π¬ Antioxidants & Health: The Science Behind the Hype ββ€οΈ
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
π¬ Antioxidants & Health: Myths vs. Reality βππ Despite popular belief, vitamins C & E do not reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, or chronic illness π«β€οΈ. High doses of vitamin A increase the risk of hip fractures & prostate cancer β οΈπ¦΄, while vitamin E is linked to respiratory infections, prostate cancer, and even death π·β. However, a specific combination of antioxidants (C, E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin) slows vision loss in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ποΈπ§‘. A multiomic study identified GSTO1 as the...
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βπ©Έ Iron & Folate: The Power of Nutrients for a Healthy Life πͺπβ
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
π¬ Anemia & Folate: Key Insights π©Έ Anemia is primarily caused by iron deficiency in the U.S., especially in pregnancy (30% prevalence). π NHANES data shows high iron deficiency in young females (up to 77.5% at ferritin <50 ΞΌg/L). β οΈ Causes include heavy menstrual loss, increased pregnancy needs, and low dietary heme iron. π Iron supplements (18 mg/day) help, but >45 mg/day may cause nausea & constipation. πΆ Maternal iron status affects infant birth weight, and delayed cord clamping improves newborn iron stores. π In low-income countries, anemia is...
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Vitamin B12: The Brain & Blood Booster? π©Έπ§ πͺ
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
Vitamin B12: Essential for Health π©Έπ§ Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation, brain function, and DNA synthesis. Found in animal-based foods π₯π³π, those on vegan diets need fortified foods or supplements π. Deficiency can cause anemia, neurological issues, and cognitive decline β οΈ. High-risk groups include vegans, vegetarians, older adults, and individuals with malabsorption conditions π₯. Maternal deficiency affects fetal development π€°πΆ. Absorption declines with age, and severe cases (e.g., pernicious anemia) may require high-dose supplements or...
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βοΈ Vitamin D: The Sunshine Nutrient for Strong Bones & Immunity? π¦΄π‘οΈβ
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
Vitamin D is essential for bone health π¦΄, immune function π‘οΈ, and muscle strength ποΈ. Deficiency is common and affects women π©ββοΈ, young adults π§βπ, and non-Hispanic Black Americans. Main sources include sunlight βοΈ, oily fish π, eggs π₯, and fortified foods π₯. Recommended intake is 600-800 IU/day π. Studies show mixed results π, but it may help with cancer prevention ποΈ, autoimmune diseases π§¬, and cognitive function π§ . Excessive intake β οΈ can cause kidney stones π©Ί and hypercalcemia.
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π₯ Vitamin D & Multiple Sclerosis: Defending the Nervous System π§ π‘οΈ
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
π§ High-dose Vitamin D (100,000 IU biweekly) reduced disease activity in Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) of MS ππ. Patients had fewer MRI lesions π₯οΈ, longer time to disease activity β³, but no significant impact on relapses β. Well-tolerated with minimal side effects βοΈ, These findings support further research on Vitamin D as an MS therapy π¬π.
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BEAM-302: Rewriting Genes, Restoring Health β A Breakthrough in AATD Therapy! π¬π
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
π¬ BEAM-302 is a liver-targeting gene therapy using base editing to correct the PiZ mutation in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD). 𧬠I t increases functional AAT π« while reducing toxic Z-AAT, showing up to 78% reduction at the 60 mg dose. π The Phase 1/2 trial demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy, a well-tolerated safety profile, and no serious adverse events (SAEs). π‘οΈ With ongoing dose escalation and expansion to liver disease patients, BEAM-302 could be a one-time curative therapy π, with further data expected in late 2025. π
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Dr. RR Baligaβs Philosophical Discourses: Confucius (China, 551β479 BCE) β Founder of Confucianism
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
Confucius (c. 551β479 BCE), a renowned Chinese philosopher and teacher, founded Confucianism, emphasizing morality, family loyalty, social harmony, and virtuous governance. His teachings, compiled in the Analects, profoundly influenced Chinese culture, ethics, and education.
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βThe Brainβs Switchboard π: How MRN Controls Perseverance π, Exploration π & Disengagement ββ
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
This study identifies the Median Raphe Nucleus (MRN) π§ as a behavioral switchboard π, regulating perseverance π, exploration π, and disengagement β through distinct neuron types. GABAergic neurons π’ promote perseverance, Glutamatergic neurons π΅ drive exploration, and Serotonergic neurons π maintain engagement. Using optogenetics π‘, fiber photometry π, and circuit tracing π, researchers demonstrated how MRN integrates signals from the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) π and lateral habenula (LHb) β‘ to control decision-making. These findings have clinical...
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βπ High Intensity Statins vs Smart Alternatives: A Heart-Healthy Showdown! β€οΈπβ
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
π¬ Study Overview: A meta-analysis comparing alternative LDL cholesterol-lowering strategies (moderate-intensity statins + ezetimibe) vs high-intensity statins in patients with ASCVD. π Key Findings: β No significant difference in 3-year cardiovascular events (7.5% vs 7.7%) π Lower LDL cholesterol in the alternative strategy (64.8 vs 68.5 mg/dL) π©Έ Reduced risk of new-onset diabetes (10.2% vs 11.9%) π Fewer therapy discontinuations due to intolerance (4.0% vs 6.7%) βοΈ Conclusion: The alternative strategy offers comparable efficacy with better tolerability and...
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βStronger Bones, Fewer Fractures! π¦΄π USPSTF Osteoporosis Screening Guideβ
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
𦴠USPSTF Osteoporosis Screening Summary π π Why? Prevent fractures, disability, and mortality. π©ββοΈ Who? Women 65+ β , at-risk postmenopausal women β , men β (insufficient evidence). π©» How? DXA scan (bone density test) is the gold standard. β οΈ Risk Factors: Age, low weight, family history, smoking, alcohol, medications. β Benefits: Reduces fracture risk with moderate evidence. β οΈ Harms: Minimal risks, rare side effects from treatment. π Takeaway: Screen women 65+ and younger high-risk women!
info_outlineThe POPular PAUSE TAVI trial investigated whether continuing or interrupting oral anticoagulation during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) affected clinical outcomes.
The randomized, open-label, noninferiority study included 858 patients and assessed a composite primary outcome of cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction, major vascular complications, or major bleeding at 30 days.
The trial found that continuation was not noninferior to interruption, with higher bleeding risk but no significant difference in thromboembolic events, supporting interruption of anticoagulation in high-bleeding-risk TAVI patients.