Two-dimensional (2D) culture models are commonly used in cancer research, but fail to recapitulate complex mechanical cues of native tissues. In this study, we developed an ex vivo three-dimensional (3D) lung cancer model by seeding human lung adenocarcinoma cells into decellularised rat lungs and culturing them in a pressure chamber and perfusion system mimicking respiratory motion (RM) and blood flow. In 3D culture, RM promoted cell adhesion and proliferation, enhanced the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and YAP, and increased the expression of integrin β1 and E-cadherin. In addition, upregulation of extracellular matrix- and cell adhesion-related genes was particularly notable. In contrast, in 2D culture, RM suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, with prominent upregulation of tumour suppressor genes. Our findings demonstrate that dimensionality and mechanical stress synergistically influence lung cancer cell dynamics and underscore the need for 3D models in cancer research that closely replicate the native lung tissue microenvironment.

Background: Compromised left ventricular function presents unique challenges during mitral valve surgery. Recent evidence suggests subvalvular apparatus preservation might enhance postoperative recovery in high-risk populations. Methods: This prospective observational investigation (Hue Central Hospital, March 2015-September 2016) evaluated 87 patients undergoing mechanical mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation. Participants were stratified into two groups: reduced ejection fraction (EF ≤50%, n=38) and preserved EF (>50%, n=49). Comprehensive clinical and echocardiographic assessments were conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis employed parametric and non-parametric methodologies, with survival analyzed via Kaplan-Meier techniques. Results: The reduced EF cohort demonstrated significant improvement in contractile performance from 48.8±5.2% preoperatively to 61.6±7.2% at 12 months (p<0.05). Ventricular dimensions decreased notably from 59.2±6.6mm to 47.6±4.0mm (p<0.05). Hospital mortality was 2.3% (2 patients). Twelve-month survival rates reached 94.66% and 97.96% for reduced and preserved EF groups, respectively, without significant inter-group differences (p=0.42). All surviving participants achieved functional status in NYHA class I or II. Conclusion: Mechanical mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation represents an effective approach for patients with reduced ventricular performance, promoting substantial improvement in cardiac function and excellent clinical outcomes.

Background: Compromised left ventricular function presents unique challenges during mitral valve surgery. Recent evidence suggests that subvalvular apparatus preservation might enhance postoperative recovery in high-risk populations. Methods: This prospective observational investigation (Hue Central Hospital, March 2015–September 2016) evaluated 87 patients undergoing mechanical mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation. Participants were stratified into two groups: reduced ejection fraction (EF ≤ 50%, n = 38) and preserved EF (>50%, n = 49). Comprehensive clinical and echocardiographic assessments were conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis employed parametric and non-parametric methodologies, with survival analyzed via Kaplan–Meier techniques. Results: The reduced EF cohort demonstrated significant improvement in contractile performance from 48.8 ± 5.2% preoperatively to 61.6 ± 7.2% at 12 months (p < 0.05). Ventricular dimensions decreased notably from 59.2 ± 6.6 mm to 47.6 ± 4.0 mm (p < 0.05). Hospital mortality was 2.3% (2 patients). Twelve-month survival rates reached 94.66% and 97.96% for reduced and preserved EF groups, respectively, without significant inter-group differences (p = 0.42). All surviving participants achieved functional status in NYHA class I or II. Conclusions: Mechanical mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation represents an effective approach for patients with reduced ventricular performance, promoting substantial improvement in cardiac function and excellent clinical outcomes.

Cytokines reflect the inflammatory response and play an important role in classifying asthma phenotypes, facilitating the selection of targeted therapy, and predicting the risk of exacerbations. Changes in serum cytokine levels in adult patients with asthma depending on the level of its control remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum depending on the degree of asthma control. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted based on data obtained in the outpatient department of the Clinical Center of Allergology and Immunology of Vietnam for the treatment of asthma. Patients received treatment in accordance with the recommendations of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA, 2013) with a follow-up of 3 months. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and TNF-α were determined in patients (n = 66) with uncontrolled moderately severe to severe persistent asthma. Results. Most patients (80.3%) achieved good asthma control after 2 – 3 months of treatment. Mean serum IL-5 and IL-13 levels after 3 months of therapy significantly decreased compared with baseline values (0.075 and 1.6 pg/ml vs 0.75 and 6.73 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). In patients with wellcontrolled asthma, IL-5 and TNF-α levels after 3 months of treatment were significantly lower than in patients with uncontrolled asthma (0.12 ± 0.25 and 0.14 ± 0.22 pg/ml vs 16.85 ± 44.36 and 11.64 ± 14.76 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). Serum IL-5 and TNF-α levels were associated with the degree of worsening of asthma control in adults. Conclusion. The obtained results suggest the possibility of using changes in IL-5 and TNF-α levels as inflammatory markers for assessing and monitoring asthma control.

Mục tiêu: Đánh giá kết quả sinh thiết màng phổi dưới hướng dẫn siêu âm kết hợp phân tích hình ảnh cắt lớp vi tính (CLVT) ngực trên PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) trong chẩn đoán nguyên nhân tràn dịch màng phổi (TDMP) dịch tiết. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: Nghiên cứu can thiệp, mô tả cắt ngang trên 31 bệnh nhân (BN) TDMP dịch tiết điều trị tại Bệnh viện Quân y 103 từ tháng 10/2023 -10/2024. Xác định vị trí màng phổi tổn thương trên CLVT ngực trên PACS và siêu âm để hướng dẫn sinh thiết màng phổi bằng kim COPE. Kết quả: TDMP bên phải chiếm đa số (67,7%), chủ yếu ở mức độ vừa và nhiều. Đa số tổn thương màng phổi mỏng, với độ dày ≤ 5mm (96,87%). Tỷ lệ thành công kỹ thuật là 100%. Kết quả mô bệnh viêm lao chiếm tỷ lệ cao nhất (64,52%), tiếp đến là ung thư (29,03%) và viêm không đặc hiệu (6,45%). 22,58% BN có đau sau sinh thiết. Không có tai biến, biến chứng nặng. Kết luận: Kỹ thuật sinh thiết màng phổi dưới hướng dẫn siêu âm kết hợp phân tích hình ảnh CLVT trên PACS là phương pháp an toàn, có tỷ lệ lấy được mẫu mô thành công cao (100%), mẫu mô có kết quả chẩn đoán xác định ngay lần đầu sinh thiết đạt 90,32%.

(1) Background: Isoniazid resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is primarily mediated by mutations in katG and inhA genes, yet the molecular characteristics of coding region mutations and their clinical correlations in Vietnamese patients remain incompletely understood; (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing exon mutations in katG and inhA genes using Sanger sequencing in 56 isoniazid-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients treated at the National Lung Hospital from January 2023 to June 2024, with comprehensive clinical and paraclinical data collection; (3) Results: Exon mutations in katG were detected in 11 patients (19.6%) and inhA in 7 patients (12.5%), with no concurrent mutations. The Ser315Thr mutation was present in all katG-positive cases (100%), while all inhA mutations were concentrated in codon cluster 233-240 with 63/96 being amino acid-changing variants. Patients with katG or inhA mutations had significantly higher rates of pulmonary rales compared to those without mutations (90.9% and 85.7% vs. 34.2%, p < 0.001), and inhA mutations were exclusively found in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases (p = 0.012); (4) Conclusions: Our findings identify codon cluster 233-240 as a novel inhA mutation hotspot in Vietnamese strains and demonstrate significant associations between specific mutations and disease severity. The exclusive presence of inhA mutations in MDR-TB cases and the correlation between genotype and clinical manifestations support the implementation of genotype-guided diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis.