Tạp chí Nghiên cứu Y học

Value of serum anti-mullerian hormone in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

Tran Thi Yen — 2025-11-30

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting fertility, with diagnostic challenges due to variability in traditional markers like the LH/FSH ratio. This retrospective case-control study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) compared to the LH/FSH ratio in women undergoing infertility evaluation at Dong Do Hospital. A total of 178 PCOS cases and 422 controls were identified using the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. Serum levels of AMH, LH, FSH, and testosterone were measured. Women with PCOS showed significantly higher AMH levels than controls (median 7.65 vs. 3.17 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed AMH had excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.911), with a cutoff of 5.445 ng/mL yielding 84.8% sensitivity and 82.5% specificity. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed AMH as an independent predictor of PCOS (OR = 1.964, p < 0.001), along with LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, and BMI. Age was not a significant factor. AMH demonstrated superior diagnostic utility over the LH/FSH ratio, highlighting its potential as a reliable biomarker for PCOS diagnosis.

Method comparison of pediatric iron biomarkers: Implications for clinical interpretation across analytical platforms

Tran Minh Dien — 2025-11-30

Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in children and is typically assessed using serum iron, transferrin, and ferritin levels. However, variations in analytical methods between testing platforms may influence diagnostic accuracy and clinical decisions. This cross-sectional method comparison study evaluated 137 blinded pediatric serum samples collected from a tertiary children’s hospital in Vietnam. Serum iron was measured by a colorimetric method, transferrin by immunoturbidimetry, and ferritin by immunoassay, using two different platforms: Cobas Pro (Roche Diagnostics) and Atellica Solution (Siemens Healthineers). Analytical precision and trueness were assessed in accordance with CLSI EP15-A3 guidelines. Agreement between platforms was evaluated using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Results showed systematic bias across all analytes, with the Atellica platform yielding consistently lower values. Specifically, the regression equations were Siemens = 0.96 (Roche) – 0.1 µmol/L for serum iron, Siemens = 0.93 (Roche) + 1.0 mg/dL for transferrin, and Siemens = 0.723 (Roche) – 1.7 µg/L for ferritin. Mean differences were -0.7 µmol/L, -15.6 mg/dL, and -137 µg/L, respectively. These findings indicate notable discrepancies between the platforms, underscoring the necessity for platform-specific reference intervals and the importance of harmonizing methods. In settings where harmonization is not feasible, regression-based adjustments may facilitate reference interval transference, especially in low-resource environments.

Comparison of serum immunoglobulin and complement assays across three automated immunochemistry platforms

Vu Thi Tu Uyen — 2025-11-30

Serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) and complement components (C3, C4) are essential biomarkers widely used in clinical practice to evaluate immune function and support the diagnosis of inflammatory and immunological disorders. This study assessed the concordance of quantitative results for these markers across three automated analytical platforms Cobas Pro (Roche Diagnostics), Atellica Solution (Siemens Healthineers), and AU5800 (Beckman Coulter), using pediatric serum samples. Correlation analysis revealed very strong linear relationships between the systems (r = 0.90 - 0.995). However, significant proportional biases were observed, particularly for C4, with slope values of 1.3226 (Cobas Pro vs. AU5800) and 1.3141 (Atellica vs. AU5800), indicating a trend of higher C4 values reported by AU5800. Bland-Altman analysis indicated the highest absolute bias for C4, followed by C3 and IgM, confirming the presence of clinically relevant and systematic differences. These findings suggest that results are not directly interchangeable without proper adjustment. Establishing system-specific reference intervals or applying validated conversion factors is necessary to ensure accuracy in clinical interpretation.

Application of machine learning in screening for β-thalassemia using complete blood count (CBC) parameter

Ta Van Thao — 2025-11-30

This study is among the first in Vietnam to apply machine learning (ML) for β-thalassemia screening based solely on complete blood count (CBC) parameters. A regionally imbalanced dataset of 515 CBC samples was collected from students in Lai Châu province at Chemedic Laboratory (Hanoi) between October and December 2023. A validation set of 111 samples, including 55 β-thalassemia cases confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was analyzed using an XP-100 hematology analyzer. Supervised ML models-Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression (LR)-were developed with Python libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow), incorporating Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE), Adaptive Synthetic Sampling (ADASYN), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) for data balancing and feature extraction. The SMOTE-PCA/SVD combinations achieved high accuracy (0.95 for DT and RF; 0.93 for LR), with ROC AUC 0.94–0.96 and F1-score ≈ 0.95. Using ADASYN with PCA/SVD improved DT accuracy to 0.97 but reduced RF to 0.85. Optimal performance occurred with a 500-sample training set, 60:40 class ratio, and test sizes of 0.05 – 0.2. These findings demonstrate that ML, particularly DT and RF, can serve as cost-effective, non-invasive screening tools for β-thalassemia in resource-limited regions of Vietnam, although further validation with larger and genetically confirmed datasets is warranted.

Surgical outcomes of lumbar stenosis patients with osteoporosis at Hanoi Medical University Hospital

Dinh Manh Hai — 2025-11-30

We conducted a case series study on patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and osteoporosis who underwent decompression and posterolateral fusion (PLF) at Hanoi Medical University Hospital over a 2-year period from September 2022 to September 2024. A total of 70 patients were included. The mean age was 67.61 ± 8.3 years old (range 43–82), with a female-to-male ratio of 2.5:1. Radiological findings revealed ligamentum flavum hypertrophy in 75.71%, disc height reduction in 71.43%. The most commonly affected level was L4–L5 (87.14%). Clinical outcomes showed significant improvement: mean VAS scores decreased from 6.8 ± 2.2 to 2.3 ± 0.9 for back pain and from 6.6 ± 2.3 to 1.9 ± 0.7 for leg pain. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) improved from 42.3% ± 12.6 preoperatively to 15.5% ± 6.6 at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean operative time was 138 ± 20 minutes (range 110–180), with mean intraoperative blood loss of 280 ± 21ml (225 – 350). The overall complication rate was 4.3%. The mean hospital stay was 7.4 ± 1.1 days (5 – 10), and the mean time to ambulation after surgery was 3.5 ± 1.1 days (2 – 6). At 12 months, the results improved further, with excellent outcomes in 45.5%, good in 37.9%, and fair in 16.6%. Surgical decompression combined with posterolateral fusion (PLF) in osteoporotic patients with LSS resulted in significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes, with acceptable fusion rates and manageable complication risks.

Evaluation of the results of buried penis treatment in 484 patients

Tran Ngoc Bich — 2025-11-30

There are many surgical techniques for buried penis but the surgical indication and the age of surgery are not consistent, so we conducted this descriptive study to evaluate the treatment outcomes for buried penis . The mean age of 484 patients was 7.1 years old. Buried penis was classified into three grades according to penile shaft burial: Mild grade occurred in 36 cases (7.4%): penile shaft buried, but glans and coronal sulcus protrude above pubo-scrotal skin . Moderate grade occurred in 89 cases (18.4%): penile shaft and corona buried, only part of the glans visible above pubo-scrotal skin. Severe grade occurred in 359 patients (74.2%): entire penis buried, glans located at or below pubo-scrotal skin.Surgical indication: severe and moderate cases operated from 1 year of age, mild cases from 6 years old. Operative technique: 2.5-cm scrotal incision (upper quarter), release of penile shaft, cut of Buck’s fascia along the lateral aspects of the corpora cavernosa, fixation of the penile base, and preservation of the prepuce. Outcomes: good in 46.6% (169/363) and fair in 53.4% (194/363). Surgical results showed that the age of surgery according to buried penis grade with the new surgical technique gave favorable results.

Clinical and paraclinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with minor stroke admitted within the first 4.5 hours

Mai Duy Ton — 2025-11-30

The optimal therapeutic approach for patients with minor stroke presenting within 4.5 hours of symptom onset remains a subject of ongoing debate, particularly regarding the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase compared to single (SAPT) or dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We conducted a single-center, observational cohort study involving patients with acute minor stroke (NIHSS ≤ 5) who were admitted within 4.5 hours to the Stroke Center of Bach Mai Hospital. Patients were stratified into three treatment groups: intravenous alteplase, DAPT, and SAPT. The primary outcome was a favorable functional incidence at 90 days, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–1. The results show that among 186 patients (34 alteplase, 119 DAPT, 33 SAPT), the proportions achieving mRS 0–1 at day 90 were 90.4% (79.4%, 96.7%, and 78.8%, respectively). The alteplase group demonstrated a higher baseline NIHSS score (median 4 [IQR: 3.75 – 5]) than the DAPT and SAPT groups (both with a median of 2; p < 0.001). Early neurological deterioration (END) occurred in 38.2% of the alteplase group, 18.2% of the SAPT group, and 0.8% of the DAPT group. END was an associated factor with unfavorable outcomes (mRS 2–6), with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.14 (95% CI: 1.25 – 3.68; p < 0.01). In this single-center observational study, 90.4% of patients with minor stroke achieved favorable functional outcomes at 90th day. The rates of favorable outcomes in the DAPT, alteplase, and SAPT groups were 96.7%, 79.4%, and 78.8%, respectively. Patients treated with alteplase had higher baseline NIHSS scores and a greater frequency of early neurological deterioration, which was associated with poor functional outcomes at 90 days.

Long-term results of thoracic aortic aneurysm involving the aortic arch treated by hybrid procedure at Viet Duc University Hospital

Duong Ngoc Thang — 2025-11-30

Treatment of thoracic aortic diseases remains a major challenge for cardiovascular surgeons, especially in the ascending aorta and aortic arch. This study aims to evaluate long-term outcomes, exploring risk factors of mortality and complications in thoracic aortic aneurysm treated by hybrid procedure. This is a retrospective and prospective descriptive study from the hospital database at Viet Duc hospital University, which includes patients diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysm and treated with hybrid procedure from January 2014 to December 2023. 50 patients, composed of 44 males (88.0%) and 6 females (12%) were included in the analysis The mean age of the patients was 64.6 ± 10.96 years old (30 - 81). 36 patients had left thoracic pain (62.0%), 18 cases (36.0%) underwent aorto-bicarotid bypass with median sternotomy, 27 patients (54.0%) had carotid–carotid bypass with or without left subclavian artery revascularization, 5 patients (10.0%) had left subclavian artery transposition into left carotid artery. The survival estimation was 78.0% at 1 year, 73.8 at 3 years, 69.7% at 5 years and 53.4% at 7 years. Zone 0 intervention had increased risk of procedure-related mortality. At present, hybrid procedure can provide successful treatment suitable younger and older patients in Vietnamese condition.

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) versus bilevel positive airway pressure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Tran Xuan Tung — 2025-11-30

A comparative study was conducted on COPD patients receiving HFNC or BIPAP to compare the effectiveness of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) in treating the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Oxygen saturation stability, patient comfort, and CO2 reduction were measured. Data included oxygen saturation levels, patient comfort scores, and PaCO2 levels. Statistical analysis used were t-tests and correlation coefficients with significance at p < 0.05. BIPAP significantly improved oxygen saturation (94.28% ± 2.63) but had a higher comfort index (2.30 ± 1.36), indicating poorer machine tolerance. HFNC effectively reduced PaCO2 from 54.14mmHg to 47.06mmHg over time and provided greater comfort, improving the comfort score from 1.92 to 0.17. BIPAP shows a marked improvement in maintaining oxygen saturation, but the comfort index is higher, and the machine tolerance is poorer. HFNC can effectively reduce pCO2 over the time while providing more comfort to the patient.

Risk factors for sleep apnea and results of respiratory polygraphy in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Phung Dinh Tho — 2025-11-30

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of sleep apnea (SA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Among 99 patients assessed using respiratory polygraphy within 7 days of stroke onset, 66.7% had sleep apnea, mostly of the obstructive type. Severe SA was found in 25.3% of cases. Compared to non-apneic patients, those with SA had higher BMI, diabetes, higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and STOP-BANG scores, and a greater likelihood of lacunar stroke. Interestingly, although BMI was higher among patients with SA, it did not remain a significant factor in multivariate analysis. Instead, ESS score (OR = 1.14), early neurological deterioration (OR = 6.81), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 6.53) emerged as independent predictors. The study concludes that sleep apnea is common in acute ischemic stroke and emphasizes the need for objective sleep assessments, as traditional anatomical markers are not reliable indicators in this population.

Preliminary results of the 4AC-4THP neoadjuvant treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer

Tran Dinh Anh — 2025-11-30

Objective: To assess the preliminary efficacy of the 4AC-4THP neoadjuvant treatment regimen in patients diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer. Patients and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study included 38 eligible patients with confirmed HER2-positive breast cancer treated with the 4AC-4THP neoadjuvant regimen from January 2016 to February 2025 at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, and Hanoi Oncology Hospital. Results: Among the 38 patients enrolled in the study, the median age was 43.29 years old (range 28 - 62). The cohort included 21 patients (55.3%) in stage II and 17 patients (44.7%) in stage III. The average tumor size measured 42.05mm, with a hormone receptor positivity rate of 34.2%. The total pathological complete response (tpCR) was achieved in 78.9% (30 out of 38 patients). No statistically significant correlation- was observed between tpCR rates and factors such as age, clinical stage, tumor size, histological grade, Ki-67 index, hormone receptor status, or treatment regimen. There was no evidence of disease progression during the neoadjuvant treatment. The most frequent grade 3 and 4 adverse events were neutropenia and nausea/vomiting, reported at rates of 13.1% and 10.5%, respectively. No patient experienced treatment discontinuation due to cardiovascular events or other serious adverse effects. Conclusion: The 4AC-4THP neoadjuvant regimen demonstrates high efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in this cohort.

Clinical and paraclinical characteristics and factors associated with occult cervical lymph node metastasis in differentiated thyroid cancer cT1N0M0 treated by transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy

Nguyen Xuan Hien — 2025-11-30

This cross-sectional study analyzed 218 patients diagnosed with cT1N0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) at Hanoi Medical University Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023. Patients were classified into two groups based on postoperative pathology: those with occult cervical lymph node metastasis (oCLNM+) and those without (oCLNM−). The mean patient age was 35.3 years, and the majority were female (96.8%). Tumors had a mean size of 6.9mm, were primarily located in a single lobe (87.2%), and were multifocal in 13.8% of cases. Occult lymph node metastasis was identified in 41.3% of patients. Statistical analysis revealed that tumor size greater than 5.5mm and multifocality were significant predictors of oCLNM, with odds ratios of 2.4 (p = 0.028) and higher likelihood of nodal involvement. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 4 (range: 0 – 22), and the median number of metastatic nodes was 0 (range: 0 – 17). These findings suggest that, even in patients with a clinically negative neck (cN0), there remains a considerable risk of occult lymph node metastases, especially in cases with multifocal tumors and primary tumor size exceeding 5.5mm.

Diagnostic concordance in forensic pathology between Digital Pathology Systems and optical microscopy

Nghiem Chi Cuong — 2025-11-30

This study evaluated the diagnostic agreement between a Digital Pathology System (DPS) and conventional optical microscopy in forensic pathology. A total of 1,220 slides from 90 forensic cases were digitized and reviewed using both methods by a forensic pathologist, with a washout period between readings. Agreement was analyzed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient under two scenarios: complete agreement and complete agreement plus minor discrepancies. High concordance was observed, with agreement rates of 93.03% (κ = 0.909) and 96.80% (κ = 0.957). Major organs such as the brain, heart, liver, and kidney showed agreement rates above 95% (κ = 0.949 – 1.000), while slightly lower agreement was found in lung and spleen due to histological complexity and postmortem changes. These findings suggest that DPS is a reliable alternative to conventional microscopy in forensic histopathology, though further validation is recommended for specific tissues.

Spontaneous resolution of iatrogenic tonic pupil following argon laser iridoplasty

Hoang Thanh Tung — 2025-11-30

We introduced a 19-year-old female patient who presented with photophobia and decreased vision following Argon laser iridoplasty in the left eye. Examination revealed anisocoria, with a dilated left pupil that was poorly responded to light, while the right pupil remained normal. Diluted pilocarpine 0.0625% test was positive, confirming iatrogenic tonic pupil. After 8 months, her anisocoria was found to naturally recover with restoration of best-corrected visual acuity and resolution of photophobia. This case highlighted the potential for Adie-like tonic pupil as a rare complication of laser procedures for ocular conditions. Therefore, awareness of this possibility is important for preoperative counseling and postoperative management to prevent patient distress and visual discomfort.

Description of clinical features of myopic patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

Tran Thi Kim Uyen — 2025-11-30

This cross-sectional study analyzed 100 eyes from 50 myopic patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) at Hanoi Opthalmology Hospital (2024 – 2025) to describe their clinical characteristics and evaluate the association between myopia severity and glaucomatous damage. Comprehensive eye examinations included refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field testing, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients were grouped based on the degree of myopia. Results showed that average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness declined significantly with increasing myopia (p < 0.001), with a moderate inverse correlation (r = -0.48). Visual field loss, indicated by mean deviation (MD), was more severe in patients with high myopia (p = 0.002), despite most having normal IOP. Common optic disc features included tilted discs (60%) and peripapillary atrophy (82%), which often interfered with OCT interpretation in highly myopic eyes. These structural and functional alterations underscore the challenges in diagnosing glaucoma in myopic patients. Interpreting imaging and functional results considering myopia severity may improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate timely intervention.

Lung-protective ventilation in one-lung ventilation for children undergoing minimally invasive ventricular septal defect surgery: Effects on hemodynamic

Giang Thach Thao — 2025-11-30

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 63 pediatric patients with congenital VSD was conducted to describe hemodynamic changes and adverse effects of protective lung ventilation (PLV) during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in minimally invasive ventricular septal defect (VSD) surgery. 63 pediatric patients with congenital VSD were randomly assigned into two groups: conventional lung ventilation (CLV) and protective lung ventilation (PLV), from June 2023 to December 2024 at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital. Data collected included patient characteristics, anatomical lesions, surgical details, mechanical ventilation parameters, hemodynamic and blood gas monitoring during and after surgery, ventilation duration, and respiratory complications. Comparison was made between heart rate, mean blood and central venous pressure at different timelines. Statistical methods included t-tests, Chi-square, regression analysis, using Jamovi 2.6.24 software. Children diagnosed with congenital VSD underwent minimally invasive open-heart surgery via right mini-thoracotomy. 29 received CLV, and 34 received PLV. Mean age: 26.6 ± 20.6 months old. Mean weight: 11 ± 4kg. Cardiopulmonary bypass time: 67.9 ± 15.3 mins. Aortic cross-clamp time: 46.2 ± 12.1 mins. 10 patients were extubated in the operating room Postoperative ventilation time: average 5.2 hours. No organ failure or major hemodynamic instability occured. Protective lung ventilation is safe during anesthesia and resuscitation for minimally invasive VSD repair in children, with no major circulatory or hemodynamic complication.

Perioperative ketamine for preventing phantom limb pain after amputation in patients with limb ischemia: A pilot study

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha — 2025-11-30

Phantom pain after limb amputation (PLP) remains a challenge to prevent and manage due to its complex mechanism involving peripheral, neural, central and psychogenic mechanisms. In patients with limb ischemia who have frequent long history of ischemic pain and opioid consumption, the incidence of PLP seems to be soaring and more severe. Although advances in the management and treatment of vascular diseases have reduced the need for amputation in this population, managing postoperative pain remains a significant challenge and necessitates effective preventive strategies. Ketamine, which is not only an anesthetic but also a potential medication for the treatment of chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and phantom pain, is anticipated to prevent PLP. This is a prospective study conducted on six patients (63 - 77 years old) with limb ischemia undergoing amputation surgery. The results showed that PLP occurred in 3 patients (50%), with the average visual analog score (VAS) of 1 (range of 0-7 on day 3, 0-4 on day 5). Phantom sensation was also recorded early in 3 patients (50%) and two of these 3 patients developed phantom pain later, suggesting that patients with postoperative phantom sensation should be observed thoroughly. Stump pain after amputation gradually decreased from day 1 (median 2.5, range 0-7) to 2.5 (range 0-4, day 2) and 2 on day 5 (range 0-3) without morphine rescue. Intraoperative ketamine infusion in this study has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing PLP severity and postoperative stump pain without side effects. However, longer follow-up with a larger dataset is needed to further evaluate the long-term effects of ketamine on PLP.

Outcomes of adjuvant capecitabine therapy in high-risk stage II colon cancer: A single-center analysis from Vietnam

Nguyen Thi Thu Huong — 2025-11-30

The optimal adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk Stage II colon cancer remains debated. In Vietnam, capecitabine monotherapy is often chosen for its convenience and tolerability. In this retrospective study, 96 high-risk Stage II (pT3-4,N0,M0)patients underwent R0 resection at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital (2016 – 2019) and received capecitabine (1,250 mg/m² twice daily on days 1 – 14 of a 21-day cycle) for eight cycles. After a median follow-up of 60.6 months (range: 22 – 79), 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 89.5% and overall survival (OS) was 91.1%. In multivariate Cox analysis, lymphovascular/perineural invasion independently predicted poorer 5-year DFS (HR = 5.21; 95% CI: 1.02 – 26.55; p = 0.047), while both pathologic Stage IIC (pT4b) (HR = 6.98; 95% CI: 0.88 – 55.06; p = 0.009) and lymphovascular/perineural invasion (HR = 5.21; 95% CI: 1.02 – 26.55; p = 0.027) were independent predictors of worse 5-year OS. Grade ≥ 3 toxicities were uncommon: hand–foot syndrome (5.2%), diarrhea (2.1%), and hematologic events (4.2%); three patients (3.1%) discontinued therapy due to adverse events.These findings indicate that adjuvant capecitabine provides favorable 5-year DFS and OS in high-risk Stage II colon cancer. Patients with lymphovascular/perineural invasion or pT4b status may benefit from intensified approaches.

Hematospermia secondary to urethral varices: An underrecognized clinical entity

Nguyen Thanh Son — 2025-11-30

Hematospermia, the presence of red blood cells in semen, has various causes, with urethral varices being a rare and under-researched etiology. This study investigated 54 males presenting with hematospermia and subsequently diagnosed with urethral varices via retrograde urethroscopy. The mean age of the patients was 48 ± 11.11 years old. The most common symptom was hematuria after sexual intercourse, occurring in 90.7% of cases. The average duration of symptoms was 17.46 months. The most common location of varices was between the 4 and 8 o’clock positions (81.5%) and around the external urethral sphincter (90.7%). Patients who received a diagnosis more than six months after symptom onset experienced a significantly higher frequency of symptom recurrence within one month compared to those diagnosed earlier (p = 0.01). These findings suggest that urethral varices should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hematospermia, especially in patients with persistent symptoms and post-coital hematuria, and that early endoscopic evaluation may help reduce symptom recurrence.

Assessment of antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of Cn-AMP1-derived peptides against Candida albicans

Ha Thi Huyen — 2025-11-30

Candida albicans is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen associated with increasing antifungal resistance and limited treatment options. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising alternative due to their membrane-targeting mechanisms and low likelihood of inducing resistance. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal efficacy and safety profiles of six synthetic peptides derived from the natural peptide Cn-AMP1, including CAP-X, CAP-Y, and four leucine-substituted derivatives. These peptides were synthesized via Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis and tested in vitro against C. albicans ATCC 10231 using broth microdilution assays to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC). CAP-Y exhibited the strongest antifungal activity, followed by CAP-X, while the leucine-substituted derivatives showed similar or reduced potency. Hemolysis assays revealed that CAP-X and CAP-Y induced minimal hemolysis (< 10% at 512µM), and MTS assays confirmed no significant cytotoxicity on 4T1 murine breast cancer cells at concentrations up to 512µM. These findings suggest that Cn-AMP1-derived peptides, particularly CAP-Y and CAP-X, possess moderate antifungal activity with acceptable safety profiles and may serve as lead candidates for the development of novel antifungal therapeutics.

Clinical characteristics and traditional medicine syndromes associated with HbA1c control in inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Tran Thi Hai Van — 2025-11-30

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the rate of HbA1c control and identify clinical characteristics and traditional medicine syndromes associated with glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 197 inpatients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled at the Traditional Medicine Hospital – Ministry of Public Security from August 2022 to August 2023. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Among the participants, 76.1% had suboptimal glycemic control with HbA1c levels ≥ 7%. Significant associated factors included age under 60 years old (OR = 5.748; p = 0.038), disease duration over 10 years (OR = 2.91; p = 0.048), poor dietary adherence (OR = 14.91; p < 0.001), and insufficient physical activity (OR = 10.07; p < 0.001). Traditional medicine syndrome differentiation was statistically associated with HbA1c levels (p = 0.009), in which patients with Qi-Yin deficiency or Yin essence deficiency syndromes were less likely to achieve glycemic targets. HbA1c control remains suboptimal among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Greater emphasis on lifestyle interventions and syndrome-based classification in traditional medicine may enhance individualized treatment strategies.

Association of ADIPOQ (rs2241767) and METRNL (rs147617313) gene polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Vietnamese population: A case – control study

Dam Thi Phuong Lan — 2025-11-30

Adipokines derived from adipose tissue have been proven to participate in many metabolic pathways in the body. Adipokine dysregulation has been considered an important cause of many metabolic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Our research investigated the association between the two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the ADIPOQ and METRNL genes with T2DM. A case-control study was conducted with 260 T2DM patients and 260 healthy controls. The ADIPOQ variant (rs2241767) and the METRNL variant (rs147617313) were determined based on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The rs147617313 locus of the METRNL gene showed only one homozygous genotype, CC. In the rs2241767 locus of the ADIPOQ gene, the genotype frequencies in the case group (AA: 41%, AG: 50%, GG: 9%) were similar to those in the control group (AA: 47%, AG: 40 %, GG: 13%). The AG genotype was associated with an increased risk of T2DM in the additive model (OR = 1.4; 95%CI: 1.0 – 2.09; p = 0.046). Of the two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2241767 and rs147617313, only rs2241767 was associated with the risk of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Vietnamese people.

Surgical outcomes of posterolateral fusion in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and osteoporosis

Dinh Manh Hai — 2025-11-30

Our study focuses on patients who underwent posterolateral decompression, spinal fixation, and bone grafting from 1/2021 to 12/2023 at Hanoi Medical University Hospital. The study was conducted on 50 patients that matched the criteria, in which the mean age was 69.32 ± 8.24 years old, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.5:1. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy was observed in 32%, and lumbar disc herniation in 60%. The most commonly affected level was L4–L5 (92%). Preoperative VAS scores for back and leg pain were 6.7 ± 2.1 and 6.5 ± 2.4, respectively. The mean preoperative ODI was 42.6 ± 13%. Mean operative time was 150 ± 33 minutes, and mean intraoperative blood loss was 169 ± 73ml. Intraoperative complications included one case of pedicle screw placement at the superior endplate and one cases of surgical site infection. The overall complication rate was 4%. Mean hospital stay was 6.3 ± 2.7 days, and mean time to ambulation postoperatively was 3.7 ± 1.4 days. Results after 6 months postoperative follow-up: Very good 32%, Good 38%, Medium 28%, Bad 2%. Results after 12 months postoperative: Very good 40%, Good 44%, Medium 16%. Osterolateral spinal decompression, fixation, and bone grafting are associated with lower complication rates, shorter operative times, and reduced intraoperative blood loss compared to interbody fusion techniques, especially in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and osteoporosis.

Shifts in inpatient treatment patterns for congenital heart disease before and after the introduction of open - heart surgery at Hanoi Medical University Hospital (2015 - 2024)

Ngo Thi Hanh — 2025-11-30

Congenital heart defect (CHD) refers to structural abnormalities of the heart occurring during fetal development that require diagnosis and treatment regardless of age. Since 2019, the Center of Cardiovascular Diseases at Hanoi Medical University Hospital (HMUH), a leading center for CHD interventional treatment in northern Vietnam, has implemented open-heart surgery, marking a shift in treatment patterns. This study aims to investigate the shifts in the pattern of CHD treatment among inpatients at HMUH from 2015 to 2024 with the introduction of open-heart surgery. A cross-sectional study included 711 inpatients, divided into two phases: Phase 1 (2015 – 2019), pre- surgery (235 patients); Phase 2 (2019 – 2024), post- surgery (476 patients). In Phase 2, the mean age of patients increased significantly (34.6 ± 19.7 years old vs. 27.1 ± 20.7 years old, p < 0.001). The proportions of CHD types demonstrated a significant shift, with more atrial septal defect (ASD) (64.9% vs. 51.1%), fewer proportion of ventricular septal defect (VSD) (5.9% vs. 17%), and the emergence of complex anomalies, including atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), and coarctation of the aorta (CoA) (p < 0.001). Regarding treatment approach, 41 patients (8.6%) underwent surgical repair, and 3 patients (0.7%) received hybrid intervention. The treatment success rate declined slightly (88.9% vs.93.6%), while complications and residual shunts increased (p < 0.05). Overall, open-heart surgery expanded treatment capacity and altered CHD patterns at HMUH.

Characteristics of the ANRIL rs2383207 polymorphism and its association with lipid parameters among patients with chronic coronary syndrome in Can Tho city

Tran Nguyen Minh Khoa — 2025-11-30

The rs2383207 polymorphism of the ANRIL gene has attracted considerable attention due to its association with coronary artery disease, but its effect on lipid metabolism remains unclear. In this cross-sectional study, 66 newly diagnosed patients with chronic coronary syndrome from three hospitals in Can Tho (June 2024 – May 2025) were analyzed for rs2383207 genotypes and lipid profiles. Most patients were ≥ 60 years (81.8%) and male (59.1%), with common risk factors including hypertension (90.9%), sedentary lifestyle (78.8%), and dyslipidemia (69.7%). The G allele was predominant at 65.9% and GA was the most frequent genotype at 68.2% while no AA genotype was observed. Carriers of the G allele had higher LDL-c (2.85 ± 1.28 vs. 2.20 ± 0.90 mmol/L; p < 0.001) and a higher risk of elevated LDL-c (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.16 – 5.6; p = 0.024). At the genotype level, the GG group had higher total cholesterol (p = 0.021) and LDL-c (p < 0.001), as well as a higher risk of elevated total cholesterol (OR = 7.0; 95% CI: 1.6 – 30.8) and LDL-c (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.31 – 2.12). No statistically significant differences were observed for triglycerides or HDL-c. These findings indicate that the G allele and GA genotype of the rs2383207 ANRIL polymorphism are common in patients with chronic coronary syndrome and are associated with elevated total cholesterol and LDL-c levels.

Semen quality and reproductive hormone profiles in male patients presenting to Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital

Tran Quang Tien Long — 2025-11-30

This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between reproductive hormones and semen quality in 4,342 men attending the Andrology Clinic, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (2023 – 2024). Data included age, semen parameters (WHO 2021 criteria), and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and prolactin. The mean age was 30.6 ± 5.0 years old. Elevated LH correlated negatively with sperm motility, viability, and morphology (ρ = –0.08 to –0.18; p < 0.001). Higher FSH mainly predicted reduced sperm concentration (ρ = –0.15; p < 0.001). Testosterone showed weak positive associations with semen volume, concentration, viability, and morphology, whereas prolactin within physiological levels had no significant effect. These findings confirm differential hormonal impacts on semen quality, particularly the detrimental roles of elevated LH and FSH. Endocrine assessment combined with semen analysis should be considered essential in evaluating male infertility to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Evaluation of surgical outcomes for uterine fibroids at Nghe An Friendship General Hospital

Dinh Thi Van Anh — 2025-11-30

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the surgical outcomes for uterine fibroids at Nghe An Friendship General Hospital. 590 patients diagnosed with uterine fibroids who underwent surgery at Nghe An Friendship General Hospital were included in the study. The mean age in our study was 47.33 ± 5.64 years old, with the oldest patient being 70 and the youngest being 30. The 41 – 50 age group represented 61.5%, where the 46 – 50 age subgroup was the most prevalent (38.6%). Laparoscopic surgery was the predominant method (68.8%). The conversion rate from laparoscopy to laparotomy was very low (4.1%); the most common reason for conversion was the presence of adhesions combined with large tumor size (58.3%). Total hysterectomy was the most frequently applied procedure at 71.0%, followed by myomectomy at 15.1% and subtotal hysterectomy at 13.9%. The ovaries and fallopian tubes were preserved in the majority of cases (86.3%). The rate of intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion was low. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were rare. Uterine fibroids are common in the 41 - 50 age group. Most patients undergo laparoscopic surgery. Total hysterectomy is the most selected surgical method.

Clinical and subclinical characteristics of parturients undergoing cesarean section due to fetal head non-engagement at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Luong Tuan Manh — 2025-11-30

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 218 parturients who underwent cesarean section for fetal head non-engagement at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The maternal age ranged from 19 to 39 years old, with the 25 – 29 age group as the most common (51.4%). The majority of patients had spontaneous pregnancies (91.3%) and were primigravidas (91.3%). Upon admission, 60.1% were not yet in labor. Normal amniotic fluid volume was observed in 87.6% of cases, with oligohydramnios in 4.1% and polyhydramnios in 8.3%. A normal fetal heart rate was recorded in 66.5% of cases, while transient early decelerations (DIP I) were noted in 33.5%. The most common fetal position was right occiput posterior (ROP) at 40.4%, followed by left occiput anterior (LOA) at 21.6% and left occiput transverse (LOT) at 20.2%. Cesarean sections for fetal head non-engagement are predominantly concentrated in the primary childbearing age group (25 – 34 years old) and among primigravida women. Associated factors include amniotic fluid status, caput succedaneum, and fetal position, with right occiput posterior (ROP) being a common unfavorable presentation.

Outcomes of single-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy for the treatment of intra-abdominal undescended testes

Nguyen Thi Mai Thuy — 2025-11-30

Single-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy is a common treatment option for intra-abdominal undescended testes with sufficiently long spermatic vessels. This technique has been routinely performed at many major pediatric surgical centers, including the Viet Nam National Children’s Hospital. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of single-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy for intra-abdominal undescended testes at the National Children’s Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024. A total of 41 patients with 45 testes underwent surgery; the median age was 31 months old (11 - 137). All testes were located in the lower abdomen, and most were associated with a patent deep inguinal ring (77.8%; 10 cases not described). No intraoperative or early postoperative complication was recorded. Twenty-six patients with 30 testes were followed up for an average duration of 19.6 ± 9.8 months; among them, 24 testes (80%) were located in the scrotum, 5 testes (16.7%) were positioned high, and 1 testis (3.3%) was atrophic. Postoperative testicular volume increased significantly compared with preoperative values (p < 0.05). No late complication was observed during follow-up. The single-stage vessel-sparing laparoscopic orchiopexy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of intra-abdominal undescended testes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and appropriate control groups are needed to comprehensively evaluate the overall efficacy of this technique.

Outcomes of two-stage laparoscopic fowler-stephens orchiopexy for the treatment of intra-abdominal undescended testes

Nguyen Thi Mai Thuy — 2025-11-30

Two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy is the standard treatment for intra-abdominal undescended testes with short spermatic vessels. This technique has been routinely performed at many major pediatric surgical centers, including the Viet Nam National Children’s Hospital. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy for intra-abdominal undescended testes at the Viet Nam National Children’s Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024. A total of 39 patients with 45 testes underwent surgery; the median age was 34 months old (11 - 190). The median interval between the two stages was 6 months (3 - 14). No intraoperative or early postoperative complication was recorded. Twenty-seven patients (31 testes) were followed up, with a mean follow-up duration of 16.7 ± 8.4 months; among them, 27 testes (87.1%) were located in the scrotum, 2 testes (6.45%) remained high, and 2 testes (6.45%) were atrophic. Comparison of testicular volume between the two stages, as well as before and after surgery, showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). No late complication was observed during follow-up. The two-stage Fowler-Stephens laparoscopic orchiopexy is a safe and effective procedure for managing intra-abdominal undescended testes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and appropriate control groups are warranted to comprehensively evaluate the overall efficacy of this technique.

Total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antihyperlipidemic activity of “Che pham la Bo” extract in poloxamer-407-induced experimental hyperlipidemia

Nguyen Pham Ngoc Mai — 2025-11-30

The leaves of the avocado tree (Persea americana) have been used in folk medicine in many parts of the world, particularly in South America, Africa, and Asia, due to their potential medicinal properties. This research was conducted to investigate total phenolic and flavonoid content, and the potential ameliorating effects of “Che pham la Bo” (CPLB) extract on hyperlipidemic experimental mice. To identify the content of the active compound, spectroscopy techniques are used. The endogenous hyperlipidemia model was induced by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Poloxamer-407 (200 mg/kg body weight), and CPLB extract was administered orally to mice at daily doses of 0.48 g/kg and 1.44 g/kg body weight for seven consecutive days. At the end of the study, parameters of serum lipids were determined. The results show that the methanol extract of P.americana resulted in the greatest phenolic and flavonoid content. CPLB ameliorated the elevation of serum triglyceride levels at both doses of 0.48 g/kg body weight and 1.44 g/kg body weight.w/ Also, there was no significant difference in the increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduced total cholesterol, Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to the cholesterol control group. In conclusion, CPLB extract improved serum lipid levels in the P407-induced hyperlipidemia model.

Repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity study of picositol in experimental Wistar rats

Pham Chi Phuong — 2025-11-30

This study aimed to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of Picositol powder following oral administration in Wistar rats. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD 408). Rats were administered Picositol at two doses of 0.12 sachets/kg/day and 0.36 sachets/kg/day by oral gavage for 90 consecutive days. Measurements included body weight, general observations, hematology, biochemical, gross necropsy, and histopathological examination. The results show that oral administration of both doses of Picositol to rats did not result in any clinical symptom, nor hematological, biochemical, and histological signs of variation. In conclusion, a 90-days repeated dose oral toxicity study of Picositol in Wistar rats yielded no-observed-adverse-effect at 0.12 sachets/kg/day and 0.36 sachets/kg/day.

Acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effects of Mekong Cissus capsules in experimental animals

Tran Hoang Phuong — 2025-11-30

Inflammation is a biological response of the immune system that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including pathogens, damaged cells, and toxic compounds. These factors may induce acute and/or chronic inflammatory responses leading to tissue damage or disease. Current anti-inflammatory drug groups have not met treatment effectiveness and cause many unwanted side effects for patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Mekong Cissus capsules in an experimental study. Before carrageenin-induced acute edema, Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (normal, positive control, Mekong Cissus capsules 168 and 504 mg/kg/24h) and given water/test solution for five consecutive days. The results showed that Mekong Cissus capsules at 504 mg/kg/24h had the effect of reducing the volume of peritoneal exudate and the number of leukocytes in the fluid after injection of a mixture of carrageenin and formaldehyde, similar to aspirin, and also tended to reduce the volume of carrageenin-induced mouse paw edema. However, Mekong Cissus capsules have not shown any effect against chronic inflammation caused by asbestos in Swiss mice. This study demonstrated the potential in vivo efficacy of Mekong Cissus capsules in the treatment of inflammatory diseases as a promising therapeutic product.

Evaluation of acute toxicity and analgesic activities of Mekong Cissus capsules on experimental animals

Pham Thi Van Anh — 2025-11-30

Mekong Cissus capsules, a herbal preparation primarily containing Cissus quadrangularis L., were tested for both acute toxicity and pain-relieving effects in mice. The evaluation of acute oral toxicity in Swiss mice followed the procedures outlined by the WHO and the Litchfield-Wilcoxon method. Analgesic activity was assessed using three experimental models: hot plate, Von Frey, and acetic acid-induced writhing tests. No mortality or clinical sign of acute toxicity was observed, and the maximum tolerated dose was estimated at 15000 mg/kg. In the hot plate test, Mekong Cissus capsules at 288 and 864 mg/kg/day showed a tendency to prolong latency to thermal stimuli, although the changes were not statistically significant. In the Von Frey test, the higher dose (864 mg/kg/day) significantly increased both pain threshold and latency compared with baseline and control (p < 0.05), and produced a greater effect on applied force than the lower dose (p < 0.05). In the writhing test, both doses significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing counts from the 5th minute onward compared with the control group.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity evaluation of 6 shogaol-enriched dry ginger extract in experimental models

Ho Ba Ngoc Minh — 2025-11-30

This study aimed to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the 6-shogaol-enriched dry ginger extract in experimental animals. The acute toxicity test was performed in Swiss albino mice using the Behrens method, with a single oral dose ranging from 5 to 10 g/kg body weight. The sub-chronic toxicity study was carried out following the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, in which Wistar rats received oral doses of 60 mg/kg and 180 mg/kg daily for four consecutive weeks. The results of the acute toxicity study showed that the oral LD50 of the 6- shogaol–enriched dry ginger extract was 7.84 g/kg (95% CI: 7.23 – 8.45 g/kg). In the four-week sub- chronic toxicity assessment, the overall clinical condition, hematological parameters, serum biochemical indices, and histological structures of the liver and kidneys in the treated groups were not significantly different from those of the control group. In the high-dose group (180 mg/kg body weight/day), AST and ALT levels decreased markedly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), while plasma cholesterol levels showed significant reductions at week 2 (p < 0.05) and week 4 (p < 0.001).

Anticoagulant effect of Tri Bao Hoan in an experimental thrombosis model

Pham Thi Van Anh — 2025-11-30

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticoagulant effects of Tri Bao Hoan in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced thrombosis model using Wistar rats. Tri Bao Hoan and rivaroxaban were administered orally for seven consecutive days. One hour after the final dose, LPS (3 mg/kg) was injected via the tail vein to induce thrombosis. Blood samples were collected four hours after LPS administration to assess the study parameters. Our findings indicated that Tri Bao Hoan at 0.36 pill/kg/day exerted significant anticoagulant effects by increasing platelet count and fibrinogen concentration, as well as prolonging prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) compared with the vehicle-treated thrombosis group (p < 0.05). Tri Bao Hoan at 0.12 pill/kg/day did not show statistically significant changes in these parameters (p > 0.05). Regarding biochemical findings, Tri Bao Hoan at 0.36 pill/kg/day significantly reduced serum AST activity in the vehicle-treated thrombosis group (p < 0.05), whereas AST activity, urea and creatinine concentration remained statistically unchanged at both doses (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Tri Bao Hoan at 0.36 pill/kg/day demonstrated a significant anticoagulant effect in Wistar rats with LPS-induced thrombosis.

Evaluation of antitussive and expectorant activities of “Cam cum Ba giang” hard capsules in the experiment

Pham Thi Van Anh — 2025-11-30

The study aimed to evaluate the antitussive and expectorant activities of “Cam cum Ba giang” hard capsules. The antitussive effect of “Cam cum Ba giang” hard capsules was assessed using a murine model of ammonia-induced cough. The expectorant effect of “Cam cum Ba giang” hard capsules was evaluated by measuring tracheal phenol red output in mice. The results showed that “Cam cum Ba giang” hard capsules at 355.2 mg dried extract/kg/day and 710.4 mg dried extract/kg/day significantly inhibited cough and cough frequency and increased the latent period of cough. Moreover, “Cam cum Ba giang” hard capsules at both doses tended to pose the expectorant effect by slightly increasing the mice’s tracheal phenol red output compared to the control group. In conclusion, “Cam cum Ba giang” hard capsules, derived from herbal medicine, expressed antitussive and expectorant effects in experimental mice. Therefore, “Cam cum Ba giang” hard capsules may be a potential product for supporting the treatment of symptoms related to respiratory diseases in clinical settings.

Evaluation of acute and subchronic toxicities of DEHEMA product in experimental animals

Pham Thi Ngoc Bich — 2025-11-30

This research was conducted to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicities of the DEHEMA product through oral administration using experimental animal models. The acute toxicity of DEHEMA was determined in Swiss mice using the Litchfield-Wilcoxon method. The subchronic toxicity of DEHEMA was assessed in Wistar rats according to WHO and OECD’s recommendations with oral doses of 10 mL/kg b.w./day (equivalent to the recommended human dose with conversion ratio 6) and 30 mL/kg b.w./day (3 times of the recommended human dose) for 30 consecutive days. In terms of acute toxicity, the DEHEMA product did not show acute toxicity in mice at the highest dose used (100 mL/kg b.w). In terms of subchronic toxicity, after oral administration of aqueous extract form of DEHEMA at 5.2 g/kg b.w./day and 15.6 g/kg b.w./day, the overall condition, weight, hematological parameters, liver and renal functions, and microscopic images of liver and kidney were unchanged in the treatment groups compared to those of the control group. In conclusion, DEHEMA did not produce acute and subchronic toxicities in Swiss mice and Wistar rats.

Potential androgenic activity of FU Plus tablet in castrated male rats

Pham Thi Van Anh — 2025-11-30

FU Plus tablet is a multi-component herbal and micronutrient formulation. This study aimed to evaluate the androgenic activity of FU Plus tablets in castrated male Wistar rats using the Hershberger bioassay in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 441. Peripubertal male Wistar rats were bilaterally orchiectomized, except for a group of intact biological controls. Animals were randomly allocated to five groups (n = 10 per group): biological control, model control, positive control (testosterone, 19.2 mg/kg/day), FU Plus low dose (0.24 tablet/kg b.w/day), and FU Plus high dose (0.72 tablet/kg b.w/day). Treatments were given orally for 10 days, and then androgen-responsive tissues were excised and weighed to assess androgenic activity. Our results showed that FU Plus significantly increased the weights of the ventral prostate and glans penis at both doses (p < 0.05 vs. model) and significantly improved seminal vesicle weight at the higher dose (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FU Plus tablets were demonstrated to have androgenic activity in castrated male rats, as evidenced by their stimulatory effects on select androgen-responsive tissues.

The effectiveness of the “Ngaydautien” health education program on knowledge and practices of patients with hypertension 2023 - 2024

Ho Thi Kim Thanh — 2025-11-30

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent or delay the onset of hypertension and significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. The objectives of this study were (1) to describe the current knowledge and behaviors of patients with hypertension and (2) to assess the impact of the “Ngaydautien” health education program on patients’ knowledge and behaviors compared to standard treatment. A cohort study was conducted on 200 patients at three study sites: Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Gia Lai General Hospital, and Mien Dong 7c Hospital. After six months, the “Ngaydautien” education group showed a significant improvement in overall knowledge scores (p < 0.001), particularly in the domains of general understanding and lifestyle management. Knowledge related to blood pressure monitoring and target blood pressure improved as well, though the change was not statistically significant. Medication adherence also improved significantly in the “Ngaydautien” education group (p = 0.0078).

Association between air pollution and upper respiratory diseases in Hai Phong

Bui Anh Tuan — 2025-11-30

This study investigated the association between air pollution levels and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in Hai Phong City, 2017 - 2021, and proposes a sustainable framework for community health education. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. From 2017 - 2019, concentrations of SO2, NO2, and suspended particulate matter exceeded permissible thresholds. A strong positive correlation was found between these pollutants and the incidence of pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, and adeno-tonsillitis. In contrast, carbon monoxide (CO) showed no statistically significant association with any disease category. The findings underscore air pollution as a major risk factor for URTIs in Hai Phong City. Sustainable community health interventions-including public communication of air quality indices, promotion of personal protective practices, and upstream pollution mitigation - are vital for improving respiratory health outcomes.

Health-related quality of life among hemodialysis patients at Hemodialysis Department, Thai Binh Medical University Hospital in 2025

Nguyen Thi Ha Phuong — 2025-11-30

Health-related quality of life assessment has become an essential component of evaluating the treatment process among hemodialysis patients. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life among 72 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at the Hemodialysis Department of Thai Binh Medical University Hospital, using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQoL-36) instrument. Among the five KDQoL-36 subscales, the symptoms and problems subscale yielded the highest mean score (59.7 ± 21.6), indicating relatively better symptom management. The most commonly reported and bothersome symptoms were muscle soreness, cramps, and dry skin. Conversely, the burden of kidney disease subscale had the lowest mean score (22.0 ± 16.6), highlighting the significant perceived heavy impact of kidney disease on patients’ daily life. The most prominent burdens were the interference of kidney disease in daily activities and the excessive time spent managing the condition. The physical component summary and mental component summary scores were 31.2 ± 7.9 and 39.0 ± 10.9, respectively, suggesting that mental health was better preserved than physical functioning. These findings underscore the importance of regular symptom monitoring and implementing targeted supportive interventions to enhance the overall well-being of this population.

Exploring antenatal depression among women in Northern Vietnam: Which life events matter?

Pham Thi Oanh — 2025-11-30

Antenatal depression (AD) causes serious consequences to both mothers and their babies. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and contributing factors, focusing on obstetric history and psychosocial factors of depression among pregnant women in northern Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a maternity hospital and a private clinic in Thai Binh province, targeting women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation from January to August 2023. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale assessed depressive symptoms, and Firth logistic regression identified associated factors. Out of 859 participants, 22.9% (95%CI: 20.2-25.9) showed signs of depressive symptoms. We did not find a significant association between obstetric historical factors and AD. However, we found various factors associated with high risk of AD among pregnant women, including history of depression (AOR = 61.46, 95%CI: 3.06 – 9133.33), anxiety (AOR = 30.93, 95%CI: 20.12 – 48.69), exposure to second hand smoke (AOR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.22 – 2.99), and unwanted pregnancy (AOR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.31 – 3.73). The prevalence of AD was high in our study. The findings highlight the need for greater awareness and early intervention for maternal depression in Northern Vietnam.

Anxiety and Qi stagnation characteristics based on traditional medicine in medical students

Phan Minh Duc — 2025-11-30

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of anxiety and its association with Qi stagnation constitution among medical students at VNU University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ), 263 students were assessed. The prevalence of anxiety (SAS > 40) was 30.04%, mostly mild. Qi stagnation or a tendency toward Qi stagnation was present in 61.6% of students and was more frequent among those with anxiety (70.89%). In multivariable logistic regression, Qi stagnation was independently associated with higher odds of anxiety (aOR = 8.61; 95% CI: 3.56 – 20.82; p < 0.001). Two protective factors were identified: engaging in physical activity more than twice per week (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24 – 0.83; p = 0.010) and regular communication/sharing with family members (aOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.25 – 0.99; p = 0.046). Financial difficulty was associated with increased odds of anxiety (aOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.07 – 3.68; p = 0.029). These findings support the relevance of considering Traditional Medicine constitution in student mental-health screening and suggest that integrating constitution-oriented and modern approaches may be promising for future prevention and support programs.

Knowledge of family planning and associated factors among women aged 18 – 49 in Phong Dien district, Can Tho city in 2025

Tran Minh Chau — 2025-11-30

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the knowledge of family planning (FP) and associated factors among women aged 18 – 49 years old in 2025. 405 married women aged 18–49 old in Phong Dien District, Can Tho City were selected to participated to complete a validated 12-items knowledge questionnaire. The proportions of women with good, moderate, and poor knowledge of FP were 46.9%, 51.9%, and 1.2%, respectively. Most women in Phong Dien District had moderate to good knowledge of FP. Higher knowledge was significantly associated with having a religious affiliation (p = 0.006), higher educational level (p < 0.001), and higher economic status (p < 0.001). Therefore, health communication and education programs should be enhanced, with a focus on women with lower educational attainment and limited economic resources.

Smartphone addiction of Hanoi Medical University, Thanh Hoa Campus in 2024: A cross-sectional study on nursing students

Luong Ngoc Mai — 2025-11-30

Smartphone addiction significantly impacts mental health and sleep quality, especially among students. This study examined the prevalence of smartphone addiction and sleep quality among 240 nursing students at Hanoi Medical University - Thanh Hoa Campus and identified related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, including demographic data, the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships. Results showed that 64.2% of students met the criteria for smartphone addiction, and 55.4% had poor sleep quality. Students with poor sleep were 2.42 times more likely to be addicted to smartphones than those with good sleep quality (p < 0.05). However, other factors such as gender, year of study, residence, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, and club participation were not significantly associated with smartphone addiction among students (p > 0,05). These findings highlight the need to raise awareness and develop strategies to improve mental health and reduce smartphone addiction among nursing students.

Nutritional intervention in a patient with severe toxic epidermal necrolysis: A case report

Pham Minh Chau — 2025-11-30

A 70-year-old male with hypertension, gout, and stage 3a chronic kidney disease was admitted with fever, cough, and poor appetite. On day 2, he developed widespread bullae and mucosal erosions involving 70% of body surface area (BSA), leading to a diagnosis of severe toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Multidisciplinary management in the intensive care unit included wound care, respiratory support, infection control, and early individualized nutritional therapy. Enteral feeding was initiated on ICU day 4, advancing to 1800 kcal/day (~30 kcal/kg/day) and 1.7 g/kg/day protein, including arginine, glutamine, vitamins C and E, and zinc, while monitoring renal and fluid-electrolyte status. Nitrogen balance was considered non-negative based on Nutrition Focused Physical Exam by the same experienced clinician, supported by stable weight from admission to discharge and rising serum albumin. Inflammatory markers decreased, lesions healed, and oral intake resumed. The patient was discharged in stable condition. This case highlights the feasibility and safety of early high-protein immunonutrition in TEN with chronic kidney disease, underscoring the importance of tailored nutrition as a core component of critical dermatologic care.

Wandering spleen: Challenge in differential diagnosis with abdominal tumors: A case report and review of literature

Doan Trong Tu — 2025-11-30

Wandering spleen is a very rare disease, which might lead to a misdiagnosis as other abdominal masses. We report a 40-years-old male presenting to our hospital with chronic pain in the lower abdomen. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a solid, contrast-enhanced tumor in the hypogastric region with a size of 50x65mm, and the spleen was not seen at the normal anatomical site. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with a mesenteric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and underwent resection surgery. However, postoperative histopathology was benign splenic tissue. Diagnosis of a wandering spleen can be difficult. In this circumstance, the patient was only diagnosed correctly based on postoperative histopathology.

Mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma of the endometrium: A rare case report and review of the literature

Hoang Thi Duyen — 2025-11-30

Mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (MLA) of the endometrium is a rare subtype of endometrial carcinoma, accounting for approximately 1% of all endometrial cancers. In the 4th edition of the WHO classification (2014), only “mesonephric carcinoma – MC” of the uterine cervix was recognized, whereas mesonephric-like tumors of the endometrium or ovary were not considered as a separate entity. Following multiple studies describing tumors with morphologic and immunophenotypic features similar to MC but arising from the endometrium or ovary, the 5th edition of the WHO classification (2020) officially designated the term “mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma” to distinguish this entity. MLA exhibits a characteristic immunohistochemical profile, typically showing positivity for GATA-3, CD10, TTF-1 and negativity for ER, PR. A wide spectrum of histologic patterns may be present within the same tumor, which can lead to misdiagnosis as low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, serous carcinoma, or even carcinosarcoma. Moreover, this type of tumor was reported to be associated with poorer outcome compared to Müllerian-type carcinomas; therefore, an accurate diagnosis is of paramount importance. This article aims to present the first case of MLA in Vietnam in a 62-year-old woman presenting with postmenopausal abnormal bleeding, and to review the literature. We discuss the histopathological, immunoprofile and molecular characteristics, along with differential diagnosis and prognosis, to provide further diagnostic insight for pathologists.