The effect of glucocorticoids in community-acquired pneumonia
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on June 28th, 2023
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The inflammation associated with pneumonia can result in gas exchange impairment and the degree of inflammation correlates with the risk of death. Glucocorticoids, such as hydrocortisone, have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, a study was conducted to investigate its effect in reducing mortality associated with community-acquired pneumonia.
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Oral Vitamin D supplementation in infants born with low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on June 26th, 2023
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Maternal-fetal transfer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) is an important factor for bone development in the neonates. Thus, a low maternal level of 25[OH]D can lead to vitamin D deficiency and has a negative effect on bone health. Thus, a study examined the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation to children whose serum 25[OH]D level is low.
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Treating Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infection with Emodepside
Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le |
Posted on June 21st, 2023
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Albendazole had been used as a broad-spectrum anti-helminths with satisfactory efficacy against Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms. However, albendazole is not very effective against Trichuris trichiura. Recent in vitro studies had shown that emodepside had exhibited great activity against soil-transmitted helminths. Thus, the European Research Council had sponsored a study to assess emodepside’s effect in treating Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infection.
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Using rifapentine as a prophylaxis to prevent community spread of leprosy
Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on June 14th, 2023
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Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. Besides treating the index case, transmission can be prevented by prophylaxis. Dapsone and acedapsone had previously been used as prophylaxis, but their efficacy is low due to a long treatment period that causes poor adherence. Rifampin and rifapentine exhibit a strong bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium leprae; thus, a study had investigated their effectiveness as prophylaxis for leprosy.
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Using a combination of Cabozantinib plus Nivolumab and Ipilimumab to treat Renal-Cell Carcinoma
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on June 12th, 2023
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The immune checkpoint inhibitors, cabozantinib and nivolumab, are the first-line therapies for renal cell carcinoma; however, the effectiveness rate of these treatments can be suboptimal. Tyrosine kinase is a major signal transducer for various pathways that can benefit the tumor such as growth, angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and metastasis. Thus, it is an essential target for antitumor therapy. Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and a study was conducted to assess its efficacy and safety when used with the immune checkpoint inhibitor to treat renal cell carcinoma.
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Reducing the severity of anaphylaxis reaction to peanut in children by desensitization with epicutaneous immunotherapy
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on June 7th, 2023
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Managing peanut allergy in the pediatric population can be challenging because the affected children are less capable in avoiding the allergen. In the worst case scenario, the child can undergo a lethal anaphylaxis reaction. Thus, a study has been performed to assess whether exposure to a small dose of peanut allergen can desensitize an allergic child and alleviate the disease burden.
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Comparing the effectiveness of venetoclax to other antitumor therapies in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Topic: ONCOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on June 5th, 2023
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Previous clinical studies have found that the combination of venetoclax and obinutuzumab is effective in enhancing the progression-free survival time in patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, little is known about the efficacy of this combination relative to other first-line therapy. Thus, a randomized, controlled study was conducted to compare the health outcomes of CLL patients treated with the venetoclax-obinutuzumab combo to other recommended regimens.
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Combining trifluridine, tipiracil with bevacizumab to treat refractory metastatic colorectal cancer
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on May 31st, 2023
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After first diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, the patients will generally be treated with a wide variety of chemotherapy. However, disease still progressed in some of the patients; these cases are considered to be refractory. The combination of trifluridine and tipiracil had been proven to be an useful tool for treating metastatic colorectal cancer. Bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, is another therapy that has clear clinical benefits in slowing down disease progression. Thus, a study was performed to assess the effectiveness of combining bevacizumab with trifluridine and tipiracil in treating refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.
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Potential usage of the BCG vaccine’s effect on preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection
Topic: COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 29th, 2023
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The bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine had been widely used to prevent tuberculosis. It has been observed that BCG helps reduce the risk of respiratory infections in adults. The off-target effect might be a result of the epigenetic changes made to immune cells which might be pro-inflammatory and accelerate the clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Aiming to utilize this immunomodulatory effect, a study, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, had investigated the usage of BCG in preventing COVID-19.
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The effectiveness of intranasal corticosteroids in treating chronic rhinosinusitis and its effect on the microbiome
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 24th, 2023
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To alleviate the consistent inflammation caused by chronic sinusitis, intranasal corticosteroids are administered. However, there is little evidence about the efficacy in the pediatric population. Plus, the effect of intranasal corticosteroids on the nasal microbiome is unknown. A study, recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, had investigated how the effect intranasal corticosteroids has on the quality of life of children with chronic sinusitis.
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Using sotatercept to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension
Topic: CARDIOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 17th, 2023
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The excessive proliferation of smooth muscle and endothelial cells around the pulmonary artery can narrow its diameter and lead to hypertension. Recent studies have found that the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays an important role in this proliferation. Sotatercept is a fusion protein containing the binding portion of the ActRIIA receptor that can bind to TGF-β. Thus, the pharmaceutical company MSD had sponsored a study to investigate the effect of Sotatercept in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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The effectiveness and safety of the RSVpreF vaccine when used in the elders
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 15th, 2023
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RSV infection in the elderly is especially worrisome because it can be exacerbated by coexisting conditions. Currently, there has not been any vaccine approved for this demographic. The pharmaceutical company Pfizer had funded a study that investigated the effectiveness of the bivalent RSV prefusion F protein−based (RSVpreF) vaccine in preventing infection in the elderly.
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Using the RSVpreF vaccine during pregnancy to prevent RSV infection in infants
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 10th, 2023
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Infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of death in children younger than 6 months old who live in low to middle income countries. Vaccinating the expecting mother can lead to transplacental transfer of protective antibodies, which have been effective against tetanus, pertussis, and SARS-CoV-2. Thus, a study, funded by Pfizer, was conducted to investigate whether the maternal immunization with the RSVpreF vaccine can be used to prevent illness in neonates
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Treating erythrodermic atopic dermatitis with the monoclonal antibody dupilumab
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 8th, 2023
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Erythrodermic atopic dermatitis (AD) is a more severe subtype in which more than 90% of the body surface area of the patient is marked with erythema and pruritus. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used as a treatment but application to the entire body is not practical. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that can block the proinflammatory effect of the IL-4 and IL-13 cytokine, and a study examining its effect on erythrodermic atopic dermatitis had recently been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Preventing obstetrical hemorrhage after cesarean delivery with tranexamic acid
Topic: OBGYN
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 3rd, 2023
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Postpartum hemorrhage accounts for 27.1% of maternal death annually. Fibrinolytic activity after the placenta delivery increases the risk of hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid can improve hemostasis by preventing clot breakdown. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic tranexamic acid in preventing hemorrhage in pregnant women who had cesarean delivery
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Managing blood cholesterol level in statin-intolerant patients with bempedoic acid
Topic: CARDIOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 1st, 2023
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Statin is activated by the peripheral tissue so its usage is associated with many adverse effects to the skeletal muscle. Bempedoic acid is metabolized in the liver; thus, the agent has less negative impact. Thus, Esperion Therapeutics had funded a study to investigate the effectiveness of bempedoic acid in managing hypercholesterolemia.
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Treating cryptococcal meningitis with liposomal amphotericin B
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on April 26th, 2023
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Due to their immunodeficiency, HIV infected patients are more susceptible to opportunistic infections. Cryptococcal meningitis is the second leading cause of HIV-related death. The high mortality is due to either the ineffectiveness of the fluconazole or the high toxicity of the long-course amphotericin B deoxycholate. Liposomal amphotericin B can be given at a higher dose due to its lower rate of side effects. Compounded with its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and long half-life, a study had been conducted to examine the usage of Liposomal amphotericin B antifungal combination therapy in treating cryptococcal meningitis.
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The efficacy and safety of baxdrostat in treating hypertension
Topic: CARDIOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on April 24th, 2023
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Aldosterone can increase the rate of sodium reabsorption and water retention; thus, it can enhance risk of hypertension. Thus, in order to manage the condition, aldosterone synthase has been an ideal pharmaceutical target. CinCor Pharma had funded a study to examine the effect of baxdrostat, a highly selective aldosterone synthase inhibitor, on managing hypertension.
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The effectiveness of adding oral corticosteroids to the standard NSAIDs therapy to treat Tietze syndrome
Topic: ORTHOPEDIC
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on April 19th, 2023
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Tietze syndrome is hallmarked by the irritation and inflammation of the joint connecting the ribs to the sternum. This leads to pain in the costochondral and sternochondral regions of the chest that can be misdiagnosed for either angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. The condition is frequently treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. A group of researchers had conducted a study with a hypothesis that the addition of corticosteroids can help manage Tietze syndrome.
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Using GD2-CART01 cells to treat neuroblastoma in pediatric patients
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on April 17th, 2023
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Neuroblastoma is one of the most common causes of cancer death in pediatric patients. Disialoganglioside GD2 is highly expressed by neuroblastoma cells; thus, monoclonal antibody treatment has yielded positive outcomes. T-cells with chimeric antigen receptors, also known as CAR-T cells, is the novel method of cancer treatment; the T-cells were engineered to express receptors that can bind to specific cellular antigen and induce death in the expressing cell. Thus, the Italian Medicines Agency had sponsored a study to investigate the effect of the GD2-CART01 CAR-T cells in treating neuroblastoma
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Post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections
Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on April 12th, 2023
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Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI) like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea can increase the susceptibility to HIV infection. Thus, it is essential to prevent and treat these STIs. Doxycycline is a low-cost antibiotic that has limited drug-to-drug interactions. Thus, the National Institute of Health had commissioned a study to investigate the possibility of using doxycycline as a post-exposure prophylaxis.
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Using vedolizumab monoclonal antibody to treat chronic pouchitis
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on April 10th, 2023
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In some patients with ulcerative colitis, the condition can be treated with a restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA). However, many of them develop chronic pouchitis after the procedure. Vedolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that can bind to the α4β7 integrin and reduce inflammation in the GI tract. Thus, a study, funded by Takeda, was conducted to investigate if vedolizumab can be used to treat chronic pouchitis.
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Reduce the risk of nonvertebral fracture in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis by using strontium ranelate
Topic: ORTHOPEDIC
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on April 5th, 2023
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Strontium ranelate can act on osteoblasts to enhance the efficiency of the bone formation process and inhibits the resorption process of osteoblasts. Thus, the agent had been used to manage osteoporosis. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism had assessed the effectiveness of strontium ranelate in preventing fractures in patients with osteoporosis.
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Peripartum usage of azithromycin prophylaxis to prevent sepsis in women who delivered with vaginal birth
Topic: OBGYN
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on April 3rd, 2023
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Peripartum bacterial infection is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide; thus, antibiotic prophylaxis would normally be used. In case a cesarean section is to be performed, intravenous infusion of azithromycin is initiated immediately after labor has started. Due to the positive effect, this practice had been recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But it is still unknown whether this practice yields any favorable results in cases of vaginal birth. A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine had assessed the effect of peripartum azithromycin on the health of the mother and neonates.
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