"If they get out of drug rehab centers, they're on their own": Opportunities and challenges for people released from compulsory drug rehabilitation centers to communities in Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION: Compulsory drug rehabilitation is a major governmental response to illicit drug use in Vietnam and other countries in Asia. Long-term compulsory rehabilitation is associated with negative health, social and economic outcomes. The transition to community-based services for people released from compulsory drug rehabilitation has been problematic not only in Vietnam. This study utilized the WHO Health System Building Blocks Framework to examine the opportunities and challenges for people with substance use disorders (SUD) who are released from compulsory drug rehabilitation back into the community. METHODS: Between October 2021 and August 2022, we interviewed people with SUD who had recently returned from or were preparing to leave compulsory drug rehabilitation (n = 25), their family members (n = 20) and professionals working in the field of drug rehabilitation (n = 28) across three cities in Vietnam. Additionally, we conducted a review of policy documents to complement the interview data. RESULTS: The study identified opportunities and challenges within Vietnam's drug rehabilitation system concerning leadership and governance, financing, workforce, information systems and service delivery for people with SUD. Key opportunities include a legal framework that emphasizes community-based support for people with SUD, a government-funded national network of lay social workers, and ongoing efforts to connect people to community-based services. We found significant challenges caused by the lack of clear instructions for implementing supportive policies, inadequate funding for community-based services, persisting stigma from providers towards people with SUD and unavailability of community-based drug treatment other than methadone. CONCLUSION: Vietnam continues with compulsory drug rehabilitation yet endorses recovery-oriented policies to address substance use issues. Substantial challenges hinder the effective implementation of these policies. Our study recommends reinforcing existing policies and enhancing recovery-oriented community-based services by improving the quality of data collection, building capacity of lay social workers who facilitate linkages to services and expanding community-based drug treatment options.

Estimating eGFR using serum creatinine or cystatin C in healthy Vietnamese population.

Very few studies worldwide have assessed the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using serum cystatin C (ScysC) in comparison to the gold standard measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) with a gamma camera technique using 99m-Technetium-Diethylene Triaminepentoacetic Acid (99mTc-DTPA). To determine the eGFR formula with the most accurate estimate of glomerular filtration rate when compared with mGFR in a healthy population in Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of more than 100 adults without hypertension. The study subjects were examined for general characteristics and blood biochemistry tests to assess eGFR, and the glomerular filtration rate was measured using 99mTc-DTPA with the Gates technique to record mGFR. The estimated values of the eGFR formula were evaluated and compared with the actual mGFR using 99mTechnetium-DTPA. Serum creatinine (Scr) concentration showed a significant difference between males and females: 0.9 ±â€…0.1 versus 0.8 ±â€…0.1 (P < .001), while ScysC concentration did not show this difference. The mGFR in the age groups < 40, 40 to 59, and ≥ 60: 105.0 ±â€…9.9, 94.8 ±â€…8.6, and 93.4 ±â€…10.6, respectively (P < .001). The eGFR-CKD-EPI-cystatin C 2012 formula showed the highest positive correlation with mGFR (ΔGFR = -1.6, R = 0.68, P < .001). eGFR calculated using cystatin C does not require sex adjustment, whereas, for creatinine, sex adjustment is necessary. The eGFR-CKD-Epi-CysC formula showed the lowest difference and a strong correlation with mGFR.

Design Optimization of Printed Multi-Layered Electroactive Actuators Used for Steerable Guidewire in Micro-Invasive Surgery.

To treat cardiovascular diseases (i.e., a major cause of mortality after cancers), endovascular-technique-based guidewire has been employed for intra-arterial navigation. To date, most commercially available guidewires (e.g., Terumo, Abbott, Cordis, etc.) are non-steerable, which is poorly suited to the human arterial system with numerous bifurcations and angulations. To reach a target artery, surgeons frequently opt for several tools (guidewires with different size integrated into angulated catheters) that might provoke arterial complications such as perforation or dissection. Steerable guidewires would, therefore, be of high interest to reduce surgical morbidity and mortality for patients as well as to simplify procedure for surgeons, thereby saving time and health costs. Regarding these reasons, our research involves the development of a smart steerable guidewire using electroactive polymer (EAP) capable of bending when subjected to an input voltage. The actuation performance of the developed device is assessed through the curvature behavior (i.e., the displacement and the angle of the bending) of a cantilever beam structure, consisting of single- or multi-stack EAP printed on a substrate. Compared to the single-stack architecture, the multi-stack gives rise to a significant increase in curvature, even when subjected to a moderate control voltage. As suggested by the design framework, the intrinsic physical properties (dielectric, electrical, and mechanical) of the EAP layer, together with the nature and thickness of all materials (EAP and substrate), do have strong effect on the bending response of the device. The analyses propose a comprehensive guideline to optimize the actuator performance based on an adequate selection of the relevant materials and geometric parameters. An analytical model together with a finite element model (FEM) are investigated to validate the experimental tests. Finally, the design guideline leads to an innovative structure (composed of a 10-stack active layer screen-printed on a thin substrate) capable of generating a large range of bending angle (up to 190°) under an acceptable input level of 550 V, which perfectly matches the standard of medical tools used for cardiovascular surgery.

Antibiotic prescribing practices of medical doctors in a resource-limited setting and the influence of individual perceptions and stewardship support: a survey in three tertiary hospitals in Vietnam.

Objectives: To understand antibiotic prescribing and influencing factors to inform antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions to reduce unwanted consequences of antibiotic use in hospitals in Vietnam, a lower-middle-income country in Asia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of doctors at three tertiary hospitals using non-probability convenience sampling, through a paper-based (Hospitals 1 and 2) or electronic (Hospital 3) survey. Questions included items on perceptions regarding antibiotic resistance and AMS, prescribing practices, knowledge, demographics and training. We used principal components analysis and mixed-effects models to examine practices and identify influencing factors. Results: Among 314 surveyed participants, 61%, 57% and 59% in Hospitals 1, 2 and 3, respectively, felt certain about the appropriateness of their antibiotic prescriptions. In total, 9% reported sometimes prescribing antibiotics when not needed to meet patients' expectations, and 13% reported doing so to avoid perceived complications. Higher prescribing confidence was found among those with positive perceptions about AMS (P < 0.0001), whereas negative perceptions about colleagues' practices reduced this confidence (P < 0.0001). Individual preference for branded antibiotics was associated with more unnecessary prescribing whereas having higher prescribing confidence decreased the habits of prescribing when not needed. Conclusions: This study provides important implications for design of hospital interventions to address influencing factors on antibiotic prescribing in Vietnam and similar resource-limited settings. Specific interventions should target improving knowledge through education and training for doctors, enhancing the support from the AMS team, and promoting guidelines and policies for appropriate antibiotic use in hospital.

Salvage Therapy Including Foscarnet and Ibalizumab for Multidrug-Resistant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 Infection.

We evaluated Ibalizumab (IBA)-containing standardized optimized salvage regimen (with or without a 4-week foscarnet induction) in individuals harboring multidrug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2). Nine were included; 2 achieved virological suppression after foscarnet induction with a sustained suppression at Week 24 after IBA initiation, and an additional individual at Week 24 after Ibalizumab initiation.

Effectiveness of a nonweight-based daily dosage of ready-to-use therapeutic food in children suffering from uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition: A nonrandomized, noninferiority analysis of programme data in Afghanistan.

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major global public health problem. SAM cases are treated using ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) at a dosage of ∼200 kcal/kg/day per the standard treatment protocol (STD). Emerging evidence on simplifications to the standard protocol, which among other adaptations, includes reducing the daily RUTF dosage, indicates that it is effective and safe for treating children with SAM. In response to a foreseen stock shortage of RUTF, the government of Afghanistan endorsed the temporary use of a modified treatment protocol in which the daily RUTF dosage was prescribed at 1000 kcal/day (irrespective of body weight) until the child achieved moderate acute malnutrition status (weight-for-height z-score ≥ -3 or mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC] ≥ 115 mm), at which point 500 kcal/day was prescribed until cured (modified treatment protocol [MTP]). In this paper, we report the results of this nonweight-based daily RUTF dosage experience. Data of 2042 children with SAM, treated using either the STD protocol (n = 269) or the MTP protocol (n = 1773) from August 2019 to March 2021 in five provinces, were analyzed. The per-protocol analyses confirmed noninferiority of MTP protocol when compared to STD protocol for recovery rate [93.3% vs. 90.2%; ∆ (95% confidence interval, CI) = 3.1 (-0.9; 7.2) %] and length-of-stay [82.6 vs. 75.6 days; ∆ (95% CI) = 6.9 (3.3; 10.5) days], considering the margin of noninferiority of -10% and +14 days, respectively. Weight gain velocity was smaller in the MTP protocol group than in the STD protocol group [3.7 (1.7) vs. 5.2 (2.9) g/kg/day; ∆ (95% CI) = -1.5 (-1.8, -1.2); p < 0.001]. The STD group had a significantly higher mean than the MTP group for absolute MUAC gain [∆ (95% CI) = 1.7 (1.0; 2.3) mm; p < 0.001] and the MUAC velocity [∆ (95% CI) = 0.29 (0.20; 0.37) mm/week; p < 0.001]. Our results confirm the noninferiority of a nonweight-based daily dosage and support the endorsement of this modification as an alternative to the standard protocol in resource-constrained contexts.

In silico identification of compounds from Piper sarmentosum Roxb leaf fractionated extract inhibit interleukin-6 to prevent rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Medicinal herbs with a phytonutrient background has been applied globally as major alternatives to ameliorate the continuous increase in rheumatoid arthritis cases worldwide. We herein aimed to critically examine the bioactive components of the medicinal herb Piper sarmentosum Roxb leaf fractionated extract for its potential to inhibit the influx of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: The Schrödinger platform was employed as the main computational acumen for the screening of bioactive compounds identified and reference compounds subjected to molecular simulation (MDS) for analyzing the stability of docked complexes to assess fluctuations and conformational changes during protein-ligand interactions. Results: The values of the simulatory properties and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the good stability of these phytochemicals in the active pocket of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Discussion: Our findings reveal new strategies in which these phytochemicals are potential inhibitory agents that can be modified and further evaluated to develop more effective agents for the management of rheumatoid arthritis, thereby providing a better understanding and useful model for the reproduction and/or discovery of new drugs for the management of rheumatoid arthritis and its complications.

Correction: Blair et al. Molecular Phylogenetic Relationships and Unveiling Novel Genetic Diversity among Slow and Pygmy Lorises, including Resurrection of Xanthonycticebus intermedius. Genes 2023, 14, 643.

In the original publication [...].

Understanding the barriers to integrating maternal and mental health at primary health care in Vietnam.

The prevalence of common perinatal mental disorders in Vietnam ranges from 16.9% to 39.9%, and substantial treatment gaps have been identified at all levels. This paper explores constraints to the integration of maternal and mental health services at the primary healthcare level and the implications for the health system's responsiveness to the needs and expectations of pregnant women with mental health conditions in Vietnam. As part of the RESPONSE project, a three-phased realist evaluation study, we present Phase One findings which employed systematic and scoping literature reviews, and qualitative data collection (focus groups and interviews) with key health system actors, in Bac Giang province, Vietnam, to understand the barriers to maternal mental healthcare provision, utilisation, and integration strategies. A four-level framing of the barriers to integrating perinatal mental health services in Vietnam was used in reporting findings, which comprised individual, socio-cultural, organisational, and structural levels. At the socio-cultural and structural levels, these barriers included: cultural beliefs about the holistic notion of physical and mental health, stigma towards mental health, biomedical approach to healthcare services, absence of comprehensive mental health policy, and a lack of mental health workforce. At the organisational level, there was absence of clinical guidelines on the integration of mental health in routine antenatal visits, a shortage of staff, and poor health facilities. Finally, at the provider level, a lack of knowledge and training on mental health was identified. The integration of mental health into routine antenatal visits at the primary care level has the potential help to reduce stigma towards mental health and improve health system responsiveness by providing services closer to the local level, offering prompt attention, better choice of services, and better communication while ensuring privacy and confidentiality of services. This can improve the demand for mental health services and help reduce the delay of care-seeking.

Premise setting for sustainable developing adsorption in environmental remediation using graphitic carbon nitride@agar-derived porous carbon composite.

In the adsorption process for wastewater treatment, the adsorbent plays an important role. A composite adsorptive material composed of graphitic carbon nitride and agar-derived porous carbon (CNPC) was fabricated from simple precursors (melamine, thiourea, and agar) and through a facile procedure with different melamine and thiourea ratios. Characterization of CNPC proved a successful formation of a porous structure consisting of mesopores and macropores, wherein CNPC holds distinctive electrochemical (lowered resistance and higher specific capacity) and photochemical properties (lowered bandgap to 2.33 eV) thanks to the combination of graphitic carbon nitride (CN) and agar-derived porous carbon (PC). Inheriting the immanent nature, CNPC was subjected to the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye in an aqueous solution. The highest adsorption capacity was 133 mg/g for CNPC-4 which was prepared using a melamine to thiourea ratio of 4:4 - equivalent to the removal rate of 53.2 % and following the pseudo-I-order reaction rate. The effect of pH points out that pH 7 and 9 were susceptible to maximum removal and pretreatment is not required while the optimal ratio of 7.5 mg of MB and 30 mg of material was also determined to yield the highest performance. Furthermore, the reusability of the material for three consecutive cycles was evaluated based on two methods pyrolysis at 200 °C and photocatalytic degradation by irradiation under visible light. In general, the photocatalytic regeneration pathway is more ample and efficient than pyrolysis in terms of energy efficiency (saving energy over 10 times) and adsorption capacity stability. As a whole, the construction of accessible regenerative and stable adsorbent could be a venturing step into the sustainable development spearhead for industries.

Billroth-II modified with hinged anti-peristaltic afferent loop versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A propensity-score match analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of modified Billroth-II with a hinged anti-peristaltic afferent loop by comparing it with the Roux-en-Y method. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 344 patients with gastric cancer who underwent distal gastrectomy between 2016 and 2021. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance baseline characteristics. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, there were 117 patients in each group. The Billroth-II group was significantly better regarding operating time (184.7 vs 225.3 minutes), postoperative hospital stays (7.9 vs 9.2 days), and time to semi-solid diet tolerance (2.8 vs 3.8 days). The Billroth-II group demonstrated comparable results with the Roux-en-Y group in weight loss, hemoglobin changes, reflux esophagitis, food residue, and gastritis severity. Presentation of bile in gastric remnant was significantly higher in the Billroth-II group (42.9% vs 10.3%). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in functional outcomes between Billroth-II and Roux-en-Y reconstructions. The Billroth-II was superior to Roux-en-Y in operating time, hospital stays, and time to semi-solid diet tolerance. The Billroth-II could be considered an acceptable alternative reconstruction after distal gastrectomy.

A Rare Case of Hepatic Schwannoma in the Setting of Schwannomatosis.

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors commonly found in the head, neck, vestibular system, and extremities. Primary hepatic schwannomas are exceptionally rare, with 34 cases reported to date according to our review of the literature. This case report describes a 79-year-old man with a medical history of skin and thyroid cancer, who presented with no clinical symptoms and underwent a follow-up MRI due to an initial scan indicating a suspicious hepatic mass resembling an atypical hemangioma. The MRI revealed a 3.6 cm left hepatic mass concerning for an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies of a biopsy of the liver mass confirmed the presence of a benign hepatic schwannoma. Further evaluation revealed multiple spinal schwannomas, leading to the diagnosis of schwannomatosis. The diagnosis of hepatic schwannomas poses challenges through imaging alone. This case underscores the importance of microscopic evaluation in accurately diagnosing hepatic masses. Additionally, the presence of concurrent schwannomas should be considered in patients initially diagnosed with isolated schwannomas.

Dendritic cell-targeted delivery of antigens using extracellular vesicles for anti-cancer immunotherapy.

Neoantigen delivery using extracellular vesicles (EVs) has gained extensive interest in recent years. EVs derived from tumour cells or immune cells have been used to deliver tumour antigens or antitumor stimulation signals. However, potential DNA contamination from the host cell and the cost of large-scale EV production hinder their therapeutic applications in clinical settings. Here, we develop an antigen delivery platform for cancer vaccines from red blood cell-derived EVs (RBCEVs) targeting splenic DEC-205+ dendritic cells (DCs) to boost the antitumor effect. By loading ovalbumin (OVA) protein onto RBCEVs and delivering the protein to DCs, we were able to stimulate and present antigenic OVA peptide onto major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, subsequently priming activated antigen-reactive T cells. Importantly, targeted delivery of OVA using RBCEVs engineered with anti-DEC-205 antibody robustly enhanced antigen presentation of DCs and T cell activation. This platform is potentially useful for producing personalised cancer vaccines in clinical settings.

Paraprobiotic derived from Bacillus velezensis GV1 improves immune response and gut microbiota composition in cyclophosphamide-treated immunosuppressed mice.

Paraprobiotics that benefit human health have the capacity to modulate innate and adaptive immune systems. In this study, we prepared the paraprobiotic from Bacillus velezensis GV1 using the heat-killing method and investigated its effects on immunity and gut microbiota in vitro and in vivo. The morphology of inactivated strain GV1 was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Treatment with GV1 promoted nitric oxide production and augmented cytokine (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) expression and secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, the strain GV1 could alleviate cyclophosphamide monohydrate (CTX)-induced immunosuppression by reversing spleen damage and restoring the immune organ index, as well as by increasing the expression of immune-related cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, and IL-2) in the spleen and thymus, respectively. Furthermore, GV1 treatment dramatically healed the CTX-damaged colon and regulated gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial families (Lactobacillaceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Coriobacteriaceae) and decreasing that of harmful bacterial families (Desulfovibrionaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Staphylococcaceae). Thus, the heat-killed GV1 can be considered a potential immunoregulatory agent for use as a functional food or immune-enhancing medicine.

Study on the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of nerve function in myasthenia gravis patients in Vietnam.

Background: In Vietnam, there is limited research on the role of nerve conduction in myasthenia gravis and its association with clinical features. Objective: This study aims to describe the electrophysiological features in patients with myasthenia gravis. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from September 2019 to December 2021. The study included 33 myasthenia gravis patients who sought medical consultation or received inpatient treatment during this period. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classifies myasthenia gravis into five groups: I, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, and V. Notably, Group I involves pure ocular weakness, whereas Group a primarily impacts limb and axial muscles, and Group b mainly affects bulbar and respiratory muscles. Results: The study revealed that motor and sensory nerve conduction in the upper and lower limbs were within normal limits for the patient group under evaluation. Repetitive nerve stimulation testing at a frequency of 3 Hz showed positive results in 66.7% of myasthenia gravis patients. Myasthenia gravis patients displayed distinct clinical symptoms, with ptosis being the most common (87.9%). Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification indicated the highest proportion in subgroup IIa (24.2%), with myasthenia gravis predominating in limb and axial muscles (Group a) observed in 51.5% of cases. Needle electromyography showed no abnormalities in myasthenia gravis patients. There was an association between acetylcholine receptor antibody titers and the results of the 3 Hz repetitive nerve stimulation test in myasthenia gravis patients, with a significance of p = 0.002. Conclusion: Nerve conduction studies should be performed in patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders to aid in differential diagnosis and definitive diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.

4CMenB Vaccination to Prevent Meningococcal B Disease in Vietnam: Expert Review and Opinion.

An advisory board meeting was held with experts in Vietnam (Hanoi, August 2022), to review the evidence on invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) epidemiology, clinical management, and meningococcal vaccines to reach a consensus on recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in Vietnam. IMD is a severe disease, with the highest burden in infants and children. IMD presents as meningitis and/or meningococcemia and can progress extremely rapidly. Almost 90% of deaths in children occur within the first 24 h, and disabling sequelae (e.g., limb amputations and neurological damage) occur in up to 20% of survivors. IMD patients are often hospitalized late, due to mild and nonspecific early symptoms and misdiagnosis. Difficulties related to diagnosis and antibiotic misuse mean that the number of reported IMD cases in Vietnam is likely to be underestimated. Serogroup B IMD is predominant in many regions of the world, including Vietnam, where 82% of IMD cases were due to serogroup B (surveillance data from 2012 to 2021). Four component meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) is used in many countries (and is part of the pediatric National Immunization Program in 13 countries), with infant vaccination starting from two months of age, and a 2 + 1 dosing schedule. Experts recommend 4CMenB vaccination as soon as possible in Vietnam, starting from two months of age, with a 2 + 1 dosing schedule, and at least completing one dose before 6 months of age.

Translation and validation of the Vietnamese Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (V-ESMS).

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to translate and validate the Vietnamese version of the Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (V-ESMS). METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original version of the ESMS into Vietnamese followed the Principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures guideline with "forward-backward" translation and culturally adapted. The participants were recruited consecutively at neurology clinics at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital and University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, from January 2022 to July 2022 and required to complete the V-ESMS. The validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate internal and temporal reliability, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 200 participants were recruited for analysis. The V-ESMS included 36 items and five domains. The factor loading ranged between 0.313 and 0.927; most items loaded in their hypothesized factors proved in the original scale. Using the CFA, theCMIN/DF, comparative fit index, and root mean square error of approximation were 2.883, 0.80, and 0.097, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha in each domain was 0.79-0.907; the scale was 0.936. The ICC from 0.94 to 0.98 showed excellent test-retest reliability. CONCLUSION: The 36-item V-ESMS with five domains presented good validity and reliability. This instrument could be used to assess self-management in people with epilepsy in Vietnam.

Acquired Cystic Disease-Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (ACD-RCC) is a common subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the clinicopathological, and genetic characteristics of patients with ACD-RCC. A systematic search on three electronic databases including the Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were performed until December 31, 2022. A meta-analysis was performed following the PRISMA 2020 Guidelines. Of 888 identified articles, full-text screening in 69 articles, there were 26 articles analyzed, with a total of 2314 tumors in 2199 patients, including 418 ACD-RCC tumors in 363 patients, 1340 clear cell RCC (ccRCC) tumors, 308 papillary RCC (pRCC) tumors. Most ACD-RCC patients were male (80.2%). All the ACD-RCC patients underwent prior dialysis with 148.2 months of mean dialysis duration. There were 8.7%, 3.4%, and 5.8% tumors at the T3-4 stage, N1 stage, and M1 stage, respectively. The mean overall survival of ACD-RCC patients was 39.6 months (95% CI, 26.6-52.5). Compared to ccRCC and pRCC, ACD-RCC patients had a longer duration of dialysis (MD: 103.5 and 31.77 months, respectively; 95% CI: [75.48; 131.53] and [0.95; 62.58], respectively), and a higher rate of multifocal tumors (MD: 3.46 and 2.45 tumors, respectively; 95% CI [1.71; 6.98] and [1.26; 4.79], respectively). Regarding genetic characteristics, chromosomes 3 and 16 were the 2 most frequent chromosomal aberrations. The missense mutation in KMT2C (25%) and TSC2 (18.75%) were the 2 most common gene mutations in ACD-RCC. In conclusion, the ACD-RCC subtype exhibited several distinct clinicopathological and genetic characteristics compared to others RCC subtypes. Further researchs are needed to assess the survival outcome and the genetic characteristics of this subtype.

Morphological Characteristics of the Vietnamese Adult Human Acetabulum Using Multiplanar Reconstruction Computed Tomography in Total Hip Replacement Surgery.

Background: The anatomical parameters of the acetabulum vary among races and geographical regions. Multislice Computed Tomography (CT) has proven to be a practical approach to assess morphological parameters of the acetabulum. The purpose of this study was to explore morphological characteristics of the acetabulum measured by CT scans in Vietnamese adults. Methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients aged 18 years and older received indications and eligibility for total hip replacement surgery. Sixty-three acetabulum were examined with multislice computed tomographic system (CT) with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). Measured morphometric parameters of acetabulum included acetabular inclination angle (AIA), acetabular anteversion angle (AAA), acetabular angle of sharp (AAS), sagittal acetabular angle (SAA), acetabular horizontal offset (AHO), transverse acetabular ligament anteversion (TALA), transverse acetabular ligament inclination (TALI), acetabular depth (ADe), acetabular depth ratio (ADr) and acetabular diameter (ADi). Results: The mean values of acetabular diameter, femoral head diameter, AIA, AAA, AAS, SAA, TALA, TALI, AHO, ADe, ADr were 50.22±3.56 mm, 43.54±3.68 mm, 40.27±5.09 mm, 13.30±5.54 mm, 39.46±5.41 mm, 26.38±9.01 mm, 9.49±3.92 mm, 47.70±6.73 mm, 3.06±0.37 mm, 18.62±2.95 mm and 309.60±41.87 mm. Conclusion: Our initial data has showed morphological characteristics of the acetabulum in Vietnamese adults, different from the populations from other parts of world. Also, significant correlation between the orientation of the acetabulum and the transverse acetabular ligament was documented.

Exploring fungal diversity in Vietnam: A citizen science initiative.

Invasive fungal diseases are increasing globally, causing a large burden of disease in vulnerable populations. At the same time, antifungal resistance is rapidly emerging. Affordable nationwide and regional surveillance of fungal pathogens is needed. We have adapted a citizen-science methodology developed by a United Kingdom research group to study six key fungi in Vietnam, where there is no existing formal surveillance. These pathogens were ranked as high or critical in the World Health Organization fungal priority pathogens list and recognized as major disease-causing agents in Vietnam. Secondary school students (n = 90) in Hanoi were our citizen scientists, collecting soil (n = 90) and air (n = 90) samples for fungal identification and characterisation of drug-susceptibility in the laboratory. Pilot studies confirmed the effectiveness of our revised isolation procedure, which used selective culture media to improve the isolation of target fungi. Through active school and student involvement, optimized protocols, and our cost-effective sampling, the study could be scaled across Vietnam. We demonstrate an approach to fungal surveillance which also enhances science education, and awareness of fungal diseases. It addresses critical healthcare and education challenges in Vietnam while combating the growing issues of invasive fungal diseases and antifungal resistance.