DR. WING-HANG LEUNG, MD

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This study focused on adapting a questionnaire, the ACL-RSI, for individuals recovering from knee surgery to make it accessible for Traditional Chinese speakers. Researchers tested this version with 150 active participants who were an average of about 3.5 years post-surgery. They found that the new questionnaire was reliable and effectively measured both mental and emotional readiness to return to sports, which is crucial for recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from ACL surgery and their doctors.

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Researchers studied a new approach to bone marrow transplants for adults with blood cancers, where they used a specific type of T-cell treatment to reduce complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In a trial involving 145 patients, they found that 67% were alive three years later, and only 22% experienced a relapse of their cancer, which are encouraging results compared to past methods. This approach also showed a low rate of infections and severe GVHD, highlighting its potential as a safer option for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving bone marrow transplants for hematological malignancies.

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This study looked at a new, quick treatment method for children who experienced graft failure after undergoing stem cell transplants. Eleven young patients, mostly around 8 years old, received a 1-day treatment before getting a new stem cell transplant, and all of them successfully recovered from their conditions, with no severe complications. This approach is important because it shows a safe way to help young patients who urgently need a new transplant without the risks usually associated with longer treatments. Who this helps: Pediatric patients facing graft failure after a stem cell transplant.

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This research paper looks at a treatment called CAR T-cell therapy, which uses specially engineered T cells to fight cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The study finds that while CAR T-cell therapy has worked well for certain blood cancers, it struggles with T-cell malignancies due to issues like T cells attacking each other and the presence of malignant T cells in patients. Improving this therapy is important because better outcomes can reduce the relapse chances and enhance overall patient immunity. Who this helps: This helps patients with T-cell cancers.

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This study looked at how Drosophila, a type of fruit fly, responds to a specific sequence of DNA from E. coli when it appears in its own genome. The researchers found that a 9,000-base pair repeat of this DNA can trigger the formation of a type of tightly packed DNA called heterochromatin, which silences nearby genes. This silencing works best at 25°C and is reduced at 18°C, showing that temperature affects how this process functions. Who this helps: This research can benefit geneticists and biologists studying gene regulation and the impact of temperature on gene expression.

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This study compared two asthma relief treatments—budesonide-formoterol and terbutaline—among adults already using inhaled corticosteroids. Researchers found that after 26 weeks, those using budesonide-formoterol had a 18.5% greater reduction in airway inflammation, measured by a specific lung test, compared to those using terbutaline. This is important because it indicates that budesonide-formoterol is a safer and more effective option for asthma management. Who this helps: This benefits adults with asthma who are already taking inhaled corticosteroids.

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This study looked at the cost-effectiveness of using an inhaler that combines budesonide and formoterol as needed for adults with mild asthma compared to using maintenance budesonide with an as-needed reliever, salbutamol. Researchers found that using the combined inhaler is not only more effective in preventing severe asthma attacks but also saves the healthcare system about NZD 12 per patient each year. This approach is beneficial because it leads to better health outcomes while being more cost-efficient. Who this helps: This helps patients with mild asthma and the healthcare system.

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This study looked at how socioeconomic status (SES) affects the ability of adults with disabilities to follow the exercise guideline of strength training twice a week. It found that 73.73% of participants were not meeting this guideline. College or technical school graduates were nearly twice as likely to meet the guideline compared to those without higher education, highlighting the impact of education on exercise habits. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for healthcare providers and policymakers aiming to improve exercise adherence among people with disabilities.

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The study looked at how different Hispanic groups in the U.S. receive care aimed at easing symptoms for patients with advanced stomach cancer. It found that only 19.3% of patients received this type of care, with Mexican, Cuban, and South/Central American patients being significantly less likely to get it compared to non-Hispanic White patients. This is important because it highlights unequal access to critical care that can improve quality of life for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with stage IV gastric cancer and their families.

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This study focused on improving CAR T-cell therapy, which is used to treat certain blood cancers but faces challenges like self-destruction and loss of effectiveness. Researchers created a new type of CAR T-cell that lacks the CD7 protein, allowing these cells to thrive without attacking themselves and showing strong anti-cancer activity against various tumor types. They found that this new CAR T-cell group, called CD7N CAR-T, not only works better in attacking cancer cells but also has a mechanism to control possible negative effects, making it a promising option for future treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with T-cell cancers, particularly those who have limited treatment options.

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This study looked at injuries in children, particularly how different factors like race and insurance affect the severity and outcomes of these injuries. It found that there were 88.6 emergency visits, 47.6 hospitalizations, and 2.4 deaths from injuries per 100,000 children. Notably, Black children experienced more firearm-related deaths, while White children had higher rates of drowning and car accidents. Understanding these differences helps in creating targeted strategies to prevent injuries in vulnerable groups. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers, policymakers, and parents of children in at-risk communities.

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This study looked at how various demographic factors, such as age, sex, race, and income, relate to muscle-strengthening activities (MSA) in adults with disabilities. Out of over 184,000 participants, the average engagement was just 1.26 times per week, with 63% not participating at all and 73% not meeting the recommended frequency of twice a week. These findings highlight that many adults with disabilities are not getting enough muscle-strengthening exercise, which is important for their health and well-being. Who this helps: This information is useful for healthcare providers and policymakers looking to improve physical activity support for individuals with disabilities.

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This study looked at the rates of syphilis among mothers and newborns in Lima, Peru from 2023 to 2025. They found that 1% to 1.2% of pregnant women had syphilis, and the rate of congenital syphilis in newborns was between 191 and 259 cases per 100,000 live births, far above the World Health Organization's target of 50. This is concerning because it shows that despite high treatment rates (over 90% for mothers and 100% for infants), there's a problem with diagnosing and treating syphilis in a timely manner. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly pregnant women and their babies.

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This study focused on a 42-year-old woman who received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and later required lung transplantation due to severe lung infections caused by molds and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Despite facing challenges with drug resistance and side effects, she received a range of treatments and ultimately underwent a successful lung transplant, remaining stable six months later. This research highlights the importance of careful management and tailored treatment plans for patients with complex infections after stem cell transplants. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have undergone stem cell transplants, especially those experiencing serious infections.

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This study looked at how using wearable devices, like fitness trackers, affects how often people, both with and without disabilities, engage in strength exercises. It found that people who use wearable devices are more likely to do strength activities and meet exercise guidelines, with device users having a 50% higher chance of meeting these guidelines. In contrast, people with disabilities were found to be less active in strength activities overall. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with disabilities, by highlighting the potential benefits of using wearable devices for increasing physical activity.

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This study looked at how dental care affordability in New Zealand changed from 1978 to 2023. It found that while dental fees increased significantly—by 75% to 236%—wages only went up by 46%. By 2023, Māori and Pasifika individuals needed to spend a much larger portion of their income on dental care compared to NZ Europeans, making it harder for them to afford necessary treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially Māori and Pasifika communities who face greater financial barriers to dental care.

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The study looked at how people with disabilities view sharing data from wearable devices and mobile apps for public health research. Out of 1,575 users surveyed, 17.8% had disabilities, and only 43.8% of all participants were willing to share their data, showing hesitancy among both disabled and non-disabled individuals. This matters because understanding why people are reluctant to share their health data can help improve public health research and better address community health needs. Who this helps: This helps public health researchers and organizations aiming to improve health outcomes for all individuals, especially those with disabilities.

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This study looks at how older adults in Asia perceive mobile health applications and what design improvements they recommend. Researchers will analyze various studies on people aged 60 and above, focusing on their experiences and preferences with these health apps, and they will check the quality of the evidence collected. This matters because understanding older users’ needs can lead to better health technologies that improve their access to healthcare. Who this helps: Older patients in Asia.

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This study looked at the role of a protein called RAD18 in different human cell types and how it helps prevent excessive DNA repair processes known as hyper-recombination. The researchers found that when RAD18 was missing in a specific type of human cell line (HCT116), there was a significant increase in unwanted DNA recombination events—almost double the normal levels—indicating that RAD18 plays a critical role in maintaining DNA stability. This research matters because understanding how RAD18 functions can help in developing treatments for diseases where DNA repair goes wrong, such as cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and genetic disorders related to DNA repair issues.

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This study looked at how a virtual learning assistant program helped undergraduate students across various colleges access research experiences in genomics during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provided real-time support for 260 faculty and their students, with feedback showing that participants found it valuable for their learning. Specifically, students appreciated having guidance even when resources varied from one institution to another, highlighting the program's impact on their educational experience. Who this helps: This benefits undergraduate students and their teachers in genomics courses.

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This study looked at the physical fitness of young people with disabilities compared to those without, using data from a nationwide survey involving 1,177 youth aged 6 to 15. It found that 173 youth with disabilities had significantly lower fitness levels in exercises like planks, modified pull-ups, and grip strength compared to their peers without disabilities. This matters because improving fitness in youth with disabilities is essential for their overall health, especially for girls and those who are overweight. Who this helps: This findings support efforts to develop better fitness programs for children and teenagers with disabilities.

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This study looked at how to identify and measure very small amounts of metals in strong acids and a base, which are important for making semiconductors. Researchers found that increasing the concentration of competing substances made it easier to measure metals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and copper, reducing measurement times significantly—from over 100 minutes to just a few minutes in some cases. This is important because controlling metal contamination can lead to better production yields in semiconductor manufacturing. Who this helps: This helps semiconductor manufacturers improve efficiency and product quality.

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This study focused on understanding which patients who survive a type of brain bleeding (intracerebral hemorrhage, or ICH) might need three or more medications to control their blood pressure three months later. Researchers developed a prediction score called the TRICH score using data from 462 patients and found it to be effective in identifying those who would likely need multiple medications, with an accuracy rate of about 73% to 76%. This is important because better blood pressure management can reduce the risk of further bleeding or stroke, especially within the year following an ICH. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from ICH and their doctors in making more personalized treatment decisions.

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This study focused on improving treatments using modified immune cells, specifically CAR-T and virus-specific T cells, to make them more accessible and effective. The researchers created new versions of these cells that can target multiple proteins at once, which showed over 80% success in reducing immune rejection while still effectively attacking cancer or viruses. This advancement means that these treatments can be produced more quickly, are safer, and will cost less, making them more readily available for patients in need. Who this helps: This benefits cancer and COVID-19 patients who require faster and more efficient treatments.

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Researchers tested an online pain management program called iSelf-help to see if it worked just as well as a traditional in-person program for people with ongoing pain. They found that both programs helped reduce pain-related disability equally at six months, with iSelf-help being cheaper and easier to access. This is important because it shows that online options can effectively support people dealing with chronic pain, potentially reaching more individuals who need help. Who this helps: Patients with persistent non-cancer pain.

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This study looked at how stimulating a part of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) affects body movements when preparing to raise an arm. The researchers tested 17 participants and found that real stimulation of the DLPFC made it harder for the brain to activate important regions for movement, leading to a quicker but weaker response in muscles. These findings, particularly the decreased muscle response noted with real stimulation, highlight the importance of the DLPFC in coordinating body movements and could inform future treatments for movement disorders. Who this helps: This helps patients with movement issues, as well as doctors working to improve therapies for them.

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This study looked at how often patients with chronic low back pain used health care services, comparing those on Medicaid to those with private insurance. Researchers found that Medicaid patients attended more physical therapy sessions (an average of 7.1) but missed more appointments (an average of 8.6) than privately insured patients (who attended an average of 5.2 therapy sessions and missed an average of 3). Understanding these differences is important because it highlights how access to care and socioeconomic factors influence treatment for chronic pain. Who this helps: Medicaid patients dealing with chronic low back pain.

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This study looked at whether blood tests like HbA1c and serum fructosamine could be better options than the traditional oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for screening diabetes in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Researchers found that HbA1c could accurately identify cases of CF-related diabetes (CFRD) with a sensitivity of 95%, allowing about one-third of patients to skip the more burdensome OGTT. This matters because using HbA1c could make screening easier and more comfortable for patients while still identifying those at risk of diabetes, which can negatively affect lung function and overall health. Who this helps: Patients with cystic fibrosis.

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This study looked at how well a single dose of dalbavancin, a long-lasting antibiotic, worked for treating severe skin infections in 19 patients who faced challenges like unstable housing or mental health issues. The results showed that 68% of the patients improved after receiving the treatment, and unlike traditional IV antibiotics, dalbavancin can be given as just one dose, which may prevent the need for long hospital stays. This is important because it provides an easier treatment option for patients who struggle with standard antibiotic therapies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with complex social issues and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how a specific DNA sequence from one organism can trigger the silencing of nearby genes in different conditions. Researchers found that a roughly 9,000-base pair sequence can lead to a type of genetic silence, impacting how genes are expressed, particularly influenced by temperature changes; silencing worked at 25°C but was weakened at 18°C. This is important because it shows how cells can manage foreign DNA sequences in a way that differs from their own native repeats, shedding light on gene regulation and how organisms deal with genetic elements that don't belong to them. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying genetics and gene regulation, particularly in understanding how cells respond to foreign DNA.

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This study looked at how much physical activity people with asthma do, comparing those who use wearable devices (like fitness trackers) to those who don’t. Out of 497 participants, 28.19% used wearable devices, and 65.91% met the recommended activity levels. The research found no significant difference in activity levels between users and non-users, indicating that wearable devices alone do not help people with asthma be more active. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with asthma and their healthcare providers by highlighting the need for more effective strategies to encourage physical activity.

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This research looked at how often people with diabetes, prediabetes, and those without diabetes do resistance training (like weightlifting) each week. Out of over 536,000 participants, those without diabetes exercised the most frequently, averaging 1.79 times per week, while those with diabetes did the least, averaging only 1.19 times. This difference matters because engaging in regular resistance training can help manage health and fitness, so it's important to address the barriers that prevent people with diabetes and prediabetes from exercising more. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes and prediabetes by highlighting the need for support in their exercise routines.

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This study looked at a Chinese version of a questionnaire (C-SDS-S) used to diagnose Stimulant Use Disorder (SUD), which is related to the misuse of drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. Researchers analyzed data from 227 stimulant users in Hong Kong and found that a score of 5 or higher on this questionnaire effectively identified individuals with moderate to severe SUD. The findings are important because they show that the C-SDS-S can reliably help detect serious drug use problems among Chinese-speaking individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with stimulant use and healthcare providers who need better tools for diagnosis.

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This study tested a new treatment combination called glofitamab plus polatuzumab vedotin for patients with large B-cell lymphoma who had not responded to previous treatments. Out of 129 patients treated, 78.3% saw their cancer respond to the treatment, and 59.7% achieved complete remission. Patients lived a median of 33.8 months after starting the treatment, even though some experienced serious side effects like cytokine release syndrome. Who this helps: This helps patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, especially those who have already undergone multiple treatments.

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This study looked at how different methods of giving penicillin can help prevent rheumatic heart disease in children in New Zealand after they have had acute rheumatic fever. It found that high-dose subcutaneous injections every 10 weeks were nearly half the cost at NZ$ 1629 for a child compared to the traditional method of getting injections every 4 weeks, leading to significant savings for society. This is important because better adherence to treatment means healthier lives for children at risk of rheumatic heart disease. Who this helps: This helps children diagnosed with rheumatic fever and their families.

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This study looks at how much money is spent on healthcare in rural versus urban areas of New Zealand from 2017 to 2024. The researchers aim to find out if there are differences in spending and usage of health services between these two regions. So far, it’s not clear how funding is distributed, and understanding this can help ensure fair access to healthcare for all New Zealanders. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those living in rural areas, by highlighting any disparities in healthcare access.

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Researchers studied a new approach to treating patients with hard-to-treat leukemia by using different combinations of blood transplants. In five patients, they found that when the transplanted blood units shared a specific genetic marker called HLA, patients experienced complete remission from leukemia within a month, without additional complications from the treatment. This is important because it opens up new ways to effectively fight leukemia, especially for patients who have not responded to other therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with refractory leukemia who need new treatment options.

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This study looked at a specific part of fruit fly chromosomes, known as the "dot chromosome," to understand why its size varies so much among different species of fruit flies. Researchers found that in some species, like D. ananassae and D. bipectinata, this chromosome is 2 to 15 times larger than in the common fruit fly, D. melanogaster. They discovered that the increase in size was mainly due to the accumulation of genetic elements called transposable elements, and that these larger chromosomes evolve differently and less efficiently than smaller ones. Who this helps: This research benefits geneticists and evolutionary biologists studying chromosome behavior and evolution.

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This study looked at how having extramedullary disease (EMD) when diagnosed affects the health outcomes of children and young adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after receiving a stem cell transplant. Researchers analyzed data from 938 patients who underwent this treatment between 2008 and 2019 and found that whether or not EMD was present made little difference in their chances of surviving or facing a relapse, with similar 3-year survival rates across all patient groups (about 75% overall). This is important because it shows that these patients can have good outcomes after transplant, regardless of EMD at diagnosis. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with AML understand that a diagnosis of EMD does not necessarily worsen transplant outcomes.

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This study looked at how using e-cigarettes and wearable devices, like fitness trackers, affects the physical activity levels of U.S. adults. It found that e-cigarette users engaged in about 50% less vigorous exercise per week—only 46 minutes as opposed to 93 minutes for non-users. The research shows that while most people don't use either e-cigarettes or wearable devices, those who do tend to be more active overall, highlighting how these technologies can impact fitness habits. Who this helps: This benefits patients trying to improve their physical health and fitness habits.

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This study looked at whether wearing fitness trackers affects how much exercise people with diabetes get. Out of 1,298 participants, about 85% did not use wearable devices, and those who wore them reported an average of 392.6 minutes of physical activity each week, while non-users reported 433.83 minutes. Despite these numbers, the difference in activity levels was not statistically significant, indicating that using these devices may not make a difference in promoting physical activity among people with diabetes. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients with diabetes and healthcare providers exploring ways to encourage more physical activity.

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This study looked at how giving specific immune cells from recovered COVID-19 patients can help those who are at a high risk of severe illness from the virus, especially after transplants or in cancer patients. Out of 13 patients treated with these special SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, 8 showed a good immune response and none of them progressed to severe disease or died, while two of the other 4 patients without this response did die from COVID-19. This is important because these findings suggest that using donor T cells can effectively help protect vulnerable patients from severe COVID-19, especially in situations where vaccines are not yet available. Who this helps: This helps patients with compromised immune systems, particularly those post-transplant or with hematological cancers.

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This study examined a new approach to treating children with blood cancers who receive transplants, using a combination of special immune cells from donors to improve survival rates. Out of 72 young patients, those in their first complete remission had a 92% chance of surviving for 3 years, while those with more advanced or resistant diseases had lower survival rates of 32%. This method shows promise because it enables effective treatment with less severe prep for transplantation, leading to better long-term health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients with blood cancers and their doctors.

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This research focused on patients with a type of kidney cancer called sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC) who were given a treatment called atezolizumab after surgery to see if it helped them live longer without their disease returning. Although a few more patients treated with atezolizumab experienced a longer time without disease progression than those who received a placebo (23 months compared to an unmeasurable period for atezolizumab), these results were not strong enough to conclude that atezolizumab is better overall. Side effects were similar for both treatment groups. Who this helps: This study benefits patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma by exploring treatment options after surgery.

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This study investigated how a protein called RAD18 affects DNA repair processes in different types of human cells. Researchers found that when RAD18 was removed from one specific type of cell (HCT116), it led to a significant increase in DNA recombination events—specifically, a 3- to 5-fold increase in sister chromatid exchanges—and reduced the effectiveness of another DNA repair process without harming cell survival. These findings highlight how RAD18’s role in DNA repair varies between cell types and how it relates to a process called ubiquitination, which is a way cells modify proteins. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and scientists understand DNA repair in cancer cells, aiding the development of more effective cancer treatments.

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This research paper looked at how to treat people who inject drugs and develop severe infections related to their injections in settings outside of hospitals. The study found that managing these infections on an outpatient basis is both safe and effective, with similar outcomes to hospital care, and often costs less. Key factors for successful outpatient treatment include careful planning and coordination among healthcare providers, selecting the right antibiotics, and providing additional support for addiction issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients who inject drugs and face serious infections, as well as healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study will look at how effective chatbot programs are in improving mental health for people in Asia, where there are significant barriers to getting help, like stigma and a lack of healthcare workers. Researchers will review various studies to determine the overall impact of these chatbots on mental well-being by analyzing information from databases up to December 2024. The goal is to provide clear insights on whether chatbots can effectively support mental health in this context, which is important for increasing access to mental health care in the region. Who this helps: This helps patients in Asia who need mental health support.

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This study examined infection rates in children undergoing stem cell transplants from April 2019 to October 2021 in Hong Kong. It found that 93.2% of children receiving allogeneic (donor) transplants experienced infections, with notable rates for viral infections like human herpesvirus 6 (90.5%) and bacterial infections (35.1%). In contrast, only 30.8% of children with autologous (self-donor) transplants had infections. The study highlights the need for tailored infection prevention strategies based on specific risks to improve patient outcomes after these complex procedures. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients undergoing stem cell transplants and their healthcare providers.