This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms among older people living in a rural district in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2021. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 495 people aged 60 years or older, using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of self-reported depression, based on the short-form Geriatric Depression Scale—15 items, was 28.7%. Results from multiple variable logistic regression analyses showed that there was a significant association between age, educational level, family support, domestic violence, and depression. The study findings emphasize the importance of screening for depression in older people living in rural areas and the need for interventions aimed to enhance family support and reduce family-related stressors.

No abstract

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacturing and is an endocrine disrupter. DEHP was released from laboratory tubing and resins during solvent extraction of natural plants to isolate skin depigmenting compounds. Contamination of DEHP significantly interfered with the purification of depigmenting compounds, since DEHP showed high depigmenting activity (IC 50 =24 µM) and did not show cell toxicity up to 20 µM. Release of DEHP depended on the composition of tubing materials and solvents used in the extraction process. This result provides practical information for the proper selection of laboratory materials and solvents especially in the extraction and isolation of skin depigmenting compounds for cosmetic ingredients.

The effects of Erigeron canadensis extract on melanogenesis and cell toxicity in cultured B16F10 mouse melanoma cells were investigated. E. canadensis extract down regulated melanin synthesis effectively at a non-toxic concentration. Its extract was fractionated by using a recycling HPLC with GS310 column (21.5×500 mm, 10-15 μM) into five fractions. The fraction 1 showed melanin inhibition by 48.0% at 100 mg/ml which was 2.5 times more efficient than the depigmenting effect of commercial arbutin (17.5%) and also did not show cell toxicity. To elucidate the depigmenting mechanism of fraction 1, in vitro and cellular tyrosinase activity, antioxidant activity, and protein level of the main melanogenic enzymes, such as tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 were evaluated. Fraction 1 inhibited melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells by decreasing protein levels of melanogenic enzymes, especially tyrosinase. In conclusion, we suggest that this fraction may be a safe and effective depigmentation agent.

No abstract