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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on December 20th, 2024
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Current guidelines for bladder cancer recommend adjuvant cisplatin chemotherapy prior to radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. However, 50% of patients experience relapse within three years. Durvalumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, can improve tumor clearance by blocking the immunosuppressive effects of cancer cells. A study funded by AstraZeneca was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of adding durvalumab to the treatment regimen for managing muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 18th, 2024
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For patients with resectable melanoma, nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, and ipilimumab, a CTLA-4 inhibitor, can be used as adjuvant treatments to eliminate residual tumor cells following surgery. Both nivolumab and ipilimumab function by blocking the signals tumor cells use to suppress immune cell activity. A study sponsored by Bristol Myers was conducted to assess whether administering nivolumab and ipilimumab as neoadjuvant therapy before surgery could also be effective.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 16th, 2024
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BRAF is a key gene involved in regulating cell growth, and mutations in this gene can lead to persistent MEK activation, causing uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is commonly seen in many melanoma cases. This condition can be managed by inhibiting both BRAF and MEK using dabrafenib and trametinib, in combination with other immunotherapy treatments that help clear cancerous tissue. Following FDA approval for use in 2018, long-term monitoring of patient health outcomes continued, and recent findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on December 13th, 2024
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Obesity greatly increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis due to the added pressure on the joint and the metabolic dysfunction that triggers inflammation. Previous research has shown that weight management interventions, such as calorie-restricted diets and bariatric surgery, can help reduce the severity of osteoarthritis. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly used to treat diabetes, has demonstrated significant weight loss effects. As a result, a study funded by Novo Nordisk was conducted to evaluate the potential of using semaglutide to manage osteoarthritis.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 11th, 2024
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Multiple myeloma is currently treated with a triple combination of bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, lenalidomide, a ligase-modulating agent, and the anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Since CD38 is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma tumor cells, Sanofi sponsored a study to explore the potential benefits of adding the anti-CD38 antibody isatuximab to the existing treatment regimen.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 9th, 2024
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Activating mutations in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex (PIK3CA) are found in 35% to 40% of breast cancer patients, contributing to worsened disease progression. Inavolisib is a potent PIK3CA inhibitor with a high affinity for its target, leading to fewer severe side effects. Roche recently sponsored a study to evaluate the effectiveness of inavolisib in treating advanced-stage breast cancer.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 6th, 2024
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Hip osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition that leads to considerable disability and health-related burdens for those affected. Hip replacement surgery is performed in approximately 10% of osteoarthritis cases in Europe and Australia, leading to significant improvements in quality of life. However, the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments, such as resistance training, remains poorly understood. To address this, the Danish Rheumatism Association sponsored a study to compare the effectiveness of resistance training with hip replacement surgery in patients with osteoarthritis.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 4th, 2024
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Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are commonly used to treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but their effectiveness in patients with less severe forms of the disease remains unclear. Finerenone is a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that helps reduce water retention in the body. Bayer funded a study to evaluate the effectiveness of finerenone in managing heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 2nd, 2024
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Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are common in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, leading to a reduced 5-year survival rate of just 19%. Osimertinib is the current first-line therapy for these patients, working by inhibiting the kinase activity of EGFR (EGFR-TKI). However, nearly all patients eventually develop resistance to osimertinib and other third-generation EGFR-TKIs. To address this issue, Janssen sponsored a study to evaluate the efficacy of amivantamab and lazertinib in treating non-small-cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 29th, 2024
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Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease, while dialysis serves as a temporary solution. However, individuals living with HIV face lower chances of receiving a kidney transplant compared to HIV-negative patients. Furthermore, HIV-positive patients undergoing dialysis are at a higher risk of death. In light of this, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases sponsored a study to explore the feasibility of transplanting kidneys from HIV-positive donors into HIV-positive recipients.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 27th, 2024
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Hodgkin’s lymphoma is currently treated with a range of chemotherapy agents, often in various combinations. Among these, brentuximab vedotin has proven effective by targeting tumor cells through binding to CD30, which is widely expressed on their surface. However, this agent is associated with significant toxicity, particularly in pediatric patients. Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells also express high levels of PD-L1, which helps deactivate antitumor immune cells, a process that can be targeted by nivolumab. The National Institutes of Health commissioned a study to compare the effectiveness of brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab when combined with the current standard treatment regimen for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 25th, 2024
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Small-cell lung cancer accounts for 15% of all lung cancer cases and is currently treated with thoracic radiotherapy and platinum–etoposide chemotherapy. Despite these treatments, the majority of patients experience relapse within two years, with around 30% dying within five years. Durvalumab and tremelimumab are two immunotherapy antibodies that counteract the immune-suppressing effects of PD-L1 and CTLA-4 on cancer cells. These antibodies have shown effectiveness in treating various cancers, including non–small-cell lung cancer. As a result, AstraZeneca sponsored a study to evaluate their potential in treating small-cell lung cancer.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 22nd, 2024
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Semaglutide and tirzepatide are two medications widely prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors, while tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Both medications help lower cellular glucose absorption and have recently shown potential for weight management. Therefore, a study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of semaglutide and tirzepatide in promoting weight loss.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 20th, 2024
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Beta-blockers are the standard treatment for individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction; however, this guidance was established before the introduction of myocardial reperfusion techniques and modern pharmacotherapy. Recent large-scale observational studies have not found a clear benefit of long-term beta-blocker use after myocardial infarction. Supported by funding from the French Ministry of Health, a study was initiated to determine the optimal duration for beta-blocker therapy following myocardial infarction.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 18th, 2024
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Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition in individuals with excess weight, often resulting from pharyngeal collapse due to adipose accumulation around the mandibular area. Tirzepatide, a dual agonist for GIP and GLP-1 receptors commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, has shown promise in aiding weight loss. Given these findings, Eli Lilly sponsored a study to evaluate tirzepatide’s potential in managing obstructive sleep apnea in individuals with obesity.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 15th, 2024
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The combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is widely used as a preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection, with tenofovir alafenamide offering a higher cellular uptake as an alternative. However, the daily dosing requirement can lead to adherence challenges. Lenacapavir, a novel agent that targets the HIV capsid, has shown promise for PrEP with only twice-yearly subcutaneous injections. Consequently, Gilead sponsored a study to evaluate the effectiveness of lenacapavir compared to tenofovir-based regimens as PrEP for HIV prevention.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 13th, 2024
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Nocturnal leg cramps are common among adults and can sometimes lead to insomnia and distress in rare severe cases. Currently, there are no safe and effective treatments: magnesium and calcium channel blockers have shown limited efficacy, and quinine poses toxicity risks. Previous research found that vitamin K2 supplementation reduced the frequency, severity, and duration of muscle cramps in dialysis patients. Based on these findings, a study was conducted to explore the potential of vitamin K2 supplementation for managing nocturnal leg cramps.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 11th, 2024
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Research has demonstrated that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating gastrointestinal function. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis HN019, a commensal probiotic, has shown potential in modulating bowel function. A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, evaluated the efficacy of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 in managing constipation.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 8th, 2024
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Synovial sarcoma and myxoid round cell liposarcoma are rare types of soft tissue sarcoma that typically respond to chemotherapy. However, once these cancers metastasize, the prognosis is grim, with a 5-year survival rate of only 8% to 14%. Despite their differences, both tumor types express high levels of MAGE-A4. Recently, a study sponsored by Adaptimmune explored the use of afamitresgene autoleucel, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting MAGE-A4, to treat patients with synovial sarcoma and myxoid round cell liposarcoma.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 6th, 2024
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Currently, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can be effectively treated with monoclonal antibodies such as palivizumab and nirsevimab. However, young children who are contraindicated for antibodies, ribavirin is the only treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Another possible alternative is ziresovir, an antiviral that can bind to and inhibit the F protein of RSV. Thus, Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical had sponsored a study to assess the efficacy of ziresovir in treating RSV infection in pediatric patients.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 4th, 2024
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Recent studies on the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis has found that human tumor necrosis factor–like cytokine 1A (TL1A) plays an important role in exacerbating the condition. The cytokine can interact with DR3 receptors on helper T cells to amplify type 1 and type 17 inflammation. Tulisokibart is an antibody that can bind to TL1A, and Merck had recently sponsored a study to assess its ability to manage ulcerative colitis.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 1st, 2024
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Lithium is a widely used treatment for bipolar disorder, known for its neuroprotective effects through the suppression of inflammation mediated by astrocytes and microglia. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans of patients suffering from post-COVID-19 fatigue and cognitive dysfunction have revealed persistent brain inflammation. In response, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded a study to investigate the potential of lithium in managing neurological complications associated with post-COVID-19 conditions.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 30th, 2024
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Bisoprolol, a β1-selective β-blocker, is widely prescribed for managing hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure. Observational studies have previously suggested that the use of β1-selective β-blockers for cardiovascular conditions may be linked to a reduction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) exacerbations. Consequently, a study was undertaken to investigate the potential role of bisoprolol in the management of COPD.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 28th, 2024
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Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors are a widely prescribed class of antihypertensive drugs. It has been suggested that continuing these medications before surgery might lead to complications due to the risk of hypotension, which can result in acute kidney injury. On the other hand, discontinuing the therapy could cause uncontrolled hypertension and complications during surgery. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association evaluated the risk of post-operative complications associated with the discontinuation of renin-angiotensin system inhibitor therapy before surgery.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 25th, 2024
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ANGPTL3 is a protein produced by liver cells that plays a role in regulating lipid metabolism by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase. Blocking ANGPTL3 can enhance the removal of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and lower cholesterol levels. Recently, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals sponsored a study to investigate the potential of zodasiran, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting ANGPTL3, as a treatment for managing hyperlipidemia.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 23rd, 2024
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Leiomyosarcoma is a prevalent type of soft tissue sarcoma with a poor prognosis following metastasis. While doxorubicin is the standard first-line treatment, previous studies have shown that combining it with other agents does not improve clinical outcomes. Trabectedin, a second-line therapy, is typically used to manage disease progression after metastasis. Recently, a study sponsored by PharmaMar investigated whether adding trabectedin to the first-line treatment with doxorubicin could improve outcomes in managing leiomyosarcoma.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 21st, 2024
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Treating ischemic stroke solely with intravenous thrombolytic agents results in approximately 30% recanalization of the occlusion. Argatroban, an arginine derivative, functions as an anticoagulant by binding to thrombin and inhibiting fibrin formation, while eptifibatide reduces platelet aggregation by blocking glycoprotein receptors. To evaluate the potential benefits of adding either argatroban or eptifibatide to standard thrombolytic therapy in reducing ischemic stroke complications, a study was sponsored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 18th, 2024
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Migraine is a prevalent condition that can severely impact an individual's quality of life. Preventative treatments like propranolol and topiramate have often proven either ineffective or associated with significant side effects. Previous research has demonstrated that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) can induce migraine attacks in patients. Consequently, a study was conducted in Denmark, with funding from the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck, to explore the potential of Lu AG09222, a PACAP-targeting antibody, as a treatment for managing migraines.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 16th, 2024
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The antiviral combination of nirmatrelvir and remdesivir has played a crucial role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, like all antimicrobials, random mutations and the selective pressure exerted by these treatments can lead to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants resistant to nirmatrelvir and remdesivir. In response, the National Institutes of Health funded a study to investigate the development of resistance genotypes following treatment with this antiviral combination.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 14th, 2024
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Delirium presents a significant challenge in hospital care, particularly for older patients, where delirium episodes can lead to serious complications. Insomnia is a key factor that exacerbates delirium, suggesting that sleep-promoting treatments may help manage the condition. To explore this, a recent study, funded by Merck, evaluated the potential of suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, to reduce the risk of delirium in hospitalized patients.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 11th, 2024
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To address childhood mortality in low-resource countries, the World Health Organization previously recommended biannual mass distribution of azithromycin to children aged 1 to 59 months. However, concerns over rising antimicrobial resistance led to a revised recommendation limiting the intervention to children between 1 and 11 months of age. In response, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded a study to assess the effectiveness of this shorter 1-11 month regimen compared to the original 1-59 month recommendation.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 9th, 2024
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Renal hypoperfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery can reduce the glomerular filtration rate, leading to acute kidney injury, which is linked to high morbidity and a significantly increased risk of chronic kidney disease and mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated that amino acid infusion may mitigate renal hypoperfusion and improve renal oxygenation. In light of this, the Italian Ministry of Health funded a study to explore the potential benefits of intravenous amino acid infusion during cardiac surgery.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 7th, 2024
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Previous research has demonstrated that grains, fruits, and vegetables high in polyphenolic lignans can support gut microbiota and lower the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, the impact of a lignan-rich diet on the risk of type 2 diabetes remains unclear. To address this, the National Institutes of Health sponsored a study to explore the connection between lignan consumption and type 2 diabetes risk.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 4th, 2024
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Individuals with white matter lesions are at an elevated risk for dementia, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. Previous research has indicated that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, can help reduce inflammation and the progression of white matter lesions. To explore whether omega-3 supplementation could prevent white matter loss and mitigate the risk of neuronal integrity breakdown, a study was conducted.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 2nd, 2024
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Ninety percent of renal cell carcinoma cases involve mutations in the VHL gene, which leads to upregulation of the HIF pathway, driving tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Belzutifan has the potential to disrupt this pathway by binding to the HIF2α transcription factor and inhibiting its dimerization. In light of this, Merck sponsored a study to assess the efficacy of belzutifan in treating renal cell carcinoma.
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