Tạp chí Y Dược học Phạm Ngọc Thạch

Mục lục tập 5 (số 2)

Y dược PNT — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Mục lục tập 5 (số 2)

The role of endovascular therapy in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Duong Dinh Hoan, Lam Diem Phuong — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in elderly men, often associated with lower urinary tract symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia is approximately 8% in men aged 30–40 years, but increases to up to 90% in those over 80 years old. Although current treatment options such as pharmacotherapy and endoscopic surgery have demonstrated high efficacy, surgical interventions still carry a risk of complications, particularly in elderly patients or those with multiple comorbidities. In recent years, prostatic artery embolization has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment modality, in which embolic agents are selectively injected into the prostatic arteries to reduce prostate volume and alleviate symptoms. Initial studies have shown that this endovascular technique offers significant symptom improvement, high treatment efficacy, fewer complications, shorter recovery time, and better quality of life. This review aims to present current medical evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, indications, and potential widespread application of endovascular intervention in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.1

Pharmacogenetics of BRAF in melanoma: mechanisms of drug resistance and therapeutic optimization – a systematic review

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer with the highest mortality rate.
Objective: To review research directions in pharmacogenetics related to the BRAF gene in melanoma.
Methods: Data were extracted from three databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Science Direct) for studies published between January 2017 and December 2024, focusing on pharmacogenetics and the role of the BRAF gene in melanoma treatment.
Results: Three main research directions were identified: (1) Elucidating mechanisms of drug resistance in BRAF-mutant patients, including NRAS/MEK mutations, PTEN loss, and drug transporter gene variants; (2) Utilizing genetic biomarkers (e.g., PD-L1) and combining targeted therapy with immunotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy; (3) Applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) for mutation detection and treatment regimen personalization.
Conclusion: Clarifying drug resistance mechanisms, optimizing combination therapies, and integrating genetic technologies will contribute to improved treatment outcomes for BRAF-mutant melanoma.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.2

Overview of the application of technology in acupuncture education

Du Thi Cam Quynh — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: This study aims to provide an overview of advanced technologies (VR, AR, AI) and evaluate their effectiveness in improving spatial anatomical knowledge and safe acupuncture practice skills, addressing the limitations of traditional 2D training methods.
Methods: A narrative review of representative studies published between 2012 and 2025 was conducted using the Web of Science and PubMed databases. Eligible publications included original research articles, pilot technological development studies, and review papers addressing VR, AR, or AI in acupuncture education. Selected studies were analyzed qualitatively to identify technological approaches, reported educational outcomes, and limitations.
Results: Immersive VR systems integrating medical imaging data enable three-dimensional visualization of internal anatomical structures and simulated needle depth. Pilot evaluations reported improved spatial anatomical understanding and enhanced procedural accuracy. Mobile AR applications such as FaceAtlasAR support real-time facial acupoint localization with stable tracking performance. AI-based tools demonstrate educational potential; however, current evidence indicates limited clinical reliability. Most studies were preliminary and focused on feasibility and short-term outcomes.
Conclusion: Technology shows the potential to improve students’ knowledge of spatial anatomy and safe practice skills. In particular, VR and AR may support anatomical visualization and safety awareness in training contexts, particularly in improving anatomical visualization and safety awareness. Gradual, context-appropriate implementation combined with strengthened foundational anatomy training may provide a sustainable integration pathway.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.3

Nipah Virus: From Biological Characteristics to Risk of Emergence in Vietnam

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Nipah virus (NiV) is a high-fatality emerging pathogen that has recently continued to be recorded through clusters of encephalitis and respiratory distress in South Asia. Reports indicate that while outbreaks’ scales are typically small, the virus possesses extreme virulence and the capacity for human-to-human transmission, particularly within hospital settings. Although case fatality rates reported across outbreaks range from 40% to 75%, transmission dynamics remain limited, and sustained community spread has not been observed to date. The virus is naturally harbored by fruit bats of the genus Pteropus, with spillover events linked to contaminated food products or intermediate hosts such as pigs; Vietnam lies within the distribution range of Pteropus bats, which, combined with high livestock density and rapid urbanization, creates a significant risk interface between animals and humans. International trade connectivity further increases the potential for introduction and spread of Nipah virus before being detected. This review aims to synthesize biological mechanisms, transmission dynamics, and Vietnam-specific ecological and livestock risk factors to inform preparedness strategies and public health policy.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.4

Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring in nursing education: A narrative review and implications for Vietnamese context

Do Thi Ha, Tran Thi Hong Gam — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring has been increasingly applied in nursing education to foster holistic caring competence and the development of professional identity among nursing students. This article aims to provide a thematic synthesis of existing evidence on the application of Watson’s Theory in nursing education and to analyze its implications for the Vietnamese context. A narrative review was conducted using a structured search strategy across major academic databases. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized thematically into three categories: (1) educational interventions with outcome measurement; (2) innovations in teaching-learning methods and learning experiences; and (3) curriculum-level integration of Watson’s Theory. Findings indicate that interventions and pedagogical models informed by Watson’s Theory were associated with improvements in caring behaviors, professional ethical attitudes, and psychological well-being among nursing students. However, the current body of evidence remains limited in scope and methodological diversity, and empirical studies conducted in Vietnam are scarce. The review suggests the potential feasibility of integrating Watson’s principles into nursing curricula and pedagogical strategies in Vietnam, while highlighting the need for rigorously designed empirical studies to evaluate contextual effectiveness.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.5

Discordance rate between cervical cytology results and HPV DNA testing and related factors among women undergoing cervical biopsy at Hung Vuong Hospital

Nguyen Minh Hien, Vu Thi Nhung — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Cervical cancer screening strategies recommend HPV DNA testing as the primary screening method instead of PAP cytology test. However, PAP testing remains widely used, and public awareness of HPV infection remains low. According to global studies, CIN 2+ detection in PAP-negative, HPV 16/18-positive women ranges from 15% - 30%. This study aims to improve healthcare professionals’ screening practices in line with national guidelines.
Objectives: To assess precancerous and cancerous lesions in discordant PAP-HPV cases and identify factors associated with discrepancies between PAP and HPV test results.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 905 women who underwent cervical cancer screening with PAP testing and HPV DNA testing and had abnormal cervical biopsy results at Hung Vuong Hospital.
Results: The discordance rate between PAP and HPV was 52.4%, including PAP (-) HPV (+) 46.7% and PAP (+) HPV (-) 5.6%. Three factors were identified as significantly associated with PAP-HPV discordance in women with precancerous cervical lesions: Cervical evaluation, Vaginal inflammation and Histopathological severity of cervical lesions.
Conclusion: HPV DNA testing should be adopted as the primary screening method per national guidelines.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.6

Prevalence of Comorbidities and Their Association with Disease Severity in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Comorbidities are highly prevalent and significantly impact disease progression, hospitalization rates, and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 209 COPD outpatients aged 40 years or older, treated at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital’s Respiratory Clinic from February to August 2023. COPD severity is assessed using: (1) symptoms (mMRC, CAT score); (2) exacerbation frequency; and (3) GOLD classification. Comorbidities were determined based on (1) medical records and (2) the answers to the question: “What diseases or health issues have you been diagnosed with by a physician?”.
Results: Results revealed a mean of 2.12 comorbidities (SD: 1.33) per patient. The number of comorbidities increased linearly with the CAT score, and patients with ≥2 comorbidities were 2.26 times more likely to exhibit dyspnea (mMRC ≥2) compared to those with <2 comorbidities. Four factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, GERD, and history of pulmonary tuberculosis related to more symptoms presentation according to mMRC and/or CAT scores. Additionally, diabetes and GERD significantly associated with the “frequent exacerbators” condition (ORs: 2.55 and 3.13, respectively).
Conclusions: Comorbidities may contribute to the adverse influence on COPD severity. Recognizing these relationships enables clinicians to adopt a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to COPD management.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.7

The value of diffusion-weighted and T2W-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in evaluate extracapsular extension in prostate cancer

Lam Diem Phuong — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate the value of diffusion and T2-Weighted on magnetic resonance imaging for predicting extracapsular extension (ECE) in patients with prostate cancer.
Materials and methods: We evaluated ECE with T2-weighted imaging based on the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS). The results we confirm by surgical pathology. We compared MRI characteristics between patients with ECE Prostate carcinoma (PA), and those without ECE Prostate carcinoma (pica) using independent sample t-tests, Chi- square tests, as appropriate. Analyzing ROC curve to find the value of T2W score in ECE and those without ECE to have a high specificity for ECE of prostate cancer.
Results: Age mean in ECE PCa was 67.03 ± 7.26. ECE PCa had 54.55%. Patients with ECE PCa have mean T2 scores was 3.64 ± 1.29, mean ADC values was 494.58 ± 95.06x10^-6mm²/s, mean ADC ratio was 39.45 ± 9,05%. On ROC curve, using the discrimination threshold of T2W score > 2, AUC was 0.938, sensitivity 83.3%, specificity was 96.7%, positive predictive value was 96.8%, negative predictive value was 82.9%, mean ADC value was 477.41 ± 86.48x10^-6mm²/s, mean ADC ratio was 38.37 ± 8.68%.
Conclusion: MRI is benefit from evaluate extracapsular extension (ECE) in patients with prostate cancer. T2W score > 2, AUC is 0.938, sensitivity 83.3%, specificity is 96.7%, positive predictive value is 96.8%, negative predictive value is 82.9%, mean ADC value is 477.41 ± 86.48 x10^-6mm²/s, mean ADC ratio is 38.37 ± 8.68%.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.8

Experiences with body shaming in first-year students at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine and associated factors

Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Phuong, Duong Thi Anh Dao, Do Thi Lan Anh — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:09:39 +0700

Background: Body shaming is gradually becoming a matter of concern as ridicule regardless of age or gender is gradually becoming more common in the community. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and related factors of mocking about appearance for freshmen at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine in 2021.
Method: 328 students from 9 majors at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine were recruited in 2021 – 2022. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and logistic regression models to identify factors associated with body shaming and The body shaming variable was measured through self-report regarding whether or not the participant experienced body shaming over the past year.
Results: The prevalence of body shaming was found to be 33.2%, among these, weight-related teasing was the most common type, accounting for 67%. Related factors include BMI and weight of women, type of family, low self-esteem and feeling about high school.
Conclusion: The study determined the prevalence of body shaming and its associated factors. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of body shaming among university students and its associated factors in this population, and thus, it may serve as a useful reference for future research.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.9

The prevalence of TikTok addiction and its association with Depression, Anxiety and Stress in public health and nutrition students in Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

Le Thi Thanh Binh, Hoang Thi Diem Phuong — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Social media platforms, particularly the short-video application TikTok, have become integrated to youngsters’ lives. While offering benefits, excessive use can lead to problematic behaviors characteristic of a behavioral addiction, which has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes. This issue is of particular concern among university students in high-pressure academic fields. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the prevalence of TikTok addiction and its mental health relationship in public health and nutrition students in Pham Ngoc Thach medical university, Vietnam.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TikTok addiction and to investigate its association with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate students at the Faculty of Public Health, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2025, involving 269 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Public Health. Participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data and information on TikTok usage. TikTok addiction was assessed using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), while mental health symptoms were measured with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Prevalence Ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to quantify associations.
Results: The prevalence of TikTok addiction among the surveyed students was 6.7% (n =18; 95% CI: 4.1%–10.2%). In the association analysis (n=251), TikTok addiction was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of both depression (PR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05–2.08, p = .035) and stress (PR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.76–3.37, p < .001). No significant association was observed between TikTok addiction and anxiety (PR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.90–1.54, p = .247).
Conclusion: A notable minority of public health students exhibit symptoms of TikTok addiction, a condition statistically associated with a higher prevalence of depression and stress. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support and digital wellness interventions within this specific student population to mitigate the negative psychological impacts of problematic social media use.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.10

Machine learning prediction of severe knee osteoarthritis from routine data: performance, interpretability, and decision curve analysis

Nguyen Trong Hien, Nguyen Minh Tuan, To Nam Kien — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Early identification of severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA) usually relies on X-ray imaging, but this is not always possible in healthcare facilities with limited resources. Estimating KOA severity from routine clinical and biochemical data may help clinicians decide when to request imaging and when to refer patients.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 189 patients with KOA whose severity was classified according to the Kellgren–Lawrence scale. Four machine learning models (i.e., logistic regression, Random Forest, XGBoost and SVM) were developed based on 15 routine variables. SHAP analysis was used to interpret the model and to select a reduced set of 10 variables. Performance was evaluated using five-fold stratified cross-validation and an independent test set of 20%. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate clinical benefit.
Results: The models showed moderate discriminative ability in cross validation (AUPRC 0.44 to 0.52; ROC AUC 0.54 to 0.62). The SHAP optimised logistic regression model achieved the best performance on the test set (AUPRC 0.70; ROC AUC 0.81). Important variables included serum uric acid, BMI, age, and renal function. Decision curve analysis showed a positive net benefit across clinically relevant risk thresholds.
Conclusion: A simple and interpretable logistic regression model based on routine data may help predict severe KOA and prioritise X-ray indication. Further validation studies with large multicenter samples are needed.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.11

ChatCVHT: An academic advising chatbot based on semantic retrieval, with topic routing and confidence threshold calibration

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Academic advisors in higher education must respond to a high volume of student questions about regulations, training policies, and study planning, many of which share the same intent but differ in wording. While chatbots can scale academic support, a key risk is providing incorrect answers when queries are ambiguous or weakly supported by available evidence. We developed ChatCVHT, an academic advising chatbot that combines semantic retrieval with topic-based routing using a knowledge base of 748 question–answer pairs across eight topics. The system separates topic classification from document retrieval and introduces a confidence-based decision layer that jointly considers similarity scores, the score margin between top candidates, and predicted topic confidence to decide whether to answer or request clarification. In our experiments, multilingual-e5-small achieved stable retrieval performance (Recall@10 = 0.9782; MRR@10 = 0.8841), and multilingual-e5-small with a Logistic Regression classifier (L2 regularization, C = 3) reached Macro-F1 = 0.982 and Accuracy = 0.9853 for topic classification (5-fold cross-validation). When integrated end-to-end, the decision layer withheld responses for ~7% of queries to prioritize clarification under uncertainty, while maintaining Recall@10 = 0.916 and MRR@10 = 0.8418. Overall, ChatCVHT adopts a conservative strategy that balances coverage and reliability and supports safer deployment of academic advising chatbots where factual accuracy is critical.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.12

Development of a procedure for the determination of magnesium and calcium in pharmaceutical preparations by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)

Le Thi Thanh Thao, Nguyen Vu Quan, Ha Khang Dat, Truong Quoc Ky — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: To establish and validate an F-AAS procedure for the simultaneous quantification of Mg and Ca in oral solutions.
Subjects and Methods: An oral solution containing calcium glycerophosphate and magnesium gluconate was used. Sample treatment (mineralization) was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken Design (BBD), surveying HNO₃ concentration (1–3 M), digestion time (10–30 min), and temperature (50–70°C) for maximum recovery Method validation was performed in accordance with the ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines and Ministry of Health standards.
Results: Optimal sample treatment conditions were 1.7 M HNO₃, 11 minutes, and 54°C. F-AAS showed high specificity and was unaffected by excipients. The linearity range had r ≥ 0.998. Accuracy (recovery) was 99.64%–103.76% for Mg and 97.04%–106.22% for Ca. Precision (RSD) was ≤ 2%. F-AAS demonstrated higher precision and fewer errors than complexometric titration.
Conclusion: This study successfully established a high-precision F-AAS protocol for the simultaneous quantification of Ca and Mg in complex oral solutions. The primary novelty lies in the application of a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) to rigorously optimize the wet digestion process, ensuring total analyte release from organic matrices with minimal acid consumption and time. By addressing the specific challenges of complex organic matrices and simultaneous determination, this method provides a superior and more efficient alternative to traditional pharmaceutical analysis, significantly enhancing quality control standards for such liquid formulations.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.13

Pain-reducing effects of auricular acupuncture in cold-damp-type knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Doan Quang Nguyen, Pham Thi Minh, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, Lieu Khiet Tieu Hoa — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Effective, low-risk adjuncts for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are needed. We evaluated whether adjunctive auricular acupuncture (AA) improves pain and function in patients with cold-damp-type KOA.
Methods: In a single-center, randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, 124 adults (≥40 years) with radiographic primary KOA and baseline VAS ≥6 were randomized 1:1 to receive standard care (electroacupuncture, shortwave diathermy, and Duhuo Jisheng decoction tablets) with either weekly AA at Shenmen, Sympathetic, and Knee auricular points for 4 weeks (n=62) or sham auricular patches (n=62). Co-primary outcomes were change in VAS (0-10) and proportion achieving pain-free status (VAS ≤1) at week 4; secondary outcomes included WOMAC subscales and responder thresholds (≥30% and ≥50% WOMAC reduction).
Results: Mean VAS reduction was greater in the AA group than control (-4.84 ±0.22 vs -3.43 ±0.16; between-group p=0.009). Mean total WOMAC change favored AA (-42.64 ±1.74 vs -26.39 ±1.28; p=0.009). Pain-free status at week 4 occurred in 15/62 (24.2%) AA versus 3/62 (4.8%) control (RR 4.8; 95% CI 1.4-16.2; p=0.002). Clinically meaningful functional response (≥50% WOMAC) was 37/62 (59.7%) versus 7/62 (11.3%) (RR 5.3; 95% CI 2.5-11.2; p<0.001). No intervention-related adverse events were reported.
Conclusions: Weekly AA added to standard therapy produced greater short-term pain relief and functional gains with excellent safety. Confirmatory multicenter trials with longer follow-up are warranted.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.14

Systemic inflammation and associated factors in truncal versus facial acne in young adults: an analytical cross-sectional study

Le Thanh Buu, Trinh Thi Ngoc Ai, Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Acne is a common skin condition in young adults. It affects appearance, psychological well-being, and overall health. Recently, a paradigm shift has suggested that acne is not merely a localized follicular disorder but may be significantly driven by systemic inflammation. Evidence is growing that truncal acne is linked to systemic inflammation and lipid metabolism disorders; however, the specific link between systemic inflammatory markers, metabolic features, and the distribution of acne lesions (truncal versus facial) remains underexplored.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 75 patients diagnosed with acne who received treatment at Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital in June 2025. Patients were divided into two groups: a facial acne group (n = 40) and a truncal acne group (n = 35). Anthropometry, lifestyle, and skin care habits were collected via a questionnaire. Blood test results were obtained through laboratory software.
Results: A study of 75 patients (mean age 18.2 ± 3.5, with 81.3% being students) found that 100% of cases of truncal acne were accompanied by lesions on the face, with the back being the most common site on the trunk. The group of patients with truncal acne had a significantly higher BMI (22.6 ± 3.9), was more common in males (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.74 – 12.37, p = 0.002), had an earlier age of onset (mean = 14; OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61 – 0.93, p = 0.009), and had a longer duration of illness compared to the group with facial acne only. In terms of laboratory findings, truncal acne was associated with elevated NLR and PLR; each unit increase in NLR was associated with a 5.45 higher odds of truncal acne (95% CI: 1.80 – 18.7, p = 0.003), alongside increased total cholesterol levels and reduced HDL-C (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02 – 0.91, p = 0.04).
Conclusions: Truncal acne accounts for 46.7% of acne patients, characterized by a broader distribution pattern (present in 100% of cases) and primarily affects the back. Clinically, the condition is most commonly seen in males with a high BMI, has an early onset (average age of 14), and a prolonged course. Biologically, the condition is characterized by systemic inflammation (elevated NLR) and dyslipidemia (elevated total cholesterol, reduced HDL cholesterol).

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.15

Anxiety, depression, and associated factors among 12th-grade students at Trung Vuong High School, Ho Chi Minh city

Le Hong Hoai Linh, Huynh Le Lan Hien, Dang Bao Dang — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Anxiety and depression are important contributors that hinder adolescents’ academic functioning, limit their capacity to develop social relationships, and are associated with reduced quality of life.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 626 12^th-grade students at Trung Vuong High School was conducted to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and to examine associated factors. The 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Results: The prevalence of students exhibiting symptoms of anxiety and depression was 64.4% and 54.6%, respectively. Factors associated with anxiety and depression included family conflict, frequency of being compared with other peers by parent(s), excessively high parental expectations, frequency of self-perceived academic pressure, frequency of pre-examination stress, frequency of pressure to gain university admission, difficulties in peer relationships, and feelings of inferiority compared with peers.
Conclusions: Schools and parents should provide ongoing encouragement and support for twelfth-grade students’ learning, while minimizing undue pressure and social comparison, particularly in the period preceding the National High School Graduation Examination.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.16

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture in the Treatment of Insomnia in Patients with Chronic Pain at TTH Quang Binh General Hospital

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Insomnia is a common disorder characterized by a persistent reduction in sleep quality and/or sleep duration over a certain period, in which impaired sleep quality has greater diagnostic significance than sleep duration. This condition is highly prevalent among patients with chronic pain, leading to reduced quality of life and difficulties in pain control, with reported prevalence rates up to 72.8%. Among current therapeutic approaches, auricular acupuncture-a modality of Traditional Medicine is considered a potential, convenient, and effective complementary therapy. This provides the rationale for conducting a study to evaluate the effects of auricular acupuncture on insomnia in patients with chronic pain. Objectives: 1. To investigate selected clinical characteristics of insomnia in patients with chronic pain; 2. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of auricular acupuncture on insomnia in the study population and identify related factors.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 72 patients who presented for outpatient and inpatient treatment at the Department of Traditional Medicine and Rehabilitation 1, TTH Quang Binh General Hospital, and met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled. Patients were allocated into two comparable groups with respect to age, sex, and pain intensity. Both groups received standard analgesic treatment according to a unified protocol; Group I additionally received treatment for insomnia using auricular acupuncture. The study was designed as a controlled clinical intervention with pre- and post-treatment comparisons.
Results: Sleep onset latency decreased by 38.61 minutes, total sleep duration increased by 2.46 hours, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score decreased by 8.78 points. No significant differences were observed with respect to age, sex, or types of musculoskeletal disorders. However, a significant association was found between pain intensity and the degree of PSQI score reduction.
Conclusions: Auricular acupuncture is clinically effective in the treatment of insomnia in patients with chronic pain. Management of chronic pain contributes to improvement in insomnia, and conversely, improvement in sleep quality facilitates better pain control.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.17

Comparing Dinoprostone and Oxytocin for labor induction in pregnancies ≥ 37 weeks with prelabor rupture of membranes at Hung Vuong Hospital

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) at term is associated with increased maternal and neonatal infection risks, and induction of labor (IOL) is recommended to improve pregnancy outcomes. Dinoprostone and oxytocin are commonly used for IOL; however, direct comparative evidence in Vietnam remains limited.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 140 term pregnant women (≥ 37 weeks’ gestation) with PROM who underwent IOL at Hung Vuong Hospital between January 2023 and February 2025. Seventy women were assigned to each group dinoprostone and oxytocin. The primary outcome was successful IOL, defined as achieving a Bishop score ≥ 7 or entering active labor (cervical dilation ≥ 4 cm) within 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, induction-to-delivery interval, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Multivariable regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders.
Results: The overall successful IOL rate was 73.6% (95% CI, 65.5-80.7). After adjustment for parity and Bishop score, there was no significant difference in IOL success between the oxytocin and dinoprostone groups (adjusted RR = 1.21; 95% CI, 0.99-1.47). The vaginal delivery rate was higher in the oxytocin group than in the dinoprostone group (64.3%, 95% CI 51.9-75.4 vs 40.0%, 95% CI 28.4-52.4); and oxytocin was independently associated with a higher likelihood of vaginal delivery (adjusted RR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05-2.06). Dinoprostone was associated with a shorter induction-to-delivery interval, mainly due to a shorter time from treatment initiation to successful IOL (HR = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.29-2.99). Maternal complications were uncommon and neonatal outcomes were comparable between groups.
Conclusions: In term pregnancies with PROM, dinoprostone and oxytocin showed comparable effectiveness and safety for achieving successful IOL. Oxytocin was associated with a higher likelihood of vaginal delivery, whereas dinoprostone was associated with a shorter induction duration. However, the retrospective design and single-center setting may limit causal inference and generalizability of the findings. These results support individualized selection of induction methods based on clinical context.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.18

TNF-α inhibitory potential of bioactive compounds from Caesalpinia sappan L.: A virtual screening study

Le Nhat Linh, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Nguyen Dang Thoai — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in many pathological conditions such as inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. There is a large body of evidence that Caesalpinia sappan L. extract inhibits the TNF-α signaling pathway. Nevertheless, no studies evaluating the TNF-α inhibitory capacity of bioactive metabolites in C. sappan have been reported to date, and the mechanism of this process remains unclear. This study assessed the in silico binding ability of bioactive compounds in C. sappan with TNF-α through molecular docking simulation.
Methods: The secondary metabolite structures reported from C. sappan were retrieved from the PubChem database. A model of molecular docking simulation was constructed based on the crystal structure of TNF-α and the small molecule SPD304 with the PDB ID 2AZ5 (rcsb.org/structure/2AZ5). A high throughput docking campaign was conducted by using Autodock Vina with a simple bash script. The optimal docking pose of each compound was visually analyzed using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer.
Results: Most of the compounds in C. sappan showed good in silico binding ability to TNF-α. The fifteen metabolites were recognized as potential TNF-α inhibitors with better binding energy than the reference ligand SPD304. Neoprotosappanin was discovered as the best potential structure with a binding energy of -10.06 kcal/mol and meaningful in silico interactions with TNF-α.
Conclusions: Bioactive compounds from sappanwood may have the potential to inhibit TNF-α. The most promising compounds should be further evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations and predicted pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties before performing in vitro assays.
Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in many pathological conditions such as inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. There is a large body of evidence that Caesalpinia sappan L. extract inhibits the TNF-α signaling pathway. Nevertheless, no studies evaluating the TNF-α inhibitory capacity of bioactive metabolites in C. sappan have been reported to date, and the mechanism of this process remains unclear. This study assessed the in silico binding ability of bioactive compounds in C. sappan with TNF-α through molecular docking simulation.
Methods: The secondary metabolite structures reported from C. sappan were retrieved from the PubChem database. A model of molecular docking simulation was constructed based on the crystal structure of TNF-α and the small molecule SPD304 with the PDB ID 2AZ5 (rcsb.org/structure/2AZ5). A high throughput docking campaign was conducted by using Autodock Vina with a simple bash script. The optimal docking pose of each compound was visually analyzed using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer.
Results: Most of the compounds in C. sappan showed good in silico binding ability to TNF-α. The fifteen metabolites were recognized as potential TNF-α inhibitors with better binding energy than the reference ligand SPD304. Neoprotosappanin was discovered as the best potential structure with a binding energy of -10.06 kcal/mol and meaningful in silico interactions with TNF-α.
Conclusions: Bioactive compounds from sappanwood may have the potential to inhibit TNF-α. The most promising compounds should be further evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations and predicted pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties before performing in vitro assays.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.19

Application of electrical impedance tomography in an obese patient with ARDS

Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh, Do Quoc Huy, Pham Quoc Dung, Nguyen Hong Truong — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This clinical case report detailed a 60-year-old obese female (BMI 44 kg/m²) with severe ARDS. The patient underwent mechanical ventilation with PEEP 16 cmH₂O, but due to obesity and high PEEP, CT imaging was not feasible. Bedside Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) was employed for lung function monitoring.
Continuous EIT assessed regional lung ventilation, analyzing impedance changes to evaluate lung homogeneity and regional ventilation delay. Initial findings revealed significant inhomogeneity and regional ventilation delay. However, with EIT monitoring and adjustments to ventilator settings, coupled with physical therapy, the patient's regional ventilation gradually improved. After 7 days, the patient was successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation.
This case demonstrated the utility of bedside EIT in monitoring lung function in severe ARDS patients, especially those with obesity. Real-time, non-invasive assessment of regional lung ventilation facilitated optimized ventilator settings and improved outcomes.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.20

Ethical decision-making in abortion for a perimenopausal woman with unintended pregnancy: A case report

Tram Thi Bich Nguyen, Riksa Wibawa Resna — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Abortion decision-making is ethically complex, particularly in perimenopausal women with cardiovascular comorbidities. Understanding the clinical and ethical challenges in such cases is essential for patient-centred care.
Case presentation: We report a case of a 51-year-old perimenopausal woman with myocardial infarction-related mitral regurgitation who presented with an unintended 10-week pregnancy. She experienced significant anxiety and psychological distress due to the unexpected pregnancy and moral conflict regarding abortion. Clinical evaluation, including ultrasound, confirmed a viable foetus with normal cardiac activity. Using the four-box approach, medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual factors were systematically assessed to support ethically sound and patient-centred decision-making.
Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of integrating ethical frameworks into clinical care when managing complex reproductive decisions in patients with high-risk comorbidities. The structured four-box approach facilitates informed, safe, and ethically responsible care while respecting patient autonomy.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.21

Folliculitis following hair removal using Intense Pulsed Light: Successful management with 1927 nm Thulium laser - A case report

Nguyen Dac Khoi Nguyen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Hair holds significant aesthetic value; however, unwanted hair growth often negatively impacts psychological well-being and quality of life. Energy-based devices (EBDs), such as lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL), are currently effective and popular solutions for hair removal with few complications. Nevertheless, post-treatment folliculitis can occur, adversely affecting skin health and reducing patient satisfaction with the procedure.
Case Report: A 22-year-old male (Fitzpatrick skin type IV) presented with acne vulgaris accompanied by pseudofolliculitis barbae. He was initially treated with topical medications combined with IPL hair removal. Following the second IPL session, the patient experienced a massive pustular flare-up. Initial management with IPL in acne mode yielded an incomplete response. Subsequent combination therapy with a 1927 nm Thulium laser resulted in rapid inflammation reduction within 7 days. Clinical outcomes showed significant remission of symptoms alongside a reduction in hair density, meeting the patient's therapeutic goals.
Conclusions: Folliculitis following hair removal using IPL or other EBDs is a rare and transient complication but requires careful clinical assessment and device parameter adjustment for prevention. Therapeutic interventions, utilizing topical agents or EBDs such as the 1927 nm Thulium laser originally indicated for acne can significantly improve the condition should complications arise. Further research is needed to optimize treatment parameters, particularly for Asian skin types, to maximize hair removal efficacy without compromising the patient's quality of life.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.22

A Case of Livedoid Vasculopathy with Rapid Response to Rivaroxaban: Case Report and Current Treatment Overview

Dung Thuy-Thi Nguyen, Trai Ngoc Nguyen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a rare chronic microvascular disorder characterized by persistent skin ulcers and atrophie blanche. It is often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency or necrotizing vasculitis.
Case presentation: A 42-year-old woman presented with painful erythematous patches and superficial ulcers affecting both her lower limbs. She was initially treated for chronic venous insufficiency and later for nonspecific necrotizing vasculitis, but without improvement. Skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of livedoid vasculopathy. The patient did not respond to corticosteroids but showed rapid improvement after switching to oral rivaroxaban, with dry ulcers, reduced pain, and fading erythema observed after 7 days.
Conclusion: This case highlights the essential role of skin biopsy in accurately diagnosing LV and the effectiveness of targeted anticoagulant therapy with rivaroxaban in achieving rapid symptom relief.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.23