Hoanh-Son Truong

Plain English
This study looked at how human factors and systems engineering can improve care in intensive care units (ICUs). Researchers reviewed 64 studies and found that most changes made—like improving communication and technology use—had a positive impact, with many benefits lasting more than six months to up to a year. These findings are important because they highlight effective strategies that can enhance patient care and teamwork in critical situations. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and healthcare teams in intensive care.

Plain English
This study focused on creating a new tool to help pharmacists prepare for emergencies involving medications. Experts in disaster management revised an existing checklist to better guide pharmacists in their roles during crises, emphasizing the importance of medication access and community partnerships. The updated tool, which incorporates feedback from nine pharmacists with extensive emergency experience, aims to improve how pharmacists support their communities during and after disasters. Who this helps: This benefits pharmacists and the communities they serve during emergencies.

Plain English
This study examined how certain proteins in insects regulate lipid metabolism, which is crucial for their health and energy levels. Researchers found that specific DNA-binding proteins, called transcription factors, respond to changes in the insects’ environment and help control the production of lipids by affecting gene expression. Understanding these processes is important because they can influence insect growth, reproduction, and overall metabolism. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers studying insect biology and potential pest control methods.

Plain English
This study looked at the early results of using robotic assistance in surgeries to remove the right kidney from living donors for transplants. Six donors, with an average age of about 43, underwent the procedure, which took about 173 minutes on average, and there were no complications during surgery. The study found that all six kidney recipients had good kidney function immediately after receiving the transplants, indicating that this robotic method is a safe and effective option for right kidney donation. Who this helps: This benefits kidney transplant patients and their living donors.

Plain English
This study looks at biochar, a material made from plant waste that can help reduce pollution and provide renewable energy. It found that biochar is effective at removing pollutants and heavy metals from water and has various applications in sustainable energy, like making batteries and biofuels. This is important because it offers a way to manage waste and create cleaner energy sources, addressing both environmental and energy needs. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists, waste management professionals, and communities looking for cleaner energy solutions.

Plain English
This study explored how different types of student engagement affect satisfaction in English-taught courses at a private university in Vietnam. It found that students felt more satisfied when they were emotionally involved and took initiative, with these aspects being more impactful than just participation or cognitive engagement. This matters because improving emotional connections and encouraging students to take charge of their learning can lead to better educational experiences in English-language classrooms. Who this helps: This benefits students and educators in English-medium programs.

Plain English
This study explored whether a smartphone app could better assess hand movement issues in people with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) than the traditional grip-and-release test. Researchers found that the app's analysis was significantly more accurate, achieving a score of 0.90 for overall diagnostic ability, compared to just 0.69 for grip count alone. This is important because earlier detection of DCM can lead to better treatment options and outcomes for patients, as delays in diagnosis can last 1 to 4 years. Who this helps: This helps patients with DCM and their doctors by providing a better screening method.

Plain English
This study examined how U.S. pharmacy schools prepare students to handle emergencies and disasters that affect patient care, especially in accessing medications. Out of 142 schools surveyed, 70% included emergency preparedness training in their required courses, but nearly half (43%) didn’t offer enough practical experience. There is strong support from pharmacy educators for including more emergency response training, with 86% agreeing that pharmacists should have a role in state-level disaster responses. Who this helps: This benefits pharmacy students and ultimately patients who rely on pharmacists during emergencies.

Plain English
This research studied tiny particles called Janus nanoparticles, which are about 33 nanometers wide and are made of gold and silica. The scientists found that these nanoparticles could move in a controlled way when exposed to light, without needing any fuel, which was previously a major challenge. This ability to direct their movement matters because it opens new possibilities for tiny machines in medicine and technology that can work more effectively in fluids. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working in nanomedicine.

Plain English
This study looked at how effective pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are against serious infections caused by the pneumococcus bacteria in young children in Vietnam, before these vaccines were introduced nationally. Out of 72 children with invasive infections, 37.5% had received at least one vaccine dose. The vaccines showed strong effectiveness—86.3% protection against targeted infections for those who received at least one dose of PCV10 and 65.1% against all types of infections—indicating they are a valuable tool for preventing these diseases. Who this helps: This benefits young children in Vietnam who are at risk for serious pneumococcal infections.

Plain English
This study looked at how pharmacists manage high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) treatment for patients with lymphoma, focusing on avoiding kidney damage. Out of 175 pharmacists surveyed, 61% preferred a specific method to assess kidney function for dosing, and many would only continue with treatment if the risk of kidney injury was below certain levels—50% for serious risks and 20% for moderate risks. The findings reveal a wide variety of opinions and practices among pharmacists, which is important as consistent management can improve safety for patients undergoing this treatment. Who this helps: Patients with lymphoma receiving HDMTX therapy.

Plain English
Researchers created a new soft robotic model that mimics the left side of the heart to study heart valve diseases and treatments. This simulator accurately reproduces the heart's movements and can be customized to reflect different patient conditions, making it easier to identify valve problems through imaging techniques. By providing a realistic and adaptable way to test new medical tools and procedures, this advancement could enhance the effectiveness of heart disease treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart valve disease and doctors developing new therapies.

Plain English
This study looked at two surgical methods for treating ectopic pregnancy: single-port laparoscopic surgery and the traditional four-port approach, involving 100 patients. The results showed that while both methods took about the same time to perform and had similar blood loss, patients who had single-port surgery experienced significantly less pain in the first 12 hours (2.14 out of 10 compared to 3.46 out of 10) and were happier with their scars. However, it took them longer to have their first bowel movement, averaging 1.86 days versus 1.10 days for the four-port group. Who this helps: This research helps patients with ectopic pregnancies by offering a less painful surgical option that also results in better cosmetic outcomes.

Plain English
This study looked at what factors affect the chance of dying within 90 days for stroke patients in Vietnam. Researchers found that older age, more severe strokes, and other health issues led to a higher risk of death. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving care and potentially saving lives. Who this helps: This helps doctors and caregivers in supporting stroke patients.

Plain English
This study looked at how well opioid and non-opioid medications manage pain after nose surgery (rhinoplasty). Researchers found that both types of pain medication were equally effective in controlling pain over the first five days after surgery, with no significant difference in pain scores between the two groups. However, patients taking the opioid medication experienced more itchiness. This is important because it shows that non-opioid medications can be just as effective as opioids for pain management after rhinoplasty, potentially reducing the risk of opioid-related side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients who are recovering from rhinoplasty, as well as doctors making pain management decisions.

Plain English
This review focuses on new methods for breaking down tiny plastic particles in water, called nano- and microplastics. Researchers looked at four main techniques: using ozone, light, chemical reactions with iron, and electricity. They found that combining these methods with advanced designs can improve their effectiveness and help in reducing environmental pollution. For example, new approaches can make it easier to remove these plastics while also producing useful byproducts, although challenges like high energy use still exist. Who this helps: This research helps environmental scientists and engineers working to clean up water sources affected by plastic pollution.

Plain English
This study looked at ways to control how cells are arranged in lab-created systems that mimic human tissues. The researchers identified two main approaches: direct methods, which involve placing cells precisely using advanced techniques, and indirect methods, which let cells respond to their environment naturally. Improving how cells are organized in these systems is crucial for better modeling diseases, understanding development, and testing new drugs. Who this helps: This benefits researchers who study diseases and develop new treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at a rare medical condition where an abscess (a collection of pus) formed in the falciform ligament of a 77-year-old man after his gallbladder burst, which is extremely uncommon in adults. The patient showed symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, and abnormal liver test results, and although he was treated with antibiotics and surgery, he initially needed more care due to a re-accumulation of the abscess. This case is important because it highlights a previously unrecognized connection between the gallbladder and the falciform ligament, showing that timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients understand rare complications of gallbladder issues.

Plain English
This study looked at a simple way to reduce vibrations in a specific mechanical system called the slider-crank mechanism, which is important for a medical imaging tool called scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM). Researchers developed a counterweight that minimizes shaking, resulting in a smoother operation and clearer images from the SAM system, achieving high resolution images at levels as small as a few tens of micrometers. This is significant because it improves the accuracy and effectiveness of the imaging process, making it easier to study small samples. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors who rely on high-quality diagnostic imaging.

Plain English
This paper studies how cobalt oxide (CoO) materials can be used to purify water, focusing on their effectiveness and the latest improvements made over the last five years. The findings highlight that while CoO is a promising option for breaking down pollutants in water, there are still challenges to overcome in making these materials more efficient and easier to produce. This is important because improving water purification technologies can help address global water shortages that affect billions of people. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental scientists, water treatment facilities, and communities facing water scarcity.

Plain English
Researchers developed a new material for energy storage called Au@ZIF-8, which combines gold nanoparticles with a specific framework to enhance performance in supercapacitors. They found that this new material had a specific capacitance of 432 F/g when using a strong electrolyte, significantly better than traditional materials, and it maintained 91% of its capacity after 7,000 charge cycles. This improvement means it can store and deliver energy more efficiently, which is crucial for developing better energy storage solutions. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and developers working on energy storage technologies.

Plain English
This study looked at two types of complicated colonic diverticulitis: right-sided (RCD) and left-sided (LCD). Researchers analyzed 181 patients and found that only 7.1% of RCD patients experienced a recurrence, while 19.5% of LCD patients did. Moreover, surgery was needed for 63.4% of LCD cases, and these patients spent an average of 9.3 days in the hospital compared to just 4.9 days for RCD patients, highlighting the severity and complications associated with left-sided cases. Who this helps: This research helps doctors treat cases of complicated diverticulitis more effectively.

Plain English
This study looked at recommendation letters written by high school counselors to see how their length and content vary based on students' race, sex, and socioeconomic status. The researchers analyzed over 600,000 letters and found significant differences: for example, students from private schools received longer letters with more positive mentions of their personal qualities. Understanding these disparities is crucial because they may affect how students are viewed during college admissions, potentially perpetuating existing inequalities. Who this helps: This benefits students applying to college, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Plain English
This study looked at how teenagers in Kenya could create their own public service announcements (PSAs) to promote sexual and reproductive health. They produced nine PSAs that addressed important issues like family planning, HIV prevention, and substance abuse, with the workshops being both educational and empowering for the participants. This matters because it allows young people to share messages that directly speak to their peers, making health information more relevant and accessible. Who this helps: This helps adolescents in Kenya by providing them with important health information delivered in a relatable way.

Plain English
The 2024-2025 Strategic Engagement Committee focused on improving how pharmacy colleges and associations advocate for the profession and public health. They created a guide to help these institutions work better together and encourage pharmacy students to get involved in advocacy efforts. This is important because it strengthens the role of pharmacists in healthcare and ensures their voices are heard in decision-making. Who this helps: This helps pharmacy students and healthcare professionals.

Plain English
This study looked at a protein called layilin, which is found on a type of immune cell known as regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the skin. The researchers found that Tregs with high levels of layilin were better at sticking to tissues and controlling inflammation, especially in conditions like psoriasis. When layilin was removed from these cells in mice, the skin inflammation was significantly reduced, indicating that layilin plays a crucial role in helping Tregs do their job in the skin. Who this helps: This helps patients with skin conditions, especially those with psoriasis, by potentially improving treatment options.

Plain English
This study compared two methods for guiding heart procedures: the new Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) method and the traditional angiography method. After one year, patients who had QFR-guided procedures experienced slightly fewer serious heart problems, additional surgeries, and hospital readmissions, but these differences weren't strong enough to be certain—about 8 fewer patients per 100 dealt with major heart issues compared to traditional angiography. This matters because using QFR may lead to better patient outcomes, but more research is needed to confirm these results reliably. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing heart procedures.

Plain English
This research paper looks at how exercise affects atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition that can lead to serious health problems. The findings show that moderate exercise helps reduce AF symptoms and improve heart health but too much intense exercise can actually increase the risk of AF, especially in young athletes. This is important because it helps clarify how much and what type of exercise people with AF should aim for to stay healthy. Who this helps: Patients with atrial fibrillation and their doctors.

Plain English
This study created a new material that combines carbon spheres and silver nanoparticles to detect a chemical called hydrogen peroxide and to kill bacteria. The researchers found that this new material could identify hydrogen peroxide quickly, working effectively in a range between 0.6 to 9.0 parts per million, with a very low limit of 0.2 parts per million. Furthermore, it showed strong ability to inhibit bacteria, with large zones of inhibition of 46.1 mm against one type of bacteria and 49.3 mm against another. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those with infections, as well as doctors looking for better antibacterial treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at how many patients with kidney cancer, who should be referred for genetic evaluation based on guidelines, actually received genetic counseling and testing. Out of 123 eligible patients, only 42 (34%) were referred, 32 (26%) completed counseling, and 27 (22%) underwent genetic testing. Importantly, nearly 29% of those tested had significant genetic changes that could impact their treatment or family planning, highlighting a major issue where many patients are missing out on valuable genetic evaluations. Who this helps: This helps kidney cancer patients and their doctors by identifying genetic risks that can influence treatment and family considerations.

Plain English
This study developed a new, simpler model called a gut-on-a-chip that mimics the environment of the gut using a special design and technology that makes it easier to operate. The researchers found that this model can support living bacteria and accurately measure how drugs affect gut and blood vessel barriers, with specific tests showing results on cell behavior and barrier integrity. This matters because it creates a more accessible way to study drug effects and diseases related to the gut, potentially speeding up medical research. Who this helps: This helps researchers and drug developers working on gut health and related conditions.

Plain English
This study looked at how a chemical process called lysine acetylation affects proteins in plants, particularly in how they defend themselves against diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The researchers found that this modification happens not just in the usual proteins associated with DNA but also in other important proteins. Understanding these mechanisms could help identify new ways to enhance plant immunity, which is crucial for agriculture. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and agricultural scientists looking to improve crop resistance against diseases.

Plain English
This study developed a new material, made from ZIF-8 and graphene oxide, that effectively cleans contaminated water by breaking down harmful substances like a dye called Rhodamine B and a cancer drug called 5-fluorouracil. The new material was able to completely degrade Rhodamine B and nearly completely degrade 5-fluorouracil in just 100 minutes. This finding is important because it shows a highly efficient and recyclable way to purify wastewater, making it better for the environment. Who this helps: This benefits patients and the general public by improving water safety and cleanliness.

Plain English
This study looked at patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism who underwent a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy to improve their heart function. Out of 105 patients, 41 (or 39%) showed significant improvement in heart performance after the procedure, with a notable increase in cardiac index by about 0.8 liters per minute compared to just 0.1 liters per minute in those who didn’t respond as well. This is important because identifying patients who are likely to benefit the most from this treatment can lead to better outcomes and more targeted care. Who this helps: This helps patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at a 12-week exercise program called Motum designed for people with chronic low back pain that doesn't have a specific cause. Out of 29 participants, those who completed the program showed significant improvements, including a large increase in their balance and a reduction in their fear of movement, with scores indicating improvements in pain and daily function. This matters because it offers a non-drug treatment option that can help improve the quality of life for those suffering from this common type of pain. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic low back pain and healthcare providers looking for effective treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how certain cancer drugs, particularly non-platinum chemotherapeutics, can negatively affect kidney health. It found that many of these drugs can cause kidney damage, which often limits how much therapy patients can safely receive. Understanding these risks is essential to help doctors treat cancer effectively while also protecting patients' kidneys. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cancer treatment and their doctors.

Plain English
This study investigated exosomes, tiny particles released by stem cells from fat tissue, to see how they can help with skin healing. Researchers found that these exosomes can protect skin cells from damage caused by harmful elements, demonstrating significant protective effects on cells and skin structure. This is important because it shows potential for developing new treatments to support skin regeneration and repair. Who this helps: Patients with skin damage or conditions affecting skin health.

Plain English
Researchers created a dataset called DiTEC-WDN containing 36,000 simulated scenarios of water distribution systems over periods of 24 hours to a year. This dataset includes 228 million different conditions and is designed to support various machine learning tasks, helping improve how we manage and analyze water distribution without using real-world data that might invade privacy. This is important because it allows scientists to develop better tools for understanding and optimizing water systems, ensuring more efficient use of this vital resource. Who this helps: This helps researchers, water management professionals, and policymakers working to improve water distribution networks.

Plain English
This study looked at patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Vietnam to understand why many of them died in hospitals. Out of 353 patients, 61.5% died during their hospital stay, and key factors like older age and poorer oxygen levels were linked to higher mortality. A significant finding was that using an endotracheal tube during patient transport was associated with a lower chance of dying in the hospital. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and hospitals by highlighting the importance of better patient transport and care practices for ARDS patients.

Plain English
This study looked at how a special heart imaging technique called 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) can help predict outcomes for patients who have had a stroke. Researchers tested 67 stroke patients and found that certain measurements from STE could effectively indicate the severity of their condition, with a high accuracy rate of 94.1%. This is important because it means doctors can better assess stroke severity and potentially improve treatment decisions for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who have had strokes and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at a new technology called nanoplasmonic optical antennas, which are used in advanced medical sensors that quickly test for specific diseases right at the point of care, such as in hospitals or clinics. The researchers found that these biosensors can significantly improve diagnostics by allowing faster and more accurate results, which is crucial for personalized medicine. This matters because it can lead to better, tailored treatments for patients, ultimately improving health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by enabling quicker and more accurate disease diagnosis.

Plain English
This study explored the connection between a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis and Parkinson's disease (PD), which affects many people globally. Researchers found that people with PD showed lower levels of key proteins related to iron storage, indicating they are more vulnerable to ferroptosis than individuals without the disease. Specifically, they observed that reducing ferroptosis could help protect neurons from damage associated with PD. Who this helps: This discovery benefits patients with Parkinson's disease by providing insights for developing more effective treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at how well the PaO/FiO ratio can predict death in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Vietnam. Among 345 patients, 61.2% died in the hospital, but the PaO/FiO ratio was not very effective as a predictor compared to other scoring systems like SOFA and APACHE II, which are better at indicating mortality risk. The findings are significant because they highlight the need for more reliable methods to assess the severity of ARDS and predict outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating ARDS patients by providing insights into which scoring systems are more effective for predicting patient outcomes.

Plain English
This study looked at how patients with HIV and their healthcare providers in western Kenya view the use of telemedicine in their HIV care. They found that both groups believe telemedicine can improve access to care and reduce the burden on clinics, with benefits like improved patient retention and lower travel costs. However, they also noted challenges such as the inability to conduct thorough physical exams and concerns about privacy, along with the need for better technology and training. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how radioactive materials transfer from soil to plants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 2022 to 2024. It found that the amount of these radioactive elements in plants changes a lot with the seasons, showing that we can't just rely on old models to assess risk. For example, the plant Araucaria columnaris absorbs a lot of cesium-137, while Moringa oleifera poses almost no health risk when eaten. This is important for managing urban soil pollution and improving public health. Who this helps: This helps urban planners, environmental scientists, and local communities concerned about soil and food safety.

Plain English
This research paper studied a new way to repair osteochondral defects, which are injuries affecting both cartilage and the underlying bone. The authors found that 3D bioprinting can create structures that closely mimic natural bone and cartilage, allowing for better integration and healing compared to traditional methods. This approach combines advanced materials and techniques, including special inks with growth factors and stem cells, to improve tissue regeneration and support healing more effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with joint injuries and doctors looking to provide better treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how well people in Hung Yen province, Vietnam understand rabies and how they manage their dogs. Out of 210 residents surveyed, 82.4% had heard of rabies, and 60.7% had good knowledge about it, but many still had misconceptions, like 52.6% believing in traditional remedies and 39.7% not seeking help after dog bites. Improving community education, especially for older adults and low-income groups, is important for reducing rabies cases and achieving a goal of zero deaths by 2030. Who this helps: This helps patients and the community by increasing awareness and improving dog management.

Plain English
The study looked at how patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who also use methamphetamine feel about getting mental health care while they are receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Researchers interviewed 30 individuals and found that many people faced barriers, such as not knowing where to get help, fearing negative judgment, and a lack of trained professionals. However, combining mental health services with MMT can lead to better diagnosis and easier access to care. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with both substance use and mental health issues.