Search

AbstractUsing the GJR-GARCH method, this study examines the safe-haven role of gold, US dollar, and Bitcoin over a period including the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 3 April 2006 to 19 May 2023. The study supports the hypothesis that the safe-haven role of assets changes over periods of crisis. Specifically, gold loses its role as a safe-haven asset during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this role has been restored in the Dutch, US and German markets during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Similarly, Bitcoin is not a safe-haven asset during the COVID-19 pandemic but is a strong safe-haven asset for the stock markets of some European countries, and a weak safe-haven asset for China when the Russia-Ukraine conflict occurred. Only the USD acts as a stable safe-haven asset through periods of crisis. However, this role is weakened in Russia. These results partly help investors and portfolio managers choose a safe haven for their assets, especially during volatile market periods.

Introduction: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that the function of venous system is impaired due to insufficiency of venous valves. The prolonged periods of standing or sitting is considered the most crucial risk factor of CVI. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CVI among seafood processing workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through clinical examination and face-to-face interviews with 1160 seafood processing workers in Hai Phong from March to November in 2023 to assess the prevalence and associated factors to CVI. Results: The prevalence of CVI was 51.9%; the prevalent symptom was restless legs (54.0%); nocturnal cramps (49.3%); tight feeling in calves (43.2%); pins and needles (36.4%); edema lower legs (28.6%). Of all participants 4.1% were C0, 82.9% were C1, 11.0% were C2 and 2.0% were C3. Some factors associated with CVI: female (OR = 2.51, p=0.002); advanced age; prolonged periods of standing or sitting (OR = 2.08, p=0.001); overweight and obesity (OR =1.82, p=0.037); Abdominal obesity (OR =2.11, p=0.025); diabetes (OR = 1.95, p=0.045); hypertension (OR =2.59, p=0.004); gave birth to 2 and 3 children (OR = 1.78 and 2.35, p=0.002); working time over 8 hours per day (OR =3.87, p

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. The tumor originates from Cajal cells, which generated peristaltic motion. Primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the liver is rare and should be considered in imaging diagnosis. We report a case of an 82-year-old female patient who represented with upper abdominal pain and poor appetite. Magnetic resonance imaging detected a large left lobe cystic lesion (10 × 15 cm). The tumor was resected. The histopathological and immunohistochemical results were of a primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the liver with cystic changes. On imaging, it is difficult to differentiate from other cystic lesions.

Acute methanol intoxication is uncommon. Methanol is mildly toxic, but its metabolites are formic acid and formaldehyde, causing total metabolism, visual disturbances, and central nervous system disturbances, leading to coma and death. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very important for the diagnosis and prognosis of methanol intoxication. Putaminal necrosis with or without hemorrhage is the most frequently reported finding. Other affected areas that are reported in the literature are subcortical white matter, hippocampus, optic nerve, and cerebellum. We report 3 cases of methanol intoxication and discuss their brain lesions on MRI.