Introduction: Due to the surge of the post-COIVD-19 patients, numerous publications were recently presented, including applying Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in accelerating recovering pace. However, most TCM studies mainly focused on interventions and their effect on the patients. In the general characteristic of the post-COVID-19 syndrome in TCM, this study identified the relationship between post-COVID-19 syndrome and cold–heat patterns, one of the essential principles of the Eight Principles in TCM.

Method: We established a cross-sectional study on 384 participants at University Medical Centre HCMC - branch No.3 and the faculty of Traditional medicine, UMP, from January 2022 to April 2022 (including outpatients, inpatients, and students). A questionnaire was built to collect data on socio–demography, post-COVID-19 status, and cold-heat patterns. Cold-heat patterns were gathered based on the “Cold and heat patterns identification questionnaire” developed by Yeo M et al. (2016). All eligible participants were free to choose a suitable interview method, including by phone, by URL link, or by face-to-face interview.

Result: We enrolled 384 eligible patients, and 17 samples were removed due to missing. The median age was 33 (24 - 42) and the median BMI was 21.97 (19.78 – 23.88), and females took up to 62%. We found the relationship between gender and cold-heat pattern with post-COVID-19 status (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The relevance of post-COVID-19 status and cold–heat patterns took the first step in comprehensively observing general TCM characteristics of the post-COVID-19 syndrome. 

This study was conducted to build an early forecast model for the dengue epidemic using an artificial neural network (ANN) in Vung Tau City in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. Weather factors (temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed) were all correlated with the number of dengue cases (p<0.05) in the 1/2010 - 12/2020 period. The ANN is a simulated information processing model based on the activity of the organism's nervous system, consisting of a large number of neurons mounted to process information. Of all the models we built, the ANN 10-7-1 model gave the best results with a total squared error (SSE) and relative error (RE) during network training of SSE=25.23, respectively; RE=0,58; correlation coefficient R2 =29.1%. The model showed that the number of dengue cases have marked tendencies to increase to increase or to decrease, also the forecast data was almost accurate compared to the actual number of dengue cases. The ANN can be applied to predict future dengue outbreaks in Vung Tau City. To increase the accuracy of the ANN model, it needs to be combined with other factors such as housing index, mosquito density, population,... 

Introduction: Some previous studies have shown the effect of K2EDTA, heparin, citrate, kalioxalate on lipid test results [1,2,3], but no studies on sodium fluoride - potassium oxalate. Furthermore, it is also important to ensure sample stability during testing. We performed this study to evaluate the effect of NaF-KOx on lipid results and lipid stability when storing.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the residual of 150 pairs of serum and NaF-KOx plasma samples from the patients at the University Medical Center 2. These patients participated voluntarily after signing the consent form. We divided the samples into groups: serum (group 1), unpreserved plasma (group 2); stored plasma for 24 hours at 2-8°C (group 3), and stored plasma for 48 hours at 2-8°C (group 4). All samples were analyzed on an AU480 system – Beckman Coulter. The data would be processed using Stata 10.0.

Results: The results difference between these groups: 2,3,4 compared to group 1 was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C concentrations in group 2 decreased, respectively: 5.83%; 6.77%; 5.12%; 5.96%. We found the lipid test results of group 3 and group 4 also reduced compared to group 1: cholesterol decreased by 5.25%, 5.77%; triglycerides by 6.7%, 6.49%; HDL-C by 5.8, 7.22%; and LDL-C by 4.79%; 5.05%. After 48 hours, cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C concentration continued to reduce, while the difference in triglycerides concentration was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: NaF-KOx anticoagulant reduces lipid test results. We should not use NaF-KOx plasma to measure lipid tests. 

Background: As we know, sleep is very important and necessary for every person. Especially, among patients undergoing surgery as an effective form of treatment, they also need a good quality of sleep to restore both physiological and psychological health. However, poor sleep quality is common in patients after surgery and produces harmful effects on postoperative recovery.

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the quality of sleep and identify related factors among postoperative patients at the Department of General Surgery, Tay Nguyen Regional General Hospital, Dak Lak Province.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. 374 postoperative patients who meet the sampling criteria were recruited by simple random sampling between March and July 2021. General information data were collected through interviews with structured questionnaires, and the patient's sleep quality was assessed by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Vietnamese version. Data analysis was performed via SPSS ver 20.0; p < 0.05 was statistically significant.

Results: The average mean of PSQI score was 10.3 ± 3.27 (range = 0 -21, SD = 3.27). The percentage of postoperative patients who had poor sleep quality was 78.1%. Factors associated with poor sleep quality include old age (p < 0.01), education level (p < 0.05), level of postoperative pain (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The frequency of poor sleep quality among postoperative patients is high. The findings of this study also provide a better understanding of related factors that affect poor sleep quality. So, the nurses should develop an appropriate care plan to improve sleep quality in these patients by controlling the above factors. It will help these patients recover fastest and most comprehensively in the postoperative period, enhancing the quality of care. 

Background: Internet addiction and poor sleep quality are two types of common mental health disorders among high school students. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its association with internet addiction in high school students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 820 high school students in Dong Hoa town, Phu Yen province in April 2021. The students were requested to fill out a structured questionnaire. internet addiction was evaluated by the short version Internet Addiction Test (s-IAT). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality.

Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 33.5% among high school students. The proportion of students with internet addiction evaluated by the s-IAT was 21%. The association between internet addiction and poor sleep quality remained statistically significant with p<0,001 (OR=2.98, 95% CI: 2.05-4.34) after adjusting for potential confounding variables.

Conclusion: The proportions of internet addiction and poor sleep quality were high and there was an association between them. Students should not use the internet after 9 pm and should spend at least 8 hours each night on sleep. 

Background: A mental disorder is a state of mental health deviance in a period and leads to the disruption of a body’s self-balance. Adolescence is a period of many psychophysiological changes, and several factors which are related to personal characteristic, family and school could adversely affect a child's mental well-being. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of mental disorders and ascertain some associated factors in middle school students (ages 12-15) in Tuy Hoa city, Phu Yen province, Viet Nam 2021.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April on 539 students and parents at middle schools in Tuy Hoa city, Viet Nam in 2021. Parents were requested to complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Results: The prevalence of having mental disorders in middle school students was 22.7%. The difference between the prevalences of having mental disorders in male and female students was statistically significant (p=0.014), grade lever (p=0.020), conduct (p=0.040), concern from parents (p=0.046), family conflicts (p=0.029), being scolded for making mistakes by parents (p=0.004) and being bullied by classmates (p=0.045).

Conclusion: Experiencing mental disorders was relatively prevalent among middle school students. Some factors which were related to family and school environments were found associated with psychiatric disorders. Therefore, interventions and cooperation from parents and school officers are essential to mitigate students' sufferings caused by mental health problems, promote psychological well-being, or preclude psychoses from occurring. 

Introduction: Despite many medical advances, acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in Asia has been increasing gradually and has resulted in substantial mortality. The study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, interventions, and outcomes of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in Vietnamese people.

Methods: A multicenter cohort study was prospectively and retrospectively conducted in patients presenting with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in Vietnam. Severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding was defined as persistent bleeding within the first 24 hours and/or recurrent bleeding after 24 hours of stability accompanied by a reduction in hematocrit of ≥ 20% and/or transfusion of ≥ 2 units of red blood cells. The clinical characteristics, interventions, and adverse outcomes were recorded.

Results: There were 811 patients with a male: female ratio of 1.07 and a mean age of 61 years. A total of 85.6% of patients presented with hematochezia. The common causes of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding were hemorrhoids (28.6%), diverticulosis (9.7%), and unknown origin (16%). The rates of blood transfusion, endoscopic therapy, radiologic intervention, and surgery were 39.8%, 8.6%, 0.5%, and 7.3%, respectively. Severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding was observed in 222 (27.4%) patients. In-hospital deaths were recorded in 17 (2.1%) patients. The majority of in-hospital deaths were due to unstable comorbidities.

Conclusions: Hemorrhoids were the most common cause of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The rates of blood transfusion, endoscopic hemostasis, interventional radiology, and surgery were 39.8%, 8.6%, 0.5%, and 7.3%, respectively. A total of 27.4% of cases progressed to severe bleeding. 

Background: Early diagnosis is key in testicular torsion. This study is to validate the diagnostic value of the “Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion (TWIST)" score for evaluating acute scrotum in children.

Methods: Patients from 1 month old to 16 years old presented to Children’s hospital No.1 with acute scrotum between June 1 st, 2020, and May 31 st, 2021 were prospectively studied. General surgeons performed an examination and recorded signs and symptoms in the collection form. After that, all patients had Scrotal Doppler Ultrasound (DUS). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of the TWIST score. The ROC curve was used to find out the optimal cut-off in diagnosing Testicular torsion (TT) in Children.

Results: Among 68 children with acute scrotum, 16 cases had TT (23.5%). The median age was 12.5 years in the TT group and 9 years in the non-TT group. None of 32 patients with the TWIST score ≤ 2 had TT and among 20 patients with a score of 3 – 4, only one had TT. More importantly, in the high-risk group with a score ≥ 5, 15 had TT (93.8%). ROC curve revealed an AUC of 0.987 (p<0,001) representing a high diagnostic value. The sensitivity and specificity for TT at 5-point cut-off were 93.7% and 98.1%, respectively.

Conclusions: The TWIST scoring system has high sensitivity and specificity values. Therefore, it should be used as a useful tool for the diagnosis of testicular torsion. The score ≥ 5 is an indicator of testicular torsion, hence emergency surgical intervention is required. 

Introduction: Lactobacillus brevis NB10 isolated from human saliva, showed in vitro effect on inhibiting the growth and the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans - a major pathogen that initiates dental plaque and caries. Formulation of chewing gum containing L. brevis NB10 is the next step in using this probiotic for the prevention of dental diseases related to S. mutans.

Methods: Cryoprotectants such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, lactose, maltodextrin, skim milk and potassium ascorbate were selected to formulate the freeze-dried powder containing L. brevis NB10. Next, the freeze-dried powder of L. brevis NB10 was used to make chewing gum by direct compression method using HIG-04 gum base (Heath in Gum ®). Other ingredients such as xylitol, strawberry flavor powder, glycerin, aerosil, talc, and magnesium stearate were selected to formulate chewing gum with suitable chewing feel, taste, and flavor.

Results: The freeze-dried powder showing the highest bacterial survival rate (75.5 ± 7.6%) consists of 6% maltodextrin, 6% skim milk, and 0.25% potassium ascorbate. The optimal formula of chewing gum tablet consists of 10% L. brevis NB10 freeze-dried powder, 10% xylitol, 2% strawberry powder, 1.5% glycerol, 1.5% magnesium stearate, 1.5% talc and 2.5% aerosil. The bacterial survival rate after tablet compression is 34.34 ± 0.55 %. The product is stable for at least 3 months at 5 ºC ± 3 ºC.

Conclusion: This study was successful in formulating chewing gum containing at least 107 CFU/tablet of L. brevis NB10. 

Background and Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions. However, studies on the classifications and symptoms of CTS from the perspective of traditional medicine are still limited. Our study aims to identify traditional medicine disease nomenclature and symptoms of CTS by the survey form.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at The 3rd branch of University Medical Center HCMC, Thong Nhat Hospital from March 2021 to June 2021. We conducted a study survey on patients diagnosed with primary CTS and agreed to participate in the study with survey questionnaires, data were processed by using Excel 2016 and Lantern 5.0 software.

Results: 48 symptoms collected from 94 patients with CTS based on questionnaires were included in the Latent Tree Model. Compared with the medical literature review, there were 40/48 symptoms and 5 patterns appearing in the collected sample. These 5 main patterns: Blood stasis has 4 symptoms, yin deficiency has 6 symptoms, damp heat has 3 symptoms, blood deficiency has 3 symptoms and invasion of meridians of wind cold has 3 symptoms to diagnose. The results of the study have shown that the results of the algorithms are statistically significant when comparing clusters of latent variables with traditional medicine descriptions. Therefore, the use of the results of the machine has a scientific basis in terms of statistics.

Conclusion: After analyzing clinical data from 94 patients with Latent Tree Model, it was found that 5 disease patterns appeared with symptoms helping diagnose those disease patterns.