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Background: Perinatal asphyxia is one of common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Disorders of electrolytes are more common in the immediate postnatal period and could affects the outcomes of neonates significantly. Therefore, we conducted this study with specific aims to describe the electrolyte status in asphyxiated neonates and find out several factors associated to electrolyte disorders in asphyxiated neonates. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with 80 asphyxiated neonates admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, from April 2021 to August 2022. Results: In asphyxiated neonates, average serum value of sodium, potassium, calcium were 136.6; 4.8 and 1.1 mmol/l, respectively. 62.5% asphyxiated neonates had electrolyte disorders. Hypocalcemia was the most common disorder with 37.5%, followed by hyponatremia (32.5%). Hyperkalemia was accounted for 13.7%. We observed the higher hyponatremia and hyperkalemia in severe asphyxia than in moderate asphyxia. Apgar score less than 7 at 5 minutes was associated with the increased risk of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia (odd ratio:8.9; 29.3, respectively with p < 0.01). There was the correlation of Apgar score at 5 minutes with sodium and potassium on the asphyxiated neonates (rs = 0.3 and rs = - 0.6, respectively with p < 0.05). Conclusion: Electrolyte disorders are common in asphyxiated neonates. The common types of electrolyte disorders in asphyxiated neonates were hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia. Key words: hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, asphyxiated neonates.

Background: Diabetes is a common disease, with a rapidly increasing trend in Vietnam and worldwide, and is also the leading cause of death, morbidity, and health burden. Therefore, it is important to predict increasing levels of type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk and its associated risk factors to improve prevention strategies. The purpose of our study is to predict the risk of T2DM development and explore its associated factors among individuals aged 25 and above in Hue City. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 732 residents, aged 25 and above, living in some wards of Hue City. Results: In Tay Loc ward and Thuan Hoa ward of Hue City, the estimated incidence of T2DM development using the ModAsian FINDRISC scale was 5.18%. According to the ModAsian FINDRISC scale, occupational, history of hypertension, and dyslipidemia were significant factors associated with the risk of developing T2DM in the next ten years. Conclusion: The intervention strategy of addressing associated risk factors would be essential to reducing the risk of T2DM in the community. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, FINDRISC, Hue city.

Background: Eye observation is an unusual diagnostic method of inspection, through observation the characteristics of blood vessels in the sclera. Objective: To survey the clinical characteristics and features of color and shape of scleral blood vessels at 12 o’clock position in patients with neck and shoulder pain. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 147 patients who were diagnosed with neck and shoulder pain at Thua Thien Hue Traditional Medicine Hospital. Results: The symptoms of the tongue and pulse: pale red tongue accounted for 42.2%, enlarged tongue 44.9%, white fur 83.0%, thin fur 63.3%, slippery fur 44.2%; sunken pulse 93.9%, moderate pulse 72.1%, replete pulse 73.5%. About scleral blood vessels: bright red 47.6% at the right eye (RE) and 44.9% at the left eye (LE); winding shape 61.9% (RE) and 57.1% (LE); branched shape 66.7% (RE) and 60.5% (LE). Conclusions: The symptoms of high rate were pale red tongue, enlarged tongue, white fur, thin fur, slippery fur, sunken pulse, moderate pulse and replete pulse. The characteristics of scleral blood vessels that appeared with highest frequency in both eyes were bright red, winding shape and branched shape. Key words: blood vessels, eye observation, neck and shoulder pain, traditional medicine

Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies. Although there has been a slight increase in overall survival due to the inclusion of targeted medications in the standard chemotherapeutic treatment paradigm, the prognosis remains poor. New evidence suggests that certain molecular and histopathologic tumor characteristics, as well as staging, may also influence patients’ prognosis. Indeed, two detailed genomic classifications of gastric cancer have recently been developed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG), showing that microsatellite instability (MSI) is a distinct subgroup related to gastric cancer patients’ prognosis. Interestingly, the MSI-H subgroup was identified as a separate entity of GC in both of these classifications that are relevant to the prognosis of gastric cancer. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is caused most frequently by deficiency in the mismatch repair proterin (MMR) (including MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6) and can be defined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Microsatellite instability offers a good prognostic marker associated with different cancer types. Therefore, the identification of MMR in gastric cancer is very important to provide valuable prognostic information and personalized treatment Key words: gastric cancer, microsatellite instability, mismatch protein repair deficiency, immunohistochemistry, prognosis.

Background: Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a precious medicinal herb used in traditional medicines. Male reproductive dysfunction is caused by many factors, including heat stress. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract on spermatogenesis in heat stress-induced mice. Materials and Methods: Male mice were exposed at 40°C and treated with Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. After 5 weeks of treatment, blood samples were collected to determine the concentration of Testosterone in blood plasma. The histological structure of the seminiferous tubules was investigated through HE histological staining. The spermatogenesis progress was assessed using the Johnson scoring system. Results: Heat stress exposed at 40°C for 5 weeks has strongly reduced the concentration of testosterone in blood plasma as well as spermatogenesis in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules of testicular tissue. Heat stress-induced mice treated with oral administration of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract significantly improved blood testosterone levels. Histological analysis and Johnson scoring show that the Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract significantly improved the spermatogenesis process in stress-induced mice that received the extract. Conclusions: Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract attenuates the impact of heat stress on spermatogenesis in male mice by improving blood testosterone levels and spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. Key words: Gynostemma pentaphyllum, herbs, heat stress, spermatogenesis.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth infection is a common and a significant health problem in poor and developing countries. Children are the most commonly infected with soil-transmitted helminths. Objectives: To determine the proportion of soil-transmitted helminth and related factors to soil-transmitted helminth infection in primary school students in Ea Po commune, Cu Jut district, Dak Nong province, in 2021. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was caried out on 440 primary school students attending two primary schools. Participants were interviewed and collected the fecal to detect soil-transmitted helminths by the Kato technique. Results: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection among primary school students was 17.5%. Ethnicity, hand washing before eating, barefoot walking, and toilet were related factors to soil-transmitted helminth infection. Conclusion: These results reinforce the need to take more effective actions to address soil-transmitted helminth infection in children. Key words: prevalence, related factors, soil-transmitted helminths.

Background: From the academic year 2018-2019, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy has renewed the medical training program in the direction of integration based on competence. One of the mandatory criteria is to survey the satisfaction of medical students with the training program at the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, in order to validate the school’s training quality. A plethora of aspects of the training program was considered in this study, such as objectives and content of the training program, materials and facilities, teaching staff, organization of assessment, and counseling to support students. Objectives: 1) Surveying the fulfillment of medical students with the training program and 2) Finding out some factors related to student contentment with the training program. Materials and methods: Crosssectional descriptive study was applied to investigate the satisfaction of 847 medical students from 1st to 4th year at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The data retrieved from the Google form autocomplete toolkit consisted of 2 parts: general information and the satisfaction of medical students with the training program. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. Partition system description was achieved by frequency and rate. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to evaluate the reliability of the satisfactory scale of students with the training quality and the model’s suitability. Linear regression was utilized to assess the correlation of the training quality factors with the satisfaction of students. Results: Overall, 87.8% of students are content with the renewed training program. The linear regression model shows that the students’ fulfillment is determined by lecturers, objectives and contents of the program, administrative organization (structure, evaluation, and support for students), and facility-related factors (materials and training facilities). Conclusions: The satisfaction rate of students reaches 87.8%. The degree of influence of these factors on the satisfaction of medical students with the training program at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy follows a descending order: (1) teaching staff, (2) objectives and content of the training program, (3) organizing, evaluating, and supporting students, (4) materials and facilities for training. Key words: satisfaction, medical students, university training, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Background: Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common skin cancers of the face. Surgical treatment must ensure safe surgical margins and effects in functional and cosmetic aspects. Therefore, the selection of surgical excision and postoperative reconstruction methods remains a challenge in treatment. Methods: We conducted a prospective descriptive clinical intervention study with 34 patients with basal cell carcinoma of the face (35 lesions) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of local flaps of the face for reconstruction after wide local excision in facial basal cell carcinoma at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from January 2017 to April 2021. Results: The most common sites of tumor were nose and cheek (68.5%); with clinical features mostly non-healing ulcers (54.3%). The safe surgical margins were 2-10mm in 94.3% of cases. The functional outcome was 100% satisfactory and the aesthetic result was good in 91.4% of patients, with a low complication rate (5.7%) and no recurrence, metastasis was recorded after 19.5 months of follow-up. Conclusions: 2 to 10 mm margins of wide local excision and reconstruction by local flap ensures safety and aesthetics in the surgical treatment of facial basal cell carcinomas Key words: skin cancer, basal cell carcinomas, facial area, wide local excision, local flap

Background: The glass fiber post system with a similar elastic modulus to dentin is widely indicated to reinforce teeth after the endodontic treatment. Many studies emphasized the importance of ferrule effect and post length in strengthening endodontically treated teeth. However, the simultaneous influence of 2 factors on increasing fracture resistance is still controversial. Objectives: To evaluate the influence of ferrule effect and depth of glass fiber post insertion on the fracture resistance and the failure mode of endodontically treated teeth. Material and methods: In this in vitro study, sixty sound mandibular first premolars were performed endodontic treatment, and the crown was removed at 2 mm above the cementoenamel junction. Combinations of post lengths of 7 mm, 9 mm, and ferrule lengths of 0 mm and 2 mm formed four different groups consisting of 15 teeth each. The coronal sections were restored by composite build-up technique and received a full metal crown. The fracture load and failure pattern of each group were evaluated by applying a compressive load to the buccal surface of the tooth until the failure occurred. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 20.0. Results: The mean fracture load of 4 groups is 459.97 ± 115.92N, 495.96 ± 97.92N, 298.54 ± 82.46 N, 394.40 ± 88.67N, respectively. The difference in resistance to fracture between groups with ferrule and without ferrule or between groups with different post length insertions were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The number of favorable fractured teeth was highest in the group with ferrule effect and post length at 9 mm, whereas the lowest in the group without ferrule effect and with shorter post length. Conclusion: Both ferrule effect and post length play an important role in improving the fracture resistance to compressive load in endodontically treated teeth. The ferrule effect and the increased post length insertion create a more favorable fracture to restore. Key words: ferrule effect, endodontically treated teeth, fracture resistance, glass fiber post.

Background and objectives: The genus Homalomena belongings to the Araceae family. Secondary metabolites afforded from this genus show various bioactivities. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and cytotoxicl activities of compounds isolated from n-hexane extract of rhizomes of Homalomena pendula. Materials and methods: The rhizomes of Homalomena pendula were collected from Lam Dong, Vietnam in January 2021. Extraction methods included maceration, liquid-liquid and solidliquid partition. Isolation of pure compounds was carried out by a combination of various chromatographic methods. Chemical structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity was performed by Skehan’s method. Results: 3 sesquiterpenoids (α-cadinol, homalomenol C, taiwaninone A) and 1 steroid (sitoindoside I) were isolated. α-cadinol inhibited SK-LU-1 and HEK-293A with IC50 of 97.75 ± 4.38 μM and 92.52 ± 2.80 μM, respectively. Sitoindoside I inhibited SK-LU-1, MCF7, Hep G2, 8505c and HEK-293A with IC50 of 44.05 ± 1.91 μM; 48.97 ± 3.93 μM; 60.64 ± 2.18 μM; 48.15 ± 5.51 μM and 57.22 ± 5.20 μM, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first report on the cytotoxic activity of compounds isolated from Homalomena pendula. Key words: Homalomena pendula, cytotoxic, α-cadinol, sitoindoside I.

Background: To achieve success in endodontic treatment, the working length must be precisely defined and maintained during preparation. The introduction of the electronic apex locator makes it possible to determine the working length quickly and accurately. Apex ID is the 4th generation electronic apex locator, which can determine the working length in humid conditions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Apex ID apex locator. Materials and methods: In vitro study on 50 orthodontic extracted mandibular premolars, measured working length by Apex ID apex locator. The measured value was compared with the actual length of the canal and the working length was determined by periapical X-ray. The accuracy of Apex ID was assessed through the distribution of measured values within an acceptable deviation of 0.5mm from the apical foramen. Result: The working length measured by the Apex ID machine was shorter than that measured by the periapical X-ray and the actual length of the canal (p

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic untrasound is the major technique for diagnosis of GI disease and treatment. Various sedation and analgesia regimens such as midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol can be used during GI endoscopy. The purpose of the study was to compare propofol alone and propofol combine with midazolam or fentanyl in moderate sedation for GI endoscopy. Objectives: To observe the efficiency comparison between propofol alone and propofol/fentanyl or propofol/midazolam on sedation during upper gastrointestinal endoscopic ultrasound. Methods: In a prospective, randomized clinical study, 90 patients were assigned to group 1 (n = 30; 1 mg/kg IV propofol) group 2 (n = 30; 1 mg IV midazolam intravenous followed 1 mg/kg IV propofol) or group 3 (n = 30; 50 μg fentanyl followed 1 mg/kg IV propofol). Each patient was administered 1 mg/kg propofol for induction. All of the patients were administered an additional dose of IV propofol infusion (5 mg/kg/h). This study was performed in Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, between January 2020 - 2021. Total propofol consumption, time to achieve, physician and patient satisfaction scores, and instances of side effects, such as bradycardia and hypotension were recorded. Postprocedural records included recovery time, postoperative adverse events (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, recall, and pain) and satisfaction. Results: The average propofol consumption was 283.8 ± 113 mg in Group 1 and 230 ± 76.3 mg in Group 2 and 231.8 ± 76.3 mg in Group 3 (p < 0.05). The incidence of moving motor or verbal) was lower in Group 3 (p < 0.05). The physician satisfaction was higher significantly in Group 3 (p < 0.05). Total propofol consumption was higher in group 1 significantly. Time to onset of sedation was significantly higher in group 1 The physician satisfaction was higher significantly in Group 3. Overall, the other results were similar in 3 groups. Conclusion: Both propofol/fentanyl and propofol/midazolam combinations provided appropriate hypnosis and analgesia during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. However, propofol consumption was significantly lower and greater endoscopist satisfaction in group using the propofol/ fentanyl combination. Key words: sedation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, propofol, fentanyl, midazolam

Background: In traditional medicine, “kidney dominate reproduction”, kidney deficiency is the main cause of polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility. Objective: To survey on kidney organ function characteristics according to traditional medicine and find out some related factors in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study recruited 110 infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome who visited the Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Result: The symptoms of kidney Jing/Qi deficiency accounted for a high percentage (> 60%) and have the highest average score (5.3 ± 2.5). Kidney Yin deficiency syndrome accounted for 49.1%, kidney Yang deficiency syndrome 36.4% and kidney Yin Yang deficiency syndrome 20.9%, the average score of kidney Yin was higher than that of kidney Yang. There was difference in kidney Yang score between the body types, in kidney Yin score, kidney Yang and the presence of kidney Yin Yang deficiency syndrome between infertility types. Conclusion: Symptoms in the kidney Yin deficiency syndrome and kidney Yang deficiency syndrome appeared at a rather high rate. Kidney Yin deficiency syndrome accounted for the highest rate, followed by kidney Yang deficiency syndrome and kidney Yin Yang deficiency syndrome. Kidney Yang score in overweight and obese groups were higher than in lean and normal groups. Secondary infertility has higher kidney Yin score and kidney Yang score than primary one. Key words: Kidney organ, traditional medicine, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility

Hepatitis B infection remains a global health problem, with progression to acute-chronic hepatitis, severe liver failure, and death making hepatitis B one of the most serious infections worldwide. The disease is most widely transmitted from an infected mother to her baby, after exposure to infected blood or body fluids or unsafe sexual contact. Pregnant women, adolescents, and all adults at high risk for chronic infection are recommended to be screened for hepatitis B. Serological tests allow the distinction between acute and chronic hepatitis. Meanwhile, the molecular tests performed provide detection and quantification of viral DNA, genotyping, drug resistance, and pre-core/core mutation analysis to confirm infection and follow monitoring disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Because, the current treatment is only based on nucleotide analogs and pegylated interferons that save lives by decreasing liver cancer death, liver transplant, slowing or reversing the progression of liver disease as well as the virus infectivity. In this review, we clearly light the role of Hepatitis B Core Antibody, therefore clinicians understand the need to screen for hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc), proper interpretation of HBV biomarkers, and that “anti-HBc only” indicates HBV exposure, lifelong persistence of cccDNA with incomplete infection control, and potential risk for reactivation. Key words: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc/HbcAb).

Background: Blended learning offers opportunities for the complexity of learning in clinical education. Student peer assessment is widely used as a form of formative assessment in early clinical exposure programs, especially clinical communication skills training. This study aimed to describe clinical communication skills competencies of second-year students and to identify the relationships between peer and faculty assessment of communication skills in a blended learning program format. Methods: A total of 474 second-year general medical students and dental students participated in the study. Peer and lecturer assessment forms with a 5-point Likert scale according to the Calgary-Cambridge guide format were used to evaluate students’ performance of basic communication skills, relationship building, and history taking. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and paired t-test were applied. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most of students were rated at distinction level (score at 7-8.4) in communication skills. Mean of the overall score by peer and faculty assessment were 7.46 ± 1.03 and 7.17 ± 0.68, respectively. Peers rarely provided negative ratings on subcategories of communication skills. Skills of understanding the patient’s perspectives and gathering information were the most reported skills needed to improve among students. Significant positive correlations were found between peer and faculty evaluations for building relationship, establishing initial rapport, and gathering information domains (p < 0.01). Students tended to grade their colleagues higher for building relationship (3.88 ± 0.62) and establishing initial rapport domains (3.72 ± 0.61) than other domains, meanwhile, teachers tended to grade building relationship (3.80 ± 0.55) and gathering information domains (3.64 ± 0.38) higher than other domains. Conclusion: The findings suggest that student peer evaluation can be valuable for clinical education. As part of a formative assessment, it can be also used for faculty to evaluate students’ clinical communication skills performance in innovative medical education programs. Key words: peer assessment, clinical communication skills, practice of medicine, early clinical practice, blended learning.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) infections are still the leading cause of invasive infections in neonates, specically they also seriously cause mortality and morbidity with underlying diseases in adults. Curently, there are ten GBS serotypes (Ia, Ib, and II-IX) and the resistance characteristic of GBS is important to clinical treatment. Objectives and methods: 30 clinical isolates of GBS were obtained from patients in Hue Central Hospital, Vietnam, from January 2016 until Jun 2019. Then the isolated GBS was conducted antimicrobial susceptibility test to determine the antibiotic resistance and serotypes by a multiplex PCR method. Results: GBS strains were resistant to tetracycline (100%), azithromycin (82.6%), erythromycin (80%) and clindamycin (80%). Resistance rates were lower with levofloxacin (45%), chloramphenicol (52.6%) and ceftriaxone (6.7%) whereas resistance was not observed in ampicillin, vancomycin and penicillin G. The distribution rate of serotype V (66.67%) was higher than type I (33.33%). Conclusions: Antibiotic resistance characteristics of GBS in samples are mostly familiar with other studies: β -lactams and vancomycin were the most susceptible antibiotics to GBS, the resistance rate in second line drug like clindamycin and erythromycin were high but there were large differences between studies. This study determined two GBS serotypes of Ia and V among isolated strains. Key words: Streptococcus agalactiae, GBS, antibiotic resistance, serotype.

Introduction: Simulation methods in nursing training are increasingly popular. The purpose of this study is to examine the necessity for simulation methods in nursing training and the readiness of nursing students at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Methodology: Participants include nursing professionals, lecturers, and nursing students. Combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches based on existing questionnaires to survey study participants. In order to analyze the data, descriptive statistics and content analysis were applied. Results: 100% of faculties realize the importance and necessity of the simulation method in nursing education. Simulation enhances clinical decision-making abilities (4.21 ± 0.80) and collaboration (4.29 ± 0.82). The simulation challenge was that some simulations were not appropriate for the Vietnamese context (3.93 ± 0.73). The simulation preparedness of students was average (61.23 ± 10.80). Conclusion: This conclusion demonstrates the critical necessity for simulation in nursing education. The simulation’s readiness on nursing students is moderate. As a result, the use of simulation in nursing education must be implemented and maintained. Key words: simulation, need assessment, student readiness, nursing education.

Background: The theory of Qi, blood, yin, and yang is one of the significant dialectics in the traditional practice of medicine in the elderly. Objective: Research on the reliability, sensitivity and specificity of the abridged Vietnamese version of the Qi Blood Yin Yang Deficiency Pattern (QBYYDP) questionnaire on the elderly. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 290 elderly who came for treatment at Thua Thien Hue Traditional Medicine Hospital. Result: The abridged Vietnamese version of the Qi Blood Yin Yang Deficiency Pattern (QBYYDP) questionnaire on the elderly consists of 27 questions (male: 26 questions and female: 27 questions) with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.895 (male) and 0.871 (female), the sensitivities Qi deficiency region, Blood deficiency region, Yin deficiency region, and Yang deficiency region were: 62.50%, 66.67%, 44.12%, 37.5% (male), 63.04% (female), respectively; the specificity 95.9%, 50.89%, 76.95%, 69.49% (male) and 75.74% (female), respectively, the area under the ROC curve of the questionnaires were > 0.6. Conclusion: The abridged Vietnamese version of the Qi Blood Yin Yang Deficiency Pattern (QBYYDP) questionnaire on the elderly with high consistency and reliability assessed through Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. The value of the Qi deficiency region has a high specificity and is distinguishable between two groups with diseased and non-diseased well. Although it is possible to take the Blood deficiency region, Yin deficiency region, and Yang deficiency region for clinical reference, the sensitivity and specificity are low, and the ability to distinguish the disease is moderate or poor. Key words: reliability, validity, questionnaire, Qi Blood Yin Yang deficiency pattern, the elderly.

Introduction: After discharge, surgical patients have to deal with many problems. Discharge education was believed to be the solution to improve patients’ ability to deal with difficulties going home. This emphasizes the importance of exploring the fulfillment of discharge education content needs from the perspective of surgical patients in Vietnam and its related factors. We conduct this study to examine the fulfillment of discharge education content needs from surgical patients’ perspective and related factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Vietnam. Surgical patients older than 18 years of age were selected to complete the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS) within 4 hours before discharge. Results: Discharge content need was perceived as low with a score of 5.39 (SD = 2.64). Patients considered the quality of discharge content received as low quality with a score of 5.58 (SD = 2.14). Patients received more information about emotions and practices treatment and medication than their needed (p < 0.01). In contrast, they rated the received information about their emergency contact as lower than they expected (p < 0.001). Quality of discharge education delivery was perceived as moderate with a score of 7.53 (SD = 1.47). Inferential analysis showed that age (r = 0.17, p < 0.05) and length of hospital stay (r = 0.23, p < 0.01) were associated with content need. The type of surgery was related to the patient-perceived quality of the content received (F = 3.53, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, occupational status was related to how patients perceived the fulfillment of discharge content needs (t =-2.41, p < 0.05).Conclusion: Further research should include other factors including patients’ access to information, the background of knowledge, work experience in the social or healthcare field, depression, and anxiety which were not included in this study Key words: surgical patient, hospital discharge, adult education, perspective

Background: The nutritional status of the elderly is important but not being considered properly. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and understand the eating habits of the elderly from some communes in Hue city as well as to study the relationship between nutritional status and eating habits of the study subjects. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 408 people aged 60 and over who were living in Hue city using a pre-prepared questionnaire and MNA scale. Results: The prevalence of the elderly who were at risk of undernutrition and undernutrition were 33.8% and 2.2%, respectively. The age group with the highest risk of undernutrition was 60-74 years old (30.8%). Most of the subjects had a habit of stir-fry processing (24.5%) and boiled/steamed/water-bathed their food (24.2%). Most of the elderly used vegetable oil for processing and cooking (98.5%). The percentage of the elderly who used frying oil/fat many times accounted for 39.4%. There was 26.5% of the elderly used herbs and 25.5% of them used salty spices. 97.5% of the elderly did not use a spice measuring device when cooking. Most of them using food that was being tasted by the cook (84.9%). Only 25.7% of the elderly had the habit of reading food labels in which only 11.5% reading nutritional information. The percentage of the elderly who ate enough three primary meals/day was 94.1%; 14.5% of families have menus for the elderly; 53.9% of the elderly consumed more than 1500 ml fluids per day. The percentage of the elderly who ate fruit daily, had an average amount of vegetables > 300 g per day and used milk and dairy products every day were 7.6%, 21.6% and 41.7%, respectively. Some factors significantly related to nutritional status (p < 0.05) were eating under 3 primary meals per day, consuming ≤ 1500 ml of fluids per day, the family did not have a separated menu for the elderly. Conclusion: The prevalence of the elderly who were at risk of undernutrition and undernutrition in Hue city is quite high (36%). It is necessary to guide the elderly to have age-appropriate eating habits to ensure health. Key words: Nutritional status, the elderly, eating habits, MNA

Introduction: Nursing professionalism is essential content in nursing training. In 2019, this course was implemented by the application of the UBL method at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University. Objectives: Survey students’ feedback on nursing professionalism courses applied by UBL. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted with 65 nursing students, who participated in a nursing professionalism course. Results: Study time was reasonably arranged (92.3%); teaching facility was suitable (98.5%); 95.4% of students said that “Course materials are adequate”, “information and communication are sufficient” and “Course content is suitable for students”. Regarding the UBL learning method, 100% of students were interested in this learning method; 70.8% of students didn’t have difficulty in testing UBL and 96.9% of students think that UBL can be applied to university training at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University. Conclusion: Nursing professionalism is an essential content of nursing education. UBL application for this course has increased teaching efficiency and got positive feedback from students. Key words: Ubiquitous-based learning (UBL, U-learning), professionalism course, nursing.

Objective: To assess the level of nursing students’ knowledge and attitude toward dementia, and identify some factors related to this knowledge and attitude toward dementia. Methodology: A descriptive crosssectional design was conducted among 290 nursing students at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University. Results: Students have relatively low knowledge but have a positive attitude toward dementia. There was a relationship between age, academic year, ethnicity, experience in accessing information about dementia, geriatric nursing education and dementia, caring for older adults, interest in dementia and intention to work in a geriatric hospital with students’ knowledge. Factors related to students’ attitudes include experience in accessing information about dementia, interest in dementia, intention to work in a geriatric hospital, and dementia training needs. Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen training programs in dementia care to improve the knowledge of nursing students about dementia Key words: attitude, dementia, knowledge, nursing students

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the ability of sperm to bind hyaluronic acid with the level of DNA fragmentation and sperm parameters. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 90 semen samples from husbands of infertile couples in the Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. The values evaluated: sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), Hyaluronan Binding Assay (HBA). Results: The mean of progressive motility (PR) and normal morphology of sperm were lower than the threshold of the WHO reference value (PR = 31.59 ± 10.14% < 32%; normal morphology = 3.86 ± 2.12% < 4%), the mean of DFI was 23.88 ± 15.56 (4.4 - 76.4)%. The mean of HBA was lower than the reference threshold: HBA = 47.19 ± 28.71 < 60%. The group of high HA binding (HBA > 60%) had a higher percentage of normal morphology than the low binding group (HBA ≤ 60%), but the difference was not statistically significant, p=0.14. The concentration of sperm after washing in the HBA group > 60% was statistically significantly higher than in the HBA group ≤ 60% (32.08± 17.25 vs 20.81 ± 9.61, P=0.00). There was a positive correlation between the HBA and sperm concentration after washing (r=0.308, P=0.003). There was no correlation between the HBA and the morphology, motility, and sperm DNA fragmentation. Conclusion: The ability of sperm to bind HA was no relationship with sperm parameters and the sperm DNA fragmentation in fresh semen samples. But, it was positively correlated with sperm concentration after washing. Evaluation of sperm HA binding has a role potential in assisted reproductive techniques. Key words: semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, hyaluronic acid binding

Background: Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers. Identifying some epidemiological and clinical features of patients with skin cancer helps to suspect and diagnose early. Materials and methods: 44 skin cancer patients visiting and treating at Hue Central Hospital and Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from May 2020 to April 2021. Results: Most of the patients were over 60 years old (68.2%), the mean age was 66.3 ± 15.7 years old; Men and women were equal; Percentages with frequent exposure to sunlight, chemicals, and artificial light were respectively 54.6%, 45.5% and 43.2%; Precancerous lesions were accounted for 43.2%; The rates of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were equal (43.2%), melanoma was lower (13.6%); Ulcers and bleeding were the most common lesions (accounting for 68.2% and 63.6%); The most common location was head - face - neck (54.5%); unique lesion was almost (88.6%); 54.6% of lesions were over 20mm in size; 31.8% having peripheral lymph nodes in clinical. There was relationship between kind of skin cancer and age; sex; kind, number and size of the lesion; peripheral lymph nodes in clinical (p