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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 31st, 2025
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Prurigo nodularis is an inflammatory skin disorder driven by interleukin-31, characterized by severe itching that leads to scratching, which can result in bleeding and sleep disturbances. Funded by Galderma, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nemolizumab, an IL-31 receptor antagonist, in managing prurigo nodularis.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 28th, 2025
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline and paroxetine are the only US FDA-approved treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, these medications are effective in only about half of patients and tend to be inconsistent in managing intrusion and arousal symptoms. This has sparked increased interest in alternative treatments. Funded by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a study was conducted to evaluate the off-label potential of Brexpiprazole for managing PTSD.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 26th, 2025
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Currently, there is limited agreement on how maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts early childhood development. Similarly, the effect of maternal COVID-19 vaccination on a child's early development remains unclear. To address these gaps in understanding, the United Kingdom’s Economic and Social Research Council sponsored a population-level study to evaluate the impact of both maternal infection and COVID-19 vaccination on early childhood development.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 24th, 2025
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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is currently managed with combination regimens that include targeted chemoimmunotherapies such as Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Bcl-2 inhibitors, and anti-CD20 antibodies, among others. These treatments have significantly improved survival and delayed disease progression, but they are also associated with prolonged immunosuppression and cardiovascular toxicity. A study funded by AstraZeneca compared the effectiveness and safety of acalabrutinib, a second-generation Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with the current treatment regimens for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 21st, 2025
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The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays a critical role in water retention. However, in heart failure patients, excessive fluid buildup can worsen the condition, so blocking this system with spironolactone has proven beneficial. Similarly, eplerenone—a drug closely related to spironolactone—has been effective in patients with myocardial infarction and reduced ejection fraction. Thus, a study funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research was conducted to evaluate the use of spironolactone in managing cardiovascular health after myocardial infarction.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 19th, 2025
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Due to the close connection between the gut and the liver, changes in one can significantly impact the other. Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota are absorbed by the large intestine and eventually transported to the liver, so any imbalance in the gut can lead to the production of substances that worsen liver inflammation. A study recently published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the use of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 in managing liver function in patients with hepatitis-B cirrhosis.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 17th, 2025
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Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that is commonly prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes. Independent of the glycemic control effect, previous study had found that SGLT 2 inhibitors can alleviate glomerular hypertension and improve renal function. With funding from Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly, a recent study explored the usage of empagliflozin in managing chronic kidney disease.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 14th, 2025
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Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events are linked to a persistent state of increased inflammation. Prior studies have shown that reducing inflammation with canakinumab—an interleukin-1 beta inhibitor—can lower the risk of ischemic events, though this treatment notably raises the risk of infections. Colchicine, which also has anti-inflammatory properties, is being investigated for its potential to prevent cardiovascular incidents, as part of a study sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 12th, 2025
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Nucleotide analogue antivirals represent the most effective and convenient way to manage chronic hepatitis B infection on an outpatient basis. However, because the treatment often needs to be continued long term, the development of antiviral resistance is a concern. In cases of adefovir disoproxil resistance, a study was conducted to evaluate whether adding entecavir to the current regimen or switching to a tenofovir disoproxil fumarate monotherapy regimen would be more effective for managing chronic hepatitis B.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 10th, 2025
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Over the past few decades, Vietnam has seen a significant rise in childhood obesity. This trend is especially worrisome because childhood obesity greatly elevates the likelihood of developing lifelong complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In response to this concern, Novo Nordisk sponsored a study examining the use of liraglutide—a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist—for weight management in young children.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 7th, 2025
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Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition where immune cells induce excessive inflammation in the large intestine. These cells are guided to the inflamed tissue by a sphingosine 1-phosphate gradient. While inhibiting this pathway has shown efficacy in treating multiple sclerosis, unselective inhibition can lead to a higher incidence of adverse events. Tamuzimod, a more targeted inhibitor, was recently evaluated in a Lancet study for its potential to manage ulcerative colitis.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 5th, 2025
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Chronic hepatitis B infection can be managed through interferon and antiviral therapies; however, no current treatment effectively eradicates the virus. During its life cycle, the hepatitis B virus incorporates a portion of the host cell membrane as it exits the cell. Since cholesterol plays a key role in determining membrane flexibility, a study was conducted to investigate whether adding a cholesterol-lowering statin to standard antiviral therapy could improve hepatitis B control.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 3rd, 2025
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Previous neurological research indicates that elevated iron accumulation in the brain is linked to neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, potentially due to iron’s role in promoting cell death through ferroptosis. Supported by funding from ApoPharma, a study was conducted to evaluate the use of deferiprone, an iron chelator, for managing neuropsychological symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 28th, 2025
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The combination of amoxicillin and vonoprazan has proven effective for treating and curing Helicobacter pylori infections. However, the optimal antibiotic dose remains uncertain, which is critical given its potential impact on gut microbiota. With rising concerns about antibiotic resistance, it is important to identify a dose that both eradicates the bacteria and minimizes the development of resistant strains. A study funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and recently published in The Lancet investigated the optimal dose of amoxicillin and vonoprazan in terms of efficacy, gut microbiota, and resistance.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 26th, 2025
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Soil-transmitted helminth infections are commonly treated and prevented with a single dose of albendazole or mebendazole. While these medications are highly effective against hookworm species such as Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, they are less effective at clearing Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura. To address this gap, a study funded by the European Union was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of combining albendazole with ivermectin for treating all major soil-transmitted helminth infections.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 24th, 2025
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Obesity increases both the risk and severity of heart failure, as adipocytes contribute to a proinflammatory environment that can further damage cardiac tissues. Research has shown that reducing epicardial adipocyte volume through weight loss can mitigate heart failure risk and improve symptoms. Tirzepatide, a widely used antidiabetic medication that aids in weight control, was investigated in an Eli Lilly–funded study for its potential to manage symptoms in individuals with heart failure.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 21st, 2025
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective for managing depression and anxiety during pregnancy. However, many pregnant women choose to stop taking these medications out of caution. A study was conducted to examine the postpartum psychiatric outcomes associated with discontinuing SSRIs and SNRIs.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 19th, 2025
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Bleeding is a significant concern in general surgery. When it occurs, it can complicate a patient’s recovery, extend their hospital stay, and sometimes necessitate additional operations to address the issue. Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent, has been shown to effectively reduce hemorrhage risk in noncardiac surgeries. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association recently evaluated its use in general surgery.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 17th, 2025
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Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which CD8-positive T-cells attack the pigment-producing melanocytes in the epidermis, resulting in patches of milky-white skin. This process is influenced by interferon-gamma and interleukin-13, and can be managed using therapies that target the Janus kinase (JAK) proteins involved in signal transduction. A study funded by Eli Lilly investigated the potential benefits of combining oral baricitinib, a JAK inhibitor, with UV-B phototherapy for vitiligo management.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 14th, 2025
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Mother-to-child transmission is the most common form of hepatitis B transmission, and the risk of transmission is higher in mothers with a high viral load. This form of transmission is currently prevented by the use of immune globulin, which binds to and neutralizes the hepatitis B virus. However, the cost and storage requirements of immune globulin pose significant challenges in resource-limited areas. A study funded by Gilead was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of early tenofovir use in pregnant women with hepatitis B infection.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 12th, 2025
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Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia, characterized by abnormal and rapid atrial contractions. This lack of coordination between the heart chambers creates turbulent blood flow, leading to the aggregation of red blood cells into clots. As a result, patients with atrial fibrillation face a fivefold increased risk of stroke. The condition is currently treated with anticoagulants, such as rivaroxaban. A study funded by Anthos Therapeutics was conducted to compare the effectiveness of abelacimab with the current standard regimen in reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with atrial fibrillation.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 10th, 2025
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Bone density reduction is a common issue for women entering menopause, which increases the risk of fractures as they age. To reduce this risk, interventions aimed at preventing or slowing bone loss should be considered. A study funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand investigated the effectiveness of zoledronate in reducing the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 7th, 2025
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Chylomicrons are lipoprotein particles that the small intestine epithelium uses to transport dietary fats throughout the body and to the liver for repackaging into cholesterol-containing particles like HDL and LDL. Patients with chylomicronemia experience an excessive accumulation of these particles and also suffer from hypertriglyceridemia, which increases the risk of pancreatitis. A recently published study, funded by Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, explored the effectiveness of plozasiran in managing chylomicronemia and preventing pancreatitis.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 5th, 2025
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The irregular cardiac muscle contractions in patients with atrial fibrillation increase the risk of blood clot formation, which, in turn, raises the likelihood of stroke. While the condition can typically be managed with anticoagulants, individuals at higher risk of bleeding are unable to use this form of treatment, creating a need for alternative therapies. A recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine explored the use of asundexian, a factor XI inhibitor, to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 3rd, 2025
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Following its approval in 2010, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab has shown remarkable outcomes in patients with melanoma. Nivolumab and ipilimumab function by blocking the PD-1 and CTLA-4 proteins that cancer cells use to suppress the immune response. After the approval, Bristol Myers Squibb sponsored a surveillance study to assess the long-term outcomes of the nivolumab and ipilimumab combination in treating melanoma.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 31st, 2025
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Antipsychotic medications commonly used to treat schizophrenia work by blocking dopamine receptors. However, these medications are not effective in addressing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and are often poorly tolerated due to their adverse effects. Xanomeline-tropsium chloride is a novel antimuscarinic agent that may offer a new approach to managing schizophrenia by targeting the acetylcholine imbalance associated with the disease. A study funded by Karuna Therapeutics was conducted to investigate the potential use of Xanomeline-tropsium chloride in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 29th, 2025
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Young children under the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable to developing symptomatic diseases following exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, managing the infection becomes significantly more expensive and complex. The current approach to controlling the spread of MDR tuberculosis in young children involves household contact tracing from individuals recently diagnosed with the infection. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine explored the use of levofloxacin to prevent the transmission of MDR bacteria in young children.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 27th, 2025
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The cytokine interleukin-5 plays an important role in exacerbating asthma by promoting the growth and activation of eosinophils. Antibodies, such as mepolizumab, that inhibit the IL-5 signaling pathway have been proven to be effective at reducing asthma severity and glucocorticoids dependency. Depemokimab is a novel ultra-long-acting antibody with a higher affinity for IL-5, which effectiveness in managing asthma has been assessed by a study funded by GlaxoSmithKline.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 24th, 2025
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Cachexia is a common issue faced by cancer patients, with few approved treatment options available. Recent guidelines suggest the use of olanzapine to improve appetite, though there is limited evidence to support this recommendation. Short-term use of progesterone analogs and glucocorticoids can also be beneficial, but they come with side effects. Recent studies have shown that the GDF-15 protein plays a role in the development of cachexia through its interaction with GFRAL receptors in the hindbrain. Ponsegromab is a novel antibody that inhibits this interaction, and Pfizer sponsored a study to explore its potential use in managing cachexia.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 22nd, 2025
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When traditional glucose-lowering medications are no longer effective at controlling blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, insulin injections are used. However, the daily administration of insulin degludec can be challenging, and reducing the frequency of injections may improve treatment adherence. Insulin efsitora is a novel agent with a longer half-life. Eli Lilly funded a study to compare the effectiveness of once-weekly insulin efsitora to the current once-daily insulin degludec in managing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 20th, 2025
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The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has reversed the progress made in controlling infectious diseases, making them a significant public health threat once again, with tuberculosis being one of the key concerns. Patients infected with MDR tuberculosis have lower treatment success rates and experience more severe disease compared to those with susceptible strains. Levofloxacin is one of the antibiotics used to treat MDR tuberculosis, and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia has funded a study to investigate the use of levofloxacin as a prophylactic measure to prevent the spread of MDR tuberculosis among individuals living with infected patients.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 17th, 2025
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Multibacillary leprosy is a severe skin infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that is typically treated with a 12-month course of clofazimine, dapsone, and rifampin. While this antimicrobial regimen is effective, it is challenging due to the adverse effects of dapsone, poor adherence resulting from the long treatment duration, and the emergence of resistant strains. Bedaquiline, a diarylquinoline that inhibits mycobacterial ATP synthase, offers a potential alternative to the current regimen. A study sponsored by Janssen was conducted to explore the use of bedaquiline monotherapy as a treatment for multibacillary leprosy.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 15th, 2025
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The current standard treatment for hepatitis B infection involves an initial 48 weeks of pegylated interferon to trigger an antiviral immune response, followed by lifelong nucleotide/nucleoside analogue therapy. However, the 12-month cure rate is only 7%, highlighting the need for new therapies. Xalnesiran is a novel small interfering RNA that targets and inhibits the expression of the viral S protein. A study funded by Roche was conducted to explore the potential of using xalnesiran in combination with ruzotolimod, a TLR-7 agonist, as a treatment to cure hepatitis B infection.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 13th, 2025
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Treating breast cancer can be challenging because different subtypes of the disease exhibit varying susceptibilities and prognoses. Triple-negative breast cancer is characterized by tumor cells that do not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or the human epidermal growth factor receptor. The lack of these therapeutic targets makes treating this subtype particularly difficult. Pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, works by blocking the tumor's ability to evade the immune system. The medication was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2020 for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer after promising preliminary results. Recently, the study published its comprehensive findings in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 10th, 2025
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Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen responsible for upper respiratory tract infections in young children. The infection can be prevented through vaccination, with the standard regimen consisting of 3 primary doses during early infancy or 2 primary doses within the first 6 months, followed by a booster after 9 months of age. While both vaccination schedules have proven effective, they can be costly, making it difficult for resource-limited countries to implement nationwide vaccination programs. To address this, a study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a reduced-dose vaccination program with the standard 3-dose schedule.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 8th, 2025
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Colorectal cancer is a common cancer, and patients with mismatch repair deficiency and microsatellite instability mutations generally have a poorer prognosis. Nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, and ipilimumab, a CTLA-4 inhibitor, are immune checkpoint inhibitors that exhibit antitumor activity by counteracting the immune-suppressive effects of tumor cells. A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine investigated the impact of nivolumab and ipilimumab in treating colorectal cancer patients with advanced mutations.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 6th, 2025
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GLP-1 agonists, including semaglutide and liraglutide, have proven effective in managing diabetes and obesity. Additionally, biological research has suggested that activating the GLP-1 receptor may help reduce alcohol consumption. A study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association explored the potential of using GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide to treat alcohol use disorder.
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