Health Journal Online

Category: Diseases & Conditions

  • Healthy-Looking Teens Also At Risk Of Heart Damage From This Hidden Condition

    Healthy-Looking Teens Also At Risk Of Heart Damage From This Hidden Condition

    It is time to pay attention to your teen’s health. Even adolescents who look healthy and fall within a normal weight range could be on the path to heart damage if they have one hidden health condition, warns a recent study.

    Teens with prediabetes, a condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, may face a much higher risk of heart trouble than previously thought. According to the latest study published in the journal Diabetes Care, adolescents with prediabetes are nearly three times more likely to have worsening of both structural and functional heart damage during growth to young adulthood.

    Even more striking was the discovery that heart damage progresses five times faster in females than in males, highlighting the urgent need for parents and health professionals to pay closer attention to adolescent girls when it comes to early detection and prevention of prediabetes.

    In the study, researchers followed 1,595 adolescents from age 17 to 24, using data from the University of Bristol’s Children of the 90s cohort. The prevalence of high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and heart enlargement of the participants was evaluated during the period.

    Teens with fasting blood sugar levels of ≥5.6 mmol/L during the follow-up period faced a 46% higher risk of developing left ventricular hypertrophy, a thickening of the heart muscle that can lead to serious heart issues. For those with even higher blood sugar (≥6.1 mmol/L), the risk tripled. Researchers also noted that insulin resistance also played a role, raising the risk of premature heart damage by 10%.

    “Earlier results from the same cohort indicate that late adolescence is a critical period in the evolution of cardiometabolic diseases. The current findings further confirm that even healthy-looking adolescents and young adults who are mostly normal weight may be on a path towards cardiovascular diseases, if they have high blood glucose and insulin resistance,” said researcher Andrew Agbaje, in a news release.

    “Worsening insulin resistance and increased fat mass have a bidirectional reinforcing vicious cycle. In the new study, we observed that two-thirds of the effect of insulin resistance on excessive heart enlargement was explained by increased total body fat. The five-fold increase in the prevalence of prediabetes within seven years of growth from adolescence to young adulthood underscores the critical importance of lifestyle behavior and dietary habits, especially after adolescents have become independent from their families,” Agbaje added.

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  • Depression, Fingertip Changes, And Other Symptoms You Might Miss

    Depression, Fingertip Changes, And Other Symptoms You Might Miss

    You do not smoke, and you do not have a persistent cough: so you might think lung cancer is not your concern. But think again. While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer deaths, about 20% of people diagnosed have never touched a cigarette. Spotting early signs is crucial, yet many symptoms are so subtle they are easy to miss.

    People with lung cancer may experience a persistent cough, repeated chest infections, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, constant fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. While these are the common signs people typically associate with lung cancer, we are going to explore the silent warnings the body may send that are often easy to overlook.

    Face and Neck Swelling: Lung cancer patients can develop tumors near the superior vena cava, a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the head, neck, upper limbs, and torso back to the heart. This complication, known as superior vena cava syndrome, occurs when the tumor presses against the vein and nearby lymph nodes, causing blood to back up and resulting in swelling in the face and neck.

    Mental Health Symptoms: Studies have shown that people who were later diagnosed with lung cancer often developed mental health issues such as confusion, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms could be caused by tumors affecting the brain, the impact of cancer on the immune system or hormones, or high calcium levels related to cancer.

    Finger clubbing: Finger clubbing is a notable yet often overlooked symptom associated with lung cancer. It occurs when certain lung tumors produce hormone-like substances that increase blood flow and fluid accumulation in the fingertips, leading to their enlargement. This condition is characterized by rounded, bulging fingertips and nails that may appear shiny or curve more than usual.

    Stomach Problems: It is estimated that around 40% of lung cancer patients develop tumors that release substances that could disrupt normal calcium levels. Excessive calcium in the blood affects digestion and causes stomach cramps, nausea, and constipation.

    Shoulder and back pain: Not all lung cancers affect the respiratory system. For example, a Pancoast tumor is a type of lung cancer that grows in the upper part of the lung and can spread to the ribs, vertebrae, nerves, and blood vessels. This type of lung cancer can cause pain in the shoulder blade, upper back, and arm.

    Early detection of lung cancer:

    The survival rate for lung cancer largely depends on how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. If detected early, when the cancer is still localized, and treated promptly, some lung cancers can go into remission. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms, it’s important to consult with a doctor. However, keep in mind that these symptoms may not necessarily indicate lung cancer, as they could be linked to other conditions.

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  • Got Memory Issues? Here’s How To Tell If It’s Dementia Or Just Aging

    Got Memory Issues? Here’s How To Tell If It’s Dementia Or Just Aging

    Who has not forgotten a name, occasionally misplaced things, or stumbled over the right word during a conversation? However, with growing awareness about dementia, these occasional memory lapses often leave people wondering if it could be an early sign of dementia.

    As people get older, you might notice that it takes a little longer to remember things than it once did, but most of the time, there is no cause for concern. This occasional forgetfulness is called age-associated memory impairment and is a normal part of aging. Although it may feel frustrating, it does not mean you have dementia.

    Although many people confuse normal aging with dementia, the two are very different. Dementia often begins with mild memory loss but progressively worsens over time. In normal age-related memory changes, forgetfulness tends to be occasional and typically involves memories from the more distant past. In contrast, people with dementia frequently struggle with recent events, such as forgetting a conversation they had earlier that day or not recognizing someone they just met.

    Dementia is not just about memory loss. It also brings confusion, difficulty managing everyday tasks, trouble with language and understanding, and noticeable changes in behavior. Over time, these challenges interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily activities and can significantly affect their independence.

    However, it is important to remember that noticing symptoms like memory loss or confusion is not enough to diagnose dementia. Only a healthcare professional can make that diagnosis after a thorough evaluation. This typically involves medical history, cognitive tests, physical exams, and sometimes brain imaging to rule out other possible causes.

    Memory issues can also stem from a variety of other causes, including head injuries like concussions, brain tumors or infections, thyroid or organ problems, medication side effects, mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, substance misuse, sleep disturbances, or even deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and poor nutrition.

    When to see a doctor?

    If memory problems start interfering with daily life, it is important to see a doctor. Warning signs include repeating the same questions over and over, getting lost in familiar places, or struggling to manage personal care.

    In some cases, older adults may be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition where memory or thinking problems are more noticeable than in others their age. However, unlike dementia, people with MCI can usually manage their daily activities independently, but it can sometimes be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

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  • Doctors Pushed HIV Meds On Patients in Exchange For Lavish Meals, Trips, and Cash: Prosecutors

    Doctors Pushed HIV Meds On Patients in Exchange For Lavish Meals, Trips, and Cash: Prosecutors

    A pharmaceutical company that allegedly paid doctors kickbacks to push their HIV/AIDS drugs has agreed to pay a fine of more than $200 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by federal prosecutors.

    The government alleged that Gilead had induced doctors to prescribe a slew of HIV/AIDS drugs in exchange for honoraria payments, meals, and travel expenses to healthcare practitioners. Prosecutors said the company created a scheme where healthcare practitioners who spoke at or attended Gilead speaker events, and used the events as a a way to deliver kickbacks.

    “For years, Gilead unlawfully sought to increase sales of its HIV drugs, by using its speaker programs to funnel kickbacks to doctors. As alleged, Gilead spent tens of millions of dollars on these programs, including over $20 million in speaking fees and millions more in exorbitant meals, alcohol and travel, all in an effort to induce doctors to prescribe Gilead’s HIV drugs and drive up sales,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said.

    “With this settlement, Gilead has taken responsibility for its conduct and agreed to pay a significant financial penalty. The message is clear, companies that illegally drain taxpayer dollars from federal healthcare programs will be held accountable,” he said.

    The government also alleged that the scheme led to false claims for the Gilead HIV Drugs being submitted to and paid for by federal healthcare programs. Because of this, more than $176 million of the fine will go as compensation to the government, with the remainder being distributed to several states.

    One HIV speaker, who received over $300,000 in total honorarium payments, wrote prescriptions for Gilead HIV Drugs that resulted in over $6 million in Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE payments.

    The Gilead HIV antiretroviral drugs are expensive, with Medicare paying more than $1,000 for a one-month supply of Complera®, for example. From 2011 to November 2017, the company conducted HIV speaker programs, ostensibly for educational purposes.

    However, prosecutors say many of the events had little educational value and that Gilead would invite the same physicians over and over to the same program. The events were often held at fancy restaurants in New York including at James Beard House, Del Posto, Asiate, Palma, Vaucluse, Ilili, and Limani.

    Other desirable locations for the events included Hawaii, Miami, and New Orleans. Prosecutors noted that sometimes the location was selected in response to an HIV speaker’s request to be booked for a program in that city.

    Originally published on Lawyer Herald

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  • DK Klinik Develops Hair Donor Index After Thousands of Clinical Cases

    DK Klinik Develops Hair Donor Index After Thousands of Clinical Cases

    In a study conducted by an internationally recognised association of hair restoration surgeons, doctors specialising in hair transplantation reported that 6 out of every 100 procedures are corrective surgeries for transplants previously conducted at black market clinics.

    Considering that not every individual who underwent a transplant at a black market clinic seeks a second operation, the actual rate of hair transplants performed in black market clinics appears to be significantly higher.

    This situation highlights an evaluation process that is far from scientific standards and lacks transparency.

    In an effort to improve transparency and scientific structure in hair transplantation, DK Klinik has introduced a new clinical evaluation system: the Hair Donor Index.

    The Hair Donor Index, created by analysing thousands of hair transplantation cases performed at the clinic over the years, was developed by DK Klinik—operating in the field of dermatology and hair transplantation in Turkey for 23 years—to grade the donor area quality of patients in preparation for hair transplantation.

    Unlike traditional approaches that often rely heavily on subjective visual inspection, DK Klinik’s Hair Donor Index scores the donor area based on four critical parameters: follicular density, donor area size, follicular unit distribution, and hair thickness.

    Each factor has a different level of influence on donor site suitability. Therefore, each score is multiplied by a specific weight, and the patient’s donor area is ultimately scored between 20 and 100 based on the weighted results.

    ‘Many hair transplant evaluations focus on how much area needs to be covered, but they rarely assess whether the donor area can sustainably provide enough grafts,’ said Prof. Dr. Ümit Kemal Şentürk, a senior executive at DK Klinik and added:

    ‘While the Norwood-Hamilton classification helps estimate how many grafts may be needed to restore coverage, it does not measure whether the donor area can supply them without risk. There has been no standardised methodology for evaluating donor sufficiency — until now. Our Hair Donor Index addresses this critical gap with a structured, data-based system.

    We have long used the Hair Donor Index to classify patient candidates in our internal case evaluations, and it has been highly beneficial. However, I believe it is important to note that this methodology is only semi-standardised, as in some cases, individual patient factors can override the four main parameters we consider.’

    Another persistent challenge for hair transplant candidates is inconsistent graft number estimations between clinics.

    While traditional scales can approximate the recipient area’s needs, the donor area’s capacity has primarily been left to subjective interpretation. This often leads to exaggerated promises and a confusing environment where clinics compete over inflated graft numbers. The Hair Donor Index aims to replace guesswork with measurable, realistic evaluations.

    Raising Global Standards

    Hair transplantation has grown increasingly global, with countries like Turkey becoming major destinations for affordable, high-quality procedures. As more patients seek multiple opinions across clinics, tools like the Hair Donor Index provide a critical layer of transparency, helping patients avoid misleading promises and make better-informed decisions.

    DK Klinik’s initiative not only sets a new benchmark for donor area evaluation but also reinforces its long-standing commitment to patient-centred, evidence-based care.

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  • RFK Jr. to End ‘Godsend’ Narcan Program That Helped Reduce Overdose Deaths Despite His Past Heroin Addiction

    RFK Jr. to End ‘Godsend’ Narcan Program That Helped Reduce Overdose Deaths Despite His Past Heroin Addiction

    Despite his own history of overcoming heroin addiction, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is backing plans to end a federal Narcan distribution program credited with helping drive a steep drop in U.S. overdose deaths.

    Narcan, the widely-used overdose reversal drug, has played a major role in reducing opioid-related deaths, particularly amid the fentanyl crisis.

    A $56 million annual grant program through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has funded the distribution of Narcan to first responders across the country, training over 66,000 individuals and distributing more than 282,500 kits in 2024 alone. Recent CDC data shows a nearly 24% drop in overdose deaths for the 12 months ending September 2024, the sharpest one-year decline in decades—an achievement partly attributed to widespread naloxone access.

    Speaking at the Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville on Thursday, Kennedy reflected on his personal struggle with addiction and emphasized the importance of community, treatment, and hope in solving the drug crisis, USA Today reported. However, behind the scenes, the Trump administration’s draft budget includes major cuts to addiction programs, including the termination of the Narcan grant, according to The Independent.

    “Narcan has been kind of a godsend as far as opioid epidemics are concerned, and we certainly are in the middle of one now with fentanyl,” Donald McNamara of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. “We need this funding source because it’s saving lives every day.”

    Though Kennedy has previously praised interventions like Narcan as critical to saving lives, he now frames the crisis as one requiring deeper, spiritual and societal change rather than relying solely on “nuts and bolts” medical solutions.

    The proposal has drawn swift condemnation from addiction specialists and public health advocates, who warn that cutting Narcan funding could reverse the progress made against overdose deaths. Critics argue that removing life-saving tools while broader societal fixes are slowly pursued would leave vulnerable communities at risk.

    While national overdose deaths have declined, experts warn the epidemic is far from over, especially in states still experiencing surges. Ending federal Narcan support could slow or even reverse recent gains.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • Popular Dinner Staple May Increase Risk Of Death From Cancer

    Popular Dinner Staple May Increase Risk Of Death From Cancer

    A dinner without chicken feels incomplete for many. Known for its protein-packed benefits, especially for muscle building and energy, chicken has long been a staple for many, particularly those hitting the gym. However, new research cautions that regularly eating chicken may put you at an increased risk of dying from gastrointestinal cancers.

    The findings of the latest study, published in the journal Nutrients, offer a surprising twist since poultry, long considered a “noble food” due to its high protein and low-fat content compared to red meat, may not be as harmless as once thought.

    The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 100 grams as a standard serving of poultry, suggesting it be consumed one to three times a week. However, the latest study raises concerns that exceeding 300 grams weekly could increase the risk of death from gastrointestinal cancers.

    The study, which analyzed the health data and meat consumption habits of 4,869 adults in Italy, revealed that individuals who ate more than 300 grams of poultry per week had a significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal cancers and a greater risk of early death from these cancers. Those consuming over 300 grams of poultry weekly had a 27% higher likelihood of dying from gastrointestinal cancer compared to those who kept their intake to 100 grams or less each week.

    Another interesting reveal was that men were more at risk of death from gastrointestinal cancers compared to women, even with the same amount of poultry consumption.

    The impact of poultry consumption on the risk of dying from gastrointestinal cancer increased with age. For those around 60, there was no significant difference between eating less than 100 grams or more than 300 grams of poultry a week. However, by 83, the risk of death was twice as high for those eating more poultry. This effect was more noticeable in men, who showed a higher risk even before age 60.

    “We believe it is beneficial to moderate poultry consumption, alternating it with other equally valuable protein sources, such as fish. We also believe it is essential to focus more on cooking methods, avoiding high temperatures and prolonged cooking times,” the researchers conclude.

    However, an important limitation of the study is that it did not consider whether the chicken consumed was processed or how it was cooked. The researchers also did not account for the participants’ levels of physical activity, which could have influenced the results.

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  • Think You’re Too Young To Worry? Habits That May Harm Your Health By 30s

    Think You’re Too Young To Worry? Habits That May Harm Your Health By 30s

    Many people believe they have time to quit smoking, heavy drinking, or other unhealthy habits, but new research suggests the damage may start much earlier than expected. Although it’s never too late to change, researchers now caution that these vices could begin affecting your health as early as 36.

    For those who keep postponing their decision to take up a healthy lifestyle, the latest study published in the journal Annals of Medicine could be an eye-opener.

    “Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer cause almost three-quarters of deaths worldwide. But by following a healthy lifestyle, an individual can cut their risk of developing these illnesses and reduce their odds of an early death,” said lead author Dr Tiia Kekäläinen in a news release.

    Researchers tracked the physical and mental health of hundreds of people over more than 30 years and found how risky habits like smoking, heavy drinking, and lack of exercise can take a serious toll on their health, often earlier than one would expect.

    The analysis showed that people with all three unhealthy habits: smoking, heavy drinking, and inactivity, had significantly worse physical and mental health compared to those who avoided them altogether.

    When examined individually, each habit took a unique toll. While lack of exercise was strongly tied to poorer physical health, smoking was linked mainly to worse mental health and heavy drinking was associated with declines in both. The more shocking reveal was the health effects started showing by the time individuals reached their mid-30s.

    The study also noted that the more unhealthy habits people had — and the longer they held onto them — the worse their health became. Over time, these habits affected their mental well-being, poorer self-rated health, and a buildup of metabolic risk factors that can lead to chronic diseases.

    “Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviors, such as smoking, heavy drinking and physical inactivity, as early as possible to prevent the damage they do to from building up over the years, culminating in poor mental and physical health later in later life,” said Dr Kekäläinen.

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  • Why a Platform Approach Outperforms Point Solutions with Pritesh Patel, COO of Andor Health

    Why a Platform Approach Outperforms Point Solutions with Pritesh Patel, COO of Andor Health

    As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, healthcare remains pivotal. While many health systems have attempted to implement AI through point solutions—single-use applications that address specific needs—these fragmented tools often fail to deliver lasting value. The real potential of AI lies in a platform approach, where a unified system can repurpose AI capabilities across multiple functions, streamlining care delivery and operational efficiency at scale.

    At the forefront of this transformation is Andor Health, whose AI-first ThinkAndor® platform eliminates the inefficiencies of point-based AI solutions. According to Pritesh Patel, Chief Operating Officer of Andor Health, by scaling across a healthcare system, ThinkAndor’s® AI enables organisations to extend its benefits beyond single-use cases, unlocking new opportunities in clinical workflow orchestration, ambient documentation and enhanced AI vision capabilities.

    Why Point Solutions Fall Short

    The healthcare industry has seen cycles of adopting and replacing fragmented technologies, which have struggled to provide sustainable ROI. Many health systems initially implemented healthcare applications as a point solution, only to realise that managing disparate systems created more complexity rather than reducing it. The advent of AI-based point solutions puts healthcare organisations in a similar place – implementing singular AI features rather than a platform for the last scale. This approach places systems in the same situation as before.

    A platform approach, on the other hand, allows AI-enhanced use cases to be systematically deployed across an entire health system, creating a framework for scale and innovation. Once AI is approved and implemented at scale, it can be responsibly repurposed for use cases, providing a centralised and unified agent that enhances efficiency across various functions.

    Beyond Single-Use: The Power of AI at Scale

    Rather than being confined to one-off applications, AI-first ThinkAndor® delivers enterprise-wide value by supporting diverse functions across the care continuum.

    Clinical Documentation (AI feature)

    Through automated ambient documentation, ThinkAndor® improves documentation efficiency by 47% across various nursing workflows. For an inpatient admission, the platform also reduces ~200 EHR clicks per patient admission and boosts overall staff productivity by 15%. By tripling nursing capacity, this AI-driven documentation system allows clinicians to spend more time on patient care than administrative tasks.

    Machine Learning & Care Coordination

    Leveraging machine learning, ThinkAndor® supports predictive modelling that goes beyond traditional tools. AI-powered models, such as those used to predict post-operative recovery outcomes (e.g., urinary continence and erectile function following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy), demonstrate significant potential for personalised patient care without increased administrative burdens. In one study, AI-based ANN models achieved AUCs of 0.74 for potency and 0.68 for continence, outperforming other predictive models. These models provide clinicians with data-driven insights to better manage patient expectations and guide shared decision-making throughout the patient care journey.

    ThinkAndor® also integrates neural vision insights to support ambient observation without requiring health systems to invest in proprietary hardware or edge-based computing. By leveraging existing endpoints, the platform uses AI agents to continuously scan for key conditions such as bed availability, cleaning status, provider identification, hand washing, patient falls, elopement, and more—enabling proactive workflows and improved care team coordination. Furthermore, these use cases can be tethered to ancillary systems (EMR, CRM, HR), automatically allowing the data transfer and action to happen.

    By integrating responsible AI at the enterprise level, Andor Health enables health systems to scale AI adoption efficiently, improving operational effectiveness and patient outcomes.

    Sustainable Healthcare Through AI Innovation

    AI is not just a tool for improving efficiency—it is also a key driver of a sustainable future in healthcare. ThinkAndor® optimises care coordination, reduces administrative burden, and enables data-driven decision-making, all while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

    As health systems look to the future, embracing a platform approach over point solutions is critical.

    By leveraging an AI Infrastructure at scale, healthcare organisations can maximise impact, improve workforce efficiency, and ultimately enhance the quality of patient care in a meaningful and sustainable way – not just now but for decades to come.

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  • Childhood Exposure To Common Gut Bacteria To Blame?

    Childhood Exposure To Common Gut Bacteria To Blame?

    Colorectal cancer rates are climbing globally, with a particularly alarming rise among young adults under 50. Researchers now believe they may have uncovered a hidden culprit behind the medical mystery. A recent study suggests that early exposure to a toxin produced by harmful strains of E. coli could be a possible driver behind the surge.

    In the latest study published in the journal Nature, researchers found that childhood exposure to colibactin, a toxin produced by certain strains of E.coli, damages DNA and these mutations raise the risk of bowel cancer before the age of 50.

    In a large-scale genome analysis of 981 colorectal cancer across 11 countries, researchers noted a distinct pattern of DNA mutations caused by colibactin. These specific DNA patterns were over three times more common in patients under 40 compared to those over 70.

    Interestingly, these genetic fingerprints were not just seen in young adults, but more often in countries with the highest rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, pointing to a possible link between bacterial exposure and the rising number of young adults affected worldwide.

    “These mutation patterns are a kind of historical record in the genome, and they point to early-life exposure to colibactin as a driving force behind early-onset disease,” said study senior author Ludmil Alexandrov in a news release.

    “If someone acquires one of these driver mutations by the time they’re 10 years old, they could be decades ahead of schedule for developing colorectal cancer, getting it at age 40 instead of 60,” Alexandrov explained.

    While earlier studies including prior research from the same team had linked colibactin to 10 to 15 percent of all colorectal cancer cases, they did not differentiate between younger and older patients.

    “When we started this project, we weren’t planning to focus on early-onset colorectal cancer. Our original goal was to examine global patterns of colorectal cancer to understand why some countries have much higher rates than others. But as we dug into the data, one of the most interesting and striking findings was how frequently colibactin-related mutations appeared in the early-onset cases,” said the first author Marcos Díaz-Gay.

    Researchers are now exploring innovative ways to translate these findings into early detection and prevention tools. One promising idea is a stool test designed to detect colibactin-related markers, which could help identify individuals at higher risk for early-onset colorectal cancer. They are also investigating the potential of probiotic therapies aimed at rebalancing the gut microbiome in children to reduce the risk later in life.

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