Low-dose computed tomography scan and biopsy for assessing lung cancer prevalence and related factors in high-risk populations.

Background: Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in 2020, representing approximately one in 10 (11.4 %) cancers diagnosed and one in 5 (18.0 %) deaths. There are currently very few studies evaluating the prevalence and related factors of lung cancer detected using low-dose CT scans. Objective: Evaluate the prevalence and related factors of lung cancer using low-dose CT scans in high-risk populations in Vietnam. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analysis study of 169 high-risk patients was conducted to assess the lung cancer prevalence and related factors. Enrolled patients received a physical examination, low-dose computerized tomography scan, and biopsy if abnormalities were found through the CT scan. Univariable and Multivariable analysis through Odd Ratio (OR) to assess the related risk of lung cancer. Results: A total of 169 high-risk patients with a mean age of 62.93 ± 9.31 (years), and the majority were male (91.7 %). Of which 4 cases (2.37 %) were recorded with lung cancer, 3 cases of adenocarcinoma, and 1 case of squamous cell carcinoma. A history of smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) were associated with an increased risk of abnormalities on lung CT scans. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that smoking over 30 pack-years and COPD significantly increased the risk of abnormalities on lung CT scans, p < 0.05.100 % of lung cancer-detected cases were male and smoking ≥30 pack - years. Conclusion: The prevalence of lung cancer in the Vietnamese high-risk population was relatively high. Relative factors such as smoking ≥30 pack - years, and COPD had increased risk of CTscan abnormalities.

Dengue virus serotypes and related factors in children with dengue hemorrhagic fever in Southern Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION: After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, a high number of cases and severe dengue in children were reported in some provinces in the south of Vietnam. This study aimed to determine the distribution of dengue virus serotypes and their correlation with demographic factors, disease severity, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings. METHODOLOGY: This study employed a cross-sectional design. Ninety-six dengue-infected children admitted to Can Tho Children's Hospital between October 2022 and March 2023 were included. Confirmation of dengue infection was achieved through the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Among the identified serotypes, DENV-2 accounted for the highest proportion (71.87%), followed by DENV-1 (23.96%), and DENV-4 (4.17%). DENV-3 was not detected. No significant demographic, disease severity, or laboratory differences were observed among the identified dengue serotypes. However, DENV-2 was associated with a higher occurrence of mucous membrane hemorrhages and gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other serotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Although DENV-2 was the most prevalent serotype responsible for dengue in children in southern Vietnam, it did not lead to more severe cases compared to other serotypes. This finding is crucial for evaluating the illness's prognosis.

Diagnostic performance of 128-slice computed tomography angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic performance and influencing factors of 128-slice coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) compared with invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis study enrolled 139 patients suspected of having CAD, who underwent and received a 128-slice CCTA and ICA. Results: The patient-based model showed high sensitivity and a positive predictive value of 93.2% and 95.3%, respectively (for stenosis ≥50%). However, these values were lower when analyzed using vessel-based (85.6% and 81.1%) and segment-based (73.9% and 66.6%) models. Specificity and negative predictive value were highest in the segment-based model, decreasing in vessel- and patient-based models at 96.4% and 95.4%, 90.5% and 90.0%, and 36.4% and 42.1%, respectively (for stenosis ≥70%). All diagnostic values were reduced when the calcium score was ≥400 Agatston units. Conclusion: 128-slice CCTA is an optimal, minimally invasive, and high-performance method to diagnose the stenosis and morphology of coronary artery lesions. The diagnostic performance of 128-slice CCTA is very high. Heart rate and body mass index do not affect diagnostic accuracy, whereas a calcium score ≥400 Agatston units is a factor that causes a decrease in diagnostic performance.

Effects of hyperbaric pressure on the oxidative stress status in healthy subjects

Introduction: In the hyperbaric pressure environment the partial pressure of each gas component increases, which increases oxygen partial pressure. This causes the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Objective: To determine the effects of hyperbaric pressure on the oxidative stress status in healthy subjects. Methods: 29 healthy men performed standardized hyperbaric chamber dive to a depth of 30 meters of water (msw) for 30 minutes. Blood samples were collected before compression, immediately after decompression and 1 hour after decompression. The levels of Malondialdehyde, Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase were measured in blood samples. Results: Malondialdehyde activity increased immediately after decompression and recovered at 1 hour after decompression. Superoxide Dismutase enzyme activity decreased immediately after decompression as well as 1 hour after decompression. Catalase enzyme activity increased immediately after decompression, which was significant at 1 hour after decompression. Conclusion: Changes in the biological markers Malondialdehyde, Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase suggest the appearance of oxidative stress under the influence of a hyperbaric pressure environment.

Introducción: En la condición de presión hiperbárica, la presión parcial de los componentes del aire se encuentra aumentada, incluida la del oxígeno. Esto se considera la causa de formación de radicales libres y el estado de estrés oxidativo. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la presión hiperbárica sobre estado del estrés oxidativo en individuos sanos. Métodos: 29 hombres sanos realizaron buceo estandarizado en cámara hiperbárica, a una profundidad de 30 metros de agua, durante un tiempo total de 30 minutos. Se recogieron muestras de sangre antes de la compresión, inmediatamente después de la descompresión y una hora después. Se midieron los niveles de malondialdehído, catalasa y superóxido dismutasa en muestras de sangre. Resultados: La acción del malondialdehído se incrementó inmediatamente después del buceo y se recuperó en 1 hora. La acción de enzima superóxido dismutasa se encontró disminuida al término y 1 hora después, mientras la enzima catalasa se demostró lo contrario y aumentó significativamente en la primera hora. Conclusión: El cambio de los marcadores biológicos malondialdehído, catalasa y superóxido dismutasa sugiere estado de estrés oxidativo bajo la influencia de presión hiperbárica.

Through-Space, Lone-Pair Promoted Aromatic Substitution: A Relay Mechanism Can Beat Out Direct Activation.

We report a detailed experimental and theoretical analysis of through-space arene activation with halogens, tetrazoles and achiral esters and amides. Contrary to previously assumed direct activation through σ-complex stabilization, our results suggest that these reactions proceed by a relay mechanism wherein the lone pair-containing activators form exothermic π-complexes with electrophilic nitronium ion before transferring it to the probe ring through low barrier transition states. Noncovalent interactions (NCI) plots and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analyses depict favorable interactions between the Lewis base (LB) and the nitronium ion in the precomplexes and the transition states, suggesting directing group participation throughout the mechanism. The regioselectivity of substitution also comports with a relay mechanism. In all, these data pave the way for an alternate platform of electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reactions.