Potential application of DARPins, Ensovibep, in treating COVID-19
Topic: COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 30th, 2022
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Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) is a new class of inhibitory drug with an active site that can be engineered to bind to specific motifs of interest. A collaborative project between 2 biopharmaceutical companies, Molecular Partners and Novartis, had utilized the DARPins platform to design agents that can bind to and render SARS-CoV-2 viral particle inert. The study had recently published their findings on the efficacy of the agent called Ensovibep.
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Efficacy and safety of topical roflumilast in treating plaque psoriasis
Topic: DERMATOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 28th, 2022
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Roflumilast is an anti-inflammatory agent that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2020 to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its topical formulation had recently been approved for treating plaque psoriasis in July of 2022. The investigating team behind the trial had recently published their findings on the efficacy and safety of topical roflumilast.
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Early usage of oseltamivir helps improve the clinical outcomes of children hospitalized due to Influenza infection.
Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 26th, 2022
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According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in 2019, respiratory infection is the third leading cause of death for children younger than 5 years old in Vietnam. Thus, it is important to update and improve our current standard of care for children who have been infected with diseases like Influenza. A recent study published in the journal JAMA Pediatric reported that oseltamivir helps improve the outcome of children hospitalized due to Influenza.
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Comparing the effectiveness of 4 classes of medication used to manage diabetes mellitus type 2
Topic: DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 23rd, 2022
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According to a clinical guideline published by the Vietnamese ministry of health, metformin, sulfonylurea, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, and insulin are recommended to manage diabetes mellitus type 2. Each medication has its own contraindication, but little information was provided about the effectiveness of each class of drug. A recent paper published by the collaborative multi-center GRADE Study Research Group had reported that some of the recommended medications are more effective than others in managing diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2).
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Comparing the effectiveness of rivaroxaban and vitamin K antagonists in preventing cardiovascular accidents
Topic: CARDIOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 21st, 2022
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Vitamin K antagonists are usually prescribed to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation; however, the treatment requires frequent blood draw for dose adjustment. Previous study had shown that factor Xa inhibitors such as rivaroxaban are as effective at preventing stroke, but very little is known about the effect of rivaroxaban on rheumatic heart disease–associated atrial fibrillation. A recent study had reported their findings on the comparison between the two agents on treating the condition.
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Comparing keverprazan to the current standard of care for treating erosive esophagitis
Topic: GASTROINTESTINAL
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 19th, 2022
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Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), such as lansoprazole, are usually prescribed to manage erosive esophagitis by increasing the pH of the gastric environment. However, the effectiveness of PPI is heavily dependent on which of the CYP2C19 polymorphic states that the patient possesses. A recent study looked at whether keverprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker that can suppress gastric acid production independently on the CYP2C19 liver enzyme, is as effective as the current standard of care.
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Using clazakizumab to treat COVID-19 associated hyperinflammation
Topic: COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 16th, 2022
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The degree of interleukin-6 activity is positively correlated to the severity of COVID-19. Thus, interleukin-6 inhibitors can potentially be used to dampen the hyperinflammation. Dr. Bonnie Lonze MD, PhD. and colleagues had recently published the findings of their studies that investigate the effect of clazakizumab on treating COVID-19 pneumonia and hyperinflammation.
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Liver function abnormalities in during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Topic: COVID-19, GASTROINTESTINAL
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Reviewed by Nhi Le, B.A.
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Posted on September 14th, 2022
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Previous studies had reported that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience abnormal abnormal liver function tests (A-LFT). However, it is uncertain if the problem resolved itself after viral clearance or if hepatological function disruption is a hallmark of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. A recent article published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis had reported their finding on the matter.
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Usage of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in preventing vertical transmission
Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 12th, 2022
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Chronic hepatitis B infection is a public health threat to Vietnam, approximately 8% to 25% of the population is diagnosed with the disease. Vertical transmission from infected mother to infant is the most common route; thus, it is essential to reduce the viral load in pregnant women to prevent new incidence of infection. A recent review analyzed the current literature to examine the effect of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy on expecting mother and infant.
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Maternal vaccination help protect newborns from COVID-19 associated hospitalization
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 9th, 2022
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 vaccination should only be administered to those who are older than 6 months old. However, newborns and infants are at a high risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that maternal vaccination produces a protective effect for newborns.
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The effectiveness of Albuterol–Budesonide combination rescue inhaler in asthma management
Topic: ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 7th, 2022
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Albuterol, also known as Salbutamol, is a short-acting inhaled beta2-agonist bronchodilator (SABA) that is commonly used to relieve an asthma attack. In addition, the Global Initiative for Asthma recommends a daily usage of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) such as budesonide. A recent phase-3 randomized controlled trial conducted by Alberto Papi, M.D. and Bradley E. Chipps, M.D. assess the effectiveness of relief usage with albuterol alone or in combination with a varying dosage of budesonide in preventing severe asthma exacerbation.
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Comparing the effectiveness of Ublituximab against Teriflunomide in treating multiple sclerosis
Topic: ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 5th, 2022
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Multiple sclerosis is characterized by the immune system attacking healthy myelin sheath insulating neurons. Since B cells’ activity is essential to the process of autoimmunity, many monoclonal antibodies targeting B-cells have been approved as treatment. Ublituximab, an antibody that binds to CD20 expressed on B-cell, is being assessed for its efficacy against an approved treatment - Teriflunomide - in this paper.
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The effectiveness of Olokizumab in treating rheumatoid arthritis
Topic: ORTHOPEDICS
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 2nd, 2022
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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation with a hallmark of elevated IL-6 level. Some of the current treatment aims to block the IL-6 receptor on immune cells to reduce their activity; however, there has not been any agent, which targets the IL-6 ligand, approved for usage. Olokizumab, an antibody that targets 1 of the 3 epitopes expressed by the IL-6 ligand, had its effectiveness and safety assessed and reported in this study.
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Azithromycin is ineffective in treating or aiding with the recovery of children with acute diarrhea
Topic: GASTROINTESTINAL
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 31st, 2022
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Annually, approximately half a million children lose their lives to acute diarrhea, and this burden of disease is heavily borne by South Asian and sub-Saharan African nations. Beside rotavirus, most of the cases are caused by bacteria such as Shigella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. A multinational study reported on the effect of Azithromycin usage in treating acute watery diarrhea in low and middle income countries.
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The effectiveness of Nirmatrelvir in treating COVID-19 during the Omicron variant surge
Topic: COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 29th, 2022
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Following the clinical guideline created by the National Institute of Health, Nirmatrelvir is currently being used in a combination with Ritonavir to treat COVID-19. Nirmatrelavir inhibits the essential protein 3CLpro that is necessary for viral replication. Due to the Omicron variant surge, antiviral resistance might nullify the medication’s effectiveness. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine had investigated this concern.
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Metformin, ivermectin, and fluvoxamine are not effective at preventing COVID-19
Topic: COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 26th, 2022
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As more SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge, recent studies have noted a decline in vaccine efficacy. Thus, it is important to find therapies that can help clear the virus or manage the symptoms. Repurposing medication, which had been already approved for other indications, would help streamline the adoption of the medication to treat COVID-19, because the safety profile had already been reported. A recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine had reported the effectiveness of metformin, ivermectin, and fluvoxamine in treating COVID-19
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Cardiovascular adverse events associated with the 4 types of COVID-19 vaccines
Topic: CARDIOLOGY, COVID-19
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Reviewed by Nhi Le, B.A
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Posted on August 24th, 2022
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According to the VigiBase pharmacovigilance database created by the World Health Organization, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and stroke are frequently reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Using data from the French National Health Data System, a recent publication on the Annals of Internal Medicine reports the association between COVID-19 vaccination and severe cardiovascular events
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The gut microbiome of individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes lacks the commensal bacteria Blautia wexlerae
Topic: DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 22nd, 2022
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Our large intestine contains a collection of commensal bacteria. The interaction between these bacteria and the metabolites they produce has a tremendous impact on our health. A recent study published in Nature found that there is a potential association between the abundance of the commensal bacteria Blautia wexlerae and disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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COVID-19 is associated with higher risk of venous thromboembolism
TOPIC: CARDIOLOGY, COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 19th, 2022
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Despite SARS-CoV-2 having been cleared from the body, the body still suffers from many dysfunction to the respiratory, neurological, and endocrinology function. Due to the heightened state of inflammation in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the body’s physiological function is thrown into disarray. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that COVID-19 is associated with higher risk of venous thromboembolism.
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The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual irregularities
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 17th, 2022
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Adding ezetimibe to a medium-intensity statin regimen enhance tolerance while keeping preventative benefit
TOPIC: CARDIOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 15th, 2022
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Denosumab, at Half the Recommended Dose, Appears to Maintain Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
TOPIC: ORTHOPEDIC
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 12th, 2022
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Denosumab is frequently prescribed to manage osteoporosis, because it can inhibit the development of osteoclast cells; as a result, the medication can reduce the rate of bone loss. It is recommended by the Endocrine Society that postmenopausal women with high risk of fracture should receive 60 mg of Denosumab subcutaneously every 6 months. A recent study reported that dose reduction from 60 mg to 30 mg does not result in exacerbation of osteoporosis.
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The effectiveness of Litifilimab in treating cutaneous lupus erythematosus
TOPIC: ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 10th, 2022
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Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the host healthy keratinocyte. These damages are mediated by the cytopathic effect of cytotoxic T-cell and pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). Previous studies had found that there is a dose-response relationship between the severity of CLE and the degree of type I Interferon expression by pDC. A recent phase 2 clinical trial found that Litifilimab was effective at reducing skin disease activity.
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Clinical Manifestation and current epidemiology of Monkeypox
TOPIC : INFECTIOUS DISEASE
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 8th, 2022
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As of August 8th, 83 cases of monkeypox had been reported in 8 countries belonging to the South-East Asian & Western Pacific region. There has not been any case reported in Vietnam, but 18 cases have been reported in 3 countries participating in the ASEAN bloc: Singapore (15 cases), Thailand (2 cases), Philippines (1 case). A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine had reported the clinical manifestation commonly observed in monkeypox infections.
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Clinical characteristic of Langya Henipavirus infection reported in China
TOPIC : INFECTIOUS DISEASE
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 5th, 2022
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A recent correspondence published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that a new species of Henipavirus had been detected in China. The virus is assigned to the Langya Henipavirus (LayV) species; which belongs to the Henipavirus genus of the Paramyxoviridae family. LayV is phenotypically similar to the Mojiang Henipavirus that had previously been isolated in Southern China.
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SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the risk of diabetes onset
TOPIC: DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY, COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 3rd, 2022
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Even though the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection has been resolved, many patients still report abnormalities with their health. The constellation of these conditions are commonly preferred to as long-COVID, and they can include dysfunction to the respiratory, digestive, neurological system, etc. A recent large cohort study, had recently reported that diabetes might be included into the developing list of post-COVID sequelae.
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The effectiveness of Molnupiravir at treating COVID-19
TOPIC: COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 1st, 2022
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Molnupiravir is a ribonucleoside tautomer that is analogous to both cytidine and uridine. It has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration to treat mild and moderate COVID-19. As a part of the approval process, the trial had published their findings on the effect that molnupiravir has on COVID-19 hoặc and associated biomarkers.
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SARS-CoV-2 infection during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 29th, 2022
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The risk of stroke in women with a history of endometriosis
TOPIC: OBGYN, CARDIOLOGY
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Reviewed by Nhi Le, B.A.
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Posted on July 27th, 2022
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The Nurse Health Study is a large longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Health. This decades-long project has provided much insightful epidemiological knowledge about women’s health. Recently, the project was published in the American Heart Association journal reporting that women with a history of endometriosis have an elevated risk of stroke.
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The effect of Vitamin D3 supplement on the risk of bone fracture in older adults
TOPIC: ORTHOPEDIC
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 25th, 2022
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Vitamin D is frequently taken as a supplement by many Vietnamese in order to manage and prevent many age-related musculoskeletal conditions and injury such as osteoporosis and bone fracture. However, a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that Vitamin D3 supplement has no benefit in reducing the risk of bone fracture in older adults.
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The potential harmful effects of rosuvastatin on kidney function
TOPIC: CARDIOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 22nd, 2022
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Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin are hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibiting agents. These medications are frequently prescribed to treat hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and to prevent cardiovascular disease. A recent multicenter study by Dr. Jung-Im Shin, MD, PhD and colleagues found that Rosuvastatin has a higher risk of kidney damage than Atorvastatin.
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