Journal of Health Sciences

First part Volume 3, Issue 6, 2025

2026-01-09T08:49:44+07:00

Prevalence of the Chikungunya during outbreaks in Asia: A systematic review

2026-01-26T12:14:03+07:00

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus that has caused recurrent outbreaks across Asia in the 21st century. Outbreak investigations are critical for quantifying burden, characterizing affected populations, and identifying drivers of transmission. This systematic review synthesizes available outbreak-level, laboratory-confirmed evidence from Asia to estimate the proportion of tested individuals who were confirmed as chikungunya during outbreaks, and to summarize reported epidemiological factors associated with outbreak magnitude and severity. Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for outbreak investigations and surveillance reports conducted in Asia between January 2000 and June 2025 that reported laboratory-confirmed chikungunya counts (numerator and denominator) using RT-PCR or IgM assays. Only outbreak investigations with explicit numerators and denominators and laboratory confirmation were included in the primary analysis. We extracted study-level data including country, year, diagnostic method, number tested, and number laboratory-confirmed. Proportions were logit-transformed and pooled using a DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q and I². Forest and funnel plots were generated. Results: Four outbreak investigations meeting inclusion criteria were included from Bangladesh (Dhaka, 2017), Thailand (2018–2019), India (Nagpur, 2006), and Sri Lanka (Kandy, 2006–2007), comprising a total of 3,312 individuals tested and 2,298 laboratory-confirmed cases. The pooled proportion of laboratory-confirmed chikungunya among tested individuals across outbreak investigations was 61.14% (95% CI: 52.35%–69.25%). Heterogeneity was substantial (Q = 46.86, df = 3, tau² = 0.1126, I² = 93.6%). Conclusion: In outbreak settings across Asia, a high proportion of tested individuals were laboratory-confirmed as chikungunya, underscoring the substantial burden during epidemic periods. However, high heterogeneity between investigations cautions against overinterpretation of pooled estimates. Strengthened laboratory surveillance, harmonized case definitions, and integrated vector control remain priorities to mitigate chikungunya transmission in Asia.

Practical knowledge of medical waste management and some related factors of nurses at Hai Phong Medical University Hospital in 2023

2026-01-26T12:13:46+07:00

Objective: To describe the practical knowledge of medical waste management of nurses at Hai Phong Medical University Hospital in 2023 and some related factors. Subjects and Research Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 83 nurses in clinical departments of Hai Phong Medical University Hospital. Results: The nurses' general practical knowledge of medical waste classification was correct at 42.2%. The nurses' general practical knowledge of bag/bin color was correct at 73.5%. The nurses' correct practical knowledge of recognizing medical waste symbols on medical waste bags/bins was 77.1%. The proportion of nurses with correct practical knowledge of medical waste collection frequency and medical waste classification topics was 90.4% and 92.8%, respectively. The nurses' general practical knowledge of medical waste management was 77.1%. The proportion of surgical nurses with incorrect knowledge of medical waste classification was higher than that of internal nurses, 72.7% and 48%, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The nurses' general practical knowledge of medical waste management was 77.1%. Surgical nurses have lower practical knowledge of medical waste classification than internal nurses.

Research on the culture process and establishment of immortal cell lines from peripheral blood of newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients

2026-01-26T12:13:29+07:00

Objectives: To establish a complete culture protocol for immortalizing blast cells from newly diagnosed acute leukemia (AL) patients, thereby creating a personalized in vitro model. Subjects and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from thirty newly diagnosed AL patients. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated and cultured in various media: RPMI 1640 + 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) + 1x penicillin/streptomycin (P/S), RPMI + 20% FBS + 1x P/S, RPMI + 5% fetal human serum (FHS) + 1x P/S, and StemMACS™ HSC-CFU complete with Epo + 1x P/S. Cell viability, proliferation were evaluated periodically over three months. Results: The immortalization culture protocol was successfully established using two media: RPMI + 20% FBS and RPMI + 5% FHS. The immortal cell lines from these two media showed a cell doubling time of 48–72 hours. In the StemMACS matrix gel, all cell lines differentiated, while in the 10% FBS medium, two out of three cell lines died after two weeks of culture. The immortalized cells maintained their typical blast morphology and were able to proliferate stably for over 30 passages. Conclusion: The study successfully established a culture protocol for 3 immortal cell lines from the 30 blood samples of AL patients. This represents a significant breakthrough in blood cancer research in Vietnam, providing a valuable research model for drug screening and the development of personalized treatment strategies, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and patient prognosis.

Heart rate control and its relation to mortality in patients with chronic heart failure at Viet Tiep Friendship Hospital

2026-01-26T12:13:11+07:00

Objectives: To evaluate the association between discharge heart rate and cardiovascular mortality within 6 months after discharge in patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 105 patients with chronic heart failure treated at the Cardiology Department, Viet Tiep Friendship Hospital, from January 2024 to November 2025. Heart failure was diagnosed according to the 2021 ESC criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: discharge heart rate <70 bpm (n=42) and discharge heart rate ≥70 bpm (n=63). Baseline characteristics including age, sex, comorbidities, NYHA classification, and cardiovascular mortality within 6 months were recorded. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression model. Results: The mean age was 68.81 ± 12.1 years, with 47.62% aged ≥70 years. Females accounted for 50.48%. Most patients were classified as NYHA III–IV (77.28%). Common comorbidities included hypertension (60.95%), atrial fibrillation (29.52%), valvular heart disease (27.62%), and chronic kidney disease (21.9%). One-month mortality was 9.52% in the group with discharge heart rate ≥70 bpm versus 2.38% in the group with discharge heart rate <70 bpm (p>0.05). Six-month mortality was 3.17% in the ≥70 bpm group compared with 0% in the <70 bpm group. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a trend toward higher mortality in patients with discharge heart rate ≥70 bpm, although the difference was not statistically significant (HR=2.55; 95% CI: 0.71–9.13; p>0.05). Conclusion: A discharge heart rate ≥70 bpm is associated with a trend toward higher 6-month mortality in patients with chronic heart failure.

Clinical features and traditional medicine constitution types in students with palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis: A cross-sectional study at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy

2026-01-26T12:12:54+07:00

Background: Hyperhidrosis is a chronic disorder characterized by excessive sweating beyond thermoregulatory requirements, affecting approximately 1–3% of the global population and impairing quality of life. In Vietnam, palmar hyperhidrosis is among the most common forms. Traditional Medicine (TM) emphasizes constitution as a determinant of disease susceptibility, classified into nine types. Identifying constitution patterns associated with hyperhidrosis may provide insights into management strategies. Objective: To describe the clinical features of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis among students and to determine the distribution of TM constitution types using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy from January to November 2023. A purposive sample of 180 students with primary palmar/plantar hyperhidrosis was recruited from 580 screened individuals. Hyperhidrosis characteristics were recorded using structured questionnaires, and TM constitution was assessed with the validated Vietnamese version of the CCMQ. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0, applying descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to explore associations. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.76 ± 2.33 years, with females accounting for 75.6%. Symptom onset occurred mainly in childhood (45%) or after puberty (42.2%). Sweating was most common in both hands and feet (45.6%) and was aggravated by hot weather (77.2%), psychological stress (80%), diet (41.7%), and contact with slippery objects (43.3%). Family history was reported in 19.4%. Among nine constitution categories, the most common were Balanced (26.7%), Qi Stagnation (22.2%), Qi Deficiency (19.4%), and Yang Deficiency (13.3%). Conclusion: Palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis in students was strongly associated with biased TM constitutions, particularly Qi Stagnation, Qi Deficiency, and Yang Deficiency. These findings suggest that targeted TM interventions, including regulating Qi, strengthening the spleen, and warming Yang, may be beneficial. Further multicenter and longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm these associations and guide integrative management approaches.

Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Nursing Students at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2025

2026-01-26T12:12:37+07:00

Background: Mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and stress, are common among nursing students due to the demanding nature of their education. This study aims to assess the prevalence and severity of these mental health issues among nursing students using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with nursing students. Participants completed the DASS-21, a validated self-report questionnaire assessing the severity of depression, anxiety, and stress. Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of these conditions and their severity levels. Results: The findings revealed that 46.6% of nursing students reported experiencing anxiety, 45.0% reported stress, and 27.8% reported depression. Moderate anxiety was the most common, followed by moderate stress and depression. Severe and extremely severe symptoms were less frequently reported, with anxiety being the most commonly experienced mental health issue among participants. Conclusions: The findings revealed a significant presence of anxiety and substantial levels of stress and depression among nursing students, highlighting the psychological challenges they face. These findings suggest the need for targeted mental health interventions to support the well-being and academic success of nursing students.

Factors associated with mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on the prevention of hand, foot, and mouth disease among children under 5 years old

2026-01-26T12:12:20+07:00

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of mothers with children under five regarding the prevention of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Truc Thang Commune, Nam Dinh Province. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 310 mothers, utilizing structured questionnaires to assess KAP levels. Results reveal that mothers with religious affiliations were3.94 times more likely to have higher qualified knowledge scores compared to those without (95%CI:1.29-16.01). Mothers in non-laborer occupations demonstrated 1.83 times higher level of knowledge score than their peers in laborer group ( 95%CI: 0.97-3.55). In terms of attitudes, mothers with higher education levels displayed more positive attitudes towards HFMD prevention, with significant differences observed between educational groups (p < 0.05). Mothers with average incomes were 4.88 times more likely to have positive attitudes compared to those with higher incomes (95%CI: 1.07-22.36). Regarding practices, mothers in labor-intensive occupations were 2.7 times more likely to practice prevention more effectively than in other occupation group (95%CI: 1.42-5.08). This study highlights significant associations between socioeconomic factors, education, and KAP concerning HFMD prevention. The findings underscore the need for targeted health education interventions to improve KAP among mothers, particularly in low-income and less-educated groups, to effectively mitigate the risk of HFMD in young children.

Quality of life and associated factors among patients with generalized anxiety disorder at Hai Phong Psychiatric Hospital in 2023

2026-01-26T12:12:03+07:00

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a prevalent condition characterized by persistent worry and associated psychological and somatic symptoms, leading to impaired quality of life (QoL). However, evidence from Vietnam remains limited. This cross-sectional study assessed QoL in 55 patients with GAD diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria at Hai Phong Psychiatric Hospital in 2023, using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results showed that most participants were female (60.0%) and aged 30–49 years (50.9%), nearly half were unemployed (45.5%), and half had low monthly income (<3 million VND). Overall, 58.2% rated their QoL as poor or very poor, with the greatest impairments observed in psychological and social domains. Multivariate analysis identified stress (OR=3.15, 95% CI: 1.12–8.86), unemployment (OR=2.74, 95% CI: 1.05–7.16), low income (OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.09–7.66), and illness duration ≥2 years (OR=3.45, 95% CI: 1.21–9.80) as independent predictors of poor QoL. These findings emphasize the substantial burden of GAD on patients’ daily functioning and highlight the importance of interventions that target both clinical symptoms and socioeconomic determinants to improve outcomes.

Prevalence of gummy smile among students of Vietnam Maritime University, school year 2024 - 2025

2026-01-26T12:11:46+07:00

Gummy smile is one of the complaints of the patients, since such a situation can influence self-esteem and social relationships¹. Objective: This study aims to describe the gummy smile’s current status of students at Viet Nam Maritime University. Methods: A cross – sectional study was conducted on 355 students at Viet Nam Maritime University. Results and conclusions: The prevalence of gummy smile was 21,3%, the prevalence of gummy smile among females was higher than in male (22,8%;19,4%) but it was not statistically significant with p = 0.543 ; In both genders, gummy smile was the most common in average upper lip group and the least common in long upper lip group; The rate of gummy smile was the biggest in the group laughed in parallel compared to other groups (42,7%, p < 0,001).

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of community-acquired pneumonia pathogens: A five-year retrospective study at Hai Phong International Hospital, Vietnam (2020 – 2024)

2026-01-26T12:11:28+07:00

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global crisis and has increasingly complicated the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). In Vietnam, several studies have documented alarming resistance levels among key respiratory pathogens, but multi-year data from tertiary hospitals remain limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study at Hai Phong International Hospital, Vietnam, analyzing 1,418 inpatients with CAP from 2020 to 2024. Eligible patients had received at least one antibiotic, stayed ≥24 hours, and had available clinical, laboratory, and microbiology data. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and the microbiology database. Bacterial isolates were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility was interpreted according to CLSI/EUCAST standards. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on symptom resolution, biomarker changes (WBC, CRP), and discharge status. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and multinomial logistic regression. Results: The cohort was predominantly elderly (≥60 years, 76.0%) and male (53.1%), with hypertension (53.3%) and diabetes (37.8%) as the most common comorbidities. Positive bacterial cultures were obtained in 22.6% of cases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24.9%), Acinetobacter baumannii (19.3%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.3%) were the leading pathogens, while Streptococcus pneumoniae (5.0%) and Haemophilus influenzae (6.9%) were less frequent. Resistance was widespread: E. coli showed 100% resistance to ampicillin and >85% resistance to cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin; Klebsiella spp. exhibited >55% resistance to multiple agents; P. aeruginosa showed >50% resistance to fluoroquinolones and carbapenems; and A. baumannii demonstrated >85% resistance to nearly all tested drugs. Among Gram-positive isolates, S. pneumoniae displayed high resistance to erythromycin (93.3%) and clindamycin (93.8%) but preserved full susceptibility to vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusion: CAP patients at Hai Phong International Hospital demonstrated a predominance of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens and very high resistance among S. pneumoniae to macrolides. These findings highlight the urgent need for locally tailored empirical therapy, robust antimicrobial stewardship, and continuous surveillance to mitigate the growing AMR burden in Vietnam.

Assessment of English proficiency certificate selection and preparation for graduation requirements among final-year medical students at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2024 – 2025

2026-01-26T12:11:11+07:00

English proficiency certification has become an essential requirement for university graduation in Vietnam. This study investigates the selection and preparation of English proficiency certificates among final-year medical students at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy during the 2024–2025 academic year. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design, using data from 512 valid certificates, including Cambridge Tests, the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency (VSTEP), TOEFL ITP, TOEIC, and IELTS. Microsoft Excel, Google Forms, and basic inferential statistical methods were used to assess associations between students’ certificate choices and their preparation factors. The findings revealed considerable variation in examination preferences, with Cambridge Tests and VSTEP most frequently selected, while IELTS was least represented. Preparation periods ranged from less than one month to over six months, and a proportion of candidates attempted examinations without structured preparation. Reported difficulties encompassed listening comprehension, vocabulary and grammar retention, time constraints, and psychological stress. These results underscore pragmatic considerations and provide implications for policy, academic counseling, and student support services.

Impact of peripheral intravenous catheter status and monitoring on catheter removal outcome among patients at Viet Tiep General Hospital in 2025

2026-01-26T12:10:53+07:00

Peripheral intravenous catheterization is a common and essential technique that plays a crucial role in internal medicine and emergency treatment. Many studies have shown that catheter removal is often due to causes such as thrombophlebitis, catheter slippage, embolism, and needle displacement from the vein. However, the studies on factors related to removing the peripheral intravenous needle are limited. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the impact of peripheral intravenous catheter status and monitoring on catheter removal outcomes among patients at Viet Tiep General Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 271 inpatients with intravenous catheters. The study results showed that the rate of unplanned needle removal was 33.9%. The status of unplanned peripheral intravenous needle removal was highest with the feeling of discomfort among patients (35.4%), followed by pain (32.8%), and needle slippage due to water into the tape (18.8%). Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed two statistically significant factors influencing peripheral intravenous line removal: site swelling (OR = 0.485; 95% CI: 0.244–0.964; p = 0.039) and nurse monitoring (OR = 2.352; 95% CI: 1.400–3.952; p = 0.001). The study results further support the evidence that the nurse monitoring schedule may reduce the risk of unplanned peripheral intravenous line removal.

Surgical outcomes of thoracolumbar spinal fixation using cement‑augmented pedicle screws in osteoporotic patients

2026-01-26T12:10:37+07:00

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of thoracolumbar spinal fixation using cement-augmented pedicle screws in patients with osteoporosis‑related thoracolumbar trauma treated at Viet Tiep Hospital. Subjects and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 21 thoracolumbar spinal injuries patients diagnosed with severe osteoporosis who underwent spinal fusion with cement-augmented pedicle screws at Viet Tiep Hospital from January 2022 to January 2025. Results: Pain significantly reduced: mean VAS score decreased from 7.6 ± 0.7 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 0.6 at 6-month postoperatively. Functional recovery was improved markedly with mean ODI decreasing from 69.9 ± 12.1% preoperatively to 24.6 ± 7.7% at 6-month postoperatively. Radiographic analysis showed a marked reduction in both the segmental kyphosis angle (Cobb angle) and the vertebral body kyphosis angle compared to pre-surgery. The most common complication observed was asymptomatic cement leakage. Conclusion: Cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation is a safe and effective surgical technique for managing thoracolumbar spine fractures in patients with severe osteoporosis, providing satisfactory pain relief, spinal stability, and functional recovery.

Some factors related to gummy smile among students of Vietnam Maritime University, school year 2024 - 2025

2026-01-26T12:10:19+07:00

Gummy smile is one of the complaints of the patients, since such a situation can influence confidence and social relationships. Objective: This study aims to describe some related-factor to gummy smile of students at Viet Nam Maritime University and its related factors. Methods: A cross – sectional study was conduct on 355 students at Viet Nam Maritime University. Results and conclusions: Gummy smile which caused of vertical maxillary excess was most common. There is a strong positive correlation between gummy smile and incisor exposure in resting position and a weak positive correlation between gummy smile and upper lip mobility. Gummy smile has a positive correlation with bite plane angle and maxillary height angle at a moderate level; negatively correlated with facial convexity angle and Jarabak ratio at a moderate level; has a weak positive correlation with ANB angle.

Treatment outcomes and predictors of clinical response in patients with community-acquired pneumonia at Hai Phong International Hospital: A retrospective cohort study

2026-01-26T12:10:02+07:00

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) posing a critical challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Vietnam. Local data on antibiotic use, resistance, and treatment outcomes are essential to guide empirical therapy and stewardship. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 1,418 adult patients hospitalized with CAP at Hai Phong International Hospital, Vietnam, from 2020 to 2024. Clinical characteristics, inflammatory markers, CURB-65 severity scores, antibiotic regimens, and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Microbiological culture and susceptibility data were analyzed according to CLSI/EUCAST standards. Treatment response was assessed by clinical symptoms, biomarkers, and hospital outcomes. Results: The majority of patients were elderly (≥60 years: 76.0%) and male (53.1%). Frequent comorbidities included hypertension (53.4%) and diabetes (37.8%). At admission, 72.6% had elevated CRP and 65.7% had elevated procalcitonin. Most patients presented with cough (51.2%) and fever (43.8%). CURB-65 scores indicated low-to-moderate risk in 85.5% of cases. Fluoroquinolone monotherapy was the most common initial regimen (48.8%), followed by carbapenem monotherapy (11.6%). Combination therapy accounted for 25.1% of cases, though de-escalation was applied in only 9.4%. Clinical improvement was observed in 75.3% and cure in 20.5% of patients, with significant reductions in WBC (p<0.0001) and CRP (p<0.0001). However, high resistance rates were found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: CAP patients in this Vietnamese cohort were predominantly elderly with multiple comorbidities and frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Despite overall favorable outcomes, inappropriate reliance on fluoroquinolones and carbapenems, coupled with high AMR rates, underscores the urgent need for hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and expansion of local resistance surveillance to optimize CAP management.

Survey on rehabilitation needs and associated factors among older adults at Thong Nhat Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, in 2025

2026-01-26T12:09:44+07:00

Background: The aging population in Vietnam is increasing rapidly, leading to a growing burden of chronic diseases and a rising demand for rehabilitation services among older adults. However, this demand has not been fully assessed, particularly at tertiary hospitals. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of rehabilitation needs among older adults at Thong Nhat Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, in 2025. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 427 older adults (≥60 years) who attended outpatient or inpatient services at Thong Nhat Hospital from September to November 2025. Results: The proportion of older adults with rehabilitation needs was 72.6%, with a mean score of 25.6 ± 3.3. The highest demand was recorded in mechanical therapy techniques, especially full-body exercise (69.4%) and assisted-device training (64.5%). Rehabilitation needs were significantly associated with female gender (OR = 1.78; p = 0.008), age group 60–69 (OR = 1; reference), and having three comorbidities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Rehabilitation needs among older adults are common and influenced by various demographic and clinical factors. Appropriate rehabilitation programs should be implemented at tertiary hospitals to effectively meet the care needs of the aging population.

Automated writing feedback with grammarly: An experimental study among medical students at a university in Vietnam

2026-01-26T12:09:27+07:00

Academic writing in English is essential for medical students as it enables access to global resources and scholarly publication (Hyland & Hyland, 2019). Yet many Vietnamese learners encounter persistent difficulties with grammar, vocabulary, and textual coherence, which restrict their academic performance. In response, Automated Writing Corrective Feedback (AWCF) systems such as Grammarly have emerged, offering immediate, technology-supported assistance. While widely adopted, their pedagogical contribution in medical education remains underexplored (Ghufron, 2019; Dizon & Gayed, 2021). This experimental study investigates Grammarly’s role in supporting academic writing among medical students at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Sixty second-year students were randomly allocated to an experimental group using Grammarly Premium or a control group receiving teacher feedback. Writing assignments before and after the intervention were assessed by certified IELTS examiners, and semi-structured interviews with five instructors were thematically analyzed. Findings showed that both groups improved, Statistical analysis using paired-samples t-tests revealed significant improvements within both groups., but teacher feedback produced significantly greater gains. Teachers valued Grammarly for efficiency and learner autonomy, yet noted risks of over-reliance and limited capacity to address higher-order writing issues. The study concludes that Grammarly should supplement, not replace, teacher feedback in medical English writing instruction.

Evaluation of shoulder function and quality of life in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices

2026-01-26T12:09:10+07:00

Objective: Assessment of Shoulder Joint Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices. Background: Some common complications after cardiac implantable electronic device implantation include shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, impaired shoulder function, and decreased quality of life after device placement, which may persist thereafter. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at a hospital in Southern Vietnam from February 2023 to February 2025. Results: The study included 116 patients who underwent cardiac implantable electronic device implantation. Women accounted for 45.7%, and the mean age was 64.5 ± 14.5 years. Common comorbidities were hypertension (52.6%), diabetes mellitus (53.4%), dyslipidemia (48.3%), and chronic coronary artery disease (42.2%). The implanted devices were predominantly dual-chamber pacemakers (49.1%) and single-chamber pacemakers (40.5%), followed by ICDs (7.8%) and CRT devices (2.6%). The most frequent indications were sick sinus syndrome (44.0%) and atrioventricular block (45.7%). Shoulder pain (VAS) increased markedly immediately after implantation (0.14 ± 0.09 pre-implantation to 7.85 ± 1.06 post-implantation), then gradually decreased at 1 month (4.53 ± 0.92) and 3 months (1.55 ± 0.93), remaining significantly different from baseline at all time points (p < 0.001). Upper-limb function assessed by QuickDASH deteriorated sharply immediately after implantation (1.31 ± 1.13 pre-implantation to 79.53 ± 6.90 post-implantation), with progressive improvement at 1 month (33.33 ± 7.49) and 3 months (11.97 ± 6.99) (p < 0.001 vs baseline). Health-related quality of life (SF-36) improved after implantation and continued to increase over time: 46.01 ± 10.06 (pre-implantation), 58.54 ± 12.39 (post-implantation), 77.54 ± 12.04 (1 month), and 81.97 ± 7.92 (3 months) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: After cardiac implantable electronic device implantation, patients commonly experience shoulder pain and marked early upper-limb functional limitation, reflected by a sharp immediate increase in VAS and QuickDASH scores. These measures gradually improved over time, with substantial recovery by 3 months, while quality of life (SF-36) increased significantly. These findings suggest that shoulder symptoms should be routinely monitored and that early rehabilitation interventions may help reduce pain, restore mobility, and optimize quality of life after device implantation.

Surgical outcomes of closed forearm diaphyseal fracture treatment using locking compression plates at Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital

2026-01-26T12:08:52+07:00

Background: Forearm diaphyseal fractures are common injuries requiring precise anatomical restoration. This study aims to describe the clinical and radiographic characteristics and evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for closed forearm diaphyseal fractures in adults using locking compression plates (LCP) at Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective and prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 31 patients who underwent internal fixation with LCP at the Department of General Surgery, Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from January 2021 to June 2025. Results: The mean age was 44.5 ± 17.6 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.94. Traffic accidents were the primary cause (61.3%). The most common fracture site was the middle third (83.8%). The Thompson approach was predominantly used for the radius (83.9%), while the postero-medial approach was used for 100% of ulnar fractures. The mean operative time was 52.5 ± 6.5 minutes. Most cases utilized 6-hole locking plates (83.9% for the radius and 71.0% for the ulna). Primary wound healing was achieved in 96.7% of cases. Postoperative X-rays showed complete anatomical reduction in 90.3% of patients. At the end of the study, 96.8% of patients achieved good to excellent forearm rotation. Long-term outcomes according to Anderson’s criteria were: Excellent 90.3%, Good 6.5%, Fair 3.2%, with no poor results. No cases of pseudarthrosis or refracture after plate removal were recorded. Conclusion: Internal fixation with locking compression plates is an effective treatment for forearm diaphyseal fractures, providing excellent anatomical restoration and stable fixation that allows for early mobilization with a low complication rate.

A case report: Anorectal melanoma and review literature

2026-01-26T12:08:35+07:00

Anorectal melanoma (ARM) is an extremly rare case. It is an aggressive maglinancy. ARM is difficult to diagnose because of its non specific symptoms. The clincal sign is retal bleeding, tenesmus, an anorectal lump and change in bowel habits and it is like another diseases, for example hemorrhoid, anorectal polypoid and cancer…Diagnose this disease based on clinical, endoscopic and MRI examination and especially biopsy. We present a case of male 79 year-old in Viettiep hospital with perineal pain and rectal bleeding. He was admitted and diagnosed ARM by MRI and Endoscopy and postoperative histopathology. The patient was undergone surgery. The result of Histo-pathology is ARM. We emphasize the role of MRI in diagnosis and evaluation stage of disease that can help for treatment. The hypo or mixed intense on T2, hyperintense on T1, hyperintense in Diff and low in ADC, hyperenhencment after gadolinium injection are factors for positive and differential diagnose between other anorectal tumors. In conclusion, ARM is a rare lesion but it can be suggested for diagnose with MRI so we suggest that MRI should be examination for diagnostic and treatment purpose.

Neurological complication after vertebroplasty using bone cement: A case report

2026-01-26T12:08:19+07:00

Objective: To report a rare neurological complication following percutaneous vertebroplasty through a clinical case. Case presentations: A case of vertebral compression fracture treated with percutaneous cement augmentation is described. After vertebroplasty, the patient developed spinal cord compression syndrome and subsequently underwent decompressive surgery with spinal fixation. Postoperative recovery was favorable. Conclusion: Spinal cord compression after vertebroplasty is a rare but severe complication. Careful consideration of vertebral body fracture morphology is essential when selecting patients for vertebral augmentation with bone cement in order to minimize this risk.