially for anticancer agents.

The optimal condition for Moringa oleifera root barks extraction was determined using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken Design. The actual optimal condition of the factors was 65 o C, ethanol 60%, 40 (mL/g) liquid-to-solid ratio with 240 minutes extraction time. The enrichment of phenolic compounds sharply affected the antioxidant, and inhibitions of α-amylase enzyme, as well as, the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract from M. oleifera root barks. The extract in the optimal condition exhibited better 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and α-amylase inhibitory activities than those of positive controls.Also, the extract showed weak hydroxyl free radical scavenging and nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory effects. These revealed a simple and promising method for the preparation of bioactive products from the root bark of M. oleifera.

Background: Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide. Recently, more than 45,000 children in the age group of 10 to 19 years died by suicide, making it the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15 to 19, surpassed only by traffic accidents, tuberculosis, and fighting. Objective: To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents whose parents are separated/divorced; and to explore the factors associated with suicidal ideation and describe adverse experiences among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 309 adolescents with separated/separated parents in Hue City. Data was collected through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Suicidal ideation was defined as the presence of thoughts or plans related to suicide within the last 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation in adolescents with separated/ separated parents. Results: The study found that 15.5% (95% CI:11.7 - 20.1) of adolescents with separated /separated parents reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, in which men accounted 8.4% (95% CI:5.6 – 11.2) and women accounted 7.1% (95% CI:4.5 - 10.6). Several factors were identified as increasing the risk of suicidal ideation, including alcohol use (OR = 3.24; 95% CI:1.42 - 7.42), hyperactivity/inattention (OR = 4.96; 95% CI:1.58 - 15.605), and a poor quality of family relationships (OR = 4.82; 95% CI:1.26 - 18.50). On the contrary, certain factors were found to reduce the risk, including being in the 14-15 age group of 14-15 (OR = 0.26; 95% CI:0.10 - 0.69) and participating in physical activity (OR = 0.44; 95% CI:0.21 – 0.94). Conclusions: The research highlights a significant percentage of adolescents with separated / divided parents who experience suicidal ideation. Therefore, it is imperative for families, schools, and society to develop comprehensive strategies to monitor and address various risky behaviours among students simultaneously.