Background: Common variants in the fat mass and obesity-related transcript (FTO) gene are related to body mass index and obesity, suggesting its potential association with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. This study sought to define the association between FTO gene variants and the following phenotypes: (1) BMD; (2) bone loss; and (3) fracture risk. Methods: This analysis was based on the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study that included 1,277 postmenopausal women aged ≥60 years living in Dubbo, Australia. BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine was measured biennially by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar). Fractures were radiologically ascertained. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1421085, rs1558902, rs1121980, rs17817449, rs9939609, and rs9930506) of the FTO gene were genotyped using TaqMan assay. Results: Women homozygous for the minor allele (GG) of rs9930506 had a significantly higher risk of hip fracture (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–3.23) than those homozygous for the major allele (AA) after adjusting for potential confounding effects. Similar associations were also observed for the minor allele of rs1121980. However, there was no significant association between the FTO SNPs and BMD or the rate of bone loss. Conclusions Common variations in the FTO gene are associated with a hip fracture risk in women, and the association is not mediated through BMD or bone loss.

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.

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.

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the workload of healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting their health. This study aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and identify factors associated with poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1000 frontline HCWs were recruited from various healthcare facilities in Vietnam between October 2021 and November 2021. Data were collected using a 3-part self-administered questionnaire, which covered demographics, sleep quality, and factors related to poor sleep. Poor sleep quality was defined as a total PSQI score of 5 or higher. Results: Participants’ mean age was 33.20±6.81 years (range, 20.0-61.0), and 63.0% were women. The median work experience was 8.54±6.30 years. Approximately 6.3% had chronic comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. About 59.5% were directly responsible for patient care and treatment, while 7.1% worked in tracing and sampling. A total of 73.8% reported poor sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between poor sleep quality and the presence of chronic comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 5.24), being a frontline HCW directly involved in patient care and treatment (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.16), increased working hours (OR, 1.84; 95% CI,1.37 to 2.48), and a higher frequency of encountering critically ill and dying patients (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95). Conclusions The high prevalence of poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that in other countries. Working conditions should be adjusted to improve sleep quality among this population.

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.

Background: Cervical tooth wear is a common oral health issue that often leads to the loss of tooth structure integrity, making the teeth sensitive, prone to plaque buildup, affecting the dental pulp, and causing aesthetic concerns. Assessing the extent of tooth erosion and its correlation with brushing habits is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of necessary interventions and preventive measures. Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of cervical tooth wear in young individuals aged 18-25 and examine the association between brushing habits and cervical tooth wear. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 60 undergraduate students from the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, aged 18 - 25, who visited the Odonto-Stomatology Clinic, Family Medicine Center from November 2020 to April 2021. Study participants were interviewed and provided clinical examinations after obtaining their consent. Results: The study findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of cervical tooth wear (53.3%). Most cases exhibited a severity score 0 (no tooth wear), and no cases were classified as score 4. The highest prevalence of cervical tooth wear was observed in the left mandibular (65.6%). Regarding the association between cervical tooth wear and brushing habits, there was a significant correlation between horizontal brushing technique and brush hardness with cervical tooth wear (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between brushing frequency, toothbrush replacement time, brushing duration, and force applied during brushing with cervical tooth wear (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In general, the prevalence of cervical tooth wear is relatively high, and there exists a correlation between horizontal tooth brushing habits and brush hardness with the condition of cervical tooth wear. Therefore, implementing preventive measures against cervical tooth wear is crucial for enhancing oral health for everyone.

Background: Buxus latistyla Gagnep. (Buxaceae) has been used as a remedy for treating malaria, haemoptysis, amoebic dysentery etc. However, its chemical constituents are still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify phytochemicals isolated from this plant. Materials and method: Aerial parts of B. latistyla were collected from Quang Tri province. Pure compounds were isolated using the combination of chromatographic methods. Structures of isolated compounds were identified by analyzing spectral data of nuclear magnetic resonance as well as by comparing with reported data. Results & Conclusion: Five triterpenes were isolated and identified including lupeol (1), lupenone (2), betulin (3), 20(29)-lupene-2α,3α-diol (4), 20(29)-lupene-2α,3α,28-triol (5). This is the first report about those phytochemicals of B. latistyla collected in Vietnam.

Background: Vietnamese herbs are considered as a botanical resource, a precious medicinal source of our country, and are widely used in the residential community in general. Phu Vang district is a coastal plain and lagoon in Thua Thien Hue province, where people’s living standards are not high, health facilities lack equipment. Therefore, the needs for primary health care are necessary to be strengthened, especially in the treatment of common diseases using Vietnamese herbs to reduce costs and improve health for the people. However, the knowledge of the local residents about Vietnamese herbs preventing and treating common diseases at home has not been surveyed. Objectives: (1) To describe the knowledge, attitude and practice on the use of Vietnamese herbs used in the treatment of common diseases of residents in some communes of Phu Vang district. (2) To determine some factors related to the use of Vietnamese herbs in the treatment of common diseases among the residents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 residents representing the heads of households in three communes of Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province, Thua Thien Hue province. Descriptive statistical analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed with SPSS software. Results: Knowledge: Good: 45.2%; Fair: 30.8%; Average: 9.0%; Poor: 2.0%. Attitude: 97.0% of residents preferred using Vietnamese herbs in the treatment of common diseases, and 96.6% of residents agreed to continue using Vietnamese herbs to treat similar diseases later. Practice: Good: 7.8%; Fair: 16.7%; Average: 25.3%; Poor: 50.2%. Receiving information about Vietnamese herbs and growing them at home gardens were two factors related to the use of Vietnamese herbs to treat common diseases (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The practice of using Vietnamese herbs to treat common diseases of the residents in Phu Vang district is still low, it is necessary to strengthen educational propaganda to raise the awareness and practice among residents on the prevention and treatment of diseases with Vietnamese herbs at home.

Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis remains the most common complication and a key barrier to peritoneal dialysis’ long-term success. The present study aimed to report on the incidence of peritonitis and clinical outcomes in CKD patients on CAPD at a hospital in Vietnam’s south and evaluate the peritoneal membrane transport status before and after peritonitis therapy. This study was a cross-sectional study involving 141 participants sampled from the warded adult patients at An Giang center general hospital, in Vietnam. Peritonitis rate was measured in terms of incidences per patient-year. Dialysis fluid was drawn under aseptic conditions and treated using a culture approach to identify bacteria. The response treatment time for each episode of peritonitis after receiving empirical antibiotic medication. We use Peritoneal Equilibration Test (PET) to determine the peritoneal transport status. Peritonitis was found in 29.8% of the cases. The number of episodes of peritonitis per patient-year was 0.035. Negative bacteria account for 81.0 percent of all cases tested. It took an average of 3 to 5 days for a clinical response. Before and after peritonitis, there was no statistically significant connection between transport status groups. The rate of peritonitis identified in this study was significantly lower than that recommended by the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) recommendations. More research is needed to fully understand the variables that influence the clinical outcomes of peritonitis and the remaining function of the peritoneal membrane.
Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory

Objective: To assess the acceptance of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine among healthcare workers at two general hospitals in Vietnam when it is available. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling from January to February 2021 among 410 healthcare workers at two general hospitals in Vietnam via a self-administered questionnaire. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of vaccine acceptance including the demographic factors, COVID-19 knowledge, and vaccine beliefs based on the domains of Health Belief Model. Results: Among 410 healthcare workers, 76.10% showed vaccination willingness. Predictors of acceptance were determined that the group reporting as 'vaccine acceptance' was more likely to be positive towards the perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.48-4.06, P<0.05), perceived benefits of vaccination, and cues to action (OR 4.36; 95% CI 2.35-8.09, and OR 5.49; 95% CI 2.84-10.61, respectively, all P<0.001), but less likely to have the perceived barriers to vaccination (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.09-0.38; P<0.001) compared with the no acceptance group. Besides, people who had a good knowledge regarding the severity of illness were 3.37 times more likely to have identified as vaccine acceptance (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.04-10.86, P<0.05). The demographic factors were also associated with willingness to receive the vaccine, with participants who were staff and received COVID-19 information from relatives were less likely to accept the vaccine over those who were doctors and not receiving information from relatives (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.13-0.96, and OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.17-0.78, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: A rate of willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was relatively high with discrepancies between occupation, receiving information from relatives, knowledge toward the severity of illness, and the elements of Health Belief Model. The findings will provide information for the management authorities to develop relevant interventions to promote COVID-19 vaccination uptake.