Tan Tao University Journal of Science

Purpose: Hypertension is the most common chronic cardiovascular disorder and a leading risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and management are essential for prevention. The 2024 ESC Guidelines introduced "elevated blood pressure" (systolic BP 120–139 mmHg and/or diastolic BP 70–89 mmHg) as a new category. The new classification is just pronounced within ESC 2024 gave the totally new insight off approach some treatment.

Main: Elevated BP represents an intermediate stage between normal BP and hypertension, highlighting the continuum of cardiovascular risk. This category emphasizes risk stratification by integrating BP levels with global CVD risk prediction models (SCORE2, SCORE2-OP, SCORE2-Diabetes) and considering sex-specific and shared non-traditional risk modifiers. Treatment strategies vary according to risk: lifestyle measures are first-line for low-risk individuals, while pharmacological therapy is reserved for those with high-risk conditions, predicted 10-year CVD risk ≥10%, or borderline risk (5–10%) with additional modifiers or abnormal test results.

Finding: Evidence supports the benefit of lifestyle interventions in reducing long-term CVD risk among patients with elevated BP. Pharmacological treatment, when indicated, effectively reduces outcomes but should be initiated after a 3-month trial of lifestyle changes in most cases. Exceptions to intensive BP-lowering targets include very old or frail adults, those with symptomatic orthostatic hypotension, advanced CKD, or limited life expectancy, where individualized targets are required.

Conclusion: The concept of elevated BP shifts management from fixed thresholds to risk-based strategies, promoting early prevention, individualized assessment, and targeted treatment to improve outcomes while minimizing overtreatment.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome continues to pose a major global mortality burden. Many studies have sought to classify and define its major etiology and pathophysiology. This review discusses the definition, classification, etiologies, diagnostic criteria, and differential diagnostic methods, as well as the newest updates in management strategies for each ACS subtype.

Main: This review separates acute coronary syndrome into subgroups based on etiology and pathogenesis, including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), unstable angina, and newer subtypes such as type 2 MI and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Management strategies differ for each group: timely reperfusion is emphasized for STEMI, early invasive therapy for high-risk NSTEMI, and evidence-based pharmacotherapy, including dual antiplatelet therapy, high-intensity statins, and renin–angiotensin system inhibitors is indicated for all type of ACS. Secondary prevention through cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle modification remains essential.

Findings: Evidence highlights the importance of early recognition, especially in patients with atypical presentations such as the elderly, women, and individuals with diabetes. Guideline-directed therapies and revascularization have shown to reduce mortality even though complications including arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and heart failure persist. Emerging therapies—such as PCSK9 inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, and digital health tools—offer promise in reducing residual risk.

Conclusion: Acute coronary syndrome continues to account for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Recognition of subtypes such as type 2 MI and MINOCA has refined management, while early diagnosis, reperfusion, and secondary prevention remain central to
improving outcomes. Ongoing challenges highlight the need for precision medicine, novel therapies, and integrated long-term strategies.

Introduction: Left colon cancer represents a significant proportion of colorectal malignancies and poses challenges in surgical management. Laparoscopic surgery offers potential benefits for treating left colon cancer, but the complex anatomy and risk of complications necessitate careful evaluation of outcomes. While this approach has gained popularity in Vietnam, data on factors influencing early postoperative outcomes in the Vietnamese population are limited. 

Aims: This study aimed to (1) investigate clinical and laboratory characteristics, (2) evaluate early postoperative outcomes, and (3) identify associated factors in left colon cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic left colectomy at Binh Dan Hospital. 

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series analysis of 133 patients with left colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic left colectomy at Binh Dan Hospital, Vietnam, from January 2022 to December 2023. Data on demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, imaging results, surgical protocols, and postoperative outcomes were collected from medical records. 

Results: The mean age of patients was 60.9 ± 1.1 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain 86%, changes in bowel habits 68%, and bloody stools 55%. Sigmoid colon was the most frequent tumor location 79.7%. The average operative time was 191.47 ± 52.12 minutes. Early postoperative complications occurred in 8.3% of cases. Factors significantly associated with better outcomes included complete colonoscopy p=0.015 and sigmoid colon tumor location p=0.050 compared to more proximal locations. Postoperative serum albumin levels were also correlated with outcomes p=0.048. 

Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery for left colon cancer at Binh Dan Hospital demonstrated favorable early outcomes with a low complication rate. Complete preoperative colonoscopy and tumor location were identified as factors influencing early outcomes. Future research should focus on larger, multi-center studies with longer follow-up periods. Efforts to enhance public awareness about colorectal cancer screening, improve preoperative evaluations, and develop standardized perioperative care protocols are recommended to further improve patient.

Myocarditis, an inflammatory disease of the myocardium, is a significant contributor to acute and chronic cardiac dysfunction, manifesting as heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death, particularly in younger individuals. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay between direct viral injury and immune-mediated mechanisms. Viral myocarditis, commonly caused by coxsackievirus, parvovirus B19, and SARS-CoV-2, results from viral invasion of cardiomyocytes, leading to cell lysis, cytokine release, and activation of innate immunity. Autoimmune myocarditis arises when molecular mimicry or systemic autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, trigger sustained immune attacks on myocardial tissue. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous, ranging from mild chest pain to fulminant heart failure, complicating diagnosis. Contemporary approaches emphasize multimodal strategies, integrating cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, biomarker profiling, and selective endomyocardial biopsy to improve diagnostic accuracy. Management combines supportive care—addressing heart failure and arrhythmias—with targeted therapies, including immunosuppressants for autoimmune cases and investigational antivirals for viral etiologies. Emerging technologies, notably artificial intelligence, enhance imaging interpretation and prognostic assessment, while novel therapies aim to prevent progression to dilated cardiomyopathy. Public health challenges include underdiagnosis, disparities in access to advanced diagnostics, and the growing burden associated with post-viral pandemics such as COVID-19. Addressing these requires targeted screening of high-risk populations, equitable access to care, and international collaboration to standardize guidelines. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the viral and autoimmune mechanisms of myocarditis, diagnostic advances, therapeutic strategies, and public health implications, highlighting opportunities for innovation to improve patient outcomes and reduce the global burden of this complex cardiovascular disease.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of disability and mortality globally. Treatment outcomes for AIS patients can vary widely based on several factors, including demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and access to timely interventions.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes of AIS patients at Thong Nhat Hospital and identify relevant factors influencing these outcomes.

Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, including AIS patients admitted to Thong Nhat Hospital from Jan, 2023 to March, 2024. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentations, risk factors, treatment methods, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Key outcomes included modified Rankin Scale when discharged and after 90 days of treatment and the related factors which can affect the recovery prognosis.

Result: Among the 158 AIS patients studied, 79 patients received reperfusion therapy while 79 others did not. Significant differences in treatment outcomes were observed based on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests results and time to treatment. Patients who received reperfusion therapy demonstrated better functional outcomes (mRS scores) at discharge and 3 months post-treatment compared to those who did not. Additionally, factors such as age group (OR 22.688; 95% CI 1.293 – 398.198, p = 0.033) and initial NIHSS score (OR 2.281; 95% CI 1.103 – 4.715, p = 0.026) were found to influence treatment outcomes significantly.

Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of timely and appropriate treatment in improving outcomes for AIS patients. Identifying and understanding the relevant factors influencing these outcomes can help optimize treatment protocols and enhance patient care at Thong Nhat Hospital. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of these factors and refine patient management strategies for better clinical outcomes.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent mental conditions in children and young adolescents. While stimulants are the first-line treatment, diet-based supplements, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are being investigated for their additional benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids influence the microbiota-gut-brain axis through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, modulation of gut microbes, and stimulation of the immune system, highlighting their potential as crucial dietary supplements for individuals with ADHD. This review aims to comprehensively summarize current evidence on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with ADHD, both clinically and in terms of biological markers, to elucidate their advantages and underlying mechanisms for future research applications. A comprehensive literature search of relevant studies available in English was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library databases from 1987 until December 2023. Articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in thirty-six studies being included in this review. Twenty-one of the thirty-six studies reported benefits of omega-3, showing improvements in rating scales, behavioral functions, or both. However, two studies indicated that omega-3 supplementation could worsen adverse effects on behavior or aggression rating scales, particularly in pregnant women and newborns with long-term follow-up. Most of the studies focused on children diagnosed with ADHD documenting a reduction in ADHD symptoms among individuals supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids. Our systematic review provides evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are beneficial in improving clinical symptoms of ADHD in adolescents and adults, potentially by increasing beneficial gut microorganisms, and removing endotoxins that cause pro-inflammatory responses. Future research should involve larger sample sizes, longer durations, and determination of optimal omega-3 sources for ADHD treatment.

Heart transplantation is considered the standard therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure who do not respond to treatment with drugs or devices. Dr. Christian Barnard performed the first heart transplant surgery in South Africa in December 1967. Since then, significant advancements have been made in the use of immunosuppressive drugs and monitoring techniques to detect and prevent post-transplant complications, leading to improved patient survival after surgery. This article discusses the potential of C1 esterase inhibitors in preventing heart transplant rejection and improving survival for end-stage heart failure patients.

The Vietnamese language is intricately intertwined with the cultural values, social structures, and historical backgrounds of Vietnam. This research gives insight into the correlation between Vietnamese culture and the Vietnamese language based on Hostede’s framework (1980). Two cultural aspects of Hofstede’s study, including hierarchy and collectivism, are investigated to offer an in-depth examination of how they are mirrored in the Vietnamese language. The participants of this study were Vietnamese students of English as a foreign or second language (EFL/ESL) at Tan Tao University, Vietnam, speaking English in a daily academic environment. The findings revealed that hierarchy and collectivism have long influenced the use of the Vietnamese language in terms of pronouns, honorifics, and collective words. This study not only corroborates the discipline of sociolinguistics but also gives vital insights into cross-cultural communication and intercultural understanding.

This research aims to understand Vietnamese culture through an in-depth examination of over 8,000 Vietnamese proverbs. As an integral part of national tradition, these proverbs stand as a testament to thousands of years of accumulated wisdom and shared experiences. This study examines the core themes present in these proverbs: attitudes towards nature, society, and self. Further, it seeks to highlight the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture by comparing Vietnamese proverbs with their English counterparts. The intent is to illuminate the inherent beauty of the Vietnamese language, as well as to encapsulate the enduring cultural values, individual characteristics, and collective spirit embodied within the Vietnamese populace.

This research investigates the pedagogical value of integrating Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol into primary education as a literary tool for teaching moral virtues. The study examines how the novella can support the development of ethical values such as empathy, generosity, and compassion among young learners. A quantitative research design was adopted by employing survey questionnaires from teachers and students.

The results indicate that most teachers perceive the novella as an effective resource for character education, despite certain practical challenges including limited classroom time and varying levels of student engagement. Teachers reported positive perceptions regarding students’ attitudes and behaviour after studying the story. Student responses also demonstrate that literature can contribute to moral awareness and encourage the application of ethical values in everyday social interactions.

The findings suggest that literary narratives such as A Christmas Carol can play a meaningful role in character education within primary classrooms. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on the role of literature in shaping moral reasoning and supporting holistic education.

This study attempted to investigate the language needs of medical students at Tan Tao University, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam. Seventeen undergraduates majoring in Medicine, one ESP subject-specific teacher, and three in-service general practitioners participated in the study. Close-ended questionnaires, an open-ended survey, and a semi-structured interview were designed to obtain the needs of different stakeholders. The results of the data triangulation indicated that both students and teachers were generally satisfied with the current Medical English course at Tan Tao University in terms of facilities, coursebook, teaching methodology, and learning activities. However, the language skills provided in the course did not satisfy learners’ needs, as it did not fulfill their language demands in real-life medical settings. In this respect, some suggestions from the ESP teacher and in-service doctors were considered for revising the course.