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.

Objective: To investigate the cause of a foodborne outbreak that occurred in Dong Nai province, Viet Nam, in 2024, and implement control measures. Methods: An initial investigation was conducted to confirm the outbreak, which was followed by epidemiological and environmental investigations to find the plausible causative food item. Clinical specimens and food samples were tested to identify the pathogen. Results: A total of 547 symptomatic cases were recorded, of whom two were in severe condition requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventilation, one of whom died. Among 99 interviewed cases, the mean incubation time was 9 hours (range 2–24 hours), with the main symptoms being fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. All patients had eaten banh mi from a local bakery. Salmonella spp. were identified in food samples and clinical specimens. The bakery halted production, and the outbreak ended after 1 week. Discussion: All the patients were exposed to only one food in common, which facilitated the investigation process. This outbreak is a reminder to small retailers and take-away shops of the importance of food safety management in preventing similar future outbreaks. All food handlers must comply with food hygiene principles, especially in hot temperatures, which boosts bacterial growth.

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.

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.

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.

Ophiopogonin D (OPD) is a steroidal glycoside derived from Ophiopogon japonicus, a traditional Chinese medicine with diverse biological activities, including antithrombosis, anti-inflammation, and antitussive effects. To investigate the cellular effects and mechanisms of OPD on oral squamous cell carcinoma, cell viability was explored, and the effects of OPD on cell cycle regulators, apoptotic marker proteins, and key proteins involved in metastasis and signaling pathways were examined by MTT assay and Western blotting in YD38 cells. OPD strongly inhibited cell proliferation and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of YD38 cells by suppressing the cell cycle and activating caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase. Additionally, OPD suppressed the expression of vital proteins regulating metastasis and proliferation within the integrin/matrix metalloproteinases/FAK and AKT/PI3K/mTor pathways. Thus, OPD can be a potential treatment candidate for gingival cancer.

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.

Ophiopogonin D (OPD) is a steroidal glycoside derived from Ophiopogon japonicus, a traditional Chinese medicine with diverse biological activities, including antithrombosis, anti-inflammation, and antitussive effects. To investigate the cellular effects and mechanisms of OPD on oral squamous cell carcinoma, cell viability was explored, and the effects of OPD on cell cycle regulators, apoptotic marker proteins, and key proteins involved in metastasis and signaling pathways were examined by MTT assay and Western blotting in YD38 cells. OPD strongly inhibited cell proliferation and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of YD38 cells by suppressing the cell cycle and activating caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase. Additionally, OPD suppressed the expression of vital proteins regulating metastasis and proliferation within the integrin/matrix metalloproteinases/FAK and AKT/PI3K/mTor pathways. Thus, OPD can be a potential treatment candidate for gingival cancer.

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.

Ophiopogonin D (OPD) is a steroidal glycoside derived from Ophiopogon japonicus, a traditional Chinese medicine with diverse biological activities, including antithrombosis, anti-inflammation, and antitussive effects. To investigate the cellular effects and mechanisms of OPD on oral squamous cell carcinoma, cell viability was explored, and the effects of OPD on cell cycle regulators, apoptotic marker proteins, and key proteins involved in metastasis and signaling pathways were examined by MTT assay and Western blotting in YD38 cells. OPD strongly inhibited cell proliferation and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of YD38 cells by suppressing the cell cycle and activating caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase. Additionally, OPD suppressed the expression of vital proteins regulating metastasis and proliferation within the integrin/matrix metalloproteinases/FAK and AKT/PI3K/mTor pathways. Thus, OPD can be a potential treatment candidate for gingival cancer.