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1. Men denied life-extending prostate cancer drug

   Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:30:51 -0000

   NHS England says it cannot afford to offer abiraterone, which is available in Scotland and Wales.

2. NHS England to be axed as role returns to government control

   Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:52:28 -0000

   The prime minister says the move will cut duplication and free up money for frontline services.

3. Abolishing NHS England is radical - why do it?

   Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:39:07 -0000

   There are three main reasons body is going - money, bureaucracy and control, says Nick Triggle

4. What does NHS England do? Your questions answered on health reforms

   Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:51:56 -0000

   As part of Your Voice, Your BBC, we answer questions from you on government plans to scrap NHS England.

5. Mone accuses Covid inquiry of 'cover-up'

   Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:10:36 -0000

   She says husband Doug Barrowman and her are targets of a "politically motivated witch hunt".

6. Manslaughter probe at Letby hospital expanded

   Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:58:44 -0000

   Cheshire Police expands its investigation into what happened at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

7. Measles highest in 25 years in Europe, WHO says

   Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:31:40 -0000

   Children under five constituted more than 40% of the cases reported in Europe and Central Asia last year.

8. Warning over the dangers of Botox parties

   Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:32:15 -0000

   Healthcare Improvement Scotland is concerned about treatment at parties organised with unregulated providers.

9. Major cuts at NHS HQ as more directors stand down

   Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:02:27 -0000

   Up to 6,500 jobs could go as health secretary looks to bring NHS England closer to the government.

10. 'I couldn't cope if I passed condition to my kids'

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:06:55 -0000

    A genetic testing service based in Devon is praised by a woman with a rare skin condition.

11. Children under eight should avoid drinking slushies, doctors warn

    Wed, 12 Mar 2025 01:34:02 -0000

    Paediatricians studied 21 children in the UK and Ireland who became very ill after the icy drinks.

12. Thousands miss NHS screenings due to admin error

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:33:48 -0000

    Routine screening invitations were not sent because of an error dating back to 2008.

13. Annual jab for HIV protection passes trial hurdle

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:37:53 -0000

    Lenacapavir, which stops HIV from replicating inside cells, has passed early safety tests.

14. Can LED face masks transform your skin - here's what the experts say

    Sat, 08 Mar 2025 01:37:16 -0000

    The at-home light therapy treatment is increasingly being seen as a must-have skincare accessory.

15. Windass: 'Dementia scares me, we need more help'

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:00:38 -0000

    The former footballer has been speaking about his future after stage two diagnosis.

16. More schools to be asked to supervise toothbrushing

    Fri, 07 Mar 2025 01:29:21 -0000

    School and nursery staff in the poorest areas will be asked to help young children brush their teeth

17. Victim records claims sickening - attacks families

    Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:52:51 -0000

    A hospital trust is investigating if medical records of the three victims were accessed "inappropriately".

18. Doctors didn't warn women of 'risky sex' drug urges

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:36:42 -0000

    Patients given drugs for movement disorders like restless leg syndrome say their behaviour changed entirely.

19. Scientists discover new part of the immune system

    Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:19:14 -0000

    New part of the immune system - hidden inside our bodies - could be used to make new antibiotics.

20. Common vaginal 'imbalance' may be an STI

    Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:25:41 -0000

    An overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, known as BV, may be spread by sex, researchers say.

21. The NHS is spending a fortune giving people a death they don't want

    Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:07:39 -0000

    The UK was once ranked the best country for end-of-life care - but, say experts, that has all changed

22. Boots recalls paracetamol over labelling error

    Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:41:31 -0000

    Packaging inside the box incorrectly states the pills are a different painkiller, aspirin.

23. Warning over rapid at-home prostate tests

    Wed, 05 Mar 2025 01:44:08 -0000

    Testing for PSA protein can indicate whether a man is at risk of prostate cancer.

24. Autistic woman wrongly locked up in mental health hospital for 45 years

    Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:00:06 -0000

    “Kasibba”, who is non-verbal and had no family to speak for her, was one of hundreds wrongly detained.

25. Over 50% of adults worldwide predicted to be obese or overweight by 2050

    Tue, 04 Mar 2025 01:25:07 -0000

    Levels look set to accelerate rapidly, particularly in lower-income countries.

26. 'He was born navy blue': Real-life stories behind Toxic Town Netflix series

    Tue, 04 Mar 2025 02:28:17 -0000

    The drama tells the story of how families fought for justice over their children's birth defects.

27. Cancer family 'financially broken' by benefits wait

    Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:47:12 -0000

    Charity report finds seven-month average wait for families of children with cancer to access benefits.

28. Michael Gove denies trying to circumvent Dyson ventilator checks

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:29:20 -0000

    Former cabinet minister says it would be ludicrous to suggest he tried to shortcut safety checks in the pandemic.

29. How does the Covid inquiry work?

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:58:17 -0000

    The inquiry has heard from politicians, civil servants, public health experts and bereaved families.

30. Michelle Mone-linked PPE firm evidence to be heard in private

    Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:16 -0000

    Covid inquiry says hearings into the firm, led by Michelle Mone's husband, must be held in closed session.

31. Large UK-wide pandemic preparedness tests planned this year

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:36:01 -0000

    The stress test will involve thousands of people to help the UK prepare for potential future threats.

32. Families failed by Covid jabs tell inquiry of pain

    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:39:40 -0000

    They said there was no support after the death and harm suffered by their loved ones.

33. NHS hours from PPE running out in Covid - Hancock

    Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:58:34 -0000

    Former health secretary tells inquiry some healthcare settings did run out - "and it was awful".

34. Covid inquiry told Treasury blocked NHS bed request

    Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:06:48 -0000

    NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard says the decision, in July 2020, was very disappointing.

35. Covid inquiry told top NHS doctor was terrified

    Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:34:34 -0000

    Sir Stephen Powis says points-based tool was drawn up should need to prioritise patients have arisen.

36. How close were hospitals to collapse in Covid?

    Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:06:04 -0000

    The Covid inquiry restarts its live hearings this week, after senior staff in the NHS revealed just how close some hospitals were to collapse

37. Covid inquiry told of trust do-not-resuscitate rule

    Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:54:11 -0000

    Patients' families were “horrified but not surprised” when told the blanket policy had been in place.

38. We were not treated as parents, Covid inquiry told

    Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:11:38 -0000

    Mum of premature twins says rigid restrictions on birthing wards during Covid were traumatic.

39. Covid ambulance crews faced 'crucial PPE delays'

    Tue, 01 Oct 2024 14:39:04 -0000

    Crews say they faced crucial delays trying to save dying patients because of the time it took to put on equipment.

40. Covid was like a daily terror attack, doctor tells inquiry

    Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:06:37 -0000

    Covid inquiry hears harrowing testimony from ex-adviser in emergency preparedness at NHS England.

41. Covid inquiry rejects clinicians’ anonymity plea

    Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:11:07 -0000

    The UK Health Security Agency argued naming the junior officials could put them at risk of abuse.

42. Warning tax rises could force care homes to close

    Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:50:35 -0000

    Social care providers say the sector is in "unprecedented danger" without more funding.

43. High-grade masks evidence weak, Covid inquiry told

    Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:39:28 -0000

    UKHSA's Prof Susan Hopkins said respirator masks may have worked no better than thin surgical masks.

44. Nurses bore the brunt of Covid, ex-chief nurse says

    Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:58:13 -0000

    Dame Ruth May tells the Covid inquiry nurses struggled with low staffing levels and difficulties accessing protective equipment.

45. ‘I grieve for the person I was before' - Covid inquiry to begin new phase

    Mon, 09 Sep 2024 01:13:17 -0000

    The Covid inquiry opens its next set of hearings on Monday, looking at the impact on healthcare and the NHS.

46. Corruption review finds 'red flags' in more than 130 Covid contracts

    Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:04:10 -0000

    An anti-corruption charity finds significant concerns in £15.3bn worth of contracts awarded during the pandemic.

47. How the UK planned for the wrong pandemic

    Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:28:01 -0000

    Over-confidence, wasted opportunities and muddled-thinking left UK sleep-walking into Covid.

48. First place in British Isles set to approve right to die

    Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:02:21 -0000

    Laws in the Isle of Man to let terminally ill adults end their own lives are in the last stages of debate.

49. Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people

    Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:36 -0000

    Increasing numbers of young people are using the drug, experts say. The health impacts can be catastrophic.

50. Assisted dying bill: What is in proposed law?

    Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:30:26 -0000

    The proposed law would allow some terminally ill adults to end their own lives. But there are requirements.

51. 'My first cervical screening was over before I knew it'

    Sun, 02 Feb 2025 01:06:51 -0000

    The BBC speaks to six people about their first cervical screening, and what they wish they'd known beforehand.

52. How are the vaping rules changing?

    Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:06:32 -0000

    Marketing rules will be stricter, nicotine vapes will be taxed and disposable vapes will be banned.

53. Is the system letting down people who were harmed by Covid vaccines?

    Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:48:59 -0000

    People affected by rare blood clots say they feel they have been airbrushed out of the pandemic.

54. How will weight-loss drugs change our relationship with food?

    Sat, 19 Oct 2024 03:10:13 -0000

    The rise of these treatments has major implications for how we think about obesity, says James Gallagher.

55. NHS needs better plan around weight loss jabs, warn experts

    Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:27:18 -0000

    Experts call for an urgent review of obesity treatment services amid booming demand for weight loss jabs.

56. How many of us will end up being diagnosed with ADHD?

    Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:36:40 -0000

    Experts suggest that the number of people with ADHD is actually going to remain steady.

57. The junior doctors' strikes may be over. But is trouble ahead?

    Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:43:02 -0000

    The end of the pay dispute sounded too good to be true. And now some are wondering if it might be.

58. Why we might never know the truth about ultra-processed foods

    Sat, 27 Jul 2024 23:33:23 -0000

    Experts can’t agree how exactly they affect us and it’s not clear that science will give us an answer.

59. Are weight-loss injections the answer to obesity?

    Sun, 19 Mar 2023 00:52:45 -0000

    The appeal is clear - but should we be turning to appetite-suppressing injections?

60. What is assisted dying and how could the law change?

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:20:09 -0000

    MPs backed a proposal to let terminally ill people in England and Wales choose to end their life.

61. Chris Hoy says men should talk about health issues more

    Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:51:18 -0000

    Six-time Olympic cycling champion Chris Hoy calls for more openness on health matters

62. Paris: Grassroots to Glory

    Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:43:25 -0000

    The Rugby 7s player has struggled with body image in the past, but says sport has helped

63. Paris: Grassroots to Glory

    Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:01:00 -0000

    The Paralympic Rowing Cox will compete a year after getting the all clear from cancer.

64. How Dame Deborah James helped save a mum's life

    Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:06:52 -0000

    A mother-of-three shared her story with Dame Deborah's mother Heather on BBC Breakfast.

65. Can health secretary name NHS trusts performing well?

    Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:09:11 -0000

    Victoria Atkins is challenged to name some health trusts meeting their targets to cut waiting lists.

66. 'I embrace my alopecia, but I’d love my old hair back’

    Sun, 03 Mar 2024 23:36:30 -0000

    People living with alopecia could have access to treatment on the NHS in Scotland for the first time.

67. Fly safely amid measles outbreak with these important travel tips

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:54 -0000

    As measles cases spread in the U.S., Fox News Digital spoke with WebMD chief medical officer Dr. John Whyte, who shared tips on how to stay safe from infection while traveling.

68. Popular frozen drink linked to children’s illness, study finds

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:51:29 -0000

    Frozen slush drinks could lead to metabolic symptoms in children, a new study suggests. The lead researcher discusses the ingredient that triggers the illness.

69. Higher dementia risk seen in women with common health issue

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:49:41 -0000

    A new study suggests that greater menopause symptoms could put women at a higher risk of dementia and other cognitive decline later in life, a new study suggests.

70. Stay fit in your 40s and beyond with these smart workout tips

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:51 -0000

    Working out over age 40 may require a different fitness approach due to hormonal and physical shifts in the body. Fitness experts explain what should change for best results.

71. Five years since initial response to coronavirus spread in the United States

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025 01:12:59 -0000

    Fox News looks back at the government's response to the deadly pandemic five years since COVID-19 began to spread in the United States.

72. Measles updates, plus medication that could reduce cancer spread

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:21:08 -0000

    The Fox News Health Newsletter brings you trending and important stories about health care, drug developments, mental health issues, real people's triumphs over medical struggles, and more.

73. US measles outbreak: See the states where cases have been reported

    Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:34:20 -0000

    Amid the ongoing U.S. measles outbreak, get the breakdown of how many cases have been reported by state. The vast majority have been confirmed in West Texas.

74. Federal dietary guidelines will soon change for Americans, HHS and USDA announce

    Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:59:51 -0000

    USDA Secretary Rollins and HHS Secretary Kennedy announced that they are reviewing the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans report, which will be changed and released this year.

75. Common pain medication could reduce cancer spread, study finds

    Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:30:22 -0000

    Could aspirin keep cancer from spreading? A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that the common pain medication could have this surprise benefit. Experts weigh in.

76. Teen with ‘werewolf syndrome’ breaks world record for hairiest face

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:12:33 -0000

    Lalit Patidar, an 18-year-old in India, was found to have 201.72 hairs per square centimeter, covering 95% of his face, according to Guinness World Records.

77. Measles cases continue to rise in Texas — see the latest numbers

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:32:09 -0000

    Texas has released its latest numbers of reported measles cases amid the ongoing outbreak in the South Plains region. Twenty-nine of the patients have been hospitalized.

78. This diet plan helped man lose nearly 200 pounds for son's graduation

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:19:24 -0000

    A Maine father lost almost 200 pounds in preparation for his son's graduation photos. After losing the weight through intermittent fasting and regular exercises, he said he feels better than ever.

79. Measles more likely to be severe among malnourished, RFK says

    Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:30:53 -0000

    RFK Jr. emphasized the link between nutrition and measles severity in an interview with Fox News' Dr. Marc Siegel. Here's what to know about why malnourished children are at higher risk.

80. Maryland confirms first measles case in traveler at major DC airport

    Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:51:14 -0000

    The state of Maryland has confirmed its first measles case in a Howard County resident who recently traveled internationally. Here's what you should know.

81. Virginia health officials confirm measles case at major international airport

    Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:07:09 -0000

    Virginia health officials said they are aware of a confirmed case of measles that may have exposed other travelers at Dulles International Airport on March 5 between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

82. Improve your sleep with this specific exercise, new study says

    Sun, 09 Mar 2025 08:30:37 -0000

    Exercise has proven benefits for all areas of physical and mental health, and that includes sleep quality. A new study pinpointed the type of activity that helps to prevent insomnia.

83. Excessive phone and screen use tied to manic symptoms for one group, study finds

    Sat, 08 Mar 2025 21:44:20 -0000

    Verizon executive Sowmyanarayan Sampath and mental health expert Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride revealed safe phone use tips and advice for parents and grandparents in the digital age.

84. What is hantavirus, the cause of Gene Hackman’s wife’s death?

    Sat, 08 Mar 2025 15:47:00 -0000

    Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. What is hantavirus and how does it spread? Experts weigh in on the fatal disease.

85. Lingering lung disorders 5 years post-COVID: Here's what to know

    Sat, 08 Mar 2025 09:30:52 -0000

    Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis, which involves scarring of the lungs that can worsen over time and may require a lung transplant, affects some patients after infection, according to pulmonologists.

86. International effort seeks new treatments for pediatric heart disease

    Sat, 08 Mar 2025 02:13:40 -0000

    The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Gladstone Institutes are partnering on the Decoding Broken Hearts Program, which will help treat heart disease with stem cells and AI.

87. ​5 things one should never share with ChatGPT

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:31:37 -0000

    From students using it for study help to professionals relying on it for productivity, ChatGPT has been seamlessly integrated into daily life. However, while AI can be a helpful and engaging tool, it’s essential to use it responsibly and safeguard your privacy. Certain details should never be shared, whether for personal security, financial protection, or ethical reasons.Here are five things you should always keep private while interacting with ChatGPT.

88. What you see first reveals if you're a spontaneous person

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:02:19 -0000

    Optical illusion personality tests are gaining popularity for revealing true personality traits quickly based on psychological images. This particular test identifies if someone is a meticulous planner or prefers spontaneity, depending on whether they first notice snow-covered mountains or running horses.

89. D Gukesh shaves head at Tirumala Temple: Know about this tradition

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:40:45 -0000

    Following his World Chess Championship victory, D Gukesh visits the Tirumala Temple in Andhra Pradesh, shaving his head to seek blessings. This traditional act signifies devotion and humility. Gukesh remains focused on upcoming tournaments in 2025, aiming for continuous improvement. His spiritual gesture has garnered appreciation online, with many praising his adherence to tradition.

90. 8 most beautiful images of the 'Blood moon' during Lunar Eclipse

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:38:38 -0000

    Lunar eclipse images captured from around the world.

91. Sakshi Dhoni repurposes her wedding jewellery

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:54:23 -0000

    Sakshi Dhoni stunned at Rishabh Pant's sister's wedding by re-wearing her 15-year-old gold wedding jewellery. Accompanied by a lime-green silk saree and exquisite makeup, she reminded everyone of the timeless charm of classic pieces while showcasing sustainable fashion.

92. 8 pet dog breeds that are so cute they look like toys

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:55:07 -0000

    Planning to get a pet dog soon? Check out this list of some cute pet dog breeds that look like toys. From Yorkshire Terrier to Toy Poodle, here are some adorable dog breeds.

93. Aamir Khan turns 60, a look at his kids and family

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:36:05 -0000

    Bollywood actor Aamir Khan introduced his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, who hails from Bengaluru and manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai. The couple, who have known each other for over 25 years, reconnected 18 months ago and now live together. Gauri has been warmly accepted by Aamir's family. Both have children from previous relationships.

94. How are you serving thandai this Holi?

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 02:30:00 -0000

    Your Holi party menu would be incomplete without the rich thandai

95. Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron's alleged relationship

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:42:14 -0000

    Amid the swirling controversy, numerous photographs allegedly showcasing Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron's relationship have surfaced online. Let's take a closer look at the intimate images released so far.

96. Protecting your nails from Holi damage

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:30:00 -0000

    Holi stains and damage can affect your nails, but with guidance from nail experts, Neelam Jaiswal and Namika Kant, you can keep them healthy. Apply protective nail polish, use oil or petroleum jelly on cuticles, and keep nails short. Post-Holi care includes gentle cleaning, nourishing oils, strengthening treatments, and professional salon care.

97. Why do people wear white on Holi?

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:30:00 -0000

    People wear white during Holi for its practicality and symbolic significance. White serves as a canvas for colors, symbolizing purity, new beginnings, and unity. This tradition is rooted in history, mythology, and modern influences like Bollywood and sustainable fashion. White outfits enhance the festive atmosphere, blending tradition and contemporary trends.

98. Quitting alcohol increases bad cholesterol level

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:34:32 -0000

    A 10-year study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that individuals in Japan who quit alcohol experienced higher levels of LDL or 'bad' cholesterol and lower levels of HDL or 'good' cholesterol, compared to those who continued drinking. Researchers suggest monitoring lipid profile changes for effective cardiovascular disease risk management, while experts caution about the study's methodology.

99. ​Tiger Woods is secretly dating Vanessa Trump

    Fri, 14 Mar 2025 02:00:14 -0000

    Vanessa Trump, former daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, is reportedly dating golf legend Tiger Woods. The couple has been seeing each other since just before Thanksgiving and spends time together discreetly near their homes in Palm Beach, Florida. Vanessa's ex-husband, Donald Trump Jr., is said to be 'cool' about the new relationship.

100. The timeless appeal of live wedding paintings; A passing trend or an ode to love?

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:00:34 -0000

     The live wedding painting trend uniquely captures couples' wedding moments, breathing life into scenes with colors, emotions, and movement. This artistic trend is gaining popularity, offering a personalized, memorable keepsake that encapsulates the beauty and joy of the couple’s special day.

101. 8 sure shot ways to motivate children to study hard

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:30:00 -0000

     Motivating children to study hard doesn’t mean pressuring them. With the right balance of discipline, fun, and appreciation, children will naturally develop the habit of studying regularly and for longer hours.

102. Virat Kohli unveils stylish new look ahead of IPL 2025

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:55:40 -0000

     Virat Kohli has revealed a new hairstyle ahead of IPL 2025, showcasing a side fade and signature quiff. His sharply groomed beard enhances his sophisticated and commanding presence. Known for his style both on and off the field, Kohli continues to set grooming trends, inspiring fans ahead of the cricket season.

103. Solo Polyamory: New trend redefining modern relationships

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:37:28 -0000

     Solo Polyamory is a growing dating trend where individuals have multiple romantic partners without committing to any one of them. This lifestyle focuses on personal freedom and self-reliance, appealing to those who avoid conventional relationships. Despite the attraction to independence, participants might eventually face loneliness and a lack of deep connections impacting their mental well-being.

104. 10 tongue twisters every Indian child grew up learning

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:30:00 -0000

     Tongue twisters are a beloved play for children. They are not just super fun to pronounce but also help improve speech. And when someone messes up, the laugh riots and mocking do not stop. And to give you a whiff of nostalgia, here are 10 tongue twisters to try.

105. 8 creepers and climbers to give your balcony an exotic look

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:30:00 -0000

     Balconies say a lot about your home, especially to a person looking from the outside. Now this balcony can be filled with flowers and climbing vines, or left plain. And to help out, here are 8 beautiful creepers and climbers for an exotic look.

106. How to make Organic Holi colours at home

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:29:31 -0000

     Here’s a detailed guide on how to make organic Holi colours at home in just one day.

107. Levothyroxine usage for hypothyroidism in pregnancy not linked to elevated prematurity risk: Study

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:15:23 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/03/19/172551-levothyroxine.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify;">A new study published in <i>BMC Medicine </i>found that levothyroxine supplementation during late pregnancy in individuals with hypothyroidism does not significantly alter the risk of prematurity. Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is known to be associated with obstetrical and fetal complications, including preterm birth. However, whether levothyroxine therapy influences the risk of premature delivery has remained uncertain. This study was conducted by Maya L. and fellow researchers.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The Quebec Pregnancy Cohort was used to conduct a cohort study comparing data for hypothyroid pregnancies from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2015. The principal analysis determined levothyroxine exposure by presence or absence, total duration, mean daily dose, and cumulative dose during the two months before delivery (preterm gestations) or prior to 37 weeks of gestation (term gestations).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Levothyroxine dosage was contrasted prior to and after the initiation of the second trimester, grouping pregnancies into rising or stable dosage categories. A second method viewed levothyroxine as a time-varying daily exposure from gestational week 14 through delivery or 37 weeks, whichever occurred first. Prematurity was defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, and term pregnancies were censored at this time point because they were no longer at risk of preterm delivery. Statistical models were performed using generalized estimating equations and Cox proportional hazard models with adjustment for potential confounders.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Key Findings</p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">9,489 hypothyroid pregnancies were included in the analysis.</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Of these, 6,667 (70.3%) participants were exposed to levothyroxine during the two months prior to delivery.</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Adjusted analysis demonstrated no considerable correlation of levothyroxine exposure with the risk of prematurity (aRR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.81–1.20).</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">No substantial difference in risk of prematurity was observed according to levothyroxine duration (&gt;30 days: aRR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.81–1.21), cumulative dose (&gt;7,125 mcg: aRR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.73–1.27), or mean daily dose (&gt;125 mcg/day: aRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.72–1.26).</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">No greater or lesser risk of prematurity was identified between groups with increased or stable dosing (aRR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.67–1.05).</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Time-varying exposure analysis replicated no statistically significant relationship between use of levothyroxine and prematurity risk (aHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.81–1.11).</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The study authors concluded that levothyroxine supplementation in pregnancy among patients with hypothyroidism was not linked to lower prematurity risk. These results add to clinical practice guidelines by affirming that levothyroxine is safe to administer during pregnancy and does not have to be discontinued just to avert preterm birth.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Laham M, Sheehy O, Bérard A. Association between levothyroxine supplementation for hypothyroidism in late pregnancy and risk of prematurity: a population-based cohort study. BMC Med. 2025 Feb 21;23(1):105. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-03934-1. PMID: 39985026; PMCID: PMC11846315.</p></div>

108. Smoking Worsens Survival Rates in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Patients, suggests study

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:15:18 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/26/233067-smoking-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A recent study revealed a direct correlation between cumulative smoking exposure (CSE) and poorer oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The findings from a comprehensive review of 1,041 patients across 17 medical institutions, brought out the detrimental impact of smoking on both cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study included a total patient pool of 1,730 but focused on the patients with complete pathological and smoking history, categorized smoking exposure into 3 levels as light, moderate, and heavy, based on the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. Light smoking exposure was defined as a median of 2.0 pack-years, moderate exposure as 13.0 pack-years, and heavy exposure as 40.0 pack-years.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The data showed that the greater the smoking exposure, the worse the survival outcomes. The patients who had never smoked demonstrated the highest 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) at 97% and an overall survival (OS) rate of 91%. When compared, Light smokers (2.0 pack-years) had a 5-year CSS of 96% and OS of 89%, Moderate smokers (13.0 pack-years) faced these figures drop to 85% for CSS and 66% for OS and Heavy smokers (40.0 pack-years) had the poorest outcomes, with a 5-year CSS of 75% and OS of 60%.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The research used advanced statistical models to confirm the association between smoking exposure and decreased survival. Both moderate and heavy smoking exposure were independently linked to worse outcomes, even after adjusting for other potential confounding factors. The study found that smoking cessation did not significantly improve survival rates in patients with moderate or heavy smoking exposure. This suggests that after a certain threshold of cumulative smoking, the damage to overall and cancer-specific survival may be irreversible.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This study emphasized the importance of early smoking cessation to prevent the long-term oncologic consequences seen in UTUC patients. Given the aggressive nature of UTUC and the clear link between smoking and worse health outcomes, these outcomes reinforce the need for both preventive measures and continued, aggressive cancer management. Overall, this study highlights that while quitting smoking is beneficial, the earlier patients stop, the better their long-term cancer outcomes.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Bhanvadia, R., Bochner, E., Popokh, B., Taylor, J., Franco, A., Wu, Z., Antonelli, A., Ditonno, F., Abdollah, F., Simone, G., Tuderti, G., Correa, A., Ferro, M., Tozzi, M., Porpiglia, F., Tufano, A., Perdonà, S., Broenimann, S., Singla, N., … Margulis, V. (2025). Cumulative smoking exposure impacts oncologic outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Urologic Oncology. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1078143925000171" rel="nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolonc.2025.01.018</a></p>

109. Vaginal dysbiosis increases risk of endometrial polyp recurrence after hysteroscopic polypectomy: Study

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:00:34 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/12/273858-endometrial-cancer-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Preoperative vaginal dysbiosis has been identified as an independent risk factor for the recurrence of endometrial polyps (Eps) following hysteroscopic polypectomy, according to the recent study published in the <i>European Journal of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology and Reproductive Biology</i>.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The excessive amount of estrogen is linked to the production of Eps. Eps has also been linked to other risk factors, including as age, obesity, hypertension, and tamoxifen usage. Eps can cause infertility and irregular uterine bleeding, although it is unknown if untreated Eps can develop into a cancer. However, for big and symptomatic polyps, hysteroscopic surgery is advised. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Intervention on microbiota composition is important and promising in the treatment of gynecological disease because vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, which is defined by a rise in microbial variety and a loss of Lactobacillus dominance, is directly linked to gynecological diseases. Caini Wei and colleagues investigated if preoperative vaginal dysbiosis affects endometrial polyp recurrence following hysteroscopic polypectomy.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This observational cohort study comprised a total of 679 patients from the hospital, which is associated with the university. Every patient had a hysteroscopic polypectomy, and transvaginal ultrasonography was used every 6 months to check for the recurrence of endometrial polyps. Preoperative vaginal dysbiosis, polyp size, parity, quantity, existence of uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and body mass index were among the extensive clinical data gathered. To evaluate the influence of these characteristics, the cohort was divided into recurrence and non-recurrence groups, and comparative analyses were performed.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Endometrial polyp recurrence was substantially correlated with preoperative vaginal dysbiosis and endometriosis (P &lt; 0.05). Preoperative vaginal dysbiosis had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.286 (95% CI: 2.675–3.786), while endometriosis had an OR of 3.328 (95% CI: 2.567–3.643). Subsequent investigation showed that the non-recurrence group had considerably greater bacterial density, bacterial diversity, and the Lactobacillus detection rate than the recurrence group (P &lt; 0.05).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Conversely, the recurrence group had substantially higher levels of Gardnerella vaginalis presence, enhanced leukocyte esterase activity, and Candida detection than the non-recurrence group (P &lt; 0.05). Overall, this study found that preoperative vaginal dysbiosis is a significant risk factor for endometrial polyp recurrence following hysteroscopic polypectomy.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Source:</p><p>Wei, C., Ye, L., Tang, S., Chen, P., Huang, J., &amp; Zhi, Z. (2025). The association between preoperative vaginal dysbiosis and endometrial polyp recurrence after hysteroscopic polypectomy: A retrospective-prospective cohort study. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, 307, 148–153. <a href="https://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(25)00063-6/abstract" rel="nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2025.02.002</a></p>

110. Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections have long term pain relief benefit among Osteoarthritis patients, claims study

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:00:15 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/04/277062-17759-cortisone-shot.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have found in a new study that intra-articular steroid injections were associated with a reduced need for opioids, both alone and in combination products among osteoarthritis patients. This benefit was observed for injections into the hip, shoulder, hand, and knee. British patients who received these injections showed decreased usage of opioid-containing drugs and other painkillers for years afterwards.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">A study was done to estimate the effect of intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) for osteoarthritis on longer-term incidence of pain medications. They conducted a cohort study of patients registered in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD primary care database with an incident diagnosis of knee, hip, hand, or shoulder osteoarthritis between 2005–2019. Exposure of interest was single or repeated use of IACI (analysed separately). Main outcome measures were five-year incidence of uncombined opioids, opioid-nonopioid analgesic combinations, oral corticosteroids, paracetamol, oral Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and topical NSAIDs. Instrumental Variable (IV) analysis was used given this methodology can account for strong and unmeasured confounding. Secondary analyses used propensity-score matching and Cox regression. Results: Amongst 74 527 knee osteoarthritis patients, IACI use was associated with lower subsequent prescribing of most pain medications studied, including opioid-nonopioid analgesic combinations following single IACI (number needed to treat [NNT]=5 [5–6], p&lt; 0.001) and uncombined opioids following repeat IACI (NNT = 12 [95% CI: 8–546], p= 0.049). Amongst 15 092 hand osteoarthritis patients, single IACI was associated with reduced use of opioid-nonopioid combinations, paracetamol, and oral NSAIDs. Secondary analyses confirmed lower incidence rates of opioid-nonopioid combinations after single IACI for knee (hazard ratio [HR] =0.88 [0.81–0.96]), hip (HR = 0.76 [0.62–0.92]), hand (HR = 0.77 [0.61–0.98]), or shoulder (HR = 0.72 [0.53–0.99]) osteoarthritis. IACI for knee or hand osteoarthritis showed lower incidence of several pain medications over the longer-term relative to no IACI use. Secondary findings suggest IACI may be effective in reducing longer-term use of opioid-nonopioid analgesic combinations for patients with knee, hip, hand, or shoulder osteoarthritis.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Samuel Hawley, Albert Prats-Uribe, Gulraj S Matharu, Antonella Delmestri, Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, Andrew Judge, Michael R Whitehouse, Effect of intra-articular corticosteroid injections for osteoarthritis on the subsequent use of pain medications: a UK CPRD cohort study, Rheumatology, 2025;, keaf126, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keaf126">https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keaf126</a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Keywords:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Samuel Hawley, Albert Prats-Uribe, Gulraj S Matharu, Antonella Delmestri, Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, Andrew Judge, Michael R Whitehouse, Osteoarthritis, Steroid Injection, Prescribing, Pain management, Pharmaco-epidemiology</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

111. Dietary Fiber May Help Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk Linked to Gut Bacteria: Study Finds

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:00:06 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/11/16/225446-dietary-fiber.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Canada: Colorectal cancer rates have been increasing among younger individuals, prompting researchers to investigate the role of diet and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/gut-bacteria">gut bacteria</a> in cancer development. A recent study by researchers at the University of Toronto explored how dietary choices interact with bacteria in the gut, particularly<a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/escherichia-coli"> Escherichia coli </a>(E. coli), to influence<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/colon-cancer"> colorectal cancer</a> risk.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study was published online in <em>Nature Microbiology </em>on March 3, 2025, and conducted by Alberto Martin, Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Using a mouse model, scientists examined the effects of three different diets—low-carb, normal, and Westernized—while exposing the mice to specific bacterial strains, including Bacteroides fragilis, Helicobacter hepaticus, and colibactin-producing E. coli (pks+ E. coli). Their findings highlighted a concerning link between low-carb, low-fiber diets and increased polyp formation in the presence of pks+ E. coli, which may raise the risk of colorectal cancer.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study revealed that mice on a low-carb, low-fiber diet colonized with pks+ E. coli developed more polyps and tumors than those on other diets. This is significant, as E. coli is found in approximately 60% of colorectal cancer cases. The low-carb diet also thinned the protective mucus layer in the colon, making it easier for colibactin, a genotoxin produced by E. coli, to damage DNA. The affected mice showed DNA damage, increased inflammation, and cellular senescence—key factors contributing to cancer development.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Interestingly, when fiber was introduced into the diet, tumor formation was reduced, and inflammation levels improved. This suggests that dietary fiber protects against the harmful effects of pks+ E. coli, possibly by maintaining gut health and reducing inflammation.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study emphasizes the importance of diet in cancer prevention, particularly the potential dangers of low-carb diets that lack fiber. While low-carb diets, such as keto, have gained popularity for weight management, their long-term health effects remain a topic of concern. The researchers now aim to explore which types of dietary fiber offer the most protective benefits and whether similar effects are observed in humans.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">These findings highlight the complex relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and cancer risk, reinforcing the importance of a balanced diet rich in fiber to support gut health and reduce the likelihood of colorectal cancer development. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"The pks+ E. coli led to more polyp growth in mice with impaired DNA repair by triggering harmful cellular changes linked to aging. Additionally, inflammation further increased its cancer-promoting effects in these mice. These findings suggest that diet and genetics play a role in how this common bacterium contributes to cancer development," the researchers concluded.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Thakur, B. K., Malaise, Y., Choudhury, S. R., Neustaeter, A., Turpin, W., Streutker, C., Copeland, J., Wong, E. O., Navarre, W. W., Guttman, D. S., Jobin, C., Croitoru, K., &amp; Martin, A. (2025). Dietary fibre counters the oncogenic potential of colibactin-producing Escherichia coli in colorectal cancer. Nature Microbiology, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-01938-4</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

112. Taking semaglutide before bariatric surgery does not improve weight loss or safety, reveals research

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:45:26 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/28/233199-bariatric-surgery-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Mass General Brigham researchers found that total <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/weight-loss">weight loss </a>did not increase for patients who took <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/semaglutide">semaglutide</a> before having weight loss surgery, suggesting that a surgery first strategy could lead to better outcomes </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study from Mass General Brigham could help inform conversations between providers and patients who are considering whether to try weight loss medications or surgery first. Researchers studied whether taking semaglutide, one of the new glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1 RAs) drugs, also known as Ozempic and Wegovy, before<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/bariatric-surgery"> bariatric surgery</a> could help patients with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/obesity">obesity</a> and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/metabolic-disease">metabolic disease </a>lose weight. But the retrospective study of 350 patients revealed that taking semaglutide before bariatric surgery did not improve overall weight loss or safety outcomes compared to surgery alone. The findings, published in <i>JAMA Surgery</i>, suggest that a surgery-first strategy may lead to better overall obesity treatment outcomes for patients. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“Many people are familiar with the new GLP-1 medicines that are available. These drugs are good options for patients to consider, and they can be used in combination with surgery,” said senior author Eric G. Sheu, MD, PhD, of the Laboratory for Surgical and Metabolic Research and chief of the Section of Bariatric and Foregut Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. “You might expect patients to lose more weight if they take a medication prior to surgery. But we were surprised to find that the group of patients who went on medicines first and then had surgery actually had the same combined total weight loss. This contrasts with previous studies that have found that taking semaglutide after surgery can further help patients lose weight.” </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Patients exploring weight-loss management strategies may elect to undergo bariatric surgery, which is the most effective and durable treatment to lose weight and reduce the risk of death from heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. Previous studies have found that taking semaglutide after weight loss surgery may be effective to help lose more weight or maintain weight, although additional research is needed. The effectiveness of taking semaglutide before weight loss surgery was unknown. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Using data from the Brigham’s Center for Weight Management and Wellness, the researchers retrospectively identified 182 patients over the last seven years who were treated with semaglutide before undergoing bariatric surgery. They matched each of the patients to another patient with similar health characteristics that underwent the same type of surgery without previously taking the drugs. The study team compared the amount of weight lost, health outcomes and safety outcomes between the groups. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers found that patients who took the semaglutide before surgery had a higher percentage of total weight loss at three months than patients who had weight loss surgery only. But the surgery-only group rapidly caught up, and total weight loss for the group that had received semaglutide before surgery plateaued at the same percent lost at the six-, nine-, and 12-month marks. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers also found that the number and degree of safety events were similar for both groups, with no significant difference in major postoperative complications, including bleeding, leakage, infection, re-operation, re-admission or operative time. Health outcomes were also comparable between the groups, with similar levels of diabetes remission after one year. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“We are trying to figure out the best timing for these strategies to maximize their effectiveness and safety. When a patient should start the medicine, when they should stop taking it before surgery, and when they should have the surgery are things that still need to be evaluated,” said Sheu. “We also need to understand if the type of bariatric surgery matters for how patients respond to the medicines.” </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Prospective studies will be an important tool for answering these questions in the future. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“We will need to conduct more research to answer the remaining questions, but there's at least a suggestion that the most effective weight loss strategy isn’t as simple as 1 + 1 = 2,” Sheu said. “The order of strategies may be key.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Mathur V, Wasden K, Shin TH, et al. Neoadjuvant Semaglutide, Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss, and Overall Outcomes. JAMA Surg. Published online March 05, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2025.0001</p>

113. Smoking may double Risk of Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke, suggests research

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:30:55 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/05/277071-puffy-jacket-smoking-cigarette1296x728-header-1296x729.avif' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have found in a new study that smoking doubles the risk of cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS). The strongest association was observed in men and individuals aged 45-49 years.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The incidence of ischemic stroke in the young is increasing and driven by cryptogenic strokes. Smoking is a well-documented risk factor with a high prevalence in young ischemic strokes. We sought to determine the association between smoking and young cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS) in a large multicenter case-control study. In the Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Etiology, Triggers, and Outcome (SECRETO; NCT01934725) study, patients with CIS aged 18–49 years were prospectively recruited within 2 weeks of symptom onset from 19 European stroke centers. One sex-matched and age-matched (±5 years) stroke-free control was recruited per patient. Data on tobacco use and intensity of use, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression with adjustment for low education status and vascular risk factors was used to assess the association between smoking and intensity of smoking and CIS. Results: A total of 546 young patients with CIS (47.3% female) and their matched controls were included in the analysis. Univariate comparison between patients and controls showed a significant difference in low education status (55.6% vs 35.2%, p ≤ 0.001), hypertension (34.7% vs 26.8%, p ≤ 0.005), obesity (59.3% vs 44.4%, p ≤ 0.001), physical inactivity (29.4% vs 23.6%, p ≤ 0.02), smoking (32.8% vs 14.8%, p ≤ 0.001), and heavy alcohol use (13.7% vs 6.7%, p ≤ 0.001). Conditional logistic regression after adjustment showed an association between smoking and young CIS in the whole cohort with an odds ratio of 2.39 (95% CI 1.65–3.47), in men with 3.34 (1.91–5.84), and in all age groups—highest in the 45–49-year age group—with 3.77 (1.74–8.17). Analysis of smoking intensity by pack year showed the strongest association in the group with &gt;20 pack years with an odds ratio of 4.30 (2.10–8.81), particularly in men (6.97 (2.58–18.82)) and the 45–49-year age group (4.91 (1.74–13.85)). Both smoking and high-intensity smoking were associated with CIS in the young, particularly in men and the 45–49-year age group.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Ferdinand P, Bajpai R, Von Sarnowski B, et al. Association of Smoking and Young Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke: A Case-Control Study. Neurology Open Access. 2025;1(1). doi:10.1212/WN9.0000000000000003.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Keywords:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Smoking, double, Risk, Cryptogenic, Ischemic, Stroke, suggests, research, Ferdinand P, Bajpai R, Von Sarnowski B</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

114. Aspiring for DM Or DrNB in Neuro Anaesthesia? Know the Feeder Qualification

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:30:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/12/278276-neuro-anaesthesia.webp' /><p>New Delhi: For the NEET SS 2024 aspirants seeking admission to DM/DrNB Neuro Anaesthesia, MD/DNB (Anaesthesia) has been designated as the feeder qualifications.</p><p>DM/DrNB Neuro Anaesthesia or Doctor of Medicine/Doctorate of National Board in Neuro Anaesthesia also known as DrNB in Neuro Anaesthesia is a super specialty level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their postgraduate medical degree course. The duration of this super specialty course is 3 years, and it focuses on the subspecialty area of anesthesia that deals with the complex relationships of anesthetic medications, neurosurgical procedures, and the critical care issues that surround the management of these patients.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>As per the information bulletin released by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), the feeder qualification for DM//DrNB Neuro Anaesthesia is MD/DNB (Anaesthesia)defined by the NBE and is subject to changes by the NBE.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>The eligibility criteria for DM//DrNB Infectious Diseases are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which include:</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="540"><colgroup><col width="152"><col width="187"><col width="201"></colgroup><tbody><tr height="40"><td height="40" class="xl63" width="152"><b>Name of course</b></td><td class="xl63" width="187"><b>Course Type</b></td><td class="xl63" width="201"><b>Prior Eligibility Requirement</b></td></tr><tr height="20"><td height="20" class="xl64" width="152"><p>Neuro Anaesthesia</p></td><td class="xl65" width="187">DM/DrNB</td><td class="xl65" width="201"><p>MD/DNB (Anaesthesia)</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="inside-post-ad-2 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_2"></div><p><b>NEET SS 2024:</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div id="ATS_mid2"></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr"><u><b>ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA</b></u></p><p dir="ltr"><i>The applicant must meet/fulfil the following criteria-</i></p><p dir="ltr">1 Candidates who have a recognized postgraduate medical Degree/Provisional Pass Certificate (MD/MS/DNB) or equivalent recognized qualification or are likely to have the same by 30th April 2025 by eligible feeder speciality qualifications for super speciality courses as mentioned in Annexure B of this Information Bulletin can apply for NEET-SS 2024.</p><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><p dir="ltr">2 Candidates found to be ineligible at any stage of NEET-SS 2024 will not be permitted to appear in the examination. In the unlikely event of any ineligible candidate appearing and/or being successful in NEET-SS 2024, the result/ candidature of such candidate shall be cancelled and/or is deemed to be cancelled as and when the ineligibility is detected.</p><p dir="ltr">3 The cutoff date for qualifying MD/MS/DNB Broad Specialty/ eligible feeder qualification towards determination of eligibility for appearing in NEET-SS 2024 shall be 30th April 2025.</p><p dir="ltr">4 Requests for appearing in NEET-SS 2024 from candidates who are qualifying and/or getting the results of their MD/MS/DNB qualifications/eligible feeder qualifications after 30th April 2025 shall be summarily rejected.</p><p dir="ltr">5 Registration with NMC/State Medical Council is mandatory and its documentary proof should be furnished at the test Centre on the examination day.</p><p dir="ltr">6 Foreign Nationals including Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can appear in NEET-SS 2024 without registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC). The NMC may, on payment of the prescribed fee for registration, grant temporary registration for the duration of the post-doctoral course limited to the medical college/institution to which he/she is admitted for the time being exclusively for pursuing postdoctoral studies. Provided further that temporary registration to such foreign national shall be subject to the condition that such person is duly registered with appropriate registering authority in his/her own country where he has obtained his PG Medical qualification and is duly recognised by the corresponding Medical Council or concerned authority.</p><p dir="ltr">7 Candidates already pursuing or have joined a Doctoral Course (DM/MCh/DrNB) through NEET-SS are not eligible for admission to DrNB Superspecialty courses through NEET-SS 2024 for the entire duration prescribed for the course already joined by them earlier. This shall be irrespective of their resignation or discontinuation from the said course due to any reason.</p><p dir="ltr">8 The FCPS qualifications awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai are not equivalent to either MD or MS courses. Accordingly, candidates possessing FCPS qualifications awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai are not eligible to apply for NEET-SS, solely based on their FCPS qualifications.</p><p dir="ltr">9 Eligibility of candidates issued admit card for the examination shall be purely provisional. Appearing in NEET-SS 2024 does not confer any automatic rights upon the candidate for admission to DM/MCh/DrNB Super Specialty courses.</p><p><u><b>Examination Fee</b></u></p><table class="table table-bordered"><tbody><tr><td><p>Examination Fee per Group*</p></td><td><p>Rs. 3500</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><i>*Excluding charges as may be applicable by various payment gateways. GST has been EXEMPTED as per Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Govt of India circular no 151/07/2021-GST dated 17.06.2021</i></p><p>Candidate shall be required to pay the examination fee as mentioned above for each group in which he/she chooses to appear. For eg. A candidate with MD Paediatrics qualification who chooses to appear in question papers for both Medical and Paediatric Groups shall be required to pay Rs. 3500 + 3500 = 7000/- towards examination fee. Please refer chapter on details of scheme of examination</p><p>Applications forms once submitted cannot be withdrawn. Fee shall neither be carried forward to a future date nor refunded under any circumstances. Application once submitted cannot be withdrawn. Any claim for refund, adjustment or carrying forward of Application fee will not be entertained.</p><p><b>How to pay:</b> The prescribed exam fee should be remitted through payment gateway provided using a Credit Card or a Debit Card issued by banks in India or other modes as may be made available and have been provided on the web page. Fee can not be deposited through any mode other than the payment gateway available while submitting online application form submission.</p><p>Examination fees in respect of candidates who are absent or have been declared ineligible due to any reason will be forfeited. Candidates are advised to read the information bulletin for NEETSS 2024 carefully and pay examination fee only if they fulfil eligibility criteria prescribed in the bulletin.</p><p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, NBEMS will be conducting the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-ss-2024">NEET-SS 2024</a> in two slots in 2 days on a computer-based platform at various exam centres across the country. Interested candidates can start submitting the application form for the NEET-SS 2024. Below is the complete schedule-</p><p dir="ltr"><u><b>SCHEDULE</b></u></p><div dir="ltr"><table><colgroup><col width="59"><col width="309"><col width="256"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr">S.NO</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">PROCESSES</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">TIMELINES</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Online Application Submission.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4th February 2025 (3 PM Onwards) to 24th February 2025 (Till 11:55 PM).</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Edit Window for All Applicants.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">27th February 2025 to 3rd March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Final Edit Window to Rectify Deficient/Incorrect Images (No further opportunity shall be given)</p><p dir="ltr">1 Photograph.</p><p dir="ltr">2 Signatures.</p><p dir="ltr">3 Thumb Impression.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11th March 2025 to 13th March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Issue of Admit Card.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">25th March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Examination Date.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">29th &amp; 30th March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Cut Off Date for qualifying MD/ MS/DNB Broad Specialty qualification towards determination of eligibility for appearing in NEET-SS 2024.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th April 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Declaration of Result.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">By 30th April 2025.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

115. 1471 drugs samples manufactured in HP failed quality tests in past two years: Minister

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:00:32 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/02/03/200422-dhani-ram-shandil.webp' /><p>Shimla: A total of 1,471 drugs samples manufactured in Himachal Pradesh have failed quality tests over the past two years till February 25, 2025, prompting legal action against six&nbsp; companies, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil informed the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday.</p><p>Responding to a query by Congress MLA Kewal Singh Pathania, the minister provided a district-wise breakdown of the substandard drug samples. According to the data, 33 samples were from firms based in Kangra, 302 in Sirmaur, 1,190 in Solan, and 46 in Una.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;">Actions such as suspension of product permissions for up to six months, issuance of show-cause notices, cancellation or surrender of licenses, and product seizures have been taken against erring pharma units, he said, adding that investigations were underway in some cases.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">As per PTI report, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed the House that 2,561 multipurpose workers were recruited in the state over the past three years till January 15, 2024, in line with departmental policies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Responding to a question by Congress MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur, he said that 2,502 workers were recruited in the Jal Shakti department, followed by 26 in Agriculture, 12 in Panchayati Raj, 10 in Rural Development, five in Planning, and two in Ayush.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a reply to another question by BJP MLA Randhir Sharma, Agnihotri said the state government would procure electric buses through NABARD.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The auction process has been completed, and supply orders are being issued to the successful bidders. It is an important step towards reducing pollution, he added.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Education Minister Rohit Thakur informed the House that an expenditure of Rs 822.71 crore was incurred under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in the state over the past two years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Responding to a query by BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma, Thakur said the funds were mainly utilised for teachers' salaries, free uniforms and books, vocational education, construction works, sports grants, and teacher training.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">During 2023-24, Rs 421 crore out of the sanctioned Rs 485.97 crore was spent, while the entire sanctioned amount of Rs 336.74 crore was utilised in 2024-25, he added.</div></div></div>

116. Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research revises fee structure for 3 MD courses, check out details

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:00:11 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/12/278253-fee-revised.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Uttar Pradesh-</b> The Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (IIMSR) has revised MD Fee Structure 2024-25 for Non-clinical subjects.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In this regard, the institute wrote a letter to the Uttar Pradesh, Director General, Medical Education and Training (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/updgme" target="_blank">UPDGME</a>) and informed that the fee structure for 3 Non-Clinical subjects for the session 2024-25 has been revised at the IIMSR, Lucknow. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The 3 Non-Clinical subjects include Biochemistry, Microbiology and Community Medicine.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/up-dgme-begins-neet-pg-2024-special-stray-vacancy-round-counselling-check-guidelines-144760"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>UP DGME Begins NEET PG 2024 Special Stray Vacancy Round Counselling, Check Guidelines</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>The revised fees are as follows-</i></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="51"><col width="157"><col width="104"><col width="104"><col width="104"><col width="104"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>S.NO</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>PG SUBJECT/SPECIALITY</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REVISED TUITION FEE (PER ANNUM)</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>HOSTEL FEE WITH MESS PER ANNUM) (OPTIONAL)</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>SECURITY FEE (ONE TIME)</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>MISCELLANEOUS FEE (PER ANNUM)</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MD - Biochemistry</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 6,00,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 3,00,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 10,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs.20,000/-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MD - Microbiology.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 6,00,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 3,00,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 10,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs.20,000/-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MD - Community Medicine.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 6,00,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 3,00,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs. 10,000/-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rs.20,000/-</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, it is to be noted that candidates need to pay Rs. 10,000/- as an enrollment fee and Rs. 1,00,000/- as an examination fee at the time of the examination. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The Department of Medical Education plays a pivotal role in developing medical and para-medical personnel to cater to the state's health needs. The department also has a role to play in establishing and maintaining well-equipped teaching institutions, which are the premier referral centres from peripheral hospitals. Research is another area of activity for the medical education department. The directorate facilitates comprehensive medical and dental education via various medical, dental and paramedical colleges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. On the other hand, it also provides standard medical facilities to the patients.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The Department of Medical Education was bifurcated in the year 1981 from the Department of Medical Health Services. The separate directorate of Medical Education was established in 1994. It has been functioning as a separate directorate for the last 16 years. It controls Medical Colleges and attached teaching hospitals.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the letter, click the link below</i></u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/iimsr-revises-md-ms-fee-structure-for-non-clinical-subjects-for-2024-25-278254.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/iimsr-revises-md-ms-fee-structure-for-non-clinical-subjects-for-2024-25-278254.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

117. Rajnath Singh Launches Centre for Advanced Research-Space Psychology

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:30:44 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278415-rajnath-singh.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><span style="text-align: justify;">New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on March 09, 2025.Shri Rajnath Singh, the first Raksha Mantri to visit the institute, was briefed about the unique role of IAM in pilot training, their medical evaluation and aeromedical research.</span><br></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Raksha Mantri also inspected the Dynamic Flight Simulator &amp; High Performance Human Centrifuge used for high-G training of fighter pilots and the Spatial Disorientation Simulator for training the pilots of the Armed Forces to avert the risk of spatial disorientation in flight.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/people-living-near-river-drains-face-elevated-risk-of-cancer-icmr-144787"><b>Also Read:People Living Near River Drains Face Elevated Risk of Cancer: ICMR</b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">He also launched the Indian Council of Medical Research Extramural Research Project: Centre for Advanced Research at the institute. The title of the project is ‘Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts &amp; Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions. ’</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing need for expertise in aerospace medicine in view of the continuous increase in air and space traffic. “From the defence perspective, space has emerged as a major domain in warfare. We have taken a step forward in this direction and mastered the most-advanced technologies such as anti-satellite. India has also become the fastest growing aviation market in the world. As we are touching new heights in space, we need to explore more possibilities in aerospace medicine. There is a need for increased R&amp;D as research in any high-end complex technology provides benefits to many fields,” he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Raksha Mantri underscored the importance of aerospace medicine, terming it as critical for dealing with challenges such as micro-gravity, radiation, and isolation faced by a human being in space, while also addressing physical and mental changes. “Whether it is an issue related to neurons, bone loss or mental problems, it is the responsibility of aerospace and space medicine to tackle these challenges. The field must prepare itself for bigger responsibilities in the future,” he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Shri Rajnath Singh commended IAM’s contribution towards achieving self-reliance in the aerospace sector. “Apart from aerospace medicine, IAM provides aero-medical consultancy in various aspects of crew module design and development. Its contribution in cockpit design is noteworthy. The institute has contributed significantly in the design and development of Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. It is also providing advice in the design and development of the country's most-modern Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft,” he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Raksha Mantri asserted that the aerospace sector is going to witness an unprecedented growth in the times to come and it will be pivotal in realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. “The sector is going to play a crucial role in deciding technological advancements, national security, and economic growth. In addition, it will be central in achieving milestones such as satellite launching, inter-planetary missions and commercial space services,” he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh; Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Training Command Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor; Director General Medical Services (Air) Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, and other senior officers of IAF accompanied Raksha Mantri during the visit.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/medical-organization/icmr-addendum-exempts-ayush-approved-medicines-from-extra-safety-trials-144400"><b>Also Read:ICMR Addendum Exempts AYUSH-Approved Medicines from Extra Safety Trials</b></a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

118. Modify Phase III CT protocol: CDSCO panel Tells Windlas Biotech on FDC Tamsulosin plus Mirabegron

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:30:40 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/04/231571-windlas-biotech-50.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>New Delhi:</b> Responding to the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol of fixed dose combination (FDC) Tamsulosin plus MirabegronIP 0.4 mg/0.4 mg + Mirabegron (ER) 25 mg/50 mg tablets, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has opined Windlas Biotech to modify the Phase III clinical trial protocol in line with the inclusion criteria, scientific methodology explanation, and scientific terminology.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This came after the firm presented the proposal along with the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol before the committee.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The combination of tamsulosin and mirabegron is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, especially in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who are also experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tamsulosin is in a class of medications called alpha blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder so that urine can flow easily. Tamsulosin is a selective alpha1A-adrenergic receptor antagonist. The effects of tamsulosin are targeted for the smooth muscle receptors of the prostate and urethra. Blocking this receptor relaxes the smooth muscle of the bladder and urethra to improve urine flow.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tamsulosin is used to treat men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, which is also known as benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mirabegron is in a class of medications called beta-3 adrenergic agonists. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles to prevent urgent, frequent, or uncontrolled urination.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mirabegron is used alone or together with other medicines to treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder (OAB), such as incontinence (loss of bladder control), a strong need to urinate right away, or a frequent need to urinate.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the recent SEC meeting for urology held on February 18, 2025, the expert panel reviewed the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol presented by Windlas Biotech.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After detailed deliberation, the committee opined that the following modifications are required in the Phase III CT Protocol:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. Point numbers 1, 2, and 3 in the inclusion criteria need to be elaborated to define which type of patients should be enrolled in the study.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. Scientific methodology needs to be explained in detail and assessment parameters need to be mentioned clearly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. Scientific terminology should be used in the Phase III CT protocol.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Accordingly, the expert panel suggested that the firm should submit a revised Phase III clinical trial protocol to CDSCO for further review by the committee.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Also Read: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/sun-pharmaceutical-gets-cdsco-panel-nod-to-import-market-plaque-psoriasis-drug-tildrakizumab-injection-144202">Sun Pharmaceutical Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To import, market plaque psoriasis drug Tildrakizumab injection</a></p></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div>

119. Synokem Pharmaceutical Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To Study Anti-rheumatoid drug Iguratimod

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:30:37 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/06/231699-synokem-pharma-50.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>New Delhi:</b> Suggesting to specify the eGFR (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Formula) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage in the exclusion criteria, the Subject Expert Committee SEC functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has granted approval to Synokem Pharmaceuticals to conduct a Phase IV clinical trial of iguratimod tablets 25 mg.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, in addition to the above, the committee opined the firm that serum NT-proBNP be included as a screening tool for significant cardiovascular disease.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This came after the firm presented Phase IV Clinical Trial Protocol No. CT22-005, Version No. 01, dated 03.12.2022, before the committee.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Iguratimod (IGU) is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that treats rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. It's also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, interstitial lung disease, and other rheumatic diseases.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Iguratimod inhibits citrulline protein expression in neutrophils of patients with rheumatoid arthritis at an appropriate concentration, similar to MTX and dexamethasone; the inhibitory effect is mediated by the down-regulation of peptidylarginine deiminase.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the recent SEC meeting for analgesics and rheumatology held on February 25, 2025, the expert panel reviewed Phase IV Clinical Trial Protocol No. CT22-005, version No. 01, dated 03.12.2022.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended conducting a Phase IV clinical trial as per the protocol presented by the firm with the following changes:</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">- Firm need to specify the eGFR (MDRD formula) or CKD stage in the exclusion criteria, serum NT-proBNP to be included as screening tool for significant cardiovascular disease.</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">Accordingly, the expert panel suggested that the firm should submit the revised protocol to CDSCO.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Also Read:<a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/mylan-pharmaceutical-gets-cdsco-panel-nod-to-study-selatogrel-144770">Mylan Pharmaceutical Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To study Selatogrel</a></p></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div></div>

120. Indian Pharma Market Grows 7.5% in Feb 2025, But Respiratory Segment Declines by 4.6%

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:30:30 -0000

     The respiratory segment, often influenced by seasonal factors, registered a 1.1% increase in value but faced a 4.6% decline in unit sales.

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/10/277890-202410103240544.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Delhi:&nbsp;</b>The Indian pharmaceutical market (IPM) continued its upward momentum in February 2025, registering a 7.5% monthly growth in value, according to the latest PharmaTrac MAT report. The industry also recorded a 1.5% increase in unit sales compared to January 2025, reflecting steady demand across key therapeutic segments. On a year-on-year basis, the market saw an 8.1% growth compared to February 2024.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Therapy-wise Performance: Cardiac and Gastro Segments Drive Monthly Growth</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The cardiac therapy segment saw the highest monthly increase, growing 9.2% in value and 1.5% in units compared to January 2025. The gastrointestinal segment followed closely, reporting an 8.6% value growth and 4.2% unit growth, indicating rising demand for digestive health medications.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The anti-infectives segment saw a 5.1% value growth month-on-month, despite a 2.1% dip in unit sales. Meanwhile, anti-diabetics posted 7.8% growth in value and 2.4% growth in unit sales.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The respiratory segment, often influenced by seasonal factors, registered a 1.1% increase in value but faced a 4.6% decline in unit sales. Pain and analgesics recorded 7.9% value growth, though units sold fell slightly by 0.6%.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Corporate Performance: Sun Pharma Maintains Lead in Monthly Sales</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Among pharmaceutical companies, Sun Pharma (including Ranbaxy) continued its dominance, reporting a 10.2% monthly growth in value, reaching Rs 18,455 crore in sales for February 2025. Abbott (including Novo Nordisk and Abbott Healthcare) recorded Rs 13,246 crore in monthly sales, reflecting a 6.8% growth.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cipla, a leader in respiratory and chronic therapies, reported Rs 11,639 crore in sales for February 2025, showing a 6.9% increase over the previous month. Mankind Pharma and Bharat Serums, known for their presence in women’s health and fertility, posted Rs 12,611 crore in monthly sales, growing by 8.2%.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Other notable performers included Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, which grew by 9.4% month-on-month, and Zydus Lifesciences, which saw an 8.0% increase in value sales.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Top-Selling Brands: Augmentin, Glycomet GP, and Mixtard Register Monthly Growth</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Among the best-performing brands in February 2025, GlaxoSmithKline’s Augmentin led with Rs 817 crore in sales, reflecting a 5.2% increase over January 2025. USV’s Glycomet GP, a leading anti-diabetic brand, followed with Rs 800 crore in sales, registering a 3.5% monthly growth.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Abbott’s Mixtard, a widely used insulin brand, recorded Rs 776 crore in sales, while Alkem’s Pan grew 7.9% month-on-month, reaching Rs 759 crore in sales.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Growth Drivers: Pricing and New Launches Boost Sales</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Price growth remained the primary factor driving monthly market expansion, contributing 5.1% to overall growth. New product launches accounted for 2.1% growth, while changes in volume had a limited impact, registering a 0.3% increase.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The February 2025 market value was 7.5% higher than January 2025, showcasing consistent demand. This follows a 6.3% monthly growth recorded in January, highlighting a positive trend in pharma sales.</p></div>

121. Ayushman Bharat scheme to be Rolled Out in Delhi on March 18

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:30:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/22/275461-ayushman-bharat.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><span style="text-align: justify;">New Delhi:&nbsp;</span>The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/delhi-government" target="_blank">Delhi government</a> is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority on March 18 to implement the Central government's flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), according to official sources on Thursday. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With this, Delhi will become the 35th state/UT to implement the health insurance scheme.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">West Bengal will remain the only state to not have adopted the scheme.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“The Mou will be signed on March 18 in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda and five families will be given AB-PMJAY cards making them beneficiaries of the scheme,” the sources said, news agency PTI reported.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/delhi/delhi-govt-approves-ayushman-bharat-insurance-scheme-143723"><b>Also Read:Delhi Govt approves Ayushman Bharat Insurance Scheme</b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Implementation of the scheme was one of the major promises of the BJP for the Delhi Assembly election.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The previous AAP government had devised their own scheme and refused to implement AB-PMJAY, reports PTI. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The BJP won the February 5 Delhi Assembly election, returning to power in the city after over 26 years.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The AB-PMJAY provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries corresponding to 12.37 crore families constituting economically vulnerable bottom 40 per cent of India’s population. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On October 29, 2024, the Central government had expanded the AB-PMJAY to provide free treatment benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Centre's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Yojana ( AB-PMJAY), is set to be implemented in Delhi. Under the scheme, the Delhi government will provide ₹5 lakh top-up and the central government will provide ₹5 lakh to 6.54 lakh families. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/first-low-rates-then-no-payments-hospitals-decry-ayushmanbharatyojana-point-to-rs-121-crore-dues-144310"><b>Also Read:First low Rates, then No Payments! Hospitals decry Ayushman Bharat Yojana, point to Rs 1.21 LAKH crore dues</b></a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

122. MP Medical Council FMG Clinical Clerkship, Internship Counselling seat matrix out, check details

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:30 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/11/278087-counselling.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Madhya Pradesh-</b>&nbsp;The Madhya Pradesh Director of Medical Education (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mpdme" target="_blank">MPDME</a>) has released the seat details for MP Medical Council FMG Clinical Clerkship/Internship <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/counselling" target="_blank">Counselling </a>for December 2024. The seat details have been released on the official website of MPDME</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">As per the seat details, a total of 1336 <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/fmg" target="_blank">FMG </a>internship seats are available. Of these, a total of 606 seats have been vacant in the Government institute and 730 seats have been vacant in Private Institutes. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The list includes other important details such as Institute Code, Name and type, Group Name, College Details permitted/recognised and MBBS seat intake.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/mp-medical-council-invites-applications-from-fmgs-for-clinical-clerkship-internship-counselling-dec-2024-apply-now-144519"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>MP Medical Council invites applications from FMGs for Clinical Clerkship, Internship Counselling Dec 2024, Apply Now!</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>SEAT DETAILS</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="52"><col width="364"><col width="208"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>S.NO</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>INSTITUE NAME</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VACANT SEATS</b></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>GOVERNMENT INSTITUTES</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">BIRSA MUNDA GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE SHAHDOL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">CHHINDWARA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES CHHINDWARA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE SATNA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">120</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE SEONI.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">108</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SHRIMANT RAJMATA VIJAYARAJE SCINDIA MEDICAL COLLEGE SHIVPURI.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SUNDERLAL PATWA GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE MANDSAUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">108</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">VIRENDRA KUMAR SAKHLECHA GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE NEEMUCH.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">108</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE VIDISHA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">14</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">BUNDELKHAND MEDICAL COLLEGE SAGAR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">10</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">DR LAXMINARAYAN PANDEY GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE RATLAM.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">14</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GAJRA RAJA MEDICAL COLLEGE GWALIOR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">12</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GANDHI MEDICAL COLLEGE BHOPAL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">13</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE DATIA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">14</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MAHATMA GANDHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL COLLEGE INDORE.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">15</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">NANDKUMAR SINGH CHOUHAN GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE KHANDWA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">16</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">NETAJI SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE MEDICAL COLLEGE JABALPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">17</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SHYAM SHAH MEDICAL COLLEGE REWA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>PRIVATE INSTITUTES</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">LNCT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND SEWAKUNJ HOSPITAL INDORE.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">161</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MAHAVEER INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND RESEARCH BHOPAL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RAM KRISHNA MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE BHOPAL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">161</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SCHOOL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE SRI SATYA SAI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES SEHORE.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">108</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SUKH SAGAR MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL JABALPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">161</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AMALTAS INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES DEWAS.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">CHIRAYU MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL BHOPAL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">INDEX MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTER INDORE.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">LN MEDICAL COLLEGE BHOPAL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">10</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">PEOPLES COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE BHOPAL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RD GARDI MEDICAL COLLEGE UJJAIN.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">12</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RKDF MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE BHOPAL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">13</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SRI AUROBINDO INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE INDORE.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>TOTAL</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>1336</b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile,&nbsp;MP Medical Council FMG Clinical Clerkship/Internship Counselling (December 2024) registration is ongoing which will end on 16 March 2025 (up to 11:59 PM). Wheareas, the seat vacancy position is already been published, therefore, candidates can raise objections against vacancies from respective colleges till today i.e. 11th March 2025. After this, tomorrow i.e. 12th March 2025, the final vacancies will be published on the official website of MPDME.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the seat details, click the link below</i></u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/mpdme-278088.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/mpdme-278088.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

123. CagriSema demonstrates superior weight loss in adults with obesity, type 2 diabetes in REDEFINE 2 trial: Novo Nordisk

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:30:44 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/01/13/230070-novo-nordisk-new-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Denmark:&nbsp;</strong>CagriSema has demonstrated superior weight loss in adults with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/obesity">obesity </a>or overweight and<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/type-2-diabetes"> type 2 diabetes</a> in the REDEFINE 2 trial, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Novo-Nordisk">Novo Nordisk</a> said in a release.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The headline results from REDEFINE 2, a phase 3 trial in the global REDEFINE programme were announced on Monday. REDEFINE 2 is a 68-week efficacy and safety trial investigating once-weekly subcutaneous CagriSema (a fixed dose combination of cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg) compared to placebo. The trial included 1,206 randomised people with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes and a mean baseline body weight of 102 kg.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The trial achieved its primary endpoint by demonstrating a statistically significant and superior weight loss at week 68 with CagriSema versus placebo.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The REDEFINE 2 trial was based on a flexible protocol, allowing patients to modify their dosing throughout the trial. After 68 weeks, 61.9% of patients treated with CagriSema were on the highest dose.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">When evaluating the effects of treatment, if all people adhered to treatment1, people treated with CagriSema achieved a superior weight loss of 15.7% after 68 weeks compared to 3.1% with placebo. Weight loss of 5% or more after 68 weeks was a co-primary endpoint and was achieved by 89.7% of patients on CagriSema, compared to 30.3% by placebo.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">When applying the treatment policy estimand2, people treated with CagriSema achieved a superior weight loss of 13.7% compared to 3.4% with placebo.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In the trial, CagriSema appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile. The most common adverse events with CagriSema were gastrointestinal, and the vast majority were mild to moderate and diminished over time, consistent with the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“The REDEFINE 2 results confirmed the superior efficacy of CagriSema in people with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes”, said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk. “We look forward to bringing this second pivotal trial to regulatory authorities with the aim of making this next-generation therapy available to the millions of patients in need.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Novo Nordisk expects to file for the first regulatory approval of CagriSema in the first quarter of 2026. The detailed results from REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2 will be presented at a scientific conference in 2025.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Once-weekly subcutaneous CagriSema is being investigated by Novo Nordisk as a treatment for adults with overweight or obesity (REDEFINE programme) and as a treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes (REIMAGINE programme). CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of a long-acting amylin analogue, cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg. The two molecules induce weight loss by reducing hunger, increasing feelings of fullness and thereby helping people eat less and reduce their calorie intake.</p></div>

124. What happens to postmortem report if Doctor who conducted autopsy dies? Here's what HC said

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:30:13 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/03/18/234532-autopsy.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Hyderabad: </b>In a crucial ruling impacting medico-legal cases, the Telangana High Court has reaffirmed that postmortem reports remain admissible as evidence even if the doctor who conducted the autopsy is dead or unavailable for testimony.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">A Single Bench of Justice E.V. Venugopal emphasized that such reports are relevant and admissible under Section 32(2) of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, provided that another medical expert familiar with the original doctor's handwriting and signature can authenticate the document.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The case stemmed from the 2002 death of Upparapally Chinna Jangi Reddy, who succumbed to injuries following an alleged assault in Kodparthy village, Thimmajipet Mandal. A case was registered by the Jadcherla Police under Sections 302 (murder), 504 (intentional insult), and 323 (causing hurt) read with Section 34 (common intention) of the IPC. The accused was later convicted under Section 304 Part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The defence challenged the conviction, arguing that the deceased had sustained injuries 15 days prior due to a fall in a well, and questioned the admissibility of the postmortem report, as the doctor who conducted the autopsy was not examined in court.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, the Telangana High Court dismissed these arguments, holding that the postmortem report was validly verified through the testimony of P.W.16, a medical expert, who confirmed the cause of death as septicemia shock due to intestinal and kidney injuries.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The court further emphasized that even if the deceased had pre-existing medical conditions, the injury caused during the assault accelerated death, making the accused liable for culpable homicide. It noted, "Even if the deceased was suffering from a disorder or pre-existing condition, as per Explanation (1) to Section 299 IPC, if the injury caused accelerates death, the accused shall be deemed to have caused death."</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Telangana High Court stressed that under normal circumstances, a postmortem report can only be used to corroborate or contradict statements made under Sections 147 and 145 of the Evidence Act. However, Section 32(2) provides an exception, allowing the report to be considered as admissible evidence even in the absence of the certifying doctor. It observed;</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The normal rule is that a post-mortem certificate... can be used only to corroborate the statement under Section 147 or to contradict the statement under Section 145 or to refresh his memory under Section 159 of the Evidence Act. But the provision of Section 32 of the Evidence Act is an exception to this rule. If the Doctor who held autopsy is dead or is not available for examination, the certificate issued by him is relevant and admissible under Section 32(2) of the Evidence Act."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">While upholding the conviction under Section 304 Part II IPC, the Telangana High Court modified the sentence, taking into account the prolonged 23-year litigation. The original five-year imprisonment was reduced to the period already served, recognizing the extensive duration of legal proceedings. However, the fine was increased to Rs 2,00,000, payable to the deceased’s legal heirs. It held, “Since the offence was committed in 2002 and the petitioner has been contesting the case for over two decades, the sentence is modified to the period already undergone. However, the fine is enhanced to Rs 2,00,000, failing which the petitioner shall undergo one year of simple imprisonment.”</p></div>

125. Want to Pursue DM or DrNB in Paediatric Critical Care? Check Out NEET SS feeder Qualification

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:30:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/12/278224-paediatric-critical-care.webp' /><p>New Delhi: For the NEET SS 2024 aspirants seeking admission to DM//DrNB Paediatric Critical Care, MD/DNB (Paediatrics) has been designated as the feeder qualifications.</p><p>DM/DrNB Paediatric Critical Care or Doctor of Medicine/Doctorate of National Board in Paediatric Critical Care also known as DM/DrNB in Paediatric Critical Care is a super speciality level course for doctors in India that they do after completion of their postgraduate medical degree course. The duration of this super speciality course is 3 years, and it focuses on saving and improving the lives of children affected by acute and chronic illnesses, injuries, and toxicities.</p><p>As per the information bulletin released by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), the feeder qualification for DM//DrNB Paediatric Critical Care is MD/DNB (Paediatrics) defined by the NBE and is subject to changes by the NBE.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>The eligibility criteria for DM//DrNB Infectious Diseases are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which include:</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="540"> <colgroup><col width="152"> <col width="187"> <col width="201"> </colgroup><tbody><tr height="40"> <td height="40" class="xl63" width="152">Name of course</td> <td class="xl63" width="187">Course Type</td> <td class="xl63" width="201">Prior Eligibility Requirement</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl64" width="152">Paediatric Critical Care</td> <td class="xl65" width="187">DM/DrNB</td> <td class="xl65" width="201">MD/DNB (Paediatrics)</td> </tr></tbody></table></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="inside-post-ad-2 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_2"></div><p><b>NEET SS 2024:</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div id="ATS_mid2"></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr"><u><b>ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA</b></u></p><p dir="ltr"><i>The applicant must meet/fulfil the following criteria-</i></p><p dir="ltr">1 Candidates who have a recognized postgraduate medical Degree/Provisional Pass Certificate (MD/MS/DNB) or equivalent recognized qualification or are likely to have the same by 30th April 2025 by eligible feeder speciality qualifications for super speciality courses as mentioned in Annexure B of this Information Bulletin can apply for NEET-SS 2024.</p><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div><p dir="ltr">2 Candidates found to be ineligible at any stage of NEET-SS 2024 will not be permitted to appear in the examination. In the unlikely event of any ineligible candidate appearing and/or being successful in NEET-SS 2024, the result/ candidature of such candidate shall be cancelled and/or is deemed to be cancelled as and when the ineligibility is detected.</p><p dir="ltr">3 The cutoff date for qualifying MD/MS/DNB Broad Specialty/ eligible feeder qualification towards determination of eligibility for appearing in NEET-SS 2024 shall be 30th April 2025.</p><p dir="ltr">4 Requests for appearing in NEET-SS 2024 from candidates who are qualifying and/or getting the results of their MD/MS/DNB qualifications/eligible feeder qualifications after 30th April 2025 shall be summarily rejected.</p><p dir="ltr">5 Registration with NMC/State Medical Council is mandatory and its documentary proof should be furnished at the test Centre on the examination day.</p><p dir="ltr">6 Foreign Nationals including Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can appear in NEET-SS 2024 without registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC). The NMC may, on payment of the prescribed fee for registration, grant temporary registration for the duration of the post-doctoral course limited to the medical college/institution to which he/she is admitted for the time being exclusively for pursuing postdoctoral studies. Provided further that temporary registration to such foreign national shall be subject to the condition that such person is duly registered with appropriate registering authority in his/her own country where he has obtained his PG Medical qualification and is duly recognised by the corresponding Medical Council or concerned authority.</p><p dir="ltr">7 Candidates already pursuing or have joined a Doctoral Course (DM/MCh/DrNB) through NEET-SS are not eligible for admission to DrNB Superspecialty courses through NEET-SS 2024 for the entire duration prescribed for the course already joined by them earlier. This shall be irrespective of their resignation or discontinuation from the said course due to any reason.</p><p dir="ltr">8 The FCPS qualifications awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai are not equivalent to either MD or MS courses. Accordingly, candidates possessing FCPS qualifications awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai are not eligible to apply for NEET-SS, solely based on their FCPS qualifications.</p><p dir="ltr">9 Eligibility of candidates issued admit card for the examination shall be purely provisional. Appearing in NEET-SS 2024 does not confer any automatic rights upon the candidate for admission to DM/MCh/DrNB Super Specialty courses.</p><p><u><b>Examination Fee</b></u></p><table class="table table-bordered"><tbody><tr><td><p>Examination Fee per Group*</p></td><td><p>Rs. 3500</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><i>*Excluding charges as may be applicable by various payment gateways. GST has been EXEMPTED as per Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Govt of India circular no 151/07/2021-GST dated 17.06.2021</i></p><p>Candidate shall be required to pay the examination fee as mentioned above for each group in which he/she chooses to appear. For eg. A candidate with MD Paediatrics qualification who chooses to appear in question papers for both Medical and Paediatric Groups shall be required to pay Rs. 3500 + 3500 = 7000/- towards examination fee. Please refer chapter on details of scheme of examination</p><p>Applications forms once submitted cannot be withdrawn. Fee shall neither be carried forward to a future date nor refunded under any circumstances. Application once submitted cannot be withdrawn. Any claim for refund, adjustment or carrying forward of Application fee will not be entertained.</p><p><b>How to pay: </b>The prescribed exam fee should be remitted through payment gateway provided using a Credit Card or a Debit Card issued by banks in India or other modes as may be made available and have been provided on the web page. Fee can not be deposited through any mode other than the payment gateway available while submitting online application form submission.</p><p>Examination fees in respect of candidates who are absent or have been declared ineligible due to any reason will be forfeited. Candidates are advised to read the information bulletin for NEETSS 2024 carefully and pay examination fee only if they fulfil eligibility criteria prescribed in the bulletin.</p><p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, NBEMS will be conducting the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-ss-2024">NEET-SS 2024</a> in two slots in 2 days on a computer-based platform at various exam centres across the country. Interested candidates can start submitting the application form for the NEET-SS 2024. Below is the complete schedule-</p><p dir="ltr"><u><b>SCHEDULE</b></u></p><div dir="ltr"><table><colgroup><col width="59"><col width="309"><col width="256"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr">S.NO</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">PROCESSES</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">TIMELINES</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Online Application Submission.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4th February 2025 (3 PM Onwards) to 24th February 2025 (Till 11:55 PM).</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Edit Window for All Applicants.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">27th February 2025 to 3rd March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Final Edit Window to Rectify Deficient/Incorrect Images (No further opportunity shall be given)</p><p dir="ltr">1 Photograph.</p><p dir="ltr">2 Signatures.</p><p dir="ltr">3 Thumb Impression.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11th March 2025 to 13th March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Issue of Admit Card.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">25th March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Examination Date.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">29th &amp; 30th March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Cut Off Date for qualifying MD/ MS/DNB Broad Specialty qualification towards determination of eligibility for appearing in NEET-SS 2024.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th April 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Declaration of Result.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">By 30th April 2025.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div></div></div>

126. Roche, Zealand Pharma ink pact to co-develop, co-commercialise petrelintide as foundational therapy for obesity

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:00:04 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/01/12/197706-roche-4.webp' /><p><b style="text-align: justify;">Basel</b><span style="text-align: justify;">: <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Roche">Roche</a> has announced that it has entered into an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Zealand Pharma. Under the terms of this agreement, the two companies will collaborate to co-develop and co-commercialise petrelintide, Zealand Pharma’s amylin analog as a standalone therapy as well as a fixed-dose combination with Roche’s lead incretin asset CT-388.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">In recent years, scientific advances in the field of incretins and an increased understanding of the disease biology have significantly changed the possibilities to treat <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/obesity">obesity </a>and its numerous associated health conditions (comorbidities). With these advances, a large opportunity remains to provide new treatments that offer improved efficacy, safety, quality, and durability of weight loss.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Petrelintide, currently in phase 2 clinical development, is a long-acting amylin analog suitable for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. The available clinical data suggests its potential to become a best-in-class amylin monotherapy, with improved tolerability compared to current weight management treatments and to expand into adjacent indications.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The combination of petrelintide with Roche’s dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist CT-388 will further strengthen and expand Roche’s pipeline in the field of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CVRM) diseases. This combination offers the opportunity for best-in-disease efficacy while potentially offering enhanced tolerability.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Teresa Graham, CEO Roche Pharmaceuticals: “We are excited to collaborate with Zealand Pharma and develop this promising therapy, which we hope will provide people living with obesity and related comorbidities a new treatment option. We share the vision to develop petrelintide as a future foundational therapy. By combining petrelintide with our Pharmaceuticals portfolio and with our Diagnostics expertise in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, we are aiming to transform the standard of care and positively impact patients’ lives.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Adam Steensberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zealand Pharma: “We are thrilled to announce this transformational partnership, aiming to maximise the full value of petrelintide to the benefit of people living with overweight and obesity. With relentless focus on innovation, a global manufacturing network and commercial reach, a complementary portfolio of clinical programmes in obesity, and importantly a shared vision for petrelintide, we consider Roche the ideal partner for Zealand Pharma. We strongly believe that petrelintide holds potential as a foundational therapy for weight management, addressing unmet medical needs among the majority of people living with overweight and obesity, both as stand-alone therapy and in combination with other agents. This collaboration with Roche is a step change to realise this vision, while solidifying Zealand Pharma as a key player in the future management of obesity”.</p><div style="text-align: justify;">This collaboration agreement covers the co-development and co-commercialisation of petrelintide to unlock the full value of the asset. As a part of this agreement, Zealand Pharma and Roche will co-commercialise petrelintide in the U.S. and Europe, whereas Roche will obtain exclusive rights to commercialisation in the rest of the world. Roche will be responsible for commercial manufacturing and supply.</div><p style="text-align: justify; ">Under the terms of the agreement, Zealand Pharma will receive upfront cash payments of USD 1.65 billion, including USD 1.4 billion due upon closing and USD 250 million over the first two anniversaries of the collaboration. Zealand Pharma is also eligible for development milestones of USD 1.2 billion primarily linked to initiation of Phase 3 trials with petrelintide monotherapy and sales-based milestones of USD 2.4 billion, for a total consideration to Zealand Pharma of up to USD 5.3 billion. Profits and losses for petrelintide and petrelintide/CT-388 will be shared on a 50/50 basis in the U.S. and Europe, and Zealand Pharma is eligible to receive tiered double-digit royalties up to high teens % royalties on net sales in the rest of the world.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Zealand Pharma will pay Roche USD 350 million, offsettable against milestone payments, for the petrelintide/CT-388 fixed-dose combination product or next-generation petrelintide combination products being pursued under the collaboration agreement.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties expect that the transaction will close in Q2 2025.</p><div style="text-align: justify;">Petrelintide is a long-acting amylin analog suitable for once-weekly subcutaneous administration that has been designed with chemical and physical stability with no fibrillation around neutral pH, allowing for co-formulation and co-administration with other peptides. Amylin is produced in pancreatic beta cells and co-secreted with insulin in response to ingested nutrients. Amylin receptor activation has been shown to reduce body weight by restoring sensitivity to the satiety hormone leptin, inducing a sense of feeling full faster. Current clinical data and pre-clinical data suggest a potential of petrelintide to deliver weight loss comparable to GLP-1 receptor agonists but with improved tolerability for a better patient experience and high-quality weight loss. Petrelintide is being evaluated in Phase 2b clinical trials. ZUPREME-1 is for people with obesity/overweight without type 2 diabetes (T2D) and was initiated in December 2024 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06662539). ZUPREME-2 is for people with obesity/overweight with T2D and is expected to be initiated in the first half of 2025.</div></div>

127. 75 million people with hypertension, diabetes to receive standard care by 2025

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 07:15:50 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/12/278258-hypertension-1.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><span style="text-align: justify;">New Delhi: On World <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/hypertension" target="_blank">Hypertension </a>Day, celebrated on May 17, 2023, the Government unveiled the ''75/25'' initiative, which aims to provide standardized care to 75 million individuals living with hypertension and diabetes by December 2025.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As of March 5, 2025, a total of 42.01 million individuals have received treatment for hypertension, while 25.27 million have been treated for <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/diabetes" target="_blank">diabetes</a>, achieving 89.7% of the target.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To address the rising prevalence of major Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) was initiated by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in 2010.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/ban-tobacco-alcohol-advertisements-and-sales-at-ipl-venues-health-ministry-144681"><b>Also Read:Ban Tobacco, Alcohol Advertisements and sales at IPL venues: Health Ministry</b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The program employs a multifaceted strategy that includes:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Population-Based Screening: Early detection and screening of individuals aged 30 years and above.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Opportunistic Screening: Implementing screening at all levels of healthcare delivery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Support for Diagnosis and Treatment: Providing assistance for accurate diagnosis and cost-effective treatment options.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Teleconsultation Services: Utilizing information technology to offer teleconsultation services to citizens.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">National NCD Portal: Monitoring NCDs through the use of a dedicated portal.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Awareness and Lifestyle Promotion: Coordinating inter-ministerial efforts to promote NCD awareness and encourage healthy lifestyle choices.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In response to the increasing burden of NCDs, Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare has launched an NCD Screening Campaign from February 20, 2025, to March 31, 2025, with the goal of achieving 100% screening of individuals aged 30 years and above. This nationwide campaign is being conducted across Ayushman Arogya Mandir facilities and other healthcare institutions under the NP-NCD framework.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Monitoring of this initiative involves systematic data collection, performance management, and data quality assurance. Monthly reports from States and Union Territories are compiled and analyzed at the national level, with periodic feedback provided to the States. Additionally, program reports generated from the National NCD Portal dashboard are analyzed at the Centre, State, and District levels as part of a structured monitoring framework, ensuring effective oversight and continuous improvement of the program.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/health-ministry-to-launch-nationwide-screening-for-non-communicable-diseases-143590"><b>Also Read:Health Ministry to launch nationwide screening for non-communicable diseases</b></a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

128. Bristol Myers Squibb to acquire 2seventy bio for USD 286 million

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 07:00:18 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/06/24/212730-bristol.webp' /><p><b>Cambridge:</b>&nbsp;<org value="NASDAQ-NMS:TSVT" idsrc="xmltag.org">2seventy bio, Inc.</org>&nbsp;has announced a definitive merger agreement under which <org value="NYSE:BMY" idsrc="xmltag.org"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Bristol-Myers-Squibb">Bristol Myers Squib</a>b</org>&nbsp;will acquire all of the outstanding shares of 2seventy bio at a price of <money>$5.00</money> per share in an all-cash transaction for a total equity value of approximately <money>$286 million</money>, or <money>$102 million</money> net of estimated cash. The deal represents an 88% premium to the closing price of <money>$2.66</money> on <chron>March 7, 2025</chron>.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>“A year ago, 2seventy decided to exclusively focus on unlocking the value of <i>Abecma</i>, with the goal of delivering more time for people living with multiple myeloma and maximizing value for all stakeholders,” said <person>Chip Baird</person>, chief executive officer, 2seventy bio. “The strategic rationale for this acquisition is clear and the announcement represents the culmination of the journey for 2seventy bio. We believe that <i>Abecma</i> will continue to benefit from BMS’ experience and resources to ensure this important therapy is delivered to patients who need it. I would like to express my deep gratitude for current and past 2seventy team members and more broadly the dedicated community of patients, scientists, providers and partners that helped take cell and gene therapy from a complicated idea to reality for patients.”</p><p>Under the terms of the agreement, BMS will promptly commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of 2seventy bio at a price of <money>$5.00</money> per share in an all-cash transaction. 2seventy bio’s Board of Directors unanimously recommends that 2seventy bio stockholders tender their shares in the tender offer.</p><p>The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2025 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of 2seventy bio’s common stock and the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Following the successful closing of the tender offer, BMS will acquire all remaining shares of 2seventy bio common stock that are not tendered in the tender offer through a second-step merger at the same price in the tender offer of <money>$5.00</money> per share.</p><p>Following the completion of this transaction, 2seventy bio’s common stock will no longer be listed for trading on Nasdaq.</p><p>In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, certain stockholders of 2seventy bio owning approximately 5.3% of the outstanding shares of 2seventy bio’s common stock have entered into tender and support agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to tender all of their owned shares in the offer.</p><p><org value="ACORN:1037124545" idsrc="xmltag.org">Goldman Sachs &amp; Co. LLC</org> is serving as exclusive financial advisor to 2seventy bio, and <org value="ACORN:1783959610" idsrc="xmltag.org">Goodwin Procter LLP</org> is serving as legal counsel.</p><p>ABECMA is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.</p></div>

129. AIIMS Satellite Centre in Ghaziabad gets 10-acre land approval

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:00:48 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/01/27/271447-female-physician.webp' /><p><b>Ghaziabad:</b> Five months after Chief Minister <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/yogi-adityanath">Yogi Adityanath</a> proposed the establishment of a satellite version of the prestigious <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/aiims-delhi">All India Institute of Medical Sciences</a> (AIIMS) in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Uttar Pradesh Housing Board has allocated a 10-acre land parcel in Vasundhara for the project. This initiative aims to serve the growing population of Ghaziabad and the surrounding districts of western Uttar Pradesh.</p><p>Medical Dialogues had previously reported that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that plans are underway to establish a satellite center of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi in Ghaziabad, aimed at benefiting residents in western Uttar Pradesh, including Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bulandshahr, and Hapur.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/aiims-delhis-satellite-centre-in-ghaziabad-soon-cm-yogi-adityanath-137292" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read: AIIMS Delhi's satellite centre in Ghaziabad soon: CM Yogi Adityanath</b></a></p><p>The housing board approved the proposal at its most recent board meeting, with the allocated plot located in Vasundhara’s Sector 7, behind the Indirapuram police station. The land, which is currently vacant and used for events like fairs, will serve as the foundation for this satellite AIIMS center. The nearby Blue Line metro stations of Electronic City and Vaishali, along with the Red Line station of Mohan Nagar and the Sahibabad rapid rail station, will make the campus easily accessible for patients from across the NCR.</p><p>Speaking to TOI, the office of UP Housing Board commissioner Balkar Singh said, "In the larger public interest, Housing Board will give away 10 acres for the AIIMS satellite center. A proposal to this effect was tabled at the board meeting last Friday, which was passed." </p><p>According to news reports, the land parcel will be handed over to AIIMS or the project executing agency once the detailed project report is finalized. The UP Housing Board owns over 80 acres of land in Vasundhara, with 10 acres already designated for a hospital. This 10-acre plot has now been allocated for the AIIMS satellite center. </p><p>The satellite center will primarily function as an Outpatient Department (OPD), offering services from AIIMS faculty. The facility will also include lodging accommodations for patients and their attendants. However, patient admissions and inpatient care will still be provided at the main AIIMS campus in Delhi </p><p>Currently, AIIMS operates a 50-bed National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre in Ghaziabad, which is the largest de-addiction center in NCR. This facility handles around 50 OPD patients daily. </p><p>The trans-Hindon areas of Ghaziabad, which include Indirapuram, Vasundhara, Vaishali, and Kaushambi, have an estimated population of 15 lakh. Despite the growing population in these areas, there is not a single government hospital.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/weeekly-opd-service-provided-at-aiims-satellite-centre-balasore-mos-health-139348" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read: Weekly OPD service provided at AIIMS Satellite Centre Balasore: MoS Health</b></a></p><p>According to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/up-allots-land-in-vasundhara-for-satellite-centre-of-aiims/articleshow/118858053.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI</a>, residents have for years been demanding a govt hospital, saying treatment in case of emergencies is dependent entirely on private healthcare facilities, which are expensive and virtually impossible to access for those who have limited or no health insurance. Trans-Hindon is also rapidly expanding along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, bringing in a bigger population.</p><p>While the new AIIMS satellite center is a welcome addition to the region’s healthcare infrastructure, it does not fully address the demand for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary government hospital. This gap could be filled by either expanding the District Hospital in Noida, which received a new building during the COVID-19 pandemic and has the necessary physical infrastructure or by establishing a completely new facility.</p>

130. Ahmedabad Hospitals to halt Cashless Facilities for 3 Firms from April

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:45:30 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/05/11/209385-cashless-treatment.webp' /><p><b>Ahmedabad: </b>The Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/ahna" rel="nofollow">AHNA</a>) recently announced it will suspend <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cashless-treatment">cashless facilities</a> for patients of three prominent insurance companies—Star Health &amp; Allied Insurance Co Ltd, Care Health Insurance, and Tata AIG Health Insurance-starting April 2. This move comes after ongoing issues with these insurers, marking a significant decision by AHNA.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/81-ahmedabad-hospitals-delisted-ahna-issues-legal-notice-to-tata-aig-130892" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read: 81 Ahmedabad Hospitals delisted, AHNA issues legal notice to Tata AIG</b></a><br></p><p>Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (AHNA) has issued a legal notice to Tata AIG Gen Insurance Co for arbitrarily “delisting/excluding” 81 hospitals in the city without following the proper procedure.</p><p>In a statement released on Tuesday, AHNA officials held multiple rounds of discussions with these companies and cited a range of issues that have led to the suspension, including unjustified claim deductions, unwarranted claim rejections, and unexplained delisting of hospitals and nursing homes from the insurers' networks without due process.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/kolkata-doctors-refuse-cashless-treatment-due-to-low-rates-127210"><b>Also Read: Kolkata doctors refuse cashless treatment due to low rates</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">As per the recent media reports by </span><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/hospitals-in-ahmedabad-to-suspend-cashless-facilities-for-three-insurers-9881726/" rel="nofollow">TNIE</a><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">, AHNA claimed, “Despite repeated assurances and negotiations, these companies have persisted with their unfair practices, adversely impacting both patients and healthcare providers. Such one-sided actions by the insurers are unacceptable and contrary to the principles of fairness and natural justice.”</span></div></div><p>AHNA further emphasized that it is exploring alternative cashless payment arrangements with other financial institutions for affected patients, though it specified that this would not apply to Star Health patients. </p><p>According to TNIE, detailing this, it said, “We have made every effort to resolve these issues amicably through multiple discussions. However, despite commitments to reform their policies, these insurers have continued their malpractices. This has left us with no choice but to take this firm stand to protect both our patients and our member hospitals.”</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/4-rajkot-hospitals-served-notices-for-pmjay-scheme-violation-117645"><b>Also Read: 4 Rajkot hospitals served notices for PMJAY scheme violation</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">In response to AHNA's allegations, Star Health Insurance issued a statement defending its practices. The company stressed its commitment to providing affordable and customer-centric healthcare, citing its longstanding relationships with over 14,000 hospitals across the country. The insurer also pointed out that while the health insurance sector adheres to strict IRDAI regulations, the lack of regulatory oversight in the hospital industry can present certain challenges. Star Health stressed that customer interests are paramount and reaffirmed its focus on ensuring uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services.</span></div></div><p>Similarly, Tata AIG Health Insurance issued a statement expressing its commitment to ethical healthcare partnerships. The company is actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. This decision aligns with industry-wide efforts to safeguard policyholders' interests and uphold transparency in practices. Customer interests are placed at the core of all decisions, ensuring uninterrupted access to necessary healthcare services. TATA AIG continues to collaborate with an extensive network of over 11,400 hospitals across India, reaffirming its commitment to all customers. </p><p>AHNA stated that it has submitted a letter to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), urging the authority to take strict action against the insurers.</p>

131. NEET PG- Doctors to protest against Supreme Court verdict on domicile-based reservation

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:30:08 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278498-untitled-design-4.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Chennai: </b>Not satisfied with the Supreme Court's ruling against domicile-based reservations for postgraduate medical admission under the State Quota, the doctors have decided to stage a demonstration on March 16 condemning the apex court's judgement.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Through their demonstration, the Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association (TNMSA) along with Doctors Association for Social Equality (DASE) are going to urge the Union Government to bring a constitutional amendment to safeguard states’ rights in medical education. The association argued that scrapping domicile-based reservations would affect local medical students as it would limit their access to the state-run medical institutions.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Join hands with us to Condemn the Honourable Supreme Court’s judgement, which is against domiciliary reservation in State Quota PG seats and to urge the union govt to bring a constitutional amendment to protect states’ rights in medical education on March 16 at 10 am near Rajarathinam Stadium," said&nbsp;the association in their poster.&nbsp;</p><p><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/neet-pg-admissions-domicile-based-reservation-unconstitutional-supreme-court-142355" target="_blank">NEET PG Admissions: Domicile-Based Reservation Unconstitutional!- Supreme Court</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In January 29, Medical Dialogues reported that the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/supreme-court" target="_blank">Supreme Court </a>held that domicile-based reservations for postgraduate medical admission cannot be allowed as it violates Article 14 of the Constitution. Therefore, holding such reservation system unconstitutional, the top court bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia and SVN Bhatti observed,<i> "Residence-based reservation in PG medical courses is clearly violative of Article 14 of the Constitution."</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Clarifying that providing domicile residence-based reservations in admission to State quota PG medical seats is constitutionally impermissible, the Apex Court bench held that such seats have to be filled up based on merit in the NEET exam.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"We are all domiciles in the territory of India. There is nothing like a provincial or state domicile. There is only one domicile. We are all residents of India. We have the right to choose residence anywhere in India and to carry out trade and profession anywhere in the country. The constitution also gives us the right to choose admission in educational institutions across India. The benefit of reservation in educational institutions, including medical colleges, for those who reside in a particular state can be given to a certain degree only in MBBS courses. But considering the importance of specialised doctors in PG medical courses, reservation in higher levels on the basis of residence would be violative of Article 14 of the Constitution,</i>" noted the apex court.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Condemning the apex court's directive, Dr. G.R. Ravindranath, General Secretary of TNMSA told Medical Dialogues, "India follows a system where medical education is regulated at both the state and central levels. It is in the concurrent list. However, the Supreme Court considered that state quota PG medical seats should be opened to nationwide allocation without considering state reservations. Medical education is also a state subject, meaning states have a say in regulating their medical institutions."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Further, he added, "Currently, the central government is increasing its control over medical education and admissions, reducing state authority. This could impact public healthcare systems and government hospitals by limiting state-specific policies. If all seats are allocated nationally without protecting state reservations, it could harm state medical institutions. This is why we are demanding the protection of state government rights in medical education regulations. To emphasize this, we are organizing a protest on the 16th morning at 10 am near the Rajarathinam Stadium, Chennai."</p>

132. Baddi Civil Hospital Completion Delayed for 2 Years Due to Poor Coordination

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:30:51 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/01/276541-hospital-beds-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Baddi: The long-awaited 50-bed <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/civil-hospital" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Civil Hospital</a> in Baddi remains incomplete despite the construction of its building being finished two years ago. The delay in its completion is largely due to a lack of coordination among various government departments, leaving residents of this industrial area without essential healthcare services.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><a class="also-read-media-wrap" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/telangana/gandhi-hospital-struggles-with-infrastructure-crisis-amidst-rising-patient-load-144791"><img class="also-read-media" data-src="https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/11/278169-750x450224745-untitled-design-2023-11-07t140257189.webp"></a><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/telangana/gandhi-hospital-struggles-with-infrastructure-crisis-amidst-rising-patient-load-144791"><span class="read-this-also">Also Read:</span>Gandhi Hospital Struggles with Infrastructure Crisis amidst rising patient load</a><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The project has been stalled due to several pending infrastructural requirements, including the installation of a lift, fire safety systems, water and electricity connections, and an oxygen plant. Necessities like building whitewashing remain undone because power connections are yet to be established. Shockingly, no formal requests have been made for water and electricity connections, further prolonging the hospital’s opening, reports The Tribune. &nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Baddi SDM Vivek Mahajan, after reviewing the situation with officials, has now set firm deadlines to accelerate the completion of the project. He admitted that the delays stemmed from poor interdepartmental coordination involving agencies responsible for power, health, fire safety, and public works. To resolve this, he has directed each department to finish their assigned tasks within a specific timeframe.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">One of the primary hurdles is the three-phase electricity connection required for hospital operations. To address this, the Block Medical Officer (BMO) has been instructed to submit an application for approval. Once filed, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) will begin the tender process to install a transformer and supporting infrastructure, which requires a budget of Rs 12 lakh. The state government’s approval is necessary before work can proceed.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, the installation of the hospital lift has been assigned to HPSEBL’s electrical wing, with officials committing to finish the work by March 10. Additionally, wiring and fire extinguisher fittings are scheduled to be completed alongside the lift installation. During a recent on-site inspection, officials also finalized locations for the transformer, oxygen plant, and a dedicated 20x20 feet water tank for fire safety. The oxygen plant’s civil structure is expected to be completed within 15 days as per the contractor’s revised timeline, reports the Daily.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Despite the hospital’s urgent requirement for a water supply, no application had been filed for a connection. Now, the BMO will formally apply to the Jal Shakti Department, which will issue the necessary approvals and grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a borewell, an essential requirement for medical facilities.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Adding to the delays, the contractor responsible for the hospital’s construction has been awaiting Rs 12 lakh in pending payments. He has urged authorities to release the funds so that the remaining work can be completed. The Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department has been directed to prioritize this issue to avoid further setbacks.</p></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><a class="also-read-media-wrap" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/mbbs-doctors-on-study-leave-to-now-get-full-salary-himachal-govt-143591"><img class="also-read-media" data-src="https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/20/275101-doctor-salary.webp"></a><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/mbbs-doctors-on-study-leave-to-now-get-full-salary-himachal-govt-143591"><span class="read-this-also">Also Read:</span>MBBS doctors on study leave to now get full salary: Himachal Govt</a><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">For decades, Baddi’s residents—especially industrial workers—have struggled due to the lack of government healthcare facilities, often having no choice but to seek costly treatment at private hospitals. The completion of this hospital is expected to provide significant relief, offering affordable medical services to the local population. With clear deadlines now in place and efforts being made to enhance departmental coordination, officials are working to ensure the hospital is fully functional as soon as possible.</p></div>

133. JnJ MedTech gets clearance for MONARCH QUEST for enhanced Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:30:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/01/12/229818-johnson-and-johnson-medtech.webp' /><p><b>Santa Clara: </b>Johnson &amp; Johnson MedTech has announced U.S. 510(k) regulatory clearance for MONARCH QUEST, the latest advancement in MONARCH navigation technology, featuring AI-powered algorithms and a verified OEC Open interface with the GE HealthCare OEC 3D mobile CBCT Imaging System.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>Robotically assisted bronchoscopy represents a small but fast-growing segment of lung biopsy procedures in the U.S. The MONARCHPlatform, a robotically assisted bronchoscopy system to market, provides minimally invasive access to and visualization of airways to help clinicians biopsy suspicious lung nodules.</p><p>Nearly half of early-stage lesions are located in the periphery of the lung, which is difficult to reach with traditional bronchoscopy. The MONARCH Platform can aid clinicians in getting to an early, definitive diagnosis in lung cancer cases, which can help care teams get patients into the treatment pathway an average of three weeks faster.</p><p>“Our goal with the MONARCH Platform is to change the treatment paradigm for diseases such as lung cancer, where significant unmet needs still remain,” said Aleksandra Popovic, President, MONARCH, Johnson &amp; Johnson MedTech. “MONARCH QUEST demonstrates our commitment to delivering meaningful innovation that helps clinicians advance the standard of care for their patients.”</p><div><br></div></div><p><br></p>

134. Faculty Requirement not Fulfilled! Kanakapura, Ramanagara Medical Colleges Unlikely to Begin in 2025-2026

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:00:51 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/01/27/271345-medical-colleges.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Bengaluru:</b>&nbsp;With a few months left for the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nmc">National Medical Commission</a>'s (NMC) inspection, the Medical Education Department in Karnataka is struggling to fill the vacancies in the newly set up medical colleges in Kanakapura and Ramanagara.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Amid this, referring to the insufficient time available for recruiting all the required faculty members for these two new medical colleges, multiple sources have opined that it is unlikely these new medical colleges will start functioning in the next academic year as well, The Hindu reported.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/directorate-of-medical-education">Directorate of Medical Education</a> (DME) has been given the responsibility of filling up all the vacancies in 16 government medical colleges and two new medical colleges in Kanakapura and Ramanagara by appointing senior residents and other faculty members in the next three months.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/mdtv/healthshorts/at-least-27-karnataka-medical-colleges-penalised-by-nmc-131528" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: At least 27 Karnataka medical colleges penalised by NMC</i></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per the media report by The Hindu, the Director of Directorate of Medical Education, Dr. B.L. Sujatha Rathod informed that the Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil chaired a meeting over the issue on Thursday. She added, "It has been decided that required senior residents will be appointed from the Directorate’s funds and a proposal for recruitment of the remaining staff will be submitted to the Finance Department."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The direction has been issued to fill up the vacancies after the NMC recently imposed fines on 16 government medical colleges for vacancies and rejecting applications for opening new medical colleges in Kanakapura and Ramanagara over the non-recruitment of teaching faculty and infrastructure in 2024-2025.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">After the Commission imposed the fine, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar chaired a meeting in 2024 and directed the Department to ensure that the faculty shortage is fixed by 2025-2026.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">However, The Hindu has reported that it was only after the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) pressurized the Department that the issue was taken up.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In this regard, the Registrar of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rguhs">RGUHS</a> wrote to the Department of Medical Education stating that further steps would be taken to apply to NMC seeking to start colleges in Kanakapura and Ramanagara only if the Government submitted an undertaking regarding the staff recruitment within the stipulated time frame.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Responding to this, the Principal Secretary of the Medical Education Department on January 13 replied, "The recruitment of teaching posts in these institutions will be completed within the specified time frame."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Dr. Rathod referred to the undertaking and informed, "As per the undertaking, teaching staff will be appointed for these colleges within the stipulated time frame."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">NMC last year imposed a huge penalty from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 15 lakh on these sixteen government medical colleges including Chikkamagaluru Institute of Medical Sciences, Chitradurga Institute of Medical Sciences, and others. Now, all the teaching vacancies have to be filled up to avoid any restrictions being imposed for admissions in these colleges for 2025-2026.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/nmc-slaps-penalty-on-27-karnataka-medical-colleges-5-institutes-fined-rs-15-lakh-each-131416" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: NMC slaps penalty on 27 Karnataka Medical Colleges, 5 institutes fined Rs 15 lakh each</i></b></a></p>

135. Reduce Fees! Telangana PG medical, dental Aspirants Urge Govt

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:00:47 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/07/273158-fees-structure.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Hyderabad:</b>&nbsp;Expressing their frustration with the exorbitant fee structure at the private medical and dental institutes across Telangana, the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs">MBBS</a> and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/dental-student">dental </a>graduates pursuing medical specialty and PG dental courses have urged the State Government to intervene.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">They urged the State's intervention last Thursday to address the fee hike affected by private fee increase affected by private healthcare institutes on specialty medical and dental courses, Telangana Today has reported.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The students taking admission to medical and dental PG courses in the State under Category B management quota seats have to pay a fee ranging between Rs 13 lakh to Rs 24 lakh. Meanwhile, the students getting admitted to Category A quota medical and dental PG seats, a portion of which falls under the Convener quota, have to pay Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">However, in the neighbouring State of Andhra Pradesh, the fees for medical and dental PG courses under Category A and B are much lesser. While for the Category A seats, the fee ranges from Rs 3.41 lakh to Rs 4.9 crore, for the Category B management quota seats, it ranges from Rs 6.83 crore to Rs 9.93 crore.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/provide-relief-from-fee-hike-in-private-institutes-telangana-pg-medical-dental-students-urge-govt-141217" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><i><b>Also Read: Provide Relief from Fee Hike in Private Institutes: Telangana PG Medical, Dental Students Urge Govt</b></i></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per the latest media report by <a href="https://telanganatoday.com/mbbs-and-dental-pg-aspirants-urge-government-intervention-to-reduce-fee" rel="nofollow">Telangana Today</a>, last week, the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/aidsa">All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association</a> wrote a letter to the Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha and urged the State Government to intervene to reduce the fee.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Commenting on the matter, the National President of All India Dental and Surgeons Association Dr Md Manzur Ahmed said, "Not all dental and medical students of Telangana State can afford such expensive medical seats in Category A and B. There is a need for the State government through the Health Minister to intervene on this issue and issue a Government Order that aligns fee structure for Category A and Category B seats with other neighboring States. This will ensure parity and reduce the financial stress in students while maintaining uniformity in medical education and fee across the region."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Medical and dental students of Telangana State are under severe financial burden and difficulties due to fee hike for medical courses in private institutions. The State government must intervene on this issue," Dr. Manzur added.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that back in January, the dental and medical students aspiring for speciality PG seats in private institutes in Telangana had sought the State Government's intervention for the high fees for medical and dental courses at the private medical and dental institutes.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In this regard, the All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association had urged the State Government to repeal Government Order 107, which was released last year. Through this order, the annual tuition fee for dental and PG medical seats in private medical and dental institutes was increased.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Further, the Association also urged the State Government to mandate stipends for PG dental students in private dental colleges. In this regard, Dr. Manzur had argued that such a provision would significantly alleviate the financial burden on the students allowing them to focus on their education and professional development.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that by issuing the G.O. No. 107 dated July 28, 2023, the State fixed the fees for altogether 19 medical colleges, where the fees for the Category-A clinical seats ranged between Rs 7,00,000 to Rs 7,75,000. The fees for the Category-B seats ranged between Rs 23 lakh to Rs 24 lakhs.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In the case of the 11 private dental institutes, the fees for the Category-A seats ranged between Rs 5,15,000 and Rs 6,00,000, and in respect of the seats under Category-B, the fees ranged between Rs 8,00,000 and Rs 13,62,000.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">However, altogether 222 PG medical and dental students challenged this order before the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/telangana-high-court">Telangana High Court</a>, which had last year partially stayed the decision to increase the fees at private medical and dental colleges in the State.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Back then, the HC bench of Justice Chillakur Sumalatha asked the institutes to collect only 60 per cent of the fees specified in the Government Order No. 107 from the Category-A candidates and 70 per cent from the Category-B candidates.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/neet-pg-mds-admissions-in-telangana-hc-orders-private-institutes-to-collect-only-60-70-percent-of-specified-fee-116198" style="text-align: justify; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: NEET PG, MDS Admissions in Telangana: HC orders private institutes to collect only 60-70 percent of specified fee</i></b></a></p></div>

136. Rajasthan’s Healthcare Crisis: 40 percent Doctor Deficit, 38.5 percent specialists shortage

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:00:21 -0000

     As of 2021, Rajasthan had only 49,242 registered doctors, resulting in a concerning doctor-population ratio of 1:1676

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2021/08/06/158630-physician-residents.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Jaipur</b>: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised serious concerns over the shortage of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff in Rajasthan, highlighting a 40% deficit in the required number of doctors based on the World Health Organization (WHO) benchmark.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The performance audit report on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services in Rajasthan underscores critical gaps in healthcare staffing, particularly in rural, desert, and tribal areas of the state.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Acute Shortage of Doctors in Rajasthan</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The CAG report states that Rajasthan requires 82,506 doctors to meet the WHO-recommended doctor-population ratio of 1:1000. However, as per the Indian Medical Register of the National Medical Commission (NMC), only 49,242 doctors were registered in Rajasthan as of 2021, leading to an alarming doctor-population ratio of 1:1676. The report highlights:</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"There was a 40 per cent shortage of doctors in the State."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">The shortage is more severe in government hospitals, with many medical institutions operating with only 65% of the required doctors.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Human Resource Deficit Across Healthcare Sectors</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The CAG report identifies significant shortfalls in human resources across various healthcare levels:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Primary and Secondary Healthcare:</b> The shortage of doctors is 35.51%, while nurses and paramedics face a deficit of 18.56% and 55.88%, respectively.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tertiary Healthcare Institutions:</b> There is a 21.45% shortfall of doctors, a 24.89% shortage of specialist doctors, and a 44.93% shortage of paramedics.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Contractual Staff:</b> The most acute deficit is in contractual staff, with a 50.19% shortage​.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>District-Wise Disparities in Doctor Availability</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The report highlights severe regional disparities, with Pratapgarh, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Dholpur, Jalore, and Barmer facing the worst shortages. In Jaipur, the sudden increase in sanctioned posts in 2021 could not be filled, worsening the crisis.</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The vacancies were more pronounced in the desert and tribal areas of the State."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Shortage of Specialist Doctors in Hospitals</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The availability of specialist doctors in government hospitals is critically low. As of March 2024, the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare (DMH&amp;FW) reported a 38.55% shortfall in specialist doctors across various departments.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The highest shortages were observed in:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Orthopedic Surgeons (44.74%)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">General Surgeons (41.54%)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ophthalmologists (40.09%)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pediatricians (28.54%)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gynecologists (32.26%)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The report criticizes this staffing crisis, stating:</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The vacancies among Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Ophthalmologist were more than 40 per cent."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Non-Functional Trauma Centers Due to Staff Shortages</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The state government approved 101 trauma centers across Rajasthan. However, only 74 are operational, while 27 function with minimal staff in existing hospital buildings. Shockingly, 50% of the test-checked district hospitals lacked a functioning trauma center, leading to delays in emergency care.</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"A high percentage of the patients in accident cases were being referred to the nearest operational Trauma Care Centers. Precious time was thus lost in transferring the patients, which in turn delayed their medical care."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">Even in operational trauma centers, the staffing shortage remains severe, with 294 out of 498 sanctioned doctor/specialist posts vacant​.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Recruitment Failures and Government Response</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite recruiting 6,537 doctors and 28,300 nurses between 2016-2022, the staffing shortage persists, and no long-term recruitment plan has been formulated. The state government admitted that recruitment follows budget announcements and temporary directives but has no structured plan.</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The Government of Rajasthan did not have a long-term plan for recruitment and staffing in the health sector."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">The CAG rejected the government's justification, stating:</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The reply is not tenable as the GoR did not prepare a recruitment plan for filling up the vacancies of doctors."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Recommendations for Addressing the Crisis</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The CAG has urged the Rajasthan government to prioritize doctor recruitment and distribution to improve healthcare accessibility. The report strongly recommends:</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The State Government should address the shortage of healthcare professionals in a time-bound manner by adopting a clearly defined recruitment strategy as well as ensuring their equitable distribution across the State."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify; ">It further highlights the urgent need for increased staffing in trauma centers, medical colleges, and district hospitals to prevent delays in treatment and improve patient outcomes.</p></div></div>

137. Addition of Metformin to SGLT2 Inhibitors Lowers Kidney Disease Risk in Diabetes Patients: Study

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:30:58 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2021/03/10/150042-metformin.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify;">Researchers have found in a new study that patients receiving a combination of metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors experienced a significant reduction in kidney disease progression and mortality compared to those treated with SGLT2 inhibitors alone. This suggests that combining these medications provides greater protective benefits for kidney health. The study was published in <i>Cardiovascular Diabetology</i> by Agur T. and colleagues.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Although SGLT2 inhibitors are recognized for their cardio-renal protective effects, the additional benefit of combining them with metformin has been uncertain. The current retrospective cohort study, comparing outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes treated with SGLT2 inhibitors monotherapy and with SGLT2 inhibitors plus metformin, using data from 2016 to 2021 from Clalit Health Services, sought to determine this.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The analysis involved 45,545 patients, 6,774 patients per group after propensity score matching for balanced baseline characteristics. The median follow-up was 1,166 days. The primary outcomes examined were:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span>•&nbsp;</span>Composite kidney outcome: 40% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• All-cause mortality.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Other safety outcomes like hospitalizations, acute kidney injury (AKI), and metabolic acidosis were also assessed.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Key Findings</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Patients taking combination therapy (SGLT2 inhibitors + metformin) had 26% reduced risk of all-cause mortality (aHR 0.74; 95% CI 0.64-0.84).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Combination therapy lowered the risk of progression of kidney disease (aHR 0.65; 95% CI 0.48-0.87), even when mortality was considered as a competing risk (aHR 0.67; 95% CI 0.5-0.9).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Risk of hospitalization was marginally decreased with combination therapy (aHR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-0.99).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Acute kidney injury episodes were lower in the combination group (aHR 0.72; 95% CI 0.54-0.96).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Metabolic acidosis episodes were 42% lower in combination therapy patients (aHR 0.58; 95% CI 0.4-0.83).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This research provides compelling evidence that metformin combination with SGLT2 inhibitors dramatically cuts mortality and development of kidney disease in type 2 diabetes. Healthcare clinicians must prioritize combination therapy to improve patient outcomes, regardless of glycemic control and pre-existing cardio-renal risk factors.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><div style="text-align: justify;">Agur, T., Steinmetz, T., Goldman, S. et al. The impact of metformin on kidney disease progression and mortality in diabetic patients using SGLT2 inhibitors: a real-world cohort study. Cardiovasc Diabetol 24, 97 (2025).&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-025-02643-6</span></div></div>

138. Berberine Ursodeoxycholate Shows Promise in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: JAMA

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 02:30:44 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/05/277075-type-2-diabetes-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify;">A phase II clinical trial in China has found that berberine ursodeoxycholate (HTD1801) effectively improved HbA1c levels in adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to a placebo. The higher-dose group also showed improvements in metabolic and liver markers. Additionally, the treatment was safe and well-tolerated, highlighting its potential as a promising therapy. The trial findings have been published in the <i>Journal of American Medical Association</i> by Linong Ji and colleagues.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The trial was double-blind, placebo-controlled to assess the safety and efficacy of HTD1801 in adults with T2D. The participants had an HbA1c value between 7.0% and 10.5% and an FPG value less than 250.5 mg/dL. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: placebo (n=38), HTD1801 500 mg twice a day (n=37), and HTD1801 1000 mg twice a day (n=38). The main outcome was the difference in HbA1c from baseline to 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes were differences in glycemic, hepatic, and cardiometabolic parameters. Analysis of results used a mixed-effects model for repeated measures.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Key Findings</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• The participants' mean age was 54.3 years and 63.7% were male.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• The mean HbA1c at baseline was 8.2%, BMI was 25.5, and FPG was 160.7 mg/dL.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• At week 12, HbA1c decrease was significant in both groups of HTD1801:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• 500 mg group: -0.4% (95% CI, -0.79% to -0.03%; p=0.04)</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• 1000 mg group: -0.7% (95% CI, -1.10% to -0.35%; p&lt;0.001)</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">FPG improved:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• 500 mg group: -13.0 mg/dL</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• 1000 mg group: -18.4 mg/dL</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Lipid profiles and liver injury markers also improved in the 1000 mg group.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• HTD1801 was tolerable, as 97.3% of participants completed the study.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• There were mild adverse effects in 52.2% of subjects, but nobody stopped treatment due to side effects.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span>•&nbsp;</span>There was a serious adverse event (retinal hemorrhage) in a single patient receiving 500 mg, but this was considered to be unrelated to the treatment.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This phase 2 trial showed that HTD1801 significantly reduces HbA1c and FPG levels, as well as liver and cardiometabolic markers, in T2D patients. The drug was well tolerated, with no significant safety issues. These results indicate that HTD1801 may provide a novel oral treatment for diabetes management beyond glycemic control. More studies are required to validate these advantages in larger populations.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ji L, Ma J, Ma Y, et al. Berberine Ursodeoxycholate for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(3):e2462185. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.62185</p></div>

139. Healthy Habits and Antioxidant Intake Linked to Reduced Mortality in Stroke Survivors: Study Finds

     Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:30:44 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/08/277575-stroke-survivors.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">China: A recent study published in<em><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/scientific-reports"> Scientific Reports</a> </em>has highlighted the potential benefits of maintaining a higher oxidative balance score (OBS) in reducing the risk of all-cause mortality among <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/stroke">stroke </a>survivors. The analysis of stroke survivors from NHANES (1999–2018) revealed that a higher Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), which reflects diet and lifestyle factors, was associated with a lower risk of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/all-cause-mortality">all-cause mortality</a>.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Those in the highest OBS quartile had a 41% reduced mortality risk (HR = 0.59) compared to those in the lowest quartile, emphasizing the positive impact of antioxidant-rich diets and healthy lifestyle choices on stroke recovery and survival," the researchers reported. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers note that oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants in the body, is a significant contributor to various chronic diseases, including stroke, which remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. Given its crucial role in stroke development, assessing oxidative balance is essential for understanding risk factors and potential interventions. The Oxidative Balance Score is a valuable tool to measure the combined effects of diet and lifestyle on the body's antioxidant capacity, offering insights into how maintaining a favorable oxidative balance may help reduce stroke risk and improve overall health outcomes.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Against the above background, Haipeng Li, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China, and colleagues used NHANES data to examine the association between OBS and all-cause mortality in stroke survivors across the United States.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study analyzed stroke survivors from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018), including 1,781 participants with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. During this period, 786 participants (39.59%) died. The association between OBS and all-cause mortality was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The key findings of the study were as follows:</p><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Higher OBS quartiles were associated with lower mortality rates.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Individuals in the fourth OBS quartile had a 41% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those in the first quartile (HR = 0.59).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a linear inverse relationship between OBS and all-cause mortality.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Subgroup analysis confirmed that the inverse association remained consistent across different population subgroups.</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers found that a higher Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in stroke survivors, highlighting the protective role of antioxidant-rich diets and healthy lifestyle choices. Their analysis revealed a negative correlation between OBS and mortality, suggesting that greater exposure to antioxidant factors relative to pro-oxidant factors contributes to improved survival outcomes.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"By providing new evidence on the impact of diet and lifestyle in stroke recovery, our study emphasizes the need for further longitudinal and interventional research to validate and expand these findings for better clinical guidance," they concluded. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Lei, J., Liao, Z., Duan, W., Li, Q., Duan, L., Tang, H., Luo, H., Huang, H., &amp; Li, H. (2025). Association between oxidative balance score and all-cause mortality in stroke survivors. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91721-6</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

140. Plant-rich, low saturated-fat diet associated with reduced psoriasis severity, finds study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:30:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/01/20/270019-psoriasis-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats, low in salt and sugar, is associated with reduced <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/psoriasis">psoriasis</a> severity, new research finds. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The new study by researchers at King's College London, published in the <i>British Journal of Nutrition</i>, has found significant associations between diet quality and the severity of psoriasis. The findings provide novel insights into how dietary patterns may be related to psoriasis severity in non-Mediterranean populations. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Psoriasis is a long-lasting inflammatory skin disease which causes flaky patches of skin that form scales. It affects millions worldwide and is believed to be caused by a problem with the immune system. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The research analysed data from 257 adults with psoriasis who had completed an online survey. Participants' adherence to various diet quality scores, including the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mediterranean-diet">Mediterranean Diet </a>Score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index, was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Psoriasis severity was self-assessed using a validated questionnaire. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Key findings from the study indicate that individuals with very low adherence to the DASH diet index and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index were significantly more likely to report higher psoriasis severity. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Further analysis of the different elements of the DASH dietary pattern revealed that greater red and processed meat intake was associated with more severe psoriasis even when <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/body-mass-index">body mass index </a>(BMI) was considered. Fruits, nuts and legume intakes were also associated with less severe psoriasis, but this relationship was not independent of BMI. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study was published as part of the Asking People with Psoriasis about Lifestyle and Eating (APPLE) project and funded by the Psoriasis Association. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Our findings point to the potential benefits of dietary interventions in improving patient outcomes," said Sylvia Zanesco, PhD student from the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London who led the research. "Given the impact of psoriasis on physical and psychological well-being, incorporating dietary assessments into routine care could offer patients additional support in managing their condition." </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The DASH dietary pattern was originally designed to lower blood pressure and emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats. A high Healthy Plant-based Diet Index characterises a dietary pattern rich in healthy plant foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and plant oils rich in unsaturated fats, as well as being low in animal foods and unhealthy plant foods such as sugary foods and drinks and refined starches. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study accounted for several confounding factors, including age, sex, smoking status, alcohol, energy intake, and mental health, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of dietary patterns that are independently associated with psoriasis severity. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Emphasising the broader implications of the findings, Professor Wendy Hall, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and senior author of the study, said: "This research brings much-needed evidence that there may be a role for dietary advice, alongside standard clinical care, in managing symptoms of psoriasis. Our next steps will be to explore whether diets rich in healthy plant foods can reduce symptoms of psoriasis in a controlled clinical trial." </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The findings of the study contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting dietary modification as a complementary strategy in psoriasis management to potentially alleviate disease severity and improve patients' quality of life. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Dr Thivi Maruthappu, a consultant dermatologist and key investigator on the study, said: “People with psoriasis often ask about how the food they eat affects their skin, and whether changing their diet helps; this research brings us closer to answering these important questions.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Zanesco S, Maruthappu T, Griffiths CEM, Dalrymple KV, Gibson R, Hall WL. Associations between diet quality indices and psoriasis severity: results from the Asking People with Psoriasis about Lifestyle and Eating study. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2024;83(OCE4):E415. doi:10.1017/S0029665124006530</p>

141. Early Phosphate Changes May Signal ICU Patients' Unreadiness for Artificial Feeding, Study Suggests

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:00:52 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/05/20/238700-critically-ill.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Belgium: A secondary analysis of the EPaNIC RCT (Early Parenteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Patients) has unveiled early phosphate changes as a potential indicator of patients' unreadiness for<a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/infant-feeding"> artificial feeding</a>.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study, published in the BMC journal<em> Critical Care </em>revealed early shifts in phosphate levels could help identify <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/icu-patients">ICU patients</a> who may be adversely affected by early<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/parenteral-nutrition"> parenteral nutrition</a> (PN). Relative hypophosphatemia (RHP), defined as a decrease in phosphate levels greater than 0.16 mmol/L within the first two days of ICU admission, has been associated with poorer outcomes, including a lower chance of early ICU discharge, in patients receiving early PN. However, predicting RHP based on baseline characteristics remains difficult.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In the EPaNIC randomized controlled trial (RCT), early parenteral nutrition prolonged ICU dependency compared to withholding PN until one week after ICU admission. Conversely, the Refeeding RCT demonstrated improved outcomes by implementing temporary macronutrient restriction in ICU patients who developed refeeding hypophosphatemia, characterized by a phosphate decrease of greater than 0.16 mmol/L, reaching levels below 0.65 mmol/L.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Based on these findings, M. P. Casaer, Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and colleagues hypothesized that early phosphate changes could serve as an indicator for critically ill patients who are adversely affected by early PN. Furthermore, they propose that dynamic phosphate fluctuations may be more predictive of harm than an absolute threshold for hypophosphatemia. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In this secondary analysis of the EPaNIC RCT, Dr. Casaer and colleagues examined whether absolute hypophosphatemia (AHP; &lt; 0.65 mmol/L on the second ICU day), relative hypophosphatemia (RHP; &gt; 0.16 mmol/L decrease over the first two ICU days), or a combination of both (CHP) influenced outcomes based on the randomized nutritional strategy, while adjusting for risk factors. In the case of a significant interaction, we further explored whether baseline characteristics could predict the respective phosphate changes. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study revealed the following findings:</p><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Among 3520 patients with available phosphate measurements, 9.1% developed absolute hypophosphatemia (AHP), 23.7% developed relative hypophosphatemia (RHP), and 5.3% developed a combination of both (CHP).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">RHP, but not AHP or CHP, interacted significantly with the randomized intervention for its impact on outcomes.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">In patients with RHP, early parenteral nutrition (PN) was independently associated with a lower likelihood of earlier discharge alive from the ICU (adjusted HR 0.75).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">In patients without RHP, early PN did not significantly associate with this outcome (adjusted HR 0.93).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The development of RHP was poorly predicted by admission characteristics (adjusted pseudo R-squared = 1.7%).</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; ">This secondary analysis of the EPaNIC RCT identified that an early decrease in phosphate levels, rather than absolute hypophosphatemia, highlighted patients particularly harmed by early parenteral nutrition.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"These findings suggest the potential for incorporating phosphate changes into a "ready-to-feed" indicator, paving the way for more individualized nutritional support. However, further prospective studies are needed to validate this approach and confirm its applicability in clinical practice," the researchers concluded. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Lauwers, C., Langouche, L., Wouters, P.J. et al. Early phosphate changes as potential indicator of unreadiness for artificial feeding: a secondary analysis of the EPaNIC RCT. Crit Care 29, 48 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-025-05273-2</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

142. Interpregnancy Intervals of 24-29 Months Reduce Preterm Birth Risk, finds study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:30:48 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/01/18/269710-pregnancy-50-4.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify;">A new study published in <i>BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth</i> found that the interpregnancy interval (IPI) of 24-29 months decreases the risk of preterm birth, making it a crucial factor to consider in family planning and clinical guidance. This study was conducted by Xueheng and fellow researchers.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Systematic literature search was done in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase through June 2, 2023. Studies included IPI and preterm birth outcomes data, with quality assessment based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A Bayesian network meta-analysis was carried out to establish the relationship between IPI length and risk of preterm birth. The meta-analysis comprised 34 studies involving data from 8,646,679 individuals, one of the largest reviews conducted so far on this issue.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Key Findin</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• An IPI of 24-29 months was found to be the ideal interval with the least risk of preterm birth.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Compared with IPIs of &lt; 5 months, a 24-29 month IPI reduced the risk of preterm birth at:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Less than 32 weeks of gestation (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.50 - 0.62)</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Preterm birth less than 37 weeks of gestation (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.59 - 0.63)</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Brief IPIs, particularly those of less than 5 months, were linked with a higher risk of preterm birth.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• The results highlight the need for spacing pregnancies to reduce unfavorable birth outcomes.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Intervals of less than 5 months are associated with a high risk of preterm birth, further supporting the importance of adequate counseling and advice for pregnant women. Best IPI guidelines should be incorporated by medical practitioners in prenatal and postnatal care to improve fetal and maternal health outcomes.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The study authors establish that 24-29 months of interpregnancy interval significantly decrease the risk of preterm birth, and it gives very important information for family planning and guidelines on maternal health. Birth spacing should be encouraged by healthcare professionals in order to avoid poor pregnancy outcomes and enhance neonatal well-being.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><div style="text-align: justify;">Wen, X., Liang, W., Zhai, J. et al. The association between interpregnancy intervals and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 25, 226 (2025).&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07259-y</span></div><p></p></div>

143. Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension Tied to Increased Long-Term Risk of Autoimmune Diseases: Study Finds

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:30:21 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/04/276934-pregnancy-hypertension.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Taiwan: A recent study published in the journal <em>Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology </em>highlights a significant association between pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and an elevated long-term risk of developing <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/autoimmune-disorders">autoimmune diseases</a>.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study, which analyzed data from 289,564 women, revealed that those with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/gestational-hypertension">pregnancy-induced hypertension</a> faced a 1.87-fold higher risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus, along with an elevated likelihood of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/multiple-sclerosis">multiple sclerosis</a>, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. The risk increased with the severity of hypertension and remained consistent across different age groups. With follow-up data extending up to 18 years, the findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring for affected women. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">PIH, characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy, includes conditions such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. While its immediate risks to both mother and baby are well-documented, emerging research suggests that its implications extend far beyond pregnancy, potentially predisposing affected women to autoimmune disorders in later life.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Against the above background, Chia-Chi Lung, PhD, Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan, and colleagues aimed to investigate the link between hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the future risk of developing autoimmune diseases. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX, a federated network of real-world data. They analyzed electronic medical records from 102 healthcare organizations within the Global Collaborative Network, covering 131 million patient records from 2006 to 2020. The study focused on women aged 16–45 years, comparing two cohorts: those with pregnancy-induced hypertension (including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia) and those with normotensive pregnancies. Women with preexisting autoimmune diseases, hypertension, or complications before 20 weeks of gestation were excluded. Propensity score matching was applied to balance the groups.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The primary outcome assessed the long-term risk of autoimmune diseases over a follow-up period of up to 18 years, while the secondary outcome examined the impact of age and hypertension severity on this risk. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study led to the following findings:</p><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Pregnancy-induced hypertension was observed in 13.4% of the study population.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">After propensity score matching, women with pregnancy-induced hypertension had a significantly higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases during long-term follow-up.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The risk of systemic lupus erythematosus was notably higher (hazard ratio 1.87).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Increased risks were also observed for multiple sclerosis, Addison disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, mixed connective tissue disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Women of advanced maternal age with pregnancy-induced hypertension had a similar risk of developing autoimmune diseases as younger women.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The severity of pregnancy-induced hypertension was directly associated with a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers found that women with a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension face a higher long-term risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Their findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and early intervention, especially for those who experienced more severe forms of the condition. They emphasize the importance of further research to understand the underlying mechanisms better and develop targeted strategies to improve long-term health outcomes for these women.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference: </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Shih, Yu-Hsiang MD; Yang, Chiao-Yu MPH; Lung, Chia-Chi PhD. Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Association With Future Autoimmune Diseases. Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology ():10.1097/AOG.0000000000005871, February 27, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005871 </p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

144. Indian Case Study Supports Liquid Nitrogen as a Safe and Painless Gingival Depigmentation Technique

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:30:15 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/04/277019-gingival-pigmentation.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">India: A recent case report published in the <em>Cureus </em>Journal has highlighted the effectiveness of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy as a novel approach for gingival depigmentation, offering promising cosmetic results with minimal discomfort. Gingival pigmentation, although often physiological, can be a major aesthetic concern for individuals, especially those with a gummy smile. To address this issue, various treatment modalities have been explored, including gingivectomy, grafts, laser therapy, and electrosurgery. However, cryosurgery using liquid nitrogen has emerged as a simple and cost-effective alternative.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">In the case, a 21-year-old female patient presented with the complaint of black gums, which had been present since childhood. Although the pigmentation was physiological, the patient sought treatment for cosmetic reasons. After a detailed discussion about various treatment options and potential repigmentation risks, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy was the preferred approach. The procedure was performed following thorough oral prophylaxis and patient consent. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">During the procedure, the hyperpigmented areas of the maxillary and mandibular anterior gingiva were isolated using cotton rolls. A topical anesthetic spray was applied to minimize discomfort. Liquid nitrogen was administered using a pre-cooled cotton swab in a rolling motion for 30 seconds until blanching. Immediately after the procedure, slight erythema of the gingiva was noted, but the patient reported only mild discomfort without pain. No periodontal dressing was required postoperatively, and the patient was provided with oral hygiene instructions.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The healing process was uneventful, with the formation of a superficial necrotic layer that resolved within three to four weeks. The patient was monitored at one, three, and six months post-procedure, with no signs of recurrence. The gingiva remained pink, firm, and healthy, and the patient expressed high satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This case emphasizes the potential of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy as an effective, safe, and minimally invasive method for gingival depigmentation. Unlike other procedures, it requires minimal equipment, does not induce bleeding, and does not necessitate anesthesia or dressing. Additionally, it provides excellent wound healing and long-term aesthetic stability. However, researchers emphasize the need for larger-scale studies and randomized clinical trials to further validate its long-term effectiveness and safety.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"With its simplicity and high patient acceptance, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy may offer a promising alternative for individuals seeking cosmetic improvement of gingival pigmentation. This technique holds great potential for clinical practice, providing a painless and efficient solution for managing gingival melanin pigmentation," the authors concluded. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">A K K, Sankethguddad (January 27, 2025) Liquid Nitrogen as a Novel Treatment for Gingival Depigmentation: A Case Report. Cureus 17(1): e78099. DOI 10.7759/cureus.78099</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

145. AI model can read ECGs to identify female patients at higher risk of heart disease: Study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:30:05 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/04/18/207616-ecg.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><span style="text-align: justify;">A new AI model can flag female patients who are at higher risk of heart disease based on an electrocardiogram (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/ecg" target="_blank">ECG</a>).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers say the algorithm, designed specifically for female patients, could enable doctors to identify high-risk women earlier, enabling better treatment and care. Details are published today in<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/the-lancet-digital-health" target="_blank"> Lancet Digital Health</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and is one of the most common medical tests in the world. In their study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, the researchers used artificial intelligence to analyse over one million <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/ecg" target="_blank">ECGs </a>from 180,000 patients, of whom 98,000 were female.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In the latest study, the researchers developed a score that measures how closely an individual's ECG matches ‘typical’ patterns of ECGs for men and women, and which showed a range of risk for each sex. Women whose ECGs more closely matched the typical ‘male’ pattern – such as having an increased size of the electrical signal – tended to have larger heart chambers and more muscle mass.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Crucially, these women were also found to have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease, future heart failure, and heart attacks, compared to women with ECGs more closely matching the ‘typical female’ ECG.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Previous evidence has shown that men tend to be at higher risk of heart disease - more accurately called cardiovascular disease - which may be due to differences in hormone profiles and lifestyle factors. Because of this, healthcare professionals and the public believe that women’s risk of cardiovascular disease is low. This is even though the risk for women is also high, with women twice as likely to die of coronary heart disease, the main cause of heart attack, than from breast cancer in the UK. A recent consensus statement called cardiovascular disease the “number one killer” of women. The statement called for better diagnosis and treatment for women, as well as better female representation in clinical trials.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dr Arunashis Sau, Academic Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London’s National Heart and Lung Institute, and cardiology registrar at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, led the research. He said:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"Our work has underlined that cardiovascular disease in females is far more complex than previously thought. In the clinic we use tests like ECGs to provide a snapshot of what’s going on but as a result this may involve grouping patients by sex in a way that doesn’t take into account their individual physiology. The AI enhanced ECGs give us a more nuanced understanding of female heart health – and we believe this could be used to improve outcomes for women at risk of heart disease.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dr Fu Siong Ng, Reader in Cardiac Electrophysiology at the National Heart &amp; Lung Institute at Imperial College London and a consultant cardiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, was the senior author of the study. He said: “Many of the women identified were in fact at even higher risk than the ‘average’ man. If it becomes used widely, over time the AI model may reduce gender differences in cardiac care, and improve outcomes for women at risk of heart disease.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The research group recently published another paper on the related AI-ECG risk estimation model, known as AIRE, which can predict patients’ risk of developing and worsening disease from an ECG. Trials of AIRE in the NHS are already planned for late 2025. These will evaluate the benefits of implementing the model with real patients from hospitals across Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This model will be trialled in conjunction with AIRE.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, Clinical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Far too often, women are misdiagnosed or even dismissed by healthcare professionals, thanks to the myth that heart disease is 'only a male’ issue. Even if they do receive the right diagnosis, evidence shows that women are less likely than men to receive recommended treatments.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“This study has applied powerful AI technology to ECGs, a routine, cheap and widely available heart test. Harnessing the potential of this type of research could help better identify those patients at highest risk of future heart problems and reduce the gender gap in heart care outcomes. However, one test alone will not level the playing field. Ensuring every person gets the right heart care they need when they need it will require change in every part of our healthcare system.”</p><div></div></div>

146. Ultrasound may aid in rapid and accurate pulse assessment in CPR situations, reveals research

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:00:58 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/06/02/211039-portable-ultrasound-devices.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify;">Recent study involved testing medical students' ability to differentiate between 'pulsation present' and 'no pulsation present' using ultrasound videos of the common carotid artery (CCA) after watching a brief introductory video. The study aimed to assess the students' accuracy in determining the presence of a pulse using different ultrasound modes (B-mode, M-mode, and Color Doppler).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Results and Conclusions</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">A total of 432 medical students participated in the study, evaluating 8640 decisions on CCA pulse detection. The results showed high accuracy in identifying pulsatile CCA using M-mode (96%) and Color Doppler (99.5%). B-mode exhibited lower accuracy in detecting pulsation (69%) but was highly reliable in identifying the absence of pulsation (99%). The study concluded that medical students could effectively detect the absence of a pulse using 2D ultrasound of the CCA, suggesting that a combination of Color Doppler and B-mode could be practical during CPR scenarios.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Challenges and Implications</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The study highlighted the challenges in manually palpating pulses during CPR and emphasized the importance of prompt pulse checks. It also discussed the potential role of ultrasound in quickly assessing pulsation, especially when dealing with scenarios like reduced contractility post-resuscitation. Differentiating between pseudo-pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and true PEA using TEE or TTE echocardiography was mentioned, with a focus on the practicality of assessing CCA pulsation as a surrogate parameter.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ultrasound in Pulse Detection</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The research findings suggested that a simple dichotomous question of 'CCA pulsation present' or 'no pulsation present' could be effectively answered using ultrasound by medical students, even with limited experience. Color Doppler exhibited the highest sensitivity, while B-mode showed the highest specificity in pulse detection. The study indicated the potential for ultrasound to aid in rapid and accurate pulse assessment in CPR situations.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Study Limitations</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The limitations of the study included the controlled setting and the use of pre-recorded ultrasound videos, which may not fully simulate real-world conditions. The need for further clinical studies to validate the technique in actual CPR settings was highlighted. Overall, the study underscored the efficacy of ultrasound in assisting healthcare providers in assessing pulsation during CPR and suggested areas for future research in this field.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Key Points</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- The study focused on assessing medical students' ability to differentiate between 'pulsation present' and 'no pulsation present' in the common carotid artery using ultrasound videos in various modes (B-mode, M-mode, and Color Doppler) after watching an introductory video.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> - Results demonstrated high accuracy in identifying pulsatile common carotid artery using M-mode (96%) and Color Doppler (99.5%), with B-mode having lower accuracy in pulse detection (69%) but high reliability in identifying the absence of pulsation (99%).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Medical students could effectively detect the absence of a pulse using 2D ultrasound of the common carotid artery, suggesting the practicality of utilizing a combination of Color Doppler and B-mode during CPR scenarios.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Challenges in manually palpating pulses during CPR were noted, emphasizing the importance of prompt pulse checks. Ultrasound was discussed as a potential tool for quickly assessing pulsation, especially post-resuscitation scenarios with reduced contractility.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Color Doppler showed the highest sensitivity, while B-mode exhibited the highest specificity in pulse detection, indicating the potential for ultrasound to aid in rapid and accurate pulse assessment in CPR situations.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Study limitations included the controlled setting and the use of pre-recorded ultrasound videos, highlighting the need for further clinical studies to validate the technique in real CPR settings. The study emphasized the efficacy of ultrasound in assisting healthcare providers in pulse assessment during CPR and pointed out areas for future research in the field.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Reference –</p><p style="text-align: justify;">B. Vojnar et al. (2024). Visual Detection Of Pulselessness By Carotid Artery Sonography - A Prospective Observational Study Among Medical Students.. *Resuscitation*, 110461 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110461.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br></p>

147. Weight-loss surgery lowers risk of developing complications of liver disease in patients with cirrhosis and obesity: Study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:00:27 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/06/17/212015-liver-disease.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A Cleveland Clinic study shows that patients with obesity and fatty liver-related<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cirrhosis"> cirrhosis</a> who had bariatric (weight-loss) surgery significantly lowered their future risk of developing serious liver complications compared with patients who received medical therapy alone. The results were published in <i>Nature Medicine</i> journal. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ali Aminian, M.D., director of Cleveland Clinic’s Bariatric &amp; Metabolic Institute and lead investigator of the study, said results show that <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/bariatric-surgery">bariatric surgery</a> should be considered as a treatment option in patients with cirrhosis and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/obesity">obesity</a>. “Bariatric surgery was associated with a 72% lower risk of developing serious complications of liver disease and an 80% lower risk of progression to decompensated stage among patients with compensated cirrhosis and obesity.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Obesity and diabetes are the leading causes of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which is the most common form of chronic <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/liver-disease">liver disease</a> in the United States. Accumulation of fat within liver cells triggers a cascade of events ultimately leading to liver scarring. About 20% of people with MASH can progress to late-stage liver scarring which is called cirrhosis. Approximately three million people in the United States are estimated to have MASH-related cirrhosis. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cirrhosis is categorized into two distinct stages: compensated and decompensated. In the compensated stage, despite presence of considerable damage, the liver maintains sufficient residual function to support the body’s needs and patients can appear relatively healthy. In the decompensated stage, severe and life-threatening complications occur reflecting the liver’s inability to sustain vital functions and liver transplantation becomes essential for survival. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Patients with MASH-related cirrhosis have extremely limited treatment options. Currently, no therapeutic interventions have demonstrated efficacy in mitigating the risk of severe liver complications within this patient population,” said Sobia Laique, M.D., a transplant hepatologist and the study coinvestigator at Cleveland Clinic. “This underscores a critical unmet need for the development of effective therapies specifically targeting patients with compensated MASH-related cirrhosis.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The aim of the SPECCIAL (Surgical Procedures Eliminate Compensated Cirrhosis In Advancing Long-term) study was to examine the long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery on the risk of developing major liver complications in patients with obesity and compensated MASH-related cirrhosis, compared with nonsurgical management. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A group of 62 Cleveland Clinic’s patients with compensated MASH-related cirrhosis and obesity who had bariatric surgery were compared with a control group of 106 nonsurgical patients and followed for 15 years. Study participants had similar characteristics such as severity of liver disease at their baseline liver biopsy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Fifteen years after enrollment, study results show that 20.9% in the surgical group and 46.4% in the nonsurgical group developed one of the major complications of liver disease including liver cancer and death. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Over the course of 15 years, 15.6% in the surgical group and 30.7% in the nonsurgical group progressed from compensated cirrhosis to the decompensated stage. At 15 years, patients in the bariatric surgery group lost 26.6% (31.6 kg) of their weight and patients in the nonsurgical control group lost 9.8% (10.7 kg) of their weight. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Steven Nissen, M.D., Chief Academic Officer of the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic and the study’s senior investigator, said: “Currently, lifestyle intervention is the only therapeutic recommendation for compensated MASH-related cirrhosis. However, lifestyle changes alone rarely provide the weight loss and metabolic changes needed to reduce the risk of liver complications in this patient population. The SPECCIAL study shows that bariatric surgery is an effective treatment that can influence the trajectory of cirrhosis progression in select patients.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The authors note that the SPECCIAL study is the first to examine long-term clinical outcomes after bariatric surgery in patients with MASH-related cirrhosis. In 2021, the Cleveland Clinic-led SPLENDOR study suggested bariatric surgery as the first effective treatment for MASH without cirrhosis. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Future research is needed to study the new generation of anti-obesity medications and whether they can provide similar benefits in this patient population.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Aminian, A., Aljabri, A., Wang, S. et al. Long-term liver outcomes after metabolic surgery in compensated cirrhosis due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Nat Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03480-y</p>

148. Antimicrobial therapy for both partners found effective for women with bacterial vaginosis: NEJM

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:00:18 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/07/25/181807-clindamycin-gel-for-bacterial-vaginosis.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published in <i>The New England Journal of Medicine</i>&nbsp;revealed that in addition to treating female patients, treating male companions with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin decreased the prevalence of recurrent bacterial vaginosis after 12 weeks when compared to treating only women.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">One-third of women of reproductive age have bacterial vaginosis, and recurrence is frequent. Treatment with a male partner may improve the chance of recovery, according to evidence of sexual exchange of organisms linked to bacterial vaginosis. In order to determine the impact of treating male and female partners independently on the prognosis of bacterial vaginosis, Lenka Vodstrcil and colleagues carried out this investigation.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The partners in which a woman experienced bacterial vaginosis and was monogamous with a male partner were included in an open-label, randomized, controlled study. In the partner-therapy group, the male partner got oral and topical antimicrobial treatment (two times a day for 7 days, 2% clindamycin cream applied to penile skin and 400 mg tablets of metronidazole) while the woman received first-line prescribed antibacterial medicines. The male partner in the control group received normal care, while the lady received first-line therapy. Recurrence of bacterial vaginosis within 12 weeks was the main result.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The partner-treatment group consisted of 81 couples, whereas the control group consisted of 83 couples. After 150 couples had finished the 12-week follow-up period, the data and safety monitoring board decided to end the experiment because the treatment of the woman alone was not as good as the treatment of the woman and her male companion.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Recurrence was observed in 24 out of 69 women (35%) in the partner-treatment group (recurrence rate: 1.6 per person-year; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4) and in 43 out of 68 women (63%) in the control group in the modified intention-to-treat population. This represents an absolute risk difference of −2.6 recurrences per person-year. Men receiving treatment had headaches, nausea, and a metallic taste as side effects.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Overall, when women were treated for bacterial vaginosis and their male partners received combination oral and topical antimicrobial medication, the risk of bacterial vaginosis recurrence after 12 weeks was lower than with conventional care.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Vodstrcil, L. A., Plummer, E. L., Fairley, C. K., Hocking, J. S., Law, M. G., Petoumenos, K., Bateson, D., Murray, G. L., Donovan, B., Chow, E. P. F., Chen, M. Y., Kaldor, J., Bradshaw, C. S., &amp; StepUp Team. (2025). Male-partner treatment to prevent recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. The New England Journal of Medicine, 392(10), 947–957.<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2405404?query=TOC" rel="nofollow"> https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2405404</a></p>

149. Narrow Band Imaging Versus White Light: No Superiority in Detecting Recurrences After Chemo/Radiation for HNSCC

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:00:15 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/19/274914-throat-cancer.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Netherlands: A recent randomized controlled trial compared white light (WL) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) using flexible laryngoscopy for detecting local recurrences after (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/chemotherapy">chemo)radiation</a> in patients with pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer. The study found that narrow-band imaging did not provide any advantage over white light in detecting local recurrences of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after (chemo)radiotherapy.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Detection rates were similar between the two methods (WL-NBI: 11.7%, WL: 10.0%), and NBI did not improve survival outcomes. Both overall survival and disease-free <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cancer-survival">survival </a>remained comparable, reinforcing WL as a reliable tool for routine post-treatment surveillance," the researchers reported in <em>Clinical Otolaryngology. </em></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Early detection of local recurrences in <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/head-and-neck-cancer">head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)</a> plays a vital role in improving long-term survival. Flexible laryngoscopy is widely used for post-treatment surveillance, with white light being the standard imaging technique. Narrow-band imaging (NBI), which enhances mucosal and vascular contrast, has been proposed as a potentially superior method for identifying recurrent tumors.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Against the above background, Constanze Scholman, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head &amp; Neck Surgery, the University of Groningen, University of Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands, and colleagues aimed to assess the effectiveness of white light (WL) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) during flexible laryngoscopy in detecting local recurrences and to evaluate their impact on clinical outcomes in patients with HNSCC who underwent radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy ((C)RT).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">For this purpose, the researchers conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial at a tertiary head and neck oncologic center to evaluate the effectiveness of WL and NBI in detecting local recurrences after (chemo)radiotherapy ((C)RT) for HNSCC. A total of 257 patients without residual disease post-treatment were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the WL group (n=120) or the WL-NBI group (n=137). These patients were closely monitored for 24 months to assess recurrence patterns and survival outcomes.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The primary focus was to compare local recurrence rates between the two groups, while additional analyses examined overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free survival, and local recurrence-free survival. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Key Findings</strong></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">The detection rate of local recurrences was similar between both groups, with 11.7% in WL-NBI and 10.0% in WL.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Overall survival was comparable, with 88.3% in the WL group and 87.6% in the WL-NBI group.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Disease-specific survival rates were 86.7% for WL and 83.9% for WL-NBI, showing no significant difference.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Disease-free survival remained similar between groups, with 85.0% in WL and 83.2% in WL-NBI.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Local recurrence-free survival was 90.0% in the WL group and 89.1% in the WL-NBI group, with no observed superiority in the WL-NBI group.</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers found that the local recurrence rate in HNSCC patients without residual disease after (chemo)radiotherapy remained low during the first 24 months of follow-up. Their study demonstrated that flexible laryngoscopy using WL-NBI did not provide any added benefit in detecting local recurrences compared to standard white light imaging. Additionally, WL-NBI did not significantly impact clinical outcomes, reinforcing that white light remains an effective tool for routine surveillance.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"The findings suggest that there is currently no strong evidence to support the use of NBI as a superior imaging modality in post-treatment follow-up for HNSCC patients," the researchers concluded. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Scholman, C., Westra, J. M., Zwakenberg, M. A., Wedman, J., M. Steenbakkers, J. H., Oosting, S. F., Halmos, G. B., &amp; C. Plaat, B. E. Comparison of White Light With Narrow Band Imaging Using Flexible Laryngoscopy for the Detection of Local Recurrences After (Chemo)Radiation for Pharyngeal or Laryngeal Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Clinical Otolaryngology. https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.14293</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

150. Better Cardiovascular Health Linked to Lower Osteoporotic Fracture Risk, suggests study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:00:14 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/23/275616-1307520181805fig1html.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have found in a new study that a high cardiovascular health score is associated with lower odds of osteoporotic fractures. Higher scores in Life’s Essential 8 metrics, such as physical activity, further reduce the risk. The cross-sectional study found that better cardiovascular health significantly decreases the likelihood of bone fractures related to osteoporosis. Further researchers emphasized the need for integrated public health strategies to improve both cardiovascular and bone health.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Osteoporotic fractures are a major public health concern, particularly among the aging population, as they significantly contribute to morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. While cardiovascular health (CVH) has traditionally been linked to cardiovascular disease outcomes, emerging evidence suggests it may also influence bone health. This study investigates the association between CVH, as measured by the Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score, and the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures in U.S. adults.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "> This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. A total of 17,606 adults aged 20 and above were included in the analysis after excluding participants with missing data on CVH or osteoporotic fractures. CVH was assessed using the LE8 score, which incorporates eight modifiable cardiovascular health metrics: diet, physical activity, tobacco use, sleep, body mass index (BMI), lipid levels, blood glucose, and blood pressure. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The primary outcome, osteoporotic fractures, was identified through self-reported data confirmed by a physician. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between CVH and the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures, adjusting for demographic and health-related covariates. Participants with higher CVH scores had a lower prevalence of osteoporotic fractures. In the fully adjusted model, each 1-point increase in the LE8 score was associated with a 1% reduction in the odds of osteoporotic fractures (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99). Compared to participants with low CVH levels, those with moderate CVH had a 22% lower odds of osteoporotic fractures (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.70–0.87), and those with high CVH had a 34% lower odds (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.56–0.79). A significant linear trend was observed across different CVH levels (P for trend &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the inverse relationship between CVH and osteoporotic fractures was consistent across different demographic and health-related subgroups. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">This study highlights a significant inverse association between cardiovascular health and osteoporotic fractures in U.S. adults. These findings suggest that maintaining a high level of cardiovascular health, as measured by the LE8 score, may be important in reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Public health strategies that integrate cardiovascular and bone health interventions may enhance overall health outcomes and reduce the societal burden of both cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Ou, J., Wang, T., Lei, R. et al. Association between cardiovascular health and osteoporotic fractures: a national population-based study. Sci Rep 15, 3844 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-88020-5</p></div>

151. Mother's use of acetaminophen linked to Child ADHD risk, reports research

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:00:10 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/02/21/170927-adhd-in-children.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Fetal <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/acetaminophen">acetaminophen</a> exposure increases the likelihood that a child will develop <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder">attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder </a>(ADHD), according to a study published Feb. 6 in<i> Nature Mental Health</i>. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Prior research shows that upward of 70% of pregnant women use acetaminophen during <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/pregnancyhttps://medicaldialogues.in/topics/pregnancy">pregnancy </a>to control pain or reduce fever. The drug, which is the active ingredient of many pain-relief medications, is one of the few considered safe to take during pregnancy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The new findings suggest, however, that doctors should reconsider prescribing medications with acetaminophen to mothers during pregnancy, the researchers said. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“Most of the prior studies asked women to self-report whether they had taken Tylenol or anything that contained acetaminophen,” said lead author Brennan Baker, a researcher at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Baker also works in the lab of Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a UW Medicine pediatrician. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“This medication was also approved decades ago, and may need reevaluation by the FDA,” said Sathyanarayana, the paper’s senior author. “Acetaminophen was never evaluated for fetal exposures in relations to long-term neurodevelopmental impacts.” </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Acetaminophen is widely used during pregnancy, with 41–70% of pregnant individuals in the United States, Europe and Asia reporting use. Despite acetaminophen’s classification as low risk by regulatory agencies such as the FDA, accumulating evidence suggests a potential link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including ADHD and ADHD autism spectrum disorder, the researchers noted. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This research tracked a cohort of 307 women from 2006 to 2011, who agreed to give blood samples during their pregnancy. The researchers tracked plasma biomarkers for acetaminophen in the samples. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The children born to these mothers were followed for 8 to 10 years. Among the women who did not use acetaminophen during pregnancy, the rate of ADHD was 9%, but for the women who used acetaminophen, the ADHD rate among their offspring was 18%. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Acetaminophen metabolites were detected in 20.2% of maternal plasma samples. Children whose mothers had these biomarkers present in their plasma had a 3.15 times higher likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis compared with those without detected exposure. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The association was stronger among daughters than sons, with the daughters of acetaminophen-exposed mothers showing a 6.16 times higher likelihood of ADHD while the association was weaker and nonsignificant in males. Researchers did not know why the association was stronger in females. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "> The investigators’ analysis used data from the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) research cohort, which comprised 1,031 pregnant individuals in Memphis, Tenn., who were enrolled between 2006 and 2011.  </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">By happenstance, and not by design, the study cohort included only Black women, Baker said, adding that the results could be generalized to woman and children of any race or ethnicity. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Mothers often are advised to turn to acetaminophen, the primary agent in Tylenol, rather than ibuprofen, which is more likely to adversely affect the fetal kidney or heart, Baker said. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“(Acetaminophen) is really the only option to control fever or pain during pregnancy,” he said. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">So, what is a mother to do? </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“There is obviously more work that needs to be done in this area,” he said. “And we need to continually update our guidance.” </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">For example, he suggested, during prenatal visits, patients should discuss the dosage of a drug that contains acetaminophen or talk about what pain it is intended to help manage, he said. Another drug class, such as triptans, is safe and effective for managing migraines, he added. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">More work needs to be done to find out if some people can tolerate acetaminophen during pregnancy with no ill effects on the fetus while others cannot, he said. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He added that research findings on the effects of the drug and its potential risks during pregnancy have not been consistent. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">One study recently released in Sweden, showed no link between maternal acetaminophen use and ADHD in their children; while another study out of Norway, did in fact find a link. The study out of Sweden, however, relied on self-reported data, Baker noted. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“The study out of Sweden, however, reported that only 7% of pregnant individuals used acetaminophen,” Baker noted. “And that study could have underestimated the exposure. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“I think it goes back to how the data was collected,” he added. “The conflicting results means that more research is needed.” </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical societies and the FDA should update guidance on the use of acetaminophen as safety data emerges, Sathyanarayana said.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Baker, B.H., Bammler, T.K., Barrett, E.S. et al. Associations of maternal blood biomarkers of prenatal APAP exposure with placental gene expression and child attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nat. Mental Health (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-025-00387-6</p>

152. Lung abnormalities seen in children and teens with long COVID: Study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:45:22 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/05/02/237361-lung-function.webp' /><p><span style="text-align: justify;">An advanced type of MRI uncovers significant <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/lungs" target="_blank">lung </a>abnormalities in children and adolescents with long COVID, according to a new study published today in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Post-COVID-19 condition, commonly known as long <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Covid" target="_blank">COVID</a>, can affect individuals of all ages and is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks after an initial COVID-19 infection. Children and adolescents typically experience a milder form of the condition, but common symptoms such as chronic fatigue, headaches and poor concentration can negatively impact school performance and social activities. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">While chest CT is frequently used to diagnose and monitor lung function of adults with long COVID, it is not typically recommended in children because it exposes the patient to ionizing radiation and may require injection of a contrast agent. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Young patients with suspected long COVID are typically evaluated with pulmonary function tests, echocardiography and reviews of medical history. Unfortunately, conventional pulmonary tests often show normal lung and cardiac function, even in symptomatic patients. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Parents should understand that their children’s persistent symptoms after COVID-19 may have a measurable physiological basis, even when standard medical tests appear normal,” said lead study author Gesa H. Pöhler, M.D., a senior physician in the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Hannover Medical School in Germany. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers employed phase-resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI. This advanced MRI technology can analyze lung ventilation (air movement in and out of the lungs) and perfusion (blood flow through the lungs). PREFUL MRI doesn’t require the use of radiation or intravenous contrast agents and can be done while the patient breathes freely, making it a suitable procedure for children. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Our research provides the first comprehensive evidence of measurable regional lung perfusion abnormalities in pediatric post-COVID-19 condition using radiation-free, contrast-free lung imaging,” Dr. Pöhler said. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">For the prospective study, conducted between April 2022 and 2023, the researchers enrolled 54 patients ranging in age from 11 to 17 years. Half of the patients were diagnosed with long COVID, and the other half were healthy controls. A self-reported assessment called the bell score was used to assess symptom severity in patients with long COVID. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Compared to healthy controls, children and adolescents with long COVID had significantly reduced blood flow in the lungs. A reduction in blood flow patterns in organs or other areas of the body can result in a lack of sufficient oxygen and nutrients. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The most prevalent symptom of fatigue affected all but one patient with long COVID. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Importantly, the severity of fatigue symptoms correlated with these blood flow changes, suggesting a possible biological basis for the patients’ ongoing symptoms,” Dr. Pöhler said. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In addition to poor blood flow, a subgroup of long COVID patients with cardiopulmonary symptoms, such as shortness of breath, also showed a reduction of air movement and reach in the lungs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers suggest that continuous monitoring of lung abnormalities in children with long COVID at various stages of the condition could help guide therapeutic interventions and monitoring strategies. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Quantitative lung MRI establishes a potential imaging biomarker profiling and helps to enable disease severity follow-up for this complex condition in the future,” Dr. Pöhler said.</p>

153. Adults with T2DM have high odds of periodontitis: Study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:30:51 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/27/276338-images-2025-02-27t140225181.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Adults with T2DM have high odds of periodontitis, and serum PLP may play a modulatory effect in this association, as suggested by a new study published in BMC Oral Health.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that seriously affects the quality of patients’ lives. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor of periodontitis. The association between vitamin B6 and several inflammatory diseases have been reported in previous studies. However, the effect of vitamin B6 on the association of T2DM and periodontitis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of vitamin B6 [evaluated by serum pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP)] on the association of T2DM and periodontitis in Athe merican population.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "> Data of this cross-sectional study were extracted from the National Health and Nutrients Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010. Serum PLP level was the indicator of vitamin B6 status in vivo and measured by enzymatic assay. Covariates included demographic information, physical examination, lifestyle characteristics, laboratory parameters and complications. The weighted univariate and multivariate logistics regression models were conducted to explore the association of PLP, T2DM and periodontitis, with the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were further performed to explore these associations based on age, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dental decay.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "> Results: Finally, 3,491 eligible adults with the information of periodontitis measurement, T2DM diagnosis and PLP detection were included. Among them, 1,999 (57.26%) had periodontitis. After adjusted confounders, we found adults with T2DM had high odds of periodontitis (OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.04–2.02); while no significant association between PLP and periodontitis was observed. Adults with low PLP level (&lt; 67.20 nmol/L) and combined with T2DM had high odds of periodontitis (OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.29–2.55), no significant association was found between T2DM and periodontitis in adults with high PLP level (≥ 67.20 nmol/L). These results suggested that serum PLP levels may have the modulatory effect on the association of T2DM and periodontitis. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">This modulatory effect remains robust in subgroup analysis, especially in adults aged ≥ 60 years (OR = 4.54, 95%CI: 2.15–9.62), with obese (OR = 3.06, 95%CI: 1.31–7.18), without the history of CVD (OR = 2.25, 95%CI: 1.06–4.79) and without dental decay (OR = 2.93, 95%CI: 1.51–5.68) (all P &lt; 0.05). The study suggested that adults with T2DM had the high odds of periodontitis, and serum PLP may plays a modulatory effect in this association. T2DM patients maintaining a higher intake of vitamin B6 may have potential benefits in reducing the periodontitis risk.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Zhu, J., Xu, W., Wu, S. et al. Vitamin B6 status, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and periodontitis: evidence from the NHANES database 2009–2010. BMC Oral Health 25, 299 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-05597-z</p><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>

154. Exposure to household cleaning agents increased risk of pediatric asthma, suggests study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:30:27 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/03/13/234153-asthma-feature-story-boy.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published in the <i>International Journal of Environmental Health Research</i> found that being exposed to household cleaning products was shown to be strongly associated with a higher incidence of pediatric asthma.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">With significant public health consequences for children, including high morbidity and death in severe instances, asthma is a significant worldwide non-communicable disease. Breathlessness, bronchoconstriction, and wheezing are the results of airway inflammation brought on by exposure to allergens and irritants. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Over the past 40 years, there has been a marked increase in the prevalence of pediatric asthma. The Global Asthma Survey has revealed that the incidence of asthma is 9.1% among children aged 13 to 14 and 11% among children aged 6 to 7 worldwide, with females being more susceptible to the condition. It significantly affects one's quality of life (QoL), friendships, academic and athletic success, and other accomplishments.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Due to their chemical makeup, household cleaning products have the ability to attract attention. When paired with inadequate ventilation, they can provide a hazardous indoor environment that can endanger respiratory health, including asthma. In addition to promoting hygiene, household cleaning products can have negative respiratory consequences, particularly in children with asthma. There is an urgent need for a thorough evaluation of the current data due to the widespread effectiveness and possible influence of household cleaning products on pediatric asthma.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This study looked in detail through 5 databases by performing both qualitative and quantitative analyses on the data. A funnel diagram was used to evaluate publication bias, and RevMan 5.4 computed odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI. Methodological quality and certainty were evaluated using the GRADE framework and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), respectively.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The qualifying requirements were satisfied by 16 studies. This meta-analysis revealed a strong correlation between pediatric asthma and the usage of household cleaning products. Also, there was a substantial (p &lt; 0.01) correlation between exposure phases and home cleaning products. There was no evidence of publication bias or significant risk of prejudice.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Overall, there is a strong correlation between exposure to household cleaning products and a higher risk of childhood asthma, according to this systematic review and meta-analysis. These results demonstrate how urgently public health initiatives are needed to limit children's exposure to dangerous cleaning products. Future studies should look at how well preventative approaches work to reduce the prevalence of childhood asthma.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Arif, M. I., Wang, Z. Y., &amp; Ru, L. (2025). Household cleaning agents impact on pediatric asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 1–13. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09603123.2025.2467820" rel="nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2025.2467820</a></p>

155. KEA Begins 2nd Stray Vacancy Round for PG Medical admissions, Check Schedule

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:30:18 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278460-2nd-stray-vacancy-round.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Karnataka-</b> Karnataka Authority Examination (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/kea" target="_blank">KEA</a>) has released the schedule for admission to the Postgraduate (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/pg-medical-courses" target="_blank">PG) medical courses</a> through the 2nd stray vacancy round seat allotment for the academic year 2024. The eligible candidates who are interested in getting selected for the available seats can participate.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">As per the schedule, the 2nd stay vacancy round seat allotment for PG NEET 2024 is starting today i.e. 13 March 2025 and will end on 19 March 2025. candidates can verify the original documents, deposit and pay the security amount from today till 15 March 2025. The complete schedule is given below-</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/kea-revises-neet-pg-2024-stray-vacancy-seat-allotment-144116"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>KEA Revises NEET PG 2024 Stray Vacancy Seat Allotment</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>SCHEDULE</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="52"><col width="319"><col width="253"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>S.NO</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>PARTICULARS</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>DATE &amp; TIME</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Verification, submission of original documents, payment of Caution Deposit Rs 5,00,000/-.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">13 March 2025 up to 4.00 pm on 15 March 2025.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Submission of original documents KEA, Bangalore.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">14 March 2025 (11.00 am to 1.00 pm).</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Recording new wishes/options.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4.00 pm on 13 March 2025 to 16 March 2025-10.00 am</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Provisional Seat Allotment Result.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">16 March 2025 after 2.00 pm</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Final Seat Allotment Result.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">17 March 2025 after 11.00 am</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Payment of Remaining Fee minus Caution Deposit.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">17 to 19 March 2025, 2.00 pm</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Downloading of Admission Orders.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Up to 19 March 2025, 4.00 pm</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Last Date for Admission to College.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19 March 2025, 5.30 pm.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>ELIGIBILITY</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Only the following candidates are eligible to participate in the 2nd stray vacancy round of PG medical courses-</i></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">1 Who did not retain the seat allotted by the Authority or by A or in other States, in the first or second round.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">2 Those who have not been allotted a seat in the third or female vacancy round by the Authority or the MC, (those who have cancelled pre-clinical / para-clinical seats or who have not retained the seat can participate).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">3 Those who have newly registered, verified documents and submitted original documents.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>CAUTION DEPOSIT</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">1 Candidates who have already paid a Caution Deposit in the previous round of seat allotment but have not been allotted any seat need not pay again.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">2 Other candidates must pay Rs. 5,00,000/-. The Caution Deposit paid by the candidates after the seat allotment will be adjusted towards the fee. If any candidate fails to pay the fee after the second stay vacancy round of seat allotment, the Caution Deposit paid by the candidate will be forfeited (the candidate also has to pay a fine as per rules) and such candidates will be debarred from admission to PG medical courses including MCC counselling for the next year. However, the list of fee-defaulting candidates will be sent to MCC.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>DOCUMENTS</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The candidates must submit the original documents to the authority to participate in the second round of stay vacancy seat allotment. Eligible candidates who have already verified the documents and have the verification slip, but have not submitted the original documents, can submit the original documents tomorrow i.e. 14 March 2025 from 11.00 AM to 1.00 PM at KEA, Bangalore.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the notice, click the link below</i></u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/kea-begins-2nd-stray-vacancy-round-seat-allotment-for-pg-medical-courses-2024-process-today-check-schedule-278461.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/kea-begins-2nd-stray-vacancy-round-seat-allotment-for-pg-medical-courses-2024-process-today-check-schedule-278461.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

156. Parliamentary Panel Slams CDSCO for Slow Drug Approvals, Calls for Conditional Licensing in 45 Days

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:47:47 -0000

     The delays and frequent queries raised by CDSCO have become a major obstacle for applicants, particularly startups and entrepreneurs.

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2020/06/05/129887-cdsco.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:</b> The Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has raised serious concerns about the functioning of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), highlighting inefficiencies in licensing, delays in regulatory approvals, and a lack of transparency in its processes.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The report emphasized that these issues have hindered the growth of India's medical device and pharmaceutical industry and called for urgent reforms to improve efficiency, ensure timely approvals, and enhance India’s position as a global manufacturing hub​.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The CDSCO, functioning under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), is the Central Drug Authority under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Its responsibilities include regulating drug imports, approving new medicines and clinical trials, standardizing drug quality control, and overseeing vaccines, blood products, and medical devices​.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The parliamentary panel strongly criticized the delayed licensing process and inconsistent timelines, noting that these inefficiencies have driven several Indian manufacturers to shift operations to Vietnam and Malaysia. The report stated, "The delays and frequent queries raised by CDSCO have become a major obstacle for applicants, particularly startups and entrepreneurs." The committee stressed the need for a faster and more transparent regulatory system to prevent unnecessary roadblocks in the approval process​.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">One of the major concerns raised was the fragmented and prolonged nature of regulatory approvals. The report pointed out that applicants often face multiple rounds of queries, significantly delaying approvals. To address this, the committee recommended a “Single Query” policy, ensuring that all necessary clarifications are sought in one go instead of piecemeal questioning. It further suggested that "Conditional approvals should be granted within 45 days based on self-declaration and international certifications such as CE or US FDA." Additionally, the report proposed AI-based screening mechanisms to automate the pre-screening of applications, reducing human intervention and minimizing processing time​.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The panel also criticized CDSCO’s centralized authority, arguing that it has created an over-regulated environment that discourages domestic manufacturing. The report observed that the current system "creates an impression of CDSCO being a licensing body rather than a facilitator for India’s growth as a medical device manufacturing hub." To counter this, it recommended faster documentation processes, a more transparent approval system, and incentives for medical device startups to encourage innovation​.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The committee acknowledged CDSCO’s progress in global medical device classification, noting that India became an affiliate member of the International Medical Devices Regulatory Forum (IMDRF) in 2024. Under this system, medical devices are categorized into Class A (Low Risk), Class B (Moderate Risk), Class C (Moderate-High Risk), and Class D (High Risk). However, the report stressed that while India has aligned with global standards, "there is a need for structured audits and regulatory enhancements similar to WHO’s vaccine regulation system." This would strengthen India’s credibility in international markets​.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To address these pressing issues, the committee proposed several key reforms aimed at modernizing CDSCO’s regulatory framework. It urged the complete digitization of the licensing system, advocating for a "time-bound, AI-assisted online licensing process to ensure faster and more efficient approvals." Additionally, the panel recommended setting up an Industry Advisory Board, including startups, manufacturers, and medical experts, to regularly consult CDSCO on policy improvements​.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Recognizing the complexity of regulating cutting-edge medical technology, the committee called for mandatory professional training for CDSCO officials to keep them updated on emerging medical innovations. It emphasized that "regular training programs should be conducted to enhance regulatory expertise in rapidly evolving medical technology fields." Furthermore, the report suggested hiring industry professionals within CDSCO to "ensure a more balanced and industry-friendly regulatory framework." This would help bridge the gap between regulatory oversight and industry needs​.</p></div></div>

157. Rajasthan increases senior resident seats to 5,227

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:15:37 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278385-mdtv-2025-03-13t120217181.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">In a major boost to medical education, the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rajasthan-government">Rajasthan Government </a>has increased 1727 seats for senior resident doctors. The Medical Education Department has increased these seats following the demands from the senior residents in this regard, TOI has reported.</p><div id="ATS_mid1"></div><p style="text-align: justify;">While previously around 3,500 such seats were available across different medical departments across the State, now another 1,727 new seats have been added after a video conference of medical education department officials with the department heads of all medical colleges.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>For more information, click on the link below:</b></i></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/doctors-demand-met-rajasthan-increases-senior-resident-seats-to-5227-144798#:~:text=Rajasthan%20Increases%20Senior%20Resident%20Seats%20to%205,227,-Written%20by%20Barsha&amp;text=Jaipur:%20In%20a%20major%20boost,this%20regard,%20TOI%20has%20reported."><b>Doctors Demand Met! Rajasthan Increases Senior Resident Seats to 5,227</b></a></i></div></div></div>

158. HC rejects plea for appointment of dialysis technicians in govt hospitals

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:00:52 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278390-mdtv-2025-03-13t120607443.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The Madurai Bench of the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics//madras-high-court">Madras High Court</a> recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the appointment of a sufficient number of permanent dialysis technicians in government hospitals across the state. The Court noted that matters related to the creation of new posts and recruitment are within the government's policy jurisdiction.</p><div id="ATS_mid1"></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The petition was filed by activist C. Anand Raj of Madurai in 2024, who raised concerns over the quality of dialysis treatment provided in government hospitals.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/karnataka/karnataka-budget-2025-healthcare-upgrades-medical-education-boost-here-are-the-highlights-144780#:~:text=With%20Rs%20873%20crore%20allocated,access%20to%20quality%20healthcare%20services."></a></i></div><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>For more information, click on the link below:</b></i></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/hc-dismisses-plea-to-appoint-permanent-dialysis-technicians-in-govt-hospitals-144792"><b>HC dismisses plea to appoint Dialysis Technicians in Govt Hospitals</b></a></i></div></div></div>

159. Lapses in Rajasthan Medical Council: Missing members, Absenteeism, Rule violations

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:53:16 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278384-mdtv-2025-03-13t120017717.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged serious lapses in the composition and functioning of the Rajasthan Medical Council (RMC), stating that it has not been operating as per the requirements of the Rajasthan Medical Act, 1952.</p><div id="ATS_mid1"></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The report raises concerns over missing appointments, absenteeism, and a lack of adherence to statutory provisions, all of which have significantly impacted the council’s regulatory role.</p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div><div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>For more information, click on the link below:</b></i></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/missing-members-absenteeism-rule-violations-several-lapses-at-rajasthan-medical-council-exposed-144783"><b>Missing Members, Absenteeism, Rule Violations- Several lapses at Rajasthan Medical Council Exposed</b></a></i></div></div></div>

160. Karnataka Budget 2025 Highlights: Boost to Medical Education, Healthcare

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:45:58 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278387-mdtv-2025-03-13t120413616.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Karnataka is set for a major healthcare overhaul as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of three new medical colleges in Bagalkot, Kolar, and Puttur while presenting the Health Budget 2025. The budget emphasizes infrastructural expansion, including the construction of state-of-the-art hospitals, modular operation theatres, and specialized healthcare facilities across the state. With Rs 873 crore allocated for healthcare development in Kalyana Karnataka and ₹320 crore earmarked for maternal mortality prevention, the state aims to strengthen medical education and improve access to quality healthcare services.</p><div id="ATS_mid1"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-1 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_1"></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The intake capacity for the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs-seats">MBBS seats</a> is going to be increased in the State of Karnataka as three new medical colleges are going to be set up in Bagalkot, Kolar and Puttur, stated the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who presented the 16th Budget which among many announcements focused on infrastructural development, the establishment of new medical colleges, and expansion of the medical education sector.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/doctors-demand-met-rajasthan-increases-senior-resident-seats-to-5227-144798#:~:text=Rajasthan%20Increases%20Senior%20Resident%20Seats%20to%205,227,-Written%20by%20Barsha&amp;text=Jaipur:%20In%20a%20major%20boost,this%20regard,%20TOI%20has%20reported."></a></i></div><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>For more information, click on the link below:</b></i></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/karnataka/karnataka-budget-2025-healthcare-upgrades-medical-education-boost-here-are-the-highlights-144780#:~:text=With%20Rs%20873%20crore%20allocated,access%20to%20quality%20healthcare%20services."><b>Karnataka Budget 2025: Healthcare Upgrades, medical education boost, Here are the Highlights</b></a></i></div></div></div>

161. Health Bulletin 13/ March/ 2025

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:44:10 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278378-health-bulletin-2025-03-13t114817841.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Here are the top health news for the day:</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lapses in&nbsp;</b><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);"><b>Rajasthan Medical Council</b></span><b>: Missing members, Absenteeism, Rule violations</b></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged serious lapses in the composition and functioning of the Rajasthan Medical Council (RMC), stating that it has not been operating as per the requirements of the Rajasthan Medical Act, 1952.</p><div id="ATS_mid1"></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The report raises concerns over missing appointments, absenteeism, and a lack of adherence to statutory provisions, all of which have significantly impacted the council’s regulatory role.</p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><b></b></div><div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>For more information, click on the link below:</i></b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/missing-members-absenteeism-rule-violations-several-lapses-at-rajasthan-medical-council-exposed-144783">Missing Members, Absenteeism, Rule Violations- Several lapses at Rajasthan Medical Council Exposed</a></i></b></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Rajasthan increases senior resident seats to 5,227&nbsp;</b></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;"> In a major boost to medical education, the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rajasthan-government">Rajasthan Government </a>has increased 1727 seats for senior resident doctors. The Medical Education Department has increased these seats following the demands from the senior residents in this regard, TOI has reported.</p><div id="ATS_mid1"></div><p style="text-align: justify;">While previously, around 3,500 such seats were available across different medical departments across the State, now another 1,727 new seats have been added after a video conference of medical education department officials with the department heads of all medical colleges.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>For more information, click on the link below:</i></b></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/doctors-demand-met-rajasthan-increases-senior-resident-seats-to-5227-144798#:~:text=Rajasthan%20Increases%20Senior%20Resident%20Seats%20to%205%2C227,-Written%20by%20Barsha&amp;text=Jaipur%3A%20In%20a%20major%20boost,this%20regard%2C%20TOI%20has%20reported.">Doctors Demand Met! Rajasthan Increases Senior Resident Seats to 5,227</a></i></b></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Karnataka Budget 2025 Highlights: Boost to medical Education, Healthcare</b></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">Karnataka is set for a major healthcare overhaul as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of three new medical colleges in Bagalkot, Kolar, and Puttur while presenting the Health Budget 2025. The budget emphasizes infrastructural expansion, including the construction of state-of-the-art hospitals, modular operation theatres, and specialized healthcare facilities across the state. With Rs 873 crore allocated for healthcare development in Kalyana Karnataka and ₹320 crore earmarked for maternal mortality prevention, the state aims to strengthen medical education and improve access to quality healthcare services.</p><div id="ATS_mid1"></div><div class="inside-post-ad-1 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_1"></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The intake capacity for the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs-seats">MBBS seats</a> is going to be increased in the State of Karnataka as three new medical colleges are going to be set up in Bagalkot, Kolar and Puttur, stated the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who presented the 16th Budget which among many announcements focused on infrastructural development, the establishment of new medical colleges, and expansion of the medical education sector.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><b></b></div><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/doctors-demand-met-rajasthan-increases-senior-resident-seats-to-5227-144798#:~:text=Rajasthan%20Increases%20Senior%20Resident%20Seats%20to%205%2C227,-Written%20by%20Barsha&amp;text=Jaipur%3A%20In%20a%20major%20boost,this%20regard%2C%20TOI%20has%20reported."></a></i></b></div><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>For more information, click on the link below:</i></b></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/karnataka/karnataka-budget-2025-healthcare-upgrades-medical-education-boost-here-are-the-highlights-144780#:~:text=With%20Rs%20873%20crore%20allocated,access%20to%20quality%20healthcare%20services.">Karnataka Budget 2025: Healthcare Upgrades, medical education boost, Here are the Highlights</a></i></b></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>HC rejects plea for appointment of dialysis technicians in Govt Hospitals</b></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The Madurai Bench of the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics//madras-high-court">Madras High Court</a> recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the appointment of a sufficient number of permanent dialysis technicians in government hospitals across the state. The Court noted that matters related to the creation of new posts and recruitment are within the government's policy jurisdiction.</p><div id="ATS_mid1"></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The petition was filed by activist C. Anand Raj of Madurai in 2024, who raised concerns over the quality of dialysis treatment provided in government hospitals.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><b></b></div><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/karnataka/karnataka-budget-2025-healthcare-upgrades-medical-education-boost-here-are-the-highlights-144780#:~:text=With%20Rs%20873%20crore%20allocated,access%20to%20quality%20healthcare%20services."></a></i></b></div><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>For more information, click on the link below:</i></b></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; "><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/hc-dismisses-plea-to-appoint-permanent-dialysis-technicians-in-govt-hospitals-144792">HC dismisses plea to appoint Dialysis Technicians in Govt Hospitals</a></i></b></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/missing-members-absenteeism-rule-violations-several-lapses-at-rajasthan-medical-council-exposed-144783"></a></i></b></div><div></div></div>

162. Chhattisgarh DME Opens Fresh Registrations for NEET PG Special Vacancy Round Counselling, Details

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:43:09 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278450-fresh-registration.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Chhattisgarh-</b> Director of Medical Education (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/dme-chhattisgarh" target="_blank">DME) Chhattisgarh</a> has started the fresh online application registration and pre-allotment institute selection for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET PG) Special Vacancy Round <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/counselling" target="_blank">Counselling </a>for the admission year 2024.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">According to the notice issued in this regard, after the revised percentile, all eligible candidates will be able to make new online applications and pre-registered eligible candidates will be able to edit the online application form till March 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, candidates eligible for the Special Stray Vacancy Round for the admission year 2024 Medical Postgraduate Courses (MD/MS) will also be able to select the subject and institution till March 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/dme-chhattisgarh-begins-choice-filling-for-stray-vacancy-round-pg-medical-admissions-details-144490"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>DME Chhattisgarh Begins Choice Filling for Stray Vacancy Round PG Medical Admissions, Details</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>ELIGIBLE</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">1 Candidates who were allotted a seat in the first or second round of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-pg" target="_blank">NEET PG</a> state medical counselling but did not take admission or opted for "Reject" in the first or second round.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">2 Candidates who are registered but have not been allotted any seats in the previous rounds.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">3 Newly eligible candidates after reduction of percentile to 5% and above for all categories.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>INELIGIBLE CANDIDATES</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">1 Candidates who have been allotted a seat in the Mop-up Round and Stray Vacancy Round.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">2 Candidates who have accepted their allotted seat in any round but have not completed the admission process.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">3 Candidates who have accepted their allotted seat in the previous rounds, appeared for scrutiny but were declared ineligible.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">4 Candidates admitted through AIQ 3rd Round and Stray Vacancy Round will not be eligible for the State Special Stray Vacancy Round.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">5 Candidates will be allotted a seat in the AIQ Stray Vacancy Round and Special Stray Vacancy Round.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">However, the institutes selected earlier have automatically become void, i.e. the subject and institute selection have become vacant, hence it is necessary to select the subject and institute again to participate in the Special Stray Vacancy Round. If the candidates do not select the subject and institute then they will not be allotted in the Special Stray Vacancy Round.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">On this, DME Chhattisgarh has also released the Chhattisgarh NEET PG (MD/MS) Special Stray Round Seat Matrix Session 2024-25. As per the seat matrix, a total of 78 seats are vacant across 8 Medical colleges of the state.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Below is the detailed seat matrix-</i></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="50"><col width="366"><col width="208"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>S.NO</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>INSTITUTES</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VACANT SEATS</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">PT.JAWAHAR LAL NEHRU MEMORIAL MEDICAL COLLEGE, RAIPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">CHHATTISGARH INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, BILASPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">LATE BALIRAM KASHYAP SMRITI MEDICAL COLLEGE, JAGDALPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RAJMATA SMT. DEVENDRA KUMARI SINGHDEO GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE, AMBIKAPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SHRI SHANKARACHARYA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE BHILAI.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">22</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RAIPUR INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, RAIPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">LATE SHRI LAKHIRAM AGRAWAL MEMORIAL MEDICAL COLLEGE, RAIGARH.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SHRI BALAJI INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, RAIPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">22</p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>TOTAL</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>78</b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the notice, click the link below</i></u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/dme-chhattisgarh-notice-2-278456.pdf">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/dme-chhattisgarh-notice-2-278456.pd</a>f</p></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/12-03-2025-pg-2024-choice-filling-notice-278495.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/12-03-2025-pg-2024-choice-filling-notice-278495.pdf</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><br></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

163. Punjab bifurcates 1,390 Medical Officer posts to tackle doctor crunch

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:21:47 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/07/18/244454-recruitment.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Chandigarh: </b>In a significant move to address the acute shortage of doctors in government hospitals, the Punjab government has approved the craetion of 1,390 new posts for <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/medical-officer" target="_blank">medical officers </a>(General) and will fill the shortage gradually.&nbsp;</p><p>The government will first recruit 400 medical officers, a position that has been vacant for the past four years, before moving on to hire for the 1,390 newly approved posts.&nbsp;<span style="text-align: justify;">These new posts will be distributed among various government hospitals in the state,&nbsp;</span>and the phased recruitment process will begin soon.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per the TOI news report, the government is in the process of recruiting 400 medical officers after a four-year hiatus in hiring. Between 2009 and 2020, nine rounds of medical officer recruitment were conducted, but the subsequent pause worsened the staffing crisis in state-run hospitals. Once the recruitment of 400 doctors is completed, the government will initiate the phased hiring process for the newly created posts.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read-<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/tn-doctors-bodies-demand-filling-of-1500-vacant-posts-better-pay-under-go-354-143543" target="_blank"> TN Doctors' bodies demand filling of 1500 vacant posts, better pay under GO 354</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Welcoming the move, the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) president Dr Akhil Sarin told <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/punjab-govt-bifurcates-medical-officer-posts-to-address-healthcare-shortfall/articleshow/118902367.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI</a>, "Filling these newly created posts in a phased manner over the next year will significantly enhance healthcare delivery across the state, as it remains a key priority for the government. The recent recruitment of 400 medical officers, combined with the creation of 1,390 new posts, is a much-needed step. With Punjab's healthcare system under immense strain, the success of these recruitment drives will be crucial in ensuring better access to medical care for people across the state."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He further highlighted the reinstatement of Assured Career Progression (ACP) for medical officers, a reformed postgraduate policy, and renewed efforts to combat the drug menace as commendable measures. "These steps will not only strengthen the public health cadre but also contribute to the overall well-being of Punjab's citizens," he added.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Punjab's healthcare system is grappling with a severe manpower crisis, with only about 45% of district hospitals meeting the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms for the required number of doctors. The state’s doctor-to-population ratio currently stands at 1.02 per 1,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1:811. To improve the quality of service, the government has set ambitious targets to increase this ratio to 2 by 2030 and 4 by 2047. To do so, the government needs to fill the vacancies at government hospitals by devising new recruitment and promotion policies.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Therefore, the approval of newly created medical officer posts will help bridge the healthcare gap and ensure a more balanced distribution of doctors, particularly in underserved regions of the state.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The 500-bedded civil hospital in Jalandhar, currently struggling with just 24 medical officers, will now have 32 more, taking its total to 56. Similarly, 30 new posts have been sanctioned for the 160-bed civil hospital in Barnala. Civil hospitals in Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Malerkotla, Moga, Ropar, and Sangrur will each receive 29 additional posts, while Tarn Taran's civil hospital will get 28. Meanwhile, 24 new posts have been allocated to civil hospitals in Amritsar, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, and Mohali.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/odisha-govt-creates-2000-new-medical-officer-posts-102715" target="_blank">Odisha Govt creates 2000 new Medical Officer posts</a></b></p>

164. India produces 60 percent of the world vaccines: ICMR former chief

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:56:58 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2021/04/14/151224-balram-bhargava.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Thiruvananthapuram:</b>&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">India emerged as a vaccine superpower with the development of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Covaxin">Covaxin</a> and is now a producer of&nbsp;</span>60 per cent of the world's vaccines<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">,&nbsp;</span>Prof Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Bhargava delivered this keynote address BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) on Tuesday on the theme 'Accelerate Action' as part of RGCB's Women's Day celebration.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">"Sixty per cent of the world's vaccines are now manufactured in Pune and supplied globally. In 2021, we exported vaccines to more than 100 countries, underscoring our potential in vaccine research and development," Bhargava said in an RGCB press release.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Vaccine development-from funding to preclinical studies, clinical trials, laboratory research, and physiological studies-has been implemented seamlessly with government support. A National Task Force comprising 40 scientists from various research domains was formed to act swiftly in times of crisis, he noted.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">During the Omicron wave, India had one of the lowest death rates compared to countries like Russia, the UK and the USA, as over 95 per cent of the population was vaccinated. This demonstrates how effectively the government, along with the healthcare system, managed the crisis, he said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As per a PTI report, Dr Sharmila Bapat, Director of BRIC-National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, and a pioneer in cancer stem cell research, encouraged women to pursue careers in scientific research.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">She also highlighted the availability of numerous schemes designed to support women researchers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">RGCB Director Prof Chandrabhas Narayana emphasised the significant role played by women faculty and research students at RGCB.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"One of our faculty members is currently leading the Indian delegation working on cervical cancer eradication. Many of our women students are now pursuing postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions abroad," he said.</div><div class="bottom-author-detail"></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/people-living-near-river-drains-face-elevated-risk-of-cancer-icmr-144787" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">People Living Near River Drains Face Elevated Risk of Cancer: ICMR</a></i></b></div></div></div>

165. HC Issues Contempt Notice to RUHS for Withholding Medical College Affiliation Despite Court Order

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:31:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/12/16/265116-rajasthan-high-court.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Jodhpur:</b>&nbsp;The Jodhpur bench of the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rajasthan-high-court">Rajasthan High Court</a> has issued a contempt notice to <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rajasthan-university-of-health-sciences">Rajasthan University of Health Sciences</a> (RUHS) for failing to grant annual affiliation to a college in contravention of a direction issued by a coordinate bench.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">While considering the plea filed by the medical college i.e. Saloni Institute of Medical Sciences, the HC bench comprising Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur observed that the RUHS was bent upon harassing the college for no good reason.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"The above narrated facts depict that the respondent RUHS is bent upon to harass the petitioner-Institution for no good reason,"</i>&nbsp;the HC bench said after considering the submissions made by the college.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Filing the plea, the college claimed that despite the directions issued by the Coordinate bench of the High Court, its affiliation for the year 2024-2025 was withheld.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/interim-relief-hc-stays-suspension-of-medical-officer-arrested-for-allegedly-fabricating-marksheet-141900" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: Interim Relief- HC Stays Suspension of Medical Officer Arrested for Allegedly Fabricating Marksheet</i></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The petitioner college's counsel argued that without any reason, the college's name was excluded before the first round of counselling and was included only on the last date due to which it was not able to fill in its allotted seats.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">It was submitted by the college's counsel that on account of the inaction on the part of RUHS, five seats remained vacant in the petitioner institute and the institute would have to bear the loss for the same.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Therefore, he prayed that the RUHS may be directed to suitably compensate the institute for the loss caused to it on account of inaction on their part and appropriate contempt proceedings may be initiated for its non-compliance with the HC order.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">On the other hand, the counsel for RUHS submitted that after the Court's decision dated 27.08.2024, the first round of counselling began in October 2024, and the name of the petitioner institute was not included before starting the counselling.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He further submitted that he could not offer any plausible explanation for not granting the affiliation till date despite the Court order dated 27.08.2024. When the Court questioned it the counsel for RUHS submitted that no appeal before the Division Bench of this Court has been filed against the order dated 27.08.2024 till date.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Taking note of the submissions and perusing the previous court order, the HC bench noted, <i>"A bare reading of the order dated 27.08.2024 reveals the inaction on the part of the respondent <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/ruhs">RUHS</a> and less said the better, the authorities are undermining the orders passed by this Court. Since, the respondents have not issued the orders for annual affiliation of the petitioner-Institution till date for no good reason, therefore, it is a fit case where the suo-motu contempt proceedings are required to be initiated against the respondent RUHS."</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Accordingly, it directed the Registry to register the plea as a contempt plea against RUHS through its Registrar and ordered,</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify; "><i>"Issue notice to the respondent No.2 - Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, through its Registrar, Kumbha Marg, Sector – 18, Pratap Nagar, Tonk Road, Jaipur to show cause as to why contempt proceedings be not initiated against him for noncompliance of the order passed by this Court on 27.08.2024, returnable on 25.03.2025."</i></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>To view the Court order, click on the link below:</i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/rajasthan-hc-order-276910.pdf"><b><i>https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/rajasthan-hc-order-276910.pdf</i></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-education-requires-strict-adherence-to-attendance-no-hc-relief-to-mbbs-student-143880" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: 'Medical education requires strict adherence to attendance!': No HC relief to MBBS Student</i></b></a></p>

166. NBE to Close Final NEET SS 2024 Application edit Window Today

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:30:05 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278483-neet-ss-2024-final-correction-window.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi-</b> The National Board of Medical Examinations (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nbems" target="_blank">NBEMS</a>) is going to close the final application edit window today for all the applicants who have registered for the National Eligibility Entrance Test-Super Specialty (NEET SS) for the academic year 2024-25.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-ss" target="_blank">NEET SS</a> 2024 final form edit window opened on March 11, 2025, and will close today i.e. March 13, 2025. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Candidates can process the final correction window through online mode from the NBE official website. However, it is to be noted that after the final editing window closes, no edits will be acceptable to the information provided in the application form. In the final NEET SS 2024 correction window, candidates can rectify the Deficient or Incorrect Images such as Photographs, Signatures and Thumb Impressions. NBE has recently concluded the NEET SS 2024 form correction window.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/nbe-to-open-final-neet-ss-2024-application-edit-window-check-details-144622"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>NBE to Open Final NEET SS 2024 Application edit Window, check details</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>STEPS TO EDIT FINAL NEET SS 2024 APPLICATION</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b>STEP 1-</b> Visit the official website of NBE.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b>STEP 2-</b> Select the ‘NEET SS’ tab from the homepage and then click on the ‘Application Link.’</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b>STEP 3- </b>Click on the ‘Login’ tab displayed on the screen.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b>STEP 4-</b> Add the user ID and password and enter the given security code.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b>STEP 5-</b> Modify the permitted fields as per the requirement</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b>STEP 6-</b> Carefully verify all changes before submitting the NEET SS application form.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, after the completion of the final NEET SS 2024 edit window process, NBE will be issuing the Admit Card on 25th March 2025. As per the official schedule, the NEET SS 2024 exam will be conducted on March 29 and 30, 2025. Whereas, the result is expected to be declared by April 30, 2025. The online NEET SS 2024 application submission process began on 4th February 2025, at 3 PM onwards and concluded on 24th February 2025 at 11:55 PM.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/vying-for-dm-or-drnb-in-paediatric-neurology-check-out-feeder-qualifications-144609"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>Vying for DM or DrNB In Paediatric Neurology? Check out feeder Qualifications</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

167. Lucknow: Two arrested for shipment of banned medicines to US

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:57:34 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/12/30/267048-arrest-50-1.webp' /><p><span style="text-align: justify;">New Delhi:&nbsp;</span><span style="text-align: justify; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Two individuals has been arrested by<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Enforcement-Directorate">&nbsp;</a></span><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Enforcement-Directorate" style="text-align: justify;">Enforcement Directorate </a><span style="text-align: justify;">in Lucknow in connection with a </span><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/money-laundering" style="text-align: justify;">money laundering</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> investigation tied to a drugs trafficking operation. The case involves the shipment of banned medicines to the United States.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The accussed<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> were taken into custody on Monday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the federal probe agency said in a statement.</span></p><p>A special PMLA court in Lucknow has granted a two-day custody for both accused, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/ed-arrests-two-for-trafficking-banned-drugs-to-us-citizens-101741718680621.html">Hindustan Times</a> reported.</p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">The money laundering case stems from a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) investigation against a company named Hatsh Telecommunication Pvt. Ltd. and some others for “trafficking” psychotropic substances from India to the US, PTI reported.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div id="postexcerpt"><div class="third-para"><p>&nbsp;The probe started following complaints and chargesheets filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Lucknow Unit, under various sections of the NDPS Act, 1985&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div></div><div id="postcontent"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The accused were “involved” in supplying “banned” drugs to US citizens. It was found that these persons incorporated six companies during 2012-17 and operated a call centre from the office of the said companies located in Lucknow, the ED said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/blacklisted-drugs-used-33-47-essential-medicines-unavailable-delhi-still-using-1994-drug-formulary-cag-report-144750">Blacklisted Drugs Used, 33%-47% Essential Medicines Unavailable, Delhi Still Using 1994 Drug Formulary: CAG Report</a></i></b></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div id="postcontent"><p style="text-align: justify; ">They used to obtain raw data of US citizens from a portal and identify potential customers for supplying restricted/psychotropic medicines. They then called the persons in the US through Skype, secured orders and advance payment and later shipped the restricted medicines through India Post, according to the agency.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The accused got Rs 23.67 crore between 2012 and 2017 in the accounts of various companies, including Hatsh Telecommunication, it said.&nbsp;</p><p>As part of the probe, assets worth Rs 3.22 crore, including movable and immovable properties, were attached on October 20, 2023. The adjudicating authority confirmed the attachment on March 20, 2024. Further investigation is in process.<br></p></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/odisha/alleged-irregularities-in-nri-quota-admissions-ed-raids-3-medical-institutes-144428">Alleged irregularities in NRI quota admissions- ED Raids 3 medical institutes</a></i></b></p>

168. Medical Bulletin 13/ March/ 2025

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:30:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278360-top-medical-2025-03-13t111313133.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Here are the top medical news for the day:</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Scientists Harness Bile-Converting Bacteria to Heal Damaged Colons</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play vital roles in digestion, immunity, and overall health. When this microbial balance is disturbed, it can contribute to the development of chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory condition of the large intestine. For some patients, current treatments offer limited relief or carry significant risks, including immune suppression. Researchers are now exploring alternative ways to restore gut health, focusing on the microbiome’s ability to heal the intestinal lining.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The research teams led by Kristina Schoonjans and Rizlan Bernier-Latmani at EPFL, have identified Clostridium scindens, a bacterium that converts primary bile acids into 7α-dehydroxylated bile acids, as a key player in gut healing. Their study shows that supplementing the gut with this bacterium could improve recovery from colonic injury, offering a new potential therapy for UC and related disorders.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The researchers found that these effects were dependent on TGR5, a receptor that responds to 7α-dehydroxylated bile acids, which stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">To further validate their findings, they analyzed patient data to determine whether similar mechanisms were at play in humans. They found that in UC patients, the lower levels of 7α-dehydroxylated bile acids strongly correlated with impaired intestinal cell renewal. This reinforces the link between bile acid metabolism and intestinal healing. “Our findings highlight the potential of microbiome-targeted strategies to modulate bile acid metabolism and promote gut healing,” says Antoine Jalil, the first author of the study.</div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ref: Jalil A, Perin A et al. (2025). Bile acid 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria accelerate injury-induced mucosal healing in the colon. EMBO Molecular Medicine 10 March 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s44321-025-00202-w</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Revolutionary Polio Vaccine Offers Safer, More Accessible Immunization for a Polio-Free Future</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Researchers have taken a major step towards producing a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus, but are empty inside. This means there is no risk of infection, but the VLP still causes the immune system to respond. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a paper published in Nature Communications, the findings show that VLPs produced in both yeast and insect cells can perform equally or better than the current inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which creates an immune system response by using a killed version of the poliovirus. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Professor Stonehouse, the senior author of the research said: “Any vaccine is only as effective as the number of children that it reaches. The key is to make vaccines universally accessible, as all children have a right to be protected from diseases such as polio, no matter where they live. Ultimately, VLPs would significantly contribute to vaccine equity. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Currently, IPV is relatively expensive to produce because it requires high levels of bio-containment to minimise the risk of leaks of live poliovirus, which could result in outbreaks. VLPs are non-infectious and would not need to be handled under such stringent bio-safety conditions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oral polio vaccine (OPV), which contains live but weakened vaccine-virus, is also used in vaccination against polio. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Non-infectious VLPs are easier to produce than current IPVs and the research has shown they are more temperature stable, thanks to genetic alteration of the outer shell. As they are non-infectious, this means they will be less expensive to produce, helping to improve equitable access to vaccination. </div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ref: Sherry, L., Bahar, M.W., Porta, C. et al. Recombinant expression systems for production of stabilised virus-like particles as next-generation polio vaccines. Nat Commun 16, 831 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56118-z</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Childhood Abuse Leaves Doubling Risk of Health and Mental Health Issues in Adulthood, finds study</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A new study published this week in Child Maltreatment found that in comparison to those who had not been abused in childhood, adults who had experienced both childhood physical and sexual abuse had approximately double the odds of physical and mental health conditions, including angina, arthritis, asthma, COPD, heart attack, depression, and disability -- even after considering respondents’ age, race, income, and health behaviors, as well as obesity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those who had been sexually abused, but not physically abused, were 55% to 90% more likely to experience these health outcomes compared to their peers who had not experienced any abuse. Adults who were physically abused, but not sexually abused, also had significantly elevated odds of these health outcomes compared to the non-abused, but the associations were more modest</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In exploring this association, the study also examined whether the presence of an adult in the home who made the child feel safe and protected was associated with better long-term health outcomes among children who experienced abuse.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The presence of a protective adult was not only important for children who had experienced abuse, but important for children who had not been abused as well. Children without a protective adult in their home, irrespective of childhood abuse status, were 20% to 40% more likely to experience adverse physical health outcomes and twice as likely to suffer from depression in adulthood.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The study’s authors point to the need for future research to unpack these findings in particular.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It will be important in future research to investigate why some adults in the home are not adequately protective of children, and to discuss potential primary prevention interventions that can help parents provide a more protective environment for children,” said co-author Philip Baiden, an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington</div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Ref: The Role of Protective Adults in Mitigating Health Outcomes Linked to Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse., Child Maltreatment (2025). DOI: 10.1177/10775595251322084</div></div>

169. How Can a Hospital Charge Rs 50,000 for a 49-Minute ICU Stay? Regulatory Commission Slams CMRI Hospital

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:18:32 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/01/18/230491-himachal-high-court-slams-doctor-for-2-finger-test-on-rape-victim-orders-rs-5-lakh-compensation.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Kolkata</b>: Holding that the billing was "inflated and unacceptable", a private hospital has been directed by the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC) to refund the charges levied on a patient who spent only 49 minutes in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before passing away.&nbsp;</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">As per the TOI report, the patient, who had been admitted to BM Birla Heart Research Hospital in December due to cardiac issues, later developed pneumonia. Pulmonologists from CMRI Hospital, located within the same medical complex, examined him and recommended his transfer to their facility. He was shifted to CMRI on December 30, 2024.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the WBCERC observation, although the patient was admitted to CMRI at 1:40 PM, he was moved to the ICU only at 5 PM. Unfortunately, he passed away 49 minutes after being shifted to the ICU. Despite the short duration of care, the hospital billed the family Rs 50,030 for ICU treatment.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The deceased patient’s family sought an explanation for the charges and requested a refund. However, they were initially asked to obtain a lawyer’s letter to proceed with their grievance. Frustrated, they filed a complaint with the WBCERC on February 19.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Following the commission’s intervention, CMRI Hospital claimed that it had already decided to refund Rs 11,000 and had attempted to contact the patient’s family. However, the commission remained dissatisfied with the explanation provided by the hospital.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Also Read: <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/medico-legal/apollo-hospital-absolved-from-allegations-of-inflating-medical-bills-136750">Apollo Hospital absolved from Allegations of Inflating Medical Bills</a></i></b></p><p>Justice (Retd) Ashim Kumar Banerjee, Chairman of WBCERC, questioned;</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">“We are not at all impressed with the hospital’s response. How can a hospital charge Rs 50,000 for treating a patient for 49 minutes?”</blockquote></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper">As per recent <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/50k-bill-for-49-min-icu-stay-hospital-faces-music/articleshow/118946424.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI </a>report, t<span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); text-align: justify;">he commission has now directed the hospital to refund a substantial portion of the bill to the patient’s family, ensuring that such exorbitant and unjustified billing practices are curbed. Banerjee criticized the hospital’s billing, stating;</span></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">“Even though he was in the ICU for less than an hour, the hospital ran up a bill of Rs 50,030. The hospital also charged Rs 11,875 as an emergency bill and Rs 1,800 for an ambulance to transfer the patient to CMRI, which happens to be inside the same campus. We have asked the hospital to retain Rs 20,000 and return the rest of the amount to the complainant.”</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p></div>

170. 233 Seats Available For UP NEET PG Special Stray Vacancy Round, Eligible Candidates List Released

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:07 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278418-special-stray-vacancy-counselling.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Uttar Pradesh- </b>The Uttar Pradesh, Director General, Medical Education and Research (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/updgme" target="_blank">UPDGME</a>) has released the National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET PG) Special Stray Vacancy Round Counselling Seat matrix and eligible candidates lists for the DNB, MD and MS (Medical) for the academic year 2024.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">As per the seat matrix, a total of 233 seats are vacant for the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-pg" target="_blank">NEET PG </a>Special Stray Vacancy Round Counselling Seat matrix for the DNB, MD and MS (Medical) Courses. Of these, a total of 4 seats are vacant across 4 <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/dnb" target="_blank">DNB </a>Courses and a total of 229 seats are vacant in MD and MS (Medical) Courses across 40 Medical Colleges of UP.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/up-dgme-begins-neet-pg-2024-special-stray-vacancy-round-counselling-check-guidelines-144760"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>UP DGME Begins NEET PG 2024 Special Stray Vacancy Round Counselling, Check Guidelines</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Below is the detailed seat matrix-</i></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>SEAT MATRIX FOR DNB COURSES</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="53"><col width="363"><col width="208"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>S.NO</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>COURSES</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VACANT SEATS</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">FORENSIC MEDICINE (POST MBBS DNB) [FMD].</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">ANESTHESIOLOGY (POST MBBS DIPLOMA) [ANED].</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">OBS &amp; GYNAE (POST MBBS DIPLOMA) [OBSD]</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">PEDIATRICS (POST MBBS DIPLOMA) [PAED]</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>TOTAL</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>4</b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>SEAT MATRIX FOR MD AND MS COURSES</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="53"><col width="363"><col width="208"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>S.NO</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>COLLEGES</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VACANT SEATS</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AUTONOMOUS MEDICAL COLLEGE, AYODHYA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AUTONOMOUS MEDICAL COLLEGE, BAHRAICH.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AUTONOMOUS MEDICAL COLLEGE, BASTI.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AUTONOMOUS MEDICAL COLLEGE, FIROZABAD.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AUTONOMOUS MEDICAL COLLEGE, JAUNPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AUTONOMOUS MEDICAL COLLEGE, SHAHJAHANPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">BABA RAGHAV DAS MEDICAL COLLEGE, GORAKHPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, LUCKNOW.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GANESH SHANKAR VIDYARTHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL COLLEGE, KANPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">10</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, GREATER NOIDA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE, JALAUN</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">12</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">KING GEORGES MEDICAL UNIVESITY, LUCKNOW.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">13</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">LALA LAJPAT RAI MEMORIAL MEDICAL COLLEGE, MEERUT.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">14</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MOTI LAL NEHRU MEDICAL COLLEGE, PRAYAGRAJ.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">15</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SAROJINI NAIDU MEDICAL COLLGE, AGRA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">16</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">CAREER INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, LKO.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">13</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">17</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">ERA MEDICAL COLLEGE LUCKNOW.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">18</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">FH MEDICAL COLLEGE &amp; HOSPITAL, AGRA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">GS MEDICAL COLLEGE, HAPUR</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">20</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">HERITAGE MEDICAL COLLEGE, VARANASI.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">10</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">21</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">HIND MEDICAL COLLEGE BARABANKI.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">22</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">HIND MEDICAL COLLEGE, SITAPU.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">23</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">INTEGRAL INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, LUCKNOW.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">12</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">24</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">KD MEDICAL COLLEGE, MATHURA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">25</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">KM MEDICAL COLLEGE, MATHURA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">26</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MAYO INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, BARABANKI.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">18</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">27</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MUZAFFAR NAGAR MEDICAL COLLEGE MUZAFFAR NAGAR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">12</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">28</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">NATIONAL CAPITAL MEDICAL COLLEGE, MEERUT.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">29</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RAJSHREE MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE BAREILLY.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">30</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RAMA MEDICAL COLLEGE KANPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">31</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">ROHILKHAND MEDICAL COLLEGE, BAREILL.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">32</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SARASWATI INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES HAPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">33</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SCHOOL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES &amp; RESEARCH, SHARDA UNIVERSITY G NOIDA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">34</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SHRI RAM MURTI MEDICAL SCIENCES BARILLY.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">12</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">35</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SUBHARATI MEDICAL COLLEGE, MEERUT.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">36</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">TS MISHRA MEDICAL COLLEGE &amp; HOSPITAL, LUCKNOW.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">37</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">TEERTHANKER MAHAVEER UNIVERSITY, MORADABAD.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">11</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">38</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">UNITED MEDICAL COLLEGE, PRAYAGRAJ.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">39</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">VARUNARJUN MEDICAL COLLEGE, SHAHAJANPUR.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">40</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">NOIDA INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, GREATER NOIDA.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>TOTAL</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>229</b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the seat matrixes, click the link below</i></u></b></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/updgme-seat-matrix-1-278412.pdf">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/updgme-seat-matrix-1-278412.pdf</a><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/updgme-seat-matrix-1-278412.pdf"></a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/seatmatrixupneetpgmdms-2024splstraycounselingupdated-278490.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/seatmatrixupneetpgmdms-2024splstraycounselingupdated-278490.pdf</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); text-align: justify;">Along with this, UPDGME has also released the eligible candidate's list of NEET PG Special Stray Vacancy Round Counselling for the DNB, MD, MS and Diploma Courses. The list has been released on the official website of UPDGME, therefore, candidates can view the same from there. The list includes important details such as roll no, name, father’s name, Neet Rank, UP Category, UP Sub Category, Application ID, % of incentive marks, category and State Rank.</span></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The list includes only those candidates who have deposited their Registration Fee and security money and are eligible for choice-filling. As per the list, a total of 144 candidates are eligible for choice filling for the DNB courses and a total of 3931 candidates are eligible for choice filling for the MD, MS and Diploma Courses.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the eligible candidates list, click the link below</i></u></b></p><div></div></div><p><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/updgme-eligible-candidates-list-2crdownload-278423.pdf">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/updgme-eligible-candidates-list-2crdownload-278423.pdf</a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/eligiblecandidatelistmdms2024splstrayround-278489.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/eligiblecandidatelistmdms2024splstrayround-278489.pdf</a></div>

171. HC grants bail to Doctor Accused of Illegal Kidney Transplant at Hyderabad Hospital

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:58:41 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2020/06/01/129639-granted-bail.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Hyderabad: </b>The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/telangana-high-court" target="_blank">Telangana High Court</a> on Wednesday granted regular bail to a doctor associated with Savita Medical College, who was accused of illegally performing kidney transplants on donors lured in from other states at Alakananda Hospital, Saroornagar. The court imposed a bail bond of Rs 25,000 for the doctor.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported in January this year that an illegal<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/kidney-transplant-racket" target="_blank"> kidney transplant racket </a>was uncovered at Alkananda Multi-Speciality Hospital in Rangareddy District, Hyderabad. The hospital’s managing director, along with several staff members, was arrested for allegedly recruiting kidney donors from other states and bringing in external doctors to conduct the transplants. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/private-hospital-sealed-for-illegal-kidney-transplantation-141966" target="_blank">Private Hospital sealed for illegal kidney transplantation</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Police investigation revealed that the hospital authorities were actively luring kidney donors from other states and also called doctors from outside other states to perform the transplants. They were making huge amounts of money through this racket. A preliminary police probe found that kidney transplants were conducted for two patients each from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The kidneys were reportedly donated by two women from Tamil Nadu and transplanted into two recipients from Karnataka.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The hospital, which was inaugurated only six months ago, was only permitted to perform minor surgeries under two doctors. Following the authorities' busting the racket, Dr. *** was arrested on January 27, 2025, and remained in judicial custody until recently being granted bail.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Single Bench Justice J Sreenivas Rao, who heard the bail application, noted that most of the investigation in the case had been completed and ruled that the doctor's release would not hinder further proceedings.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Further, the bench imposed conditions, including a bail bond of ₹25,000 with two sureties and a mandatory appearance before the concerned police station on the 5th of every month for three months or until the charge sheet is filed.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per the<a href="https://telanganatoday.com/kidney-transplant-racket-at-alakananda-hospital-telangana-high-court-grants-bail-to-doctor" rel="nofollow"> Telangana Today </a>news report, the counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that the petitioner did not commit any offence and was being falsely implicated in the crime. He said the petitioner was arrested on January 27, 2025, and was presently in judicial custody while other accused persons with serious allegations were already granted bail in the same case.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Whereas the Public Prosecutors representing the State contended that the petitioner conspired with other doctors and performed surgery illegally even after knowing the said act was a grievous offence.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">After considering both sides, the court ruled in favor of the doctor and granted him bail, noting the progress of the investigation.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/hyderabad-kidney-transplant-racket-2-doctors-with-degrees-from-china-ukraine-under-investigation-142150" target="_blank">Hyderabad Kidney Transplant Racket: 2 Doctors with degrees from China, Ukraine under investigation</a></b></p>

172. Facing Financial troubles, Chennai Doctor, Wife, 2 Sons die by suicide

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:15:31 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/04/08/235857-death-50.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Chennai: In an unfortunate incident, a doctor, his advocate wife and their two sons allegedly committed suicide at their residence in Chennai's Anna Nagar on Thursday, police said.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The bodies of the doctor-advocate couple and their two sons were found in two separate rooms, police said and added that they could have ended their lives by hanging.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/woman-doctor-dies-by-suicide-in-rohini-144654"><b>Also Read:Woman doctor dies by suicide in Rohini</b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The incident came to light after the doctor's driver came for work today and getting suspicious, informed the police who upon opening the door found the doctor Balamurugan, 52, and his wife Sumathy, 47, in one room and their sons in another room of the residence in Anna Nagar, reports PTI.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As per a media report in the <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/chennai-news/chennai-doctor-dies-by-suicide-with-wife-2-sons-cops-say-he-had-huge-debt-7913691" rel="nofollow">NDTV</a>, Dr Balamurugan, a sonologist, his advocate wife Sumathy, and their sons, NEET aspirant Jaswant Kumar and Class 11 student Lingesh Kumar, were found hanging in two rooms.</p><p>"We suspect they killed themselves. They were in debt. We are investigating. No formal complaint received from anyone so far," a police officer told NDTV.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Thirumangalam police who have registered a case suspect it to be suicide reportedly due to mounting debts. Further investigation is on.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/48-year-old-paediatrician-dies-in-road-accident-144658"><b>Also Read:48-year-old Paediatrician dies in road accident</b></a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

173. Certain medicines with misleading claims seized in Telangana

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:13:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278444-telangana-dca.webp' /><p>Telangana:&nbsp;<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Drugs-Control-Administration-Telangana">Drugs Control Administration, Telangana</a> has seized certain medicines circulating in the market with misleading claims on their labels, stating that they treat Urinary Stones and Rheumatism.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper">Such claims are in contravention of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Schedule J of Drugs Rules, 1945. Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 / Rule 106 r/w Schedule J of Drugs Rules, 1945 prohibits advertisement of certain drugs for treatment of certain diseases and disorders. No person shall take part in publication of advertisement regarding the diseases/disorders indicated under Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 / Rule 106 r/w Schedule J of Drugs Rules, 1945.</div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper">During the raids conducted on 11th and 12th March to detect medicines moving in the market with misleading and objectionable advertisements, the following products were detected by DCA officials:</div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Product</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Misleading Claim</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Manufactured by</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Detected at</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>URIFLOW (Potassium Citrate &amp; Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution) (Allopathic Medicine)</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Urinary Stones</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Concord Drugs Ltd, Survey no: 249, Brahmanapally, R.R Dist , Telangana Marketed by : Mansa Medi Impex, 3-12- 14/14, 2nd Floor Vishalandhra Colony,L.B .Nagar, Hyderabad</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Medchal</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Sandhi Yog Syrup (Ayurvedic Medicine)</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Rheumatism</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Arogya Jyothi Pharmacy, 59,G.I.D.C, Gujarat</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Adilabad</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Stone Gone Capsules (Ayurvedic Medicine)</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Renal Stones</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Levanza Food and Herbals, Gholu Majra Dappar, Punjab Marketed by PCHPL Wellness, Sector 125, Greater Mohali, Punjab.</p> </td> <td width="150" valign="top"> <p>Ameenpur, Sangareddy District</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper">Advertising a medicine for the treatment of ‘Urinary Stones’ and ‘Rheumatism’ is prohibited under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 / Rule 106 r/w Schedule J of Drugs Rules, 1945.</div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div>Smt. B. Mounika, Drugs Inspector, Medchal, Smt. A. Srilatha, Drugs Inspector, Adilabad and Sri. T. Praveen Kumar, Drugs Inspector, Bollaram are among the officers who carried out the raids. </div><div>Further investigation shall be carried out and action shall be taken as per the law against all the offenders. Persons who make misleading advertisements regarding drugs for treatment of certain diseases and disorders are punishable under Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 r/w Rule 106, Schedule J of Drugs Rules, 1945.<br><div><br></div></div></div>

174. Kin allege negligence as 57-year-old woman dies after hysterectomy

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:57:09 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/05/17/238479-medical-negligence.webp' /><p><b>Kozhikode:&nbsp;</b>An allegation of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/medical-negligence" style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">medical negligence</a> has been raised against the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/kozhikode-medical-college" style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Government Medical College Hospital</a> (MCH) in Kozhikode after the death of a 57-year-old woman on Wednesday morning, following a hysterectomy.&nbsp;</p><p>The incident took place on March 12, when the woman passed away five days after undergoing a hysterectomy, with her family blaming the hospital for failing to provide timely and appropriate post-surgical care. </p><p>The woman, who is a resident of KT Road in East Perambra, underwent keyhole surgery on March 7 to remove her uterus and ovaries. The woman had been admitted to MCH on March 4, 2025, for treatment related to post-menopausal bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia, a pre-cancerous condition. After undergoing the hysterectomy on March 7, complications arose, ultimately leading to her death. According to her family, despite initial concerns, hospital staff did not act quickly enough to address the complications that followed the surgery.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/mdtv/healthshorts/pregnant-woman-dies-after-botched-surgery-guided-by-doctor-via-video-call-144825" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read: Pregnant woman dies after botched surgery guided by doctor via video call</b></a></p><p>According to the news reports, the woman had a history of rheumatoid arthritis and abnormal blood pressure, which necessitated close monitoring after surgery. During the procedure, doctors found a lesion in her large intestine, specifically where the uterus and intestine were connected.</p><p>The lesion was sutured, and she was shifted to the general ward on March 8. Doctors permitted her to consume regular food. But soon after eating, she developed severe stomach pain, following which she was moved to the ICU. Family members allege that despite their concerns, the hospital failed to act promptly. </p><p>The situation escalated when, on March 10, doctors performed an emergency surgery, suspecting a leak in the sutured section of her intestine. She was subsequently diagnosed with fecal peritonitis, a severe condition caused by intestinal leakage. Despite being placed on ventilator support, her condition deteriorated, and she tragically passed away at 5:25 a.m. on March 12.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/patient-left-permanently-disabled-3-doctors-booked-for-negligence-144666" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read: Patient Left Disabled, 3 doctors booked for negligence</b></a></p><p>According to <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Mar/13/57-yr-old-woman-dies-after-surgery-at-kozhikode-mch-medical-negligence-alleged" rel="nofollow">TNIE</a>, in response to the allegations, the Maternal and Child Health Centre issued a press release stating that the patient had received necessary treatment at all stages. Hospital authorities have launched an internal investigation, with the superintendent seeking a detailed report from the head of the gynecology department.</p><p>As of now, the police have not registered a case related to the incident. The tragic incident has prompted widespread concern over the quality of care provided at government hospitals. </p><p>Speaking to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/woman-dies-after-uterus-op-kin-allege-medical-negligence/articleshow/118940977.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI</a>, Kozhikode MCH authorities said they have submitted a preliminary report to the medical education director, and a detailed probe is likely to be launched into the incident.</p>

175. Radha Krishna Medical College MBBS student commits suicide, depression suspected

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:08:32 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/08/02/245968-dead-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Bhopal:</b>&nbsp;Possibly battling with depression, a 20-year-old second-year MBBS student of Radha Krishna Medical College allegedly committed<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/suicide" target="_blank"> suicide</a>. She was found hanging in her rented flat.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the latest media report by TOI, her suicide note recovered by the police mentioned that she took her life in search of peace. Police suspect that she was possibly suffering from <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mental-health-issues" target="_blank">depression</a>, which drove her to take the extreme step. However, what might have caused her to be depressed is yet to be confirmed.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The deceased parents who met with her three hours before the incident stated that she looked normal during the meeting. They also claimed that their daughter never spoke about academic struggles or personal issues that might have led to the incident. However, they also admitted that they were unaware of any problems she might have faced.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read-<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/dentist-commits-suicide-husband-held-for-abetment-144785" target="_blank"> Dentist commits suicide, husband held for abetment</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Her parents have now called for an impartial probe into the incident after learning about their daughter's death while travelling back to Ujjain from Bhopal, following their meeting with her.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/mbbs-student-found-dead-in-rented-house-in-kolar/articleshow/118948550.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI </a>reported that just before the incident, the student met her parents, who had travelled from Ujjain to Bhopal on Tuesday to see her. They stayed at a hotel and asked her to meet them.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">During their conversation, her parents invited her to Ujjain to celebrate Holi, but she declined, explaining that she only had one day off, which would be spent travelling. Instead, she assured them that she would celebrate Holi in Bhopal.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Her father told <a href="https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/shocker-20-year-old-mbbs-student-found-hanging-in-bhopal-parents-met-her-three-hours-ago" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Free Press Journal</a> that she was his only child and was good at studies. She was living in Bhopal for almost one and a half years and they did not pressure her for studies.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The incident came to light on Tuesday when her friends reached her flat when she did not respond despite making several calls on her mobile phone. They broke open the door and found her hanging from the ceiling. They immediately rushed her to the hospital but she was declared dead on arrival.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">When the police were informed, they reached the spot and sent her body for a postmortem. Later, her body was handed over to her kin on Wednesday. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway to understand the circumstances behind her death.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read-<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/dissatisfied-with-chosen-course-28-year-old-dnb-gynaecology-medico-commits-suicide-144716" target="_blank"> Dissatisfied with chosen course, 28-year-old DNB Gynaecology Medico commits suicide</a></b></p>

176. Significant improvements at Delhi Hospitals in 15-20 days, says Health Minister Pankaj Singh

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:06:29 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278382-pankaj.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><span style="text-align: justify;">New Delhi:&nbsp;</span>Delhi Health Minister <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/pankaj-singh" target="_blank">Pankaj Singh</a> conducted a surprise <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/inspection" target="_blank">inspection</a> at Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini on Tuesday. During the visit, he assessed the availability of medical equipment, emergency arrangements, and the overall management of the hospital. </p><p>He also stated that more surprise inspections would take place in the future and that he could visit any facility at any time.</p><p>Pankaj Singh reviewed the availability of medical equipment, emergency arrangements, and overall management of the hospital.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Singh visited Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini and reviewed the availability of medical equipment, emergency arrangements and the overall management, the statement said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The minister interacted with patients to understand their concerns and encouraged doctors and other hospital staff to enhance their efforts to deliver quality healthcare, it said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to the PTI report, Singh said, "My goal is to ensure that every patient visiting a government hospital receives the best possible treatment and facilities. We are working towards significant improvements in the healthcare sector".</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/medical-equipment-worth-crores-lying-unused-in-hospitals-says-delhi-cm-during-gtb-visit-144362"><b>Also Read:Medical equipment worth crores lying unused in hospitals, says Delhi CM during GTB Visit</b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">To address patients' concerns more effectively, he said, a dedicated helpline number would be launched soon.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">More such surprise inspections would be conducted in hospitals across the city, the minister said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"I can visit any hospital unannounced at any time. The focus is on ensuring that hospitals function efficiently and provide quality care to patients," he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Addressing the doctors and other hospital staff, Singh underlined the importance of professional and compassionate behaviour toward patients.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The government fully supports healthcare workers but expects them to treat patients with empathy and respect, creating a welcoming and comfortable hospital environment.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Significant improvements would be visible in Delhi's hospitals within the next 15-20 days, he asserted.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to the statement, the minister directed the hospital management to enhance emergency services, improve availability of medicines and streamline essential healthcare operations.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"Every citizen deserves access to affordable, efficient, and quality healthcare services. We are committed to eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring that all necessary medical facilities are available on time," Singh said, reports PTI.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/delhi-health-minister-seeks-report-on-staff-shortage-at-govt-hospitals-143885"><b>Also Read:Delhi Health Minister Seeks Report on Staff Shortage at Govt Hospitals</b></a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

177. Jubilant Pharmova arm Salisbury facility gets USFDA EIR

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:24 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/01/23/230769-usfda-inspection-50.webp' /><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Noida:</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Jubilant-Pharmova">Jubilant Pharmova Limited</a> has announced that</span><span style="text-align: justify; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&nbsp;the Company's subsidiary Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA, (Jubilant Cadista)’s solid oral formulations facility at Salisbury, Maryland, USA has received the Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) with Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI) status from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: justify;">The inspection for the said Facility was conducted in January 2025.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">With the receipt of the EIR from the USFDA, the inspection stands successfully closed. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Going forward, the said Facility is not expected to manufacture any products as it has closed manufacturing operations, as was informed in Company’s previous disclosure.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI) classification indicates the inspection found objectionable conditions or practices but the agency has determined the facility can voluntarily correct its deficiencies and will not recommend any action.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that the facility had received five observations with no repeat observations from the USFDA.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/jubilant-pharmova-arm-salisbury-facility-gets-5-usfda-observations-141666">Jubilant Pharmova arm Salisbury facility gets 5 USFDA observations</a></i></b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;"><p>Jubilant Pharmova Limited (formerly Jubilant Life Sciences Limited) is a company with global presence that is involved in Radiopharma, Allergy Immunotherapy, CDMO Sterile Injectables, Contract Research Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO), Generics and Proprietary Novel Drugs businesses. </p><p><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/jubilant-pharmova-reports-significant-increase-in-q1-net-profit-to-rs-4818-crore-132011">Jubilant Pharmova reports significant increase in Q1 net profit to Rs 481.8 crore</a></i></b></p></div></div>

178. Prediabetes and Associated Risk in Young Adults - Alopecia Areata and Erectile Dysfunction

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:53:21 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/07/277437-prediabetes-hidden-risks-alopecia-areata-erectile-dysfunction-metformins-role.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">The rising prevalence of prediabetes among young adults signals early metabolic dysfunction, significantly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated complications. Real-world pan-India data (2023) from 19,66,449 HbA1c samples showed nearly 1 in 2 had prediabetes, with regional variation at 22.25%. (1) A study at Vydehi Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, India, found 14.3% prediabetes prevalence among 895 adults, highest in ages 36-40 years (18.8%), with 52.3% males. (2) About 8% may develop T2DM in three years, indicating the urgent need for prevention and early intervention.(3)</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in prediabetes among Indian youth, with 83.6% following sedentary routines.2 Another Indian study identified male gender, age &gt;40, alcohol consumption, high body mass index (BMI), and hypertension (&gt;140 mmHg) as major risk factors. (4) Key determinants include HbA1c levels, physical inactivity, and family history, demonstrating the need for targeted preventive measures. (5)</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Prediabetes Associated Health Risks: From Alopecia Areata to Erectile Dysfunction</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Alopecia Areata &amp; Prediabetes:</b> A large population-based study published recently in 2025 analyzed 33,401 Alopecia Areata patients and 66,802 controls, revealing a higher prevalence of prediabetes in AA patients (26.3% vs. 18.1%, odds ratio 1.62). Furthermore, obesity was also more common among alopecia areata patients (17.2% vs. 13.3%, odds ratio 1.35). Prediabetes risk significantly increased in alopecia areata patients aged 40+ (OR 2.02), emphasizing the need for early screening and management. (6)</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Erectile Dysfunction (ED) &amp; Prediabetes:</b> A recently published Indian study (139 men, 18–50 years) found 50.3% of prediabetic men had ED (mild: 32.4%, mild-to-moderate: 11.5%, moderate: 6.5%). Further, ED correlated with higher blood sugar levels [random blood sugar (RBS): 151 mg/dL, fasting blood sugar(FBS): 109 mg/dL, postprandial blood sugar(PPBS): 178 mg/dL, HbA1c: 5.94%]. Worse glycemic control increased ED severity (RBS: r=-0.294, p=0.001; HbA1c: r=-0.203, p=0.020), linking prediabetes to vascular dysfunction. The findings indicate the importance of early screening for ED in men with prediabetes. (7)</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction: Common Link Between Insulin Resistance, Alopecia Areata, and Erectile Dysfunction </b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Insulin resistance (IR) plays a key role in both alopecia areata and ED due to its pro-inflammatory effects. In alopecia areata, immune dysregulation involving cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α disrupts hair follicle immune privilege, contributing to hair loss. (8) Similarly, IR leads to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, impairing nitric oxide availability and promoting vasoconstriction. These mechanisms link IR to ED by reducing penile blood flow and increasing sympathetic nervous system activity, exacerbating vascular dysfunction. (9)</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Managing Prediabetes: Proactive Integrated Approach</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Preventing diabetes and managing prediabetes complications necessitate lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise (≥30 min/day, 5 days/week). When lifestyle modifications alone are inadequate, metformin remains the primary pharmacological option. (5) A recent meta-analysis including 12 RCTs (n=2,720) found that adding metformin significantly reduced T2D incidence (P=0.01), lowered HbA1c (P=0.03), with greater reductions at 3 and 6 months (P=0.02; P=0.01), and improved FPG at 12 months (P=0.01), reinforcing the importance of an integrated approach. (10)</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Global and Indian Guidelines Supporting Metformin Use in Prediabetes</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In India, the Drug Controller General India (DCGI) has approved the use of metformin for the prevention and delaying of T2D. (5) The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Guidelines recommend metformin with lifestyle changes for individuals with combined impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) at high risk of T2D. (11) The Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) Guidelines advise metformin after six months if lifestyle changes fail, especially for IFG + IGT or HbA1c &gt;5.7%. (12) The American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2025 Standards of Care suggest metformin for prediabetes with body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m², age 25-59 years, or prior gestational diabetes. (13)</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Key Take-Aways</b></p><ul class="hocalwire-editor-list"><li style="text-align: justify;">Prediabetes is rising in young adults, with nearly 1 in 2 affected and an 8% risk of developing T2DM within three years.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Alopecia areata and erectile dysfunction (ED) seem to be linked with prediabetes. In recent observational studies, alopecia areata patients showed a 26.3% incidence of prediabetes, while 50.3% of prediabetic men reportedly experienced ED.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Insulin resistance drives inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to both alopecia areata and ED.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Lifestyle modifications remain essential, but metformin is recommended when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">DCGI and guidelines from ICMR, RSSDI, and ADA support metformin use, especially in high-risk prediabetes individuals, when indicated</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>References:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">1. Vora, Hardeep, and Preet Kaur. “Prediabetes and diabetes in India: An HbA1c based epidemiology study.” Diabetes research and clinical practice vol. 217 (2024): 111889. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111889</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">2. Achuth KS, SubramanianM, Pradeep C.Prevalence of pre-diabetes and its associated risk factors among people in rural field practice area of Vydehi institute of medical sciences and research centre Bangalore. Int J Community Med Public Health2024;11:1675-80.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">3. Esquivel Zuniga, Rebeca, and Mark D DeBoer. “Prediabetes in Adolescents: Prevalence, Management and Diabetes Prevention Strategies.” Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy vol. 14 4609-4619. 25 Nov. 2021, doi:10.2147/DMSO.S284401</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">4. Muthunarayanan L, Ramraj B, Russel JK. Prevalence of prediabetes and its associated risk factors among rural adults in Tamil Nadu. Arch Med Health Sci. 2015;3(2):178-84.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">5. Das AK, Mohan V, Ramachandran A, et al. An Expert Group Consensus Statement on “Approach and Management of Prediabetes in India”. J Assoc Physicians India 2022;70(12):69–78.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">6. Wohl, Yonit et al. “Alopecia Areata Is Associated with an Increased Risk for Prediabetes and Obesity: A Nationwide Case-Control Study.” Journal of personalized medicine vol. 15,1 16. 3 Jan. 2025, doi:10.3390/jpm15010016</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">7. Vishwakarma RK et al. ED in Prediabetic Males in Central India. J Assoc Physicians India.2024;72(9):e10-e13.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">8. Shahidi-Dadras, Mohammad et al. “Patients with alopecia areata show signs of insulin resistance.” Archives of dermatological research vol. 311,7 (2019): 529-533. doi:10.1007/s00403-019-01929-6</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">9. Patel, Jay Pravin et al. “Effects of metformin on endothelial health and erectile dysfunction.” Translational andrology and urology vol. 6,3 (2017): 556-565. doi:10.21037/tau.2017.03.52</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">10. Amer BE et al. Metformin plus lifestyle interventions for diabetes prevention: a meta-analysis. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2024;16:273. doi:10.1186/s13098-024-01504-8.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">11. ICMR Guidelines for Management of T2D 2018. Retrieved on 20th Feb 2025 from https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/custom_data/pdf/resource-guidelines/ICMR_GuidelinesType2diabetes2018_0.pdf</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">12. RSSDI Clinical Practice Recommendations 2022. Retrieved on 20th Feb 2025 from https://www.rssdi.in/newwebsite/RSSDI-Clinical-Practice-Recommendations-2022%20(1).pdf</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">13. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; Summary of Revisions: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care 1 January 2025; 48 (Supplement_1): S6–S13. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc25-SRE</p>

179. Man demands Rs 11 crore extortion, threatens to blow up Doctor's Hospital

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:45:57 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/06/12/240864-complaint.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><span style="text-align: justify;">Nagpur:&nbsp;</span>Nagpur police have registered a case against a man for allegedly demanding Rs 11 crore from a doctor and threatening to blow up his hospital by crashing a gas cylinder-laden vehicle into it if the doctor failed to settle a land deal, an official said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">The accused, Neeraj Gandhi, had sent a WhatsApp message to Dr Mahesh Fulwani, who had signed a land purchase deal with a Nagpur-based firm in 2017.</span><br></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the PTI report, the doctor had signed the deal to purchase a plot in the Somalwada area for Rs 13.50 crore in November 2017. But the deal got stuck as the land is under litigation, police said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In November 2017, Neeraj Gandhi visited Dr Fulwani at his hospital and questioned him about the matter. He allegedly claimed that he had already finalised a deal for the same plot, the FIR stated.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/bengal-doctor-rapes-female-patient-after-injecting-sedatives-extorts-rs-4-lakh-137348"><b>Also Read:Bengal doctor rapes female patient after injecting sedatives, extorts Rs 4 lakh</b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Later, Mr Gandhi started demanding Rs 5 crore from Dr Fulwani over the phone and threatened to implicate him in a false case.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As per a media report in <a href="https://www.nagpurtoday.in/man-threatens-to-blow-up-doctors-hospital-in-nagpur-demands-rs-11-crore-extortion/03121151" rel="nofollow">NagpurToday</a>, according to police, Dr Fulwani had been searching for land to build a hospital when his friend, Narendra Gandhi, introduced him to a plot in Somalwada. On November 10, 2017, he entered into an agreement with Sudhanshu Degwekar and Raju Dawda, directors of M/s Kanchanganga Relators Pvt Ltd, to purchase the land for Rs 13.50 crore. He made an initial payment of Rs 5 crore but withheld the remaining amount due to a legal dispute involving Monarch Infrastructure's Director, Ashish Rathi, who had filed a court case concerning the property.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On August 26, 2024, Mr Gandhi allegedly sent a WhatsApp message to Dr Fulwani on his mobile number and assured him that the matter could be settled for Rs 11 crore, police said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When Dr Fulwani did not respond, the accused threatened to blow up his hospital by crashing a vehicle laden with gas cylinders.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He repeated the threat again recently, following which Dr Fulwani approached the police, leading to the registration of an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), reports PTI.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">No arrest has been made so far.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/bengaluru-doctor-files-complaint-after-woman-seeks-prescription-to-kill-mother-in-law-143609"><b>Also Read:Bengaluru doctor files complaint after woman seeks Prescription to kill Mother-In-Law</b></a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

180. J&K Medical Officer terminated over Unauthorized absence

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:02:32 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/11/23/226087-terminated.webp' /><p><b>Jammu: </b>The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/jammu-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</a> government has ordered the termination of the services of a Medical Officer, due to unauthorized absence from his duties. The Government Order to this effect was issued on March 3, 2025.&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Shahid Shafi was appointed as a Medical Officer on May 29, 2018, through Government Order No. 333-HME of 2018, and he initially joined his duties in Block Pampore on August 13, 2018. However, it was noted that Dr. Shafi had resorted to unauthorized absence starting from April 4, 2022, which led to a series of actions by the Health and Medical Education Department to address the issue. </p><p>In response to Dr. Shafi’s absence, the Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Pampore issued a notice on April 11, 2022, giving him an opportunity to resume his duties within two days. Despite this, Dr. Shafi failed to report back.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/5-esi-doctors-among-9-staff-suspended-for-dereliction-of-duty-143533" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read: 5 ESI doctors among 9 staff suspended for dereliction of duty</b></a></p><p>Further steps were taken by the Health and Medical Education Department to address Dr. Shafi’s absence. A final show-cause notice was issued on June 23, 2023, giving him a 15-day window to return to work or face disciplinary action. The notice warned that failing to comply would result in ex-parte proceedings under Article 128 of the J&amp;K Civil Services Regulations, 1956.</p><p>Despite these multiple opportunities, Dr. Shafi did not return to work which not only impacted patient care but also set a concerning precedent within the department. </p><p>In June 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department appointed Dr. Anjum Afshan, the State Epidemiologist and Director of Health Services Kashmir, as the Inquiry Officer to investigate Dr. Shafi’s case of unauthorized absence. </p><p>After reviewing the case, the Inquiry Officer submitted a report to the Director of Health Services Kashmir on September 17, 2024. The report concluded that Dr. Shafi had no intention of returning to work and was occupying a position that was providing no benefit to the organization. Further investigations revealed that Dr. Shafi had been absconding since April 4, 2022, without providing any valid justification for his absence.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/mdtv/healthshorts/2-gsvm-doctors-terminated-for-being-absent-from-duty-143039" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read: 2 GSVM doctors terminated for being absent from duty</b></a></p><p>The order stated, "Absence without leave or after the end of leave results in the loss of appointment, except as provided in Article 203(b), or when due to ill health, in which case the absentee must produce a certificate from a Medical Officer."</p><p>In light of the findings, and based on Article 128 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Regulations, 1956, which mandates termination in cases of unauthorized absence, the government has formally terminated Dr. Shahid Shafi’s services effective from April 4, 2022—the date when his unauthorized absence began. </p><p>The decision also aligns with Rule 8(i) of the J&amp;K Civil Services Leave Rules, 1979, which specifies ''Leave cannot be claimed as a matter of right''.</p><p>To view the official order, click on the link below:</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/order4-278363.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/order4-278363.pdf</a></div>

181. Zydus Lifesciences venture capital arm injects in Illexcor Therapeutics to advance novel oral therapy for sickle cell disease

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/07/231758-investment-50.webp' /><p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: justify;">Pennington: Zynext Ventures USA LLC, the venture capital arm of<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/zydus-lifesciences"> Zydus Lifesciences,</a> has announced its <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/investment">investment</a> in Illexcor Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation oral therapies for </span><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/sickle-cell-disease">sickle cell disease</a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: justify;">(SCD).</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; ">Illexcor is developing a first-in-class oral drug that directly targets the root cause of SCD. Their lead asset, currently in preclinical development, is designed to bind to Hemoglobin S and effectively block polymerization and sickling, offering the potential for disease-modifying clinical benefits. </div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; ">Speaking on the development, Dr. Sharvil Patel, MD of Zydus Lifesciences, said, “This investment reflects our commitment to patients battling rare and orphan diseases. Recognizing the profound impact of sickle cell disease on patients' lives, we are pleased to support Illexcor in their efforts to develop a novel therapeutic solution addressing this critical unmet medical need.” </div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; ">Emphasizing the strategic significance of the investment, Jay Kothari, Director of Zynext Ventures said, “This investment is consistent with Zynext Ventures' objective of identifying and fostering transformative early-stage healthcare innovations. Beyond the financial backing, Zynext Ventures will leverage its unique data analytics and strategic expertise to accelerate Illexcor's path to delivering this potentially life-changing therapy globally.” </div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; ">Andrew Fleischman, CEO of Illexcor stated, “We are excited to partner with Zynext Ventures to advance our lead drug ILX002 into clinical trials later this year. We are hopeful that ILX002 will be a transformative treatment not only for SCD patients in the U.S. but also for millions around the globe. Zynext Ventures and Zydus Lifesciences are in a strategic position to help us achieve these goals.”</div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "> Sickle cell disease is a devastating and debilitating genetic condition that affects up to 10 million people worldwide. The disease continues to severely impact quality of life and longevity. Highly efficacious oral drug therapies are urgently needed to manage this condition on a global scale.</div>

182. Telangana's Crackdown on Quacks: 12 FIRs Registered

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:37:25 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/07/231754-action-against-quacks.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Hyderabad: The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/telangana-state-medical-council" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Telangana State Medical Council</a> (TSMC) has recently taken legal action against 12 individuals for illegally practicing medicine. Of these, eight practised in Hyderabad and its surrounding areas, while the remaining four were located in various districts.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"> <p style="text-align: justify; ">As part of the crackdown, FIRs have been registered at police stations nearest to the locations of these unauthorized healthcare facilities. The illegal practitioners were found in Vanasthalipuram, Dundigal, Bachupally, Sangareddy, and Banswada.</p></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><a class="also-read-media-wrap" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/tsmc-crackdown-on-quackery-400-firs-filed-against-quacks-140493"><img class="also-read-media" data-src="https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/07/20/181388-stop-quackery.webp"></a><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/tsmc-crackdown-on-quackery-400-firs-filed-against-quacks-140493"><span class="read-this-also">Also Read:</span>TSMC Crackdown on Quackery, 400 FIRs filed against Quacks</a><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/telangana-state-medical-council" target="_blank">Telangana State Medical Council</a> (TSMC) has filed 400 FIRs over the past year and issued notices to 40 doctors suspected of aiding these illegal practitioners. Following the recent raids to curb the growing issue of unqualified medical practitioners, this year, TGMC has registered cases against 15 <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/fake-doctors">fake doctors</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Speaking to&nbsp;<a href="https://telanganatoday.com/firs-against-12-quacks-registered-by-telangana-state-medical-council" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Telangana Today</a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">,&nbsp;</span>TS Medical Council Vice-Chairman Dr G Srinivas said,&nbsp;“Quacks posing as MBBS doctors are taking advantage of the vulnerable situation of patients. By prescribing antibiotics and other high-end medications without qualification, they are risking the lives of innocent people. There is a dire need to take action against such individuals”.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, in Sangareddy, the Srinivas Clinic, Dastagir Clinic, and Manikanta First-Aid Centre were targeted in the recent crackdown. Additionally, in Banswada, Kamareddy district, an FIR was lodged against another medical practitioner who ran Dhanwanari Clinic. In Dundigal, cases were registered against a doctor, who ran Sathvik Clinic, and also against the operator of Swetha Clinic. Similarly, in Bachupally, legal action was initiated against a doctor of Buchi Babu Clinic and Yesh First-Aid Centre, reports the Daily.</p></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><a class="also-read-media-wrap" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-medical-council-files-cases-against-15-quacks-144142"><img class="also-read-media" data-src="https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/07/231754-action-against-quacks.webp"></a><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-medical-council-files-cases-against-15-quacks-144142"><span class="read-this-also">Also Read:</span>Telangana Medical Council files cases against 15 Quacks</a><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The Vanasthalipuram region saw multiple cases, with FIRs lodged against doctors associated with Smart Cure Centre, Vasu Medical and General Store and Clinic, Ayansh Diagnostic Centre, and Raajarshy Infirmary. The Telangana State Medical Council has reiterated its commitment to eradicating the menace of quackery and ensuring that only qualified professionals provide medical care.</p></div>

183. Sacubitril/Valsartan Delivers Safer, Stronger Blood Pressure Control in CKD: Study Finds

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:30:50 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/04/13/207360-ambulatory-bp-monitoring.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Japan: A recent study has revealed that replacing angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/sacubitril">sacubitril/valsartan </a>can safely improve 24-hour <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/blood-pressure">blood pressure (BP)</a> management in individuals with advanced<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/chronic-kidney-disease"> chronic kidney disease (CKD)</a>. The findings, published in the <em>American Journal of Hypertension, </em>indicate that patients with non-dialysis CKD stages 4-5 who struggle to reach BP targets on ARBs may benefit from this therapeutic switch.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Chronic kidney disease is often associated with hypertension, which significantly contributes to disease progression and cardiovascular complications. Despite ARBs being a widely used antihypertensive option, many patients fail to achieve optimal BP control, necessitating alternative treatment strategies.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Against the above background, Hiromichi Wakui, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan, and colleagues assessed the impact of sacubitril/valsartan, a first-of-its-kind angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), on 24-hour blood pressure and its safety over a 12-weeks in Japanese patients with non-dialysis advanced chronic kidney disease. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">For this purpose, the researchers conducted a prospective, single-arm exploratory study, enrolling patients with non-dialysis CKD stage G4-5 (eGFR &lt;30 mL/min/1.73 m²) who failed to achieve BP targets with ARBs. These patients were switched to sacubitril/valsartan, and the study evaluated changes in 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) over 12 weeks. Safety outcomes, including a ≥30% rise in serum creatinine and incidence of hyperkalemia, were also assessed. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study revealed the following findings:</p><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">A total of 30 patients were enrolled, with 29 switching to sacubitril/valsartan.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Efficacy analysis was conducted on 26 patients.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The baseline mean eGFR was 21.1±5.0 mL/min/1.73m².</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Baseline office BP was 149.4±23.7/80.7±11.9 mmHg.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Baseline 24-hour BP was 139.6±17.7/77.0±7.8 mmHg.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Baseline daytime BP was 143.5±18.5/79.6±8.7 mmHg.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Baseline nighttime BP was 131.0±20.4/71.1±8.8 mmHg.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">After 12 weeks, 24-hour SBP decreased by -7.1±12.4 mmHg.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Daytime SBP reduced by -7.7±12.9 mmHg.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Nighttime SBP showed a non-significant reduction of -5.8±15.8 mmHg.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">No cases of potassium levels exceeding 6.0 mmol/L were observed.</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers showed that switching from ARBs to sacubitril/valsartan provides a safe and effective strategy for enhancing 24-hour blood pressure control in patients with non-dialysis CKD stage G4-5 who fail to achieve target BP levels with ARBs. Based on this, they suggested that this approach may offer better hypertension management without compromising renal function or increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Given the challenges of managing hypertension in CKD patients, these findings emphasize the importance of personalized treatment approaches. By integrating sacubitril/valsartan into clinical practice, healthcare providers may be able to enhance BP control in patients who do not achieve desired outcomes with ARBs alone," the authors concluded.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Kinguchi, S., Ishiga, K., Wakui, H., Azushima, K., Kanaoka, T., Kobayashi, Y., Haze, T., Hirawa, N., &amp; Tamura, K. Switching from ARBs to sacubitril/valsartan safely improves 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. American Journal of Hypertension. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajh/hpaf028</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

184. Indian Study Finds 43 Percent Higher Osteoarthritis Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:15:27 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/05/277112-osteoarthritis.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">India: A recent umbrella review published in the <em>European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery &amp; Traumatology </em>has revealed a significant link between <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/type-2-diabetes">type 2 diabetes (T2D)</a> and<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/osteoarthritis"> osteoarthritis (OA)</a>.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Analyzing data from multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses involving over 26,000 OA patients, researchers found that those with T2D had a 43% higher risk of developing OA compared to non-diabetic individuals (OR = 1.43). The association remained even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/obesity">obesity</a>, suggesting T2D may independently contribute to OA development.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study highlights potential mechanisms behind this link, including chronic hyperglycemia leading to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which accelerate cartilage degradation and joint damage. Systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and altered lipid metabolism in T2D may further exacerbate joint deterioration. Additionally, obesity and biomechanical factors like altered gait patterns place extra stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Obesity is a well-established risk factor for both T2D and OA, and its role as a confounder in the relationship between these two conditions is significant. While the association between T2D and OA persisted after adjusting for BMI, the strength of the association was somewhat attenuated, indicating that obesity plays a substantial role but does not entirely explain the link. Recognizing the need to explore this relationship further, Dr. Raju Vaishya, Department of Orthopaedics, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, India, and colleagues conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to explore the potential bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Key Findings:</p><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Four systematic reviews were analyzed, including three meta-analyses.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Data from 26,209 osteoarthritis patients were considered, including 3,530 with type 2 diabetes and 22,679 without diabetes.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Patients with type 2 diabetes had a significantly higher risk of developing osteoarthritis (OR = 1.43).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The association remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, and obesity (pooled adjusted OR = 1.22).</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; ">Dr. Vaishya and colleagues highlight the crucial clinical implications of their findings, urging physicians to actively screen diabetic patients for osteoarthritis (OA), especially those with joint pain or mobility issues. Early diagnosis and timely intervention could help slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes. Effective management through weight control, glycemic regulation, and inflammation reduction may benefit both conditions.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"With the rising prevalence of T2D and OA, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, preventive strategies are essential. Awareness campaigns and integrated healthcare approaches addressing metabolic and musculoskeletal health could help reduce the burden of these diseases," the authors noted.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">They further emphasized the need for research to clarify the causal pathways linking T2D and OA. "High-quality longitudinal studies controlling for confounding factors, particularly obesity, are necessary. Future research should also explore targeted therapies like anti-inflammatory or AGE-modulating treatments to lower OA risk in diabetic patients," they added.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Concluding, the researchers emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. "Early detection and integrated care are key to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these chronic conditions," they affirmed.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">1. Vaishya R, Misra A, Patralekh MK, Kalra P, Vaish A, Migliorini F. Association of Type 2 Diabetes and Osteoarthritis : an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 35, 111 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-025-04231-6</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

185. Hyderabad: Nursing School's License Cancelled Over Fraud Allegations

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:15:05 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278475-license-cancelled.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Hyderabad-</b> The Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare has cancelled the license of Nightingale Nursing School located at Masab Tank in Hyderabad.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> The license was cancelled after an inquiry conducted on March 7 after a social activist complained about the fraudulent activities allegedly taking place in the Institute.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, the Director of Medical Education (DME) has been directed to submit an alternative plan for the continuation of education of students for the current academic year in other nursing schools within 15 days.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">According to TheSiasatDaily report, the move came after persistent representations by social activist Dr Sarvath against the alleged fraudulent operations of Nightingale Nursing School. The activists had alleged that Nightingale School of Nursing was humiliating 69 female students belonging to SC, ST and BC communities, ruining their careers as the college had withheld all their original memos including SSC certificates.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/hc-grants-bail-to-doctor-accused-of-illegal-kidney-transplant-at-hyderabad-hospital-144854"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>HC grants bail to Doctor Accused of Illegal Kidney Transplant at Hyderabad Hospital</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">In this regard, she stated, “In the public interest we have already submitted a list of 69 students as per the information obtained from the students/parents to the DME, TGMNC, and Medical Secretariat”.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Along with this, she also alleged that the institute demanded exorbitant fees while failing to conduct regular classes and laboratory sessions, and the students have to face inhuman hostel conditions as well as humiliating behaviour by the college administration. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">On this, she mentioned “We now urge the DME to obtain the originals of the students from the fraud college and to ensure college allocation so that their academic year can continue, and students can attend the classes and labs. We look forward to the poor SC/ST/BC girl students resuming their General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) class sessions with dignity, hope and confidence”, quoted <a href="https://www.siasat.com/telangana-govt-cancels-nightingale-nursing-school-license-3193256/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TheSiasatDaily</a>.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telanganas-crackdown-on-quacks-12-firs-registered-144836"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>Telangana's Crackdown on Quacks: 12 FIRs Registered</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

186. Vacant Posts, Unwilling Professors! AP GMCs in crisis as 32 percent eligible Doctors Decline Promotions

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:59 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/04/12/236085-faculty-shortage.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Vijayawada: </b>The faculty shortage in Andhra Pradesh's Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) has deepened, with 32% of eligible government doctors refusing promotions to Professor positions, despite 33% of GMC posts remaining vacant.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Concerned by this alarming trend, Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav has directed the Special Chief Secretary to implement measures to address faculty shortages and encourage doctors to take up promotions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to a report by The New Indian Express, in a recent promotion exercise, 28 Associate Professors from 12 clinical and non-clinical departments were invited for counselling. However, only 19 accepted promotions, while nine declined due to unfavourable college locations. Despite their refusal, all nine were still promoted based on vacancies, although they are unlikely to join.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This crisis is part of a larger faculty shortage in the state’s medical education sector. Earlier reports from the&nbsp; Medical Dialogues team indicate that over 8,000 positions, including 17 professor-level posts, remain vacant in government medical colleges. The shortage extends beyond rural areas, affecting urban institutions as well. For instance, Government General Hospital in Vijayawada has around 46 vacant posts, while Guntur Medical College faces a shortage of about 65 positions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Also Read: <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/ap-to-fill-8000-vacant-posts-in-govt-medical-colleges-141989">AP to fill 8000 vacant posts in Govt Medical Colleges</a></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As per The <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/minister-expresses-concern-over-professor-posts-in-govt-medical-colleges-lying-vacant/article69318190.ece" rel="nofollow">Hindu</a>, the latest round of promotions included four vacancies in General Surgery and Psychiatry, three each in General Medicine, Pediatrics, and Anesthesia, two each in Orthopedics, Pulmonary Medicine, Radiology, and Community Medicine, and one vacancy each in ENT, Anatomy, and Pharmacology.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To qualify for promotion to Professor, Associate Professors must have at least three years of teaching experience and two research publications in reputed medical journals.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Yadav pointed to a policy change as a key reason behind the refusals, noting that candidates can now decline promotions indefinitely, whereas earlier, they were limited to two refusals. Concerned about the growing faculty shortage, he directed the Special Chief Secretary to devise a plan to fill the vacancies. He stressed that the unwillingness of doctors to accept postings in less-preferred locations has deepened the crisis, making it necessary to introduce policy reforms that not only incentivize promotions but also, if required, enforce mandatory acceptance to maintain adequate staffing levels, reports <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2025/Mar/12/doctors-reject-government-medical-college-professor-posts" rel="nofollow">TNIE</a>.</p></div></div>

187. DME Tripura notifies on NEET PG Special Vacancy Round Counselling Registrations, Check Details

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:49 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/12/278243-special-stray-vacancy-round.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Tripura- </b>The Director of Medical Education (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/dme-tripura" target="_blank">DME) Tripura</a> has commenced the Tripura State National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET PG) Special Vacancy Round Counselling for the academic year 2024.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">As per the notification released in this regard, all eligible candidates who wish to appear in the special stray vacancy round of Tripura State <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-pg" target="_blank">NEET PG</a> 2024 counselling can apply through the official website of Tripura State NEET PG Counselling till 14 March 2025, 12 noon. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Below is the detailed schedule for the Special Stray Vacancy Round of Tripura State NEET PG 2024 <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/counselling" target="_blank">Counselling</a>-</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/tripura-dme-extends-neet-pg-2024-stray-vacancy-round-choice-filling-deadline-till-tomorrow-143628"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>Tripura DME Extends NEET PG 2024 Stray Vacancy Round Choice Filling Deadline Till Tomorrow</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>SCHEDULE</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="52"><col width="364"><col width="208"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>S.NO</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>EVENTS</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>DATES</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Online Registration by the candidates (For fresh candidates only, NOT required for previously registered candidates).</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">12 March 2025, 12 Noon to 14 March 2025, 12 noon.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Publication of Merit List.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15 March 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Choice Filling by the candidates.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15 March 2025 (5 PM onwards) to 17 March 2025(up to 10 AM)</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Allotment Result.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">17 March 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Submission of allotment, service bond etc. at the office of DME.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">18 March 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Nomination is to be collected from the DME office by a candidate allotted a seat.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">18 March 2025 (3 PM onwards) to 19 March 2025 (up to 5 PM)</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">7</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Physical verification of original documents and other admission formalities and Admission in the allotted admitting Institutions.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">18 to 20 March 2025 (up to 5 pm)</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Last Date of Admission.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">20 March 2025 (up to 5 pm)</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, UR, EWS and OBC-NCL (Tripura State Domicile) candidates will have to pay Rs 8,000 and ST, SC, PWD and OBC-NCL (Non Domicile) candidates will have to pay Rs 7,000 as a registration fee.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The Eligibility of candidates to participate in the Special Stray Vacancy Round is reiterated as under-</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">1 Candidates who are 'Not Holding/joined' any seat in the previous rounds of NEETPG Counselling, 2024 of All India Quota/State Quota/ Deemed University. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">2 Candidates having a percentile score of 5% and above (for all categories).</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/dme-tripura-releases-neet-pg-stray-vacancy-round-seat-matrix-check-details-143462"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>DME Tripura Releases NEET PG Stray Vacancy Round Seat Matrix. check details</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>NON-ELIGIBILITY</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">1 Candidates who have not applied online for the Special Stray Vacancy Round.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">2 Candidate joined/holding any seat from either State or MCC Counselling at the time of the Special Stray Vacancy Round. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">3 Candidates were allotted a seat in Round 3 or Stray Vacancy Round of Tripura State NEETPG 2024 Counselling.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>SEAT MATRIX</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">In connection with the Special Stray Vacancy of Tripura State NEET PG 2024Counselling, the seat matrix is for PG (MD/MS) courses at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) &amp; Tripura Medical College (TMC) for state quota/domicile candidates, Post MBBS Diploma courses at IGM Hospital for eligible in-service doctors of the state of Tripura and PG (MD/MS) courses at Tripura Medical College (TMC) for candidates who passed MBBS from AGMC or TMC, irrespective of their domicile status.</p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="50"><col width="366"><col width="208"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>S.NO</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>SUBJECTS</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>TOTAL SEATS</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Community Medicine (MD).</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Physiology (MD).</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Pharmacology (MD).</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Family Medicine, D.Fam Med, NBEMS.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>TOTAL</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>6</b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATES</u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">1 Online registration is required only for fresh candidates and not for already registered candidates. However, all candidates (both newly registered and previously registered) must successfully submit the declaration form by clicking on the button "Apply Now" from their profile home page. This must be done after signing into their account through the counselling website to be eligible for participation in the Special Stray Vacancy Round of Tripura State NEET PG Counselling. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">If any candidate does not complete the entire process, his/her candidature will not be accepted for the Special Stray Vacancy Round of Tripura State NEET PG Counselling. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Registration fees shall have to be deposited through the online counselling portal only. Documents of Eligibility, NEET PG 2024 score Card and all other relevant certificates shall have to be uploaded during Online Registration.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">2 As there is a possibility of seat de-reservation, all eligible candidates are requested to fill in their choices based on their preferences, regardless of the category of seat availability. During choice filling, please go through your submitted choices before locking, as once the choices are locked, they cannot be modified or changed even if you have made a mistake. It may result in the allotment of a seat which you never wanted. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">3 If a candidate is allotted a seat in the Special Stray Vacancy Round, he/she has to report &amp; join the allotted seat at college/institute else he/she shall be debarred from the NEET PG examination for subsequent 1 year along with forfeiture of security deposit. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">4 Any candidate submitted false/ fabricated/ untrue/ partially true/ incomplete/illegitimate/ illegible documents in support of eligibility/qualification/ status or not comprising with the norms and guidelines of NBEMS/MCC/NMC/Ministry of Ayush/ MoHFW/Govt of Tripura/ Admitting Institution and other relevant Statutory Authority, his/her allotment/nomination/ admission may be cancelled at any point of time even after admission. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">5 The fresh candidates are also reminded to go through the information bulletin and earlier notifications issued by the Director of Medical Education, Govt. of Tripura in respect to the earlier Rounds of Tripura NEET UG 2024 Counselling to keep abreast of the counselling. </p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the notification, click the link below</i></u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/dme-tripura-begins-neet-pg-2024-special-vacancy-round-counselling-registration-today-check-all-details-here-278248.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/dme-tripura-begins-neet-pg-2024-special-vacancy-round-counselling-registration-today-check-all-details-here-278248.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

188. HC dismisses plea to appoint Dialysis Technicians in Govt Hospitals

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:13 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/08/10/182952-madras-high-court-3.webp' /><p><b>Madurai:</b> The Madurai Bench of the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics//madras-high-court">Madras High Court</a> recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the appointment of a sufficient number of permanent dialysis technicians in government hospitals across the state. The Court noted that matters related to the creation of new posts and recruitment are within the government's policy jurisdiction.</p><p>The petition was filed by activist C. Anand Raj of Madurai in 2024, who raised concerns over the quality of dialysis treatment provided in government hospitals.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/madras-hc-seeks-response-on-plea-alleging-lack-of-doctors-to-operate-ultrasound-machines-144114" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read: Madras HC seeks response on plea alleging lack of doctors to operate ultrasound machines</b></a></p><p>According to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/hc-dismisses-plea-to-post-dialysis-technicians-in-ghs/articleshow/118901841.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI</a>, activist C Anand Raj of Madurai said in a public interest litigation petition filed in 2024 that dialysis treatment was being carried out in govt hospitals with temporary staff and trainees. This would affect the quality of treatment for patients. Since there was a shortage of dialysis technicians in all govt hospitals in the southern districts, he had moved to court seeking direction in this regard. Earlier, the director of medical education and research (DME) submitted a proposal to the govt justifying the creation of dialysis technician posts.</p><p>The bench, consisting of Justices J. Nisha Banu and S. Srimathy, passed the order after hearing submissions from the government counsel, who argued that the Tamil Nadu government had already implemented a policy decision in 2020 prohibiting the creation of new posts in any department. As a result, the judges clarified that the court cannot compel the government to create new positions through judicial orders.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/delayed-but-not-denied-hc-relief-to-eligible-professors-for-dean-posts-144266"><b>Also Read: Delayed But Not Denied: HC Relief to eligible Professors for Dean Posts</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">According to </span><a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Mar/12/madras-hc-dismisses-pil-seeking-permanent-dialysis-technicians-in-government-hospitals" rel="nofollow">TNIE</a><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">, it could be noted that the earlier division bench, which consisted of justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete, had directed the government to appoint permanent dialysis technicians on a war footing. The bench also pulled up the health department for ignoring the aforesaid order and a recommendation letter sent by the Director of Medical Education (DME) for the creation of new posts of dialysis technicians.</span></div></div><p>However, when the matter was presented before the current bench, the government counsel clarified that there was no shortage of dialysis technicians in state-run medical institutions. The counsel highlighted that the state had already taken proactive steps to address the issue by recruiting 158 permanent dialysis technicians to staff the existing dialysis units across the state. </p><p>Additionally, 268 dialysis technicians had been recruited through the Medical Recruitment Board (MRB) and the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), while 240 students were working as interns to gain practical experience in dialysis care. The government counsel, further citing the ban, requested the dismissal of the petition.</p>

189. Christian Medical College Ludhiana Holds 126th Annual Convocation, 260 Graduates Awarded

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:06 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/12/278310-126th-annual-convocation.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Ludhiana-</b>&nbsp;The Christian Medical College, Christian Dental College, College of Nursing, College of Physiotherapy and Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Ludhiana recently held their 126th Annual <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/convocation" target="_blank">Convocation </a>with traditional grandeur at the college campus. Professor Vivek Lal, Director, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/pgimer" target="_blank">PGIMER</a>, Chandigarh was present as the Chief Guest at the event.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">According to a TribuneIndia Media News report, Christian Medical College Director Dr William Bhatti welcomed everyone, while the Principal Dr Jayaraj D Pandian administered the Hippocratic oath to the graduates and presented the college's annual report. The report highlighted the achievements, awards and honours earned by the faculty and students during the past year.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/aiims-bathinda-convocation-held-49-degrees-awarded-to-mbbs-graduates-144786"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>AIIMS Bathinda Convocation held, 49 degrees awarded to MBBS graduates</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Addressing the gathering, Professor Vivek Lal urged the graduates to be sensitive towards the health needs of the society and fulfil their duty of providing holistic healthcare. He also encouraged them to remain lifelong learners and stay updated with the latest developments. Professor Lal hoped that many graduates would serve in the remote areas of India in line with the mission of Christian Medical College.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, a total of 260 graduates from Christian Medical College, Christian Dental College, College of Nursing, College of Physiotherapy and Institute of Allied Health Sciences received their degrees. Prizes and medals were presented to students who excelled in academic activities by the chief guest Professor Vivek Lal, PGI Director, report TribuneIndia.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Notable awards included the Elizabeth Gopal Krishnan Gold Medal Scholarship Merit Award for the best outgoing MBBS student in Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology, which was presented to Diksha Arora and Jacob Jalal. Along with this, Dr Divya Handa received the Vipin Khanna Memorial Gold Medal for the best trainee and Diksha Arora was honoured as the best outgoing student for overall academic excellence.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/28-year-old-pharma-md-accused-of-molesting-senior-employee-fir-registered-144677"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>28-Year-Old Pharma MD Accused of Molesting Senior Employee, FIR Registered</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

190. Coronary artery calcium associated with prevalence of diastolic dysfunction: BMC

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:15:49 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/02/15/170535-coronary-artery-calcium.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published in the journal of <i>BMC Medicine</i> showed that coronary artery calcium (CAC) and diastolic dysfunction (DD) prevalence were significantly correlated in the general population, and both subclinical measures were linked to higher mortality.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Regardless of recognized risk variables including age, sex, ethnicity, or cardiovascular comorbidities, the CAC is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. On the other hand, nothing is known about how DD and CAC work together to reduce mortality in the general population. Therefore, Ki Hong Choi and team carried out this study to find out how often DD is, how it progresses based on the severity of CAC, and how they work together to reduce mortality.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This study was a cohort study based on the population. Every one of the 15,193 persons who had a health screening examination that included both a CAC scan and echocardiography at the same time was recruited. Both definite or probable DD (≥2/4) and definite DD (≥3/4 aberrant values for DD [e′, E/e′, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, and left atrial volume index]) were identified. Based on the CAC and DD, all-cause mortality was calculated.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Of the individuals in the population, 7995 had CAC = 0, 4661 had 0 &lt; CAC &lt; 100, and 2537 had CAC &gt; 100. Those with CAC = 0 had considerably lower prevalence ratios for definite and definite or probable DD than those with CAC = 100. The linear relationship between CAC and E/e′ was significant.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The adjusted HRs with 95% CI for mortality of CAC ≥100 without definite DD, CAC &lt;100 with definite DD, and CAC ≥100 with definite DD were 2.56, 3.08, and 3.91, respectively, in comparison to CAC &lt;100 without definite DD. Significant CAC was substantially linked to quicker development in definite DD over time, with a faster elevation of E/e′ during follow-up among subjects with at least two echocardiographic measures who did not have DD at the time of CAC assessment.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Overall, there was a significant correlation between CAC and DD in a general population that had a thorough health screening examination that included both a CAC scan and echocardiography at the same time. The risk of mortality was higher for patients with both subclinical measures than for those with only one.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Source:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Choi, K. H., Kang, D., Lee, S. H., Kim, D., Cho, S. W., Choi, S.-H., Park, T. K., Lee, J. M., Song, Y. B., Hahn, J.-Y., Choi, S.-H., Gwon, H.-C., Cho, S. J., &amp; Yang, J. H. (2025). Impact of coronary artery calcium on progression of diastolic dysfunction: a cohort study. BMC Medicine, 23(1). <a href="https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-025-03956-9" rel="nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-03956-9</a></p>

191. Childhood Abuse Leaves Doubling Risk of Health and Mental Health Issues in Adulthood, Finds Study

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278359-mdtv-2025-03-13t110859863.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published this week in <i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Child-Maltreatment">Child Maltreatment</a></i> found that in comparison to those who had not been abused in childhood, adults who had experienced both childhood physical and sexual abuse had approximately double the odds of physical and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mental-health">mental health</a> conditions, including angina, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/arthritis">arthritis</a>, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/asthma">asthma</a>, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/COPD">COPD</a>, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/heart-attack">heart attack</a>, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/depression">depression</a>, and disability -- even after considering respondents’ age, race, income, and health behaviors, as well as <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/obesity">obesity</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those who had been sexually abused, but not physically abused, were 55% to 90% more likely to experience these health outcomes compared to their peers who had not experienced any abuse. Adults who were physically abused, but not sexually abused, also had significantly elevated odds of these health outcomes compared to the non-abused, but the associations were more modest</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In exploring this association, the study also examined whether the presence of an adult in the home who made the child feel safe and protected was associated with better long-term health outcomes among children who experienced abuse.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The presence of a protective adult was not only important for children who had experienced abuse, but important for children who had not been abused as well. Children without a protective adult in their home, irrespective of childhood abuse status, were 20% to 40% more likely to experience adverse physical health outcomes and twice as likely to suffer from depression in adulthood.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The study’s authors point to the need for future research to unpack these findings in particular.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It will be important in future research to investigate why some adults in the home are not adequately protective of children, and to discuss potential primary prevention interventions that can help parents provide a more protective environment for children,” said co-author Philip Baiden, an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington</div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ref: The Role of Protective Adults in Mitigating Health Outcomes Linked to Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse., Child Maltreatment (2025). DOI: 10.1177/10775595251322084</div><div></div></div>

192. Revolutionary Polio Vaccine Offers Safer, More Accessible Immunization for a Polio-Free Future: Study Finds

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:45:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278358-mdtv-2025-03-13t110458175.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have taken a major step towards producing a more affordable and lower-risk <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/polio-vaccine">polio vaccine</a> using <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/virus">virus</a>-like particles (VLPs). These particles mimic the outer protein shell of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/poliovirus">poliovirus</a>, but are empty inside. This means there is no risk of infection, but the VLP still causes the immune system to respond. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a paper published in <i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Nature-Communications">Nature Communications</a></i>, the findings show that VLPs produced in both yeast and insect cells can perform equally or better than the current inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which creates an immune system response by using a killed version of the poliovirus. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Professor Stonehouse, the senior author of the research said: “Any vaccine is only as effective as the number of children that it reaches. The key is to make vaccines universally accessible, as all children have a right to be protected from diseases such as polio, no matter where they live. Ultimately, VLPs would significantly contribute to vaccine equity. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Currently, IPV is relatively expensive to produce because it requires high levels of bio-containment to minimise the risk of leaks of live poliovirus, which could result in outbreaks. VLPs are non-infectious and would not need to be handled under such stringent bio-safety conditions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oral polio vaccine (OPV), which contains live but weakened vaccine-virus, is also used in vaccination against polio. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Non-infectious VLPs are easier to produce than current IPVs and the research has shown they are more temperature stable, thanks to genetic alteration of the outer shell. As they are non-infectious, this means they will be less expensive to produce, helping to improve equitable access to vaccination. </div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ref: Sherry, L., Bahar, M.W., Porta, C. et al. Recombinant expression systems for production of stabilised virus-like particles as next-generation polio vaccines. Nat Commun 16, 831 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56118-z</div><div></div></div>

193. TyG-body mass index and TyG-waist circumference may predict ischemic stroke risk, reveals research

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:30:51 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/11/11/225135-triglyceride-to-hdl-cholesterol.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published in the journal of <i>Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice</i> revealed that across all glucose metabolism groups, higher triglyceride-glucose (TyG) indices, like TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI), and TyG-waist circumference (TyG-WC), were linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Insulin resistance (IR) is a recognized risk factor for ischemic stroke, can be evaluated using triglyceride-glucose (TyG) related indices, such as TyG, TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI), and TyG-waist circumference (TyG-WC). Early studies have demonstrated the importance of these indices in a number of metabolic conditions, yet, nothing is known about how well they predict ischemic stroke across a range of glucose metabolic states. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Using data from the UK Biobank, this study investigates the association between ischemic stroke risk and baseline TyG-related indicators across a range of glucose metabolic states. Keyu Bian and colleagues wanted to validate the use of these indicators in early identification and intervention for groups at increased risk of stroke through this comprehensive prospective cohort investigation.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Using data from the UK Biobank, this study examined 392,733 individuals who were free of ischemic stroke at baseline and were divided into groups according to the American Diabetes Association's criteria for normal glucose, prediabetes, and diabetes. Baseline measurements of fasting blood glucose and triglycerides were used to calculate TyG-related indicators. The incidence of ischemic stroke was evaluated by tracking the participants for a median of 14.68 years. The relationships between TyG indices and stroke risk were investigated using Cox proportional hazards models that controlled for clinical and demographic factors.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The findings of this study found ischemic stroke to occur in 8033 patients throughout the follow-up period. In every group with glucose metabolism, higher TyG-related indices were linked to a higher risk of stroke. The highest correlations were shown in the groups with prediabetes and normal glucose.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Across the TyG, TyG-BMI, and TyG-WC index quartiles, the risk of stroke gradually rose. While the TyG-BMI and TyG-WC indices shown considerable predictive power in the prediabetes and normal glucose groups, this study indicated that each unit increase in the TyG index significantly increased the risk of stroke in diabetics.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Overall, the risk of ischemic stroke may be accurately predicted by TyG-related indices, specifically TyG-BMI and TyG-WC, especially in those with prediabetes and normal blood sugar levels. These results highlight the usefulness of TyG indices as instruments for early identification and preventative measures in managing the risk of stroke throughout different glucose metabolism stages.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Bian, K., Hou, C., Jin, H., Feng, X., Peng, M., Zhao, X., Yuan, X., Sun, W., Feng, H., &amp; Xu, G. (2025). Association between Triglyceride-Glucose indices and ischemic stroke risk across different glucose metabolism statuses. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 222(112064), 112064. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168822725000786" rel="nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112064</a></p>

194. Scientists Harness Bile-Converting Bacteria to Heal Damaged Colons

     Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:30:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278357-mdtv-2025-03-13t110109556.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">The human <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/gut">gut </a>is home to trillions of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/bacteria">bacteria </a>that play vital roles in <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/digestion">digestion</a>, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/immunity">immunity</a>, and overall health. When this microbial balance is disturbed, it can contribute to the development of chronic diseases like<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/ulcerative-colitis"> ulcerative colitis</a> (UC), an inflammatory condition of the large intestine. For some patients, current treatments offer limited relief or carry significant risks, including immune suppression. Researchers are now exploring alternative ways to restore gut health, focusing on the microbiome’s ability to heal the intestinal lining.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The research teams led by Kristina Schoonjans and Rizlan Bernier-Latmani at EPFL, have identified Clostridium scindens, a <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/bacterium">bacterium </a>that converts primary bile acids into 7α-dehydroxylated bile acids, as a key player in gut healing. Their study shows that supplementing the gut with this bacterium could improve recovery from colonic injury, offering a new potential therapy for UC and related disorders.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The researchers found that these effects were dependent on TGR5, a receptor that responds to 7α-dehydroxylated bile acids, which stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">To further validate their findings, they analyzed patient data to determine whether similar mechanisms were at play in humans. They found that in UC patients, the lower levels of 7α-dehydroxylated bile acids strongly correlated with impaired intestinal cell renewal. This reinforces the link between bile acid metabolism and intestinal healing. “Our findings highlight the potential of microbiome-targeted strategies to modulate bile acid metabolism and promote gut healing,” says Antoine Jalil, the first author of the study.</div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ref: Jalil A, Perin A et al. (2025). Bile acid 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria accelerate injury-induced mucosal healing in the colon. EMBO Molecular Medicine 10 March 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s44321-025-00202-w</div><div></div></div>

195. Ultrasonographic evaluation of palatoglossal space may predict difficult mask ventilation: Study

     Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:00:13 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2021/11/13/163884-difficult-airway.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Recent study explores the use of Modified Mallampati grading (MMG), ultrasonography at the submandibular region, and tongue thickness (TT) to predict difficult mask ventilation (DMV) and difficult laryngoscopy (DL). Unanticipated difficult mask ventilation has a high incidence rate despite various predictors for anticipating it, highlighting the need for accurate assessments. MMG and ultrasonography are discussed as potential tools to visualize airway structures and predict airway closure. The study involved adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, where the submandibular region was assessed using ultrasonography to measure palatoglossal space (PGS) and tongue thickness. PGS was significantly associated with DMV, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.989, indicating its high predictive value. A PGS cut-off value of 6.8 mm had a sensitivity of 94.4% in predicting DMV, making it a valuable tool for airway assessment.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Assessment of Tongue Thickness and Palatoglossal Space in Predicting Difficult Mask Ventilation</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tongue thickness was also assessed, with a cut-off value of 41 mm showing specificity but limited sensitivity in predicting DMV. The study emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of assessing PGS compared to obtaining dimensions, highlighting its utility as a rapid point-of-care ultrasound tool for predicting DMV. Additionally, the study compared PGS and TT in predicting both DMV and DL, providing insights into their respective sensitivities and specificities. The findings showed that an obliterated PGS had high sensitivity in predicting DL, indicating its potential as a robust predictor for airway difficulties.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Utility of Palatoglossal Space and Tongue Thickness in Predicting Airway Difficulties</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The research also discusses previous studies that attempted to create scoring systems for identifying DMV but notes the challenges of using multiple parameters in assessments. Instead, the study suggests that PGS could serve as a valuable single parameter for predicting DMV due to its high sensitivity. The study concludes that PGS, alongside TT, can offer valuable insights into predicting airway difficulties during procedures requiring mask ventilation and laryngoscopy. Overall, the use of PGS and TT through ultrasonography presents promising avenues for enhancing the prediction of difficult airway management in clinical practice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Key Points</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Modified Mallampati grading (MMG), ultrasonography at the submandibular region, and tongue thickness (TT) were studied to predict difficult mask ventilation (DMV) and difficult laryngoscopy (DL) in adult patients undergoing elective surgery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Ultrasonography was used to measure palatoglossal space (PGS) in the submandibular region, with PGS showing a significant association with DMV, indicated by an AUC of 0.989 and a sensitivity of 94.4% at a cut-off value of 6.8 mm.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Tongue thickness was also assessed, but with limited sensitivity in predicting DMV, contrasting with the effectiveness of PGS assessment.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- An obliterated PGS was found to have high sensitivity in predicting DL, suggesting its potential as a robust predictor for airway difficulties.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Previous studies used multiple parameters for DMV prediction, but this study suggests that PGS alone could be a valuable single parameter due to its high sensitivity.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- The study concludes that PGS, in combination with TT, offers valuable insights into predicting airway difficulties during procedures involving mask ventilation and laryngoscopy, showing promising avenues for improving difficult airway management predictions in clinical settings.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Reference –</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sekhar S, Kundra P, Mohan VK, Senthilnathan M, Ramesh A. Ultrasonographic evaluation of palatoglossal space to predict difficult mask ventilation – A prospective observational study. Indian J Anaesth 2025;69:315-8.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br></p>

196. Case of Knee joint synovial hemangioma treated with arthroscopic resection without hemarthrosis: A report

     Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:30:26 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/25/276011-knee-swollen.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Intra-articular synovial hemangioma of the knee is a relatively rare benign tumor that if left undiagnosed and treated may be followed by degenerative cartilaginous changes and osteoarthritis. However, the non-specific symptoms of synovial hemangiomas limit its early diagnosis. <i>Ryota Uemura et al</i> reported their encounter with synovial hemangioma of the knee in which the diagnosis was based on a &gt; 20-year history of chronic pain without joint swelling or hematoma. This case has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria in ‘International Journal of Surgery Case Reports.’</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Case report </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It describes a 34-year-old man who had experienced left knee joint pain since he was 14. He received symptomatic treatment at a chiropractic clinic each time he experienced the pain. However, the symptoms continued to recur even after 20 years, and the patient was referred to author’s hospital for examination. There was no history of trauma. At the time of examination, the range of motion of the left knee joint was good, and there were no obvious tumorous lesions on visual or palpation examinations. However, slight tenderness was observed at the upper edge of the patella. There was no pain at rest; however, he complained of pain at the patellar upper edge during squatting. Thigh circumference measurement revealed quadriceps femoris atrophy in the left leg (40.0 cm) compared to the right leg (43.0 cm). The authors suspected the presence of a discoid meniscus, intraarticular loose body, or intraarticular tumor and performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which revealed a multilocular tumor formation on the patellar upper edge. CT scan revealed an unclear tumor in the patellar pouch, with no calcification or ossification inside the tumor. The bone cortex adjacent to the patellar upper edge was indistinct, and small bone-lucent areas were observed around it. Slightly sclerotic images were observed at the edge of the bone-lucent area, which suggested erosion. Based on these findings, pigmented villonodular synovitis was suspected. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The patient was provided with detailed information on the characteristics of the tumor and surgical treatment (arthroscopic excision or open excision). First, a portal was created on the outside of the patella. The joint was observed using arthroscopy and was shown to exhibit synovial hyperplasia. A tumorous lesion of approximately 20 mm in diameter was found, covered in fibrous tissue on the upper edge of the patella. Next, portals were created on the inside and outside of the upper patella and tumor excision was started. When an incision was made on the surface of the tumor using a sharp blade, synovium-like tissue with abundant blood flow was exposed from the inside. A shaver and a vaporizer were used to remove the tumor, expose the patellar ligament tissue, and confirm the upper edge of the patella. The tumor was observed to have infiltrated the patella bone; therefore, excavations were performed at the same site. After confirming that the entire tumor had been sufficiently excised, a portal was added on the inside of the patella, and the synovial tissue inside the joint was excised. No obvious arthritic changes were observed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Histological examination revealed blood vessels of various sizes against a background of fibrous and adipose tissue. It had numerous vascular structures showing ERG positivity within the nodules with sclerotic changes, leading to the diagnosis of cavernous synovial hemangioma. At the 1-year follow-up, MRI revealed that the tumor was fully excised, with no signs of residual or recurrent tumors. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The authors concluded - “Accurate diagnosis and appropriate early treatment are necessary for synovial hemangiomas, similar to other tumors. In this case, the synovial hemangioma was not noted on follow-up MRI at 3 months or 1 year post-surgery. The patient's clinical symptoms were relieved, and there was no recurrence even 1 year after the surgery. When a patient presents with recurrent knee joint pain, it is necessary to consider synovial hemangiomas as a differential diagnosis, even when knee joint swelling is absent.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Further reading: </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Knee joint synovial hemangioma treated with arthroscopic resection without hemarthrosis: A case report Ryota Uemura et al International Journal of Surgery Case Reports 116 (2024) 109352 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109352</p>

197. Hallucinogen use linked to 2.6-fold increase in risk of death for people needing emergency care: Study

     Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:00:29 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/03/276793-untitled-design-2025-03-03t121704426.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">People seeking emergency care for hallucinogen use were at 2.6-fold higher risk of death within 5 years than the general population, according to a new study published in <i>CMAJ</i>. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The use of hallucinogens, such as<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/ketamine"> ketamine</a>, psychedelics, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/psilocybin">psilocybin</a>, LSD, ayahuasca, and MDMA (Ecstasy), has rapidly increased since the mid-2010s, especially in Canada and the United States. In the US, the percentage of people reporting they used hallucinogens more than doubled from 3.8% in 2016 to 8.9% in 2021. “In Canada, an estimated 5.9% of people used a psychedelic such as LSD or psilocybin in 2023, with use as high as 13.9% in people aged 20–24,” says Dr. Daniel Myran, a family physician and public health and preventive medicine physician researcher with ICES, the Bruyère Health Research Institute, and The Ottawa Hospital. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Increasing use may partially reflect growing medical and societal interest in pairing psychedelics with psychotherapy for mental health and substance use disorders. However, although psychedelic-assisted therapy trials have generally been safe, there are few data about whether hallucinogens might increase the risk of adverse events, such as thoughts of suicide and death, when used outside of carefully controlled clinical trial settings or in populations currently excluded from trials. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Despite the growing popularity of hallucinogen use, we know surprisingly little about potential adverse effects of hallucinogens, such as mortality risks. Contemporary clinical trials have not observed any short-term increase in risk of severe adverse events, including death, for trial participants. However, these studies involve careful supervision and therapy for trial participants and exclude people at high risk of adverse outcomes,” says Dr. Myran. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">To better understand if there is an association between hallucinogen use and increased risk of death, researchers looked at health care data held by ICES on emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and outpatient physician visits for more than 11.4 million people in Ontario aged 15–105 years. Of the total group, 7954 (0.07%) sought acute care for hallucinogen use. The risk of death within 5 years for people who sought acute care for hallucinogen use was almost 10 times that of someone of the same age and sex in the general population. Individuals who received acute care for hallucinogen use had more medical comorbidities. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">After accounting for other mental health conditions and substance use along with medical comorbidities (which were generally much more common in those using hallucinogens than the general population) people with acute care visits involving hallucinogens remained at elevated risk of death (2.6-fold higher). </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">People needing acute care for hallucinogen use were more likely to live in low-income neighbourhoods, to have been homeless at the time of a previous acute care visit, to be long-time residents of Canada, to have chronic health conditions, and/or to have received care for a mental health problem or substance use disorder in the previous 3 years. They were at higher risk of death than people who sought alcohol-related acute care, but at lower risk of death than people needing acute care for opioid or stimulant use. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“The findings highlight the need for ongoing investigation of and communication about both potential benefits and risks from hallucinogen use, particularly use outside clinical trial settings, given rapid increases in general population use,” says Dr. Marco Solmi, a psychiatrist at The Ottawa Hospital and associate professor, University of Ottawa.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Daniel T. Myran, Jennifer Xiao, Nicholas Fabiano, Michael Pugliese, Tyler S. Kaster, Joshua D. Rosenblat, M. Ishrat Husain, Jess G. Fiedorowicz, Stanley Wong, Peter Tanuseputro and Marco Solmi, Mortality risk among people receiving acute hospital care for hallucinogen use compared with the general population, Canadian Medical Association Journal, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.241191</p>

198. Johnson and Johnson Wins Rs 3.34 Crore Lawsuit Against Fake SURGICEL, ETHICON Sellers

     Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:46:54 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/12/03/263268-johnson-and-johnson-50-2.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi: </b>The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of Johnson &amp; Johnson (J&amp;J), awarding the company Rs 3.34 crore in damages against Medserve and its proprietor Pritamdas Arora, who were found guilty of counterfeiting and illegally selling J&amp;J's medical products, including those marketed under the 'SURGICEL' and 'ETHICON' trademarks.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">Johnson &amp; Johnson, through its subsidiary Ethicon, manufactures critical medical devices such as SURGICEL and ETHICON, widely used for wound closure and bleeding control in surgeries. However, in 2019, a neurosurgeon at the University of Kentucky Medical Center identified irregularities in a batch of SURGICEL products, which were later confirmed to be counterfeit.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Upon investigation, J&amp;J traced the counterfeit medical products to M/s Medserve, a business operated by Pritamdas Arora in New Delhi. The counterfeit products were substandard, non-sterile, and contaminated, posing a severe risk to patient safety.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Amit Bansal, reviewed extensive evidence, including WhatsApp conversations, email correspondences, invoices, and financial transactions, confirming the defendants’ direct involvement in counterfeiting activities.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Justice Bansal emphasized the severity of the counterfeiting, stating;</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"Counterfeiting of medical devices is not merely a case of trade mark infringement, it is a grave offence that endangers the lives of people. The defendants’ conduct demonstrates a deliberate effort to mislead the public, jeopardize consumer safety and exploit consumer trust for financial gain."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">The court highlighted that counterfeit medical products lacked essential sterility and quality standards required for surgical use. Further, the defendants falsified expiration dates on expired medical products, increasing the health risks for unsuspecting patients.</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The counterfeit products failed to meet the necessary oxidation levels required for proper absorption in the body. The use of such substandard medical devices during surgery could result in severe complications, including infections, foreign body reactions, and surgical adhesions."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">The court also criticized the impact of counterfeiting on J&amp;J’s reputation, stating;</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The defendants’ deliberate and fraudulent acts have also caused irreparable harm to the plaintiff’s goodwill and market reputation. By selling substandard counterfeit products under the plaintiff’s trade marks, the defendants have misled consumers and associated the plaintiff’s name with the counterfeit goods."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">Taking a strict stance against counterfeiting, the court awarded Rs 2.34 crore as compensatory damages based on sales figures of counterfeit products and an additional Rs 1 crore as exemplary damages, citing the defendants’ deliberate and fraudulent actions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Justice Bansal justified the award, noting;</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"I am convinced with the evidence presented and submissions made by the counsel for plaintiff and conclude that a conservative profit margin of 25% can be assumed for awarding actual damages in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendants in the present case."</blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"Counterfeit medical products are a direct threat to public health and safety. The defendants’ conduct demonstrates a deliberate effort to mislead consumers and exploit their trust for financial gain."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">The court-appointed Local Commissioner conducted raids on the defendants’ premises, seizing counterfeit ‘SURGICEL’ and ‘ETHICON’ products, along with falsified documentation, counterfeit labels, and substantial financial records.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The investigation revealed that the defendants laundered over Rs 9.39 crore through international transactions, diverting funds to multiple foreign bank accounts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The court took serious note of the defendants’ refusal to cooperate, observing;</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The evidence presented before the Court, including invoices, bank receipts, and chat extracts, establishes without a doubt that defendant no. 1 has received substantial financial gains in the course of carrying out the infringing and counterfeiting activities."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite multiple summons, the defendants failed to appear before the court, prompting the issuance of non-bailable warrants against Pritamdas Arora, who remained untraceable.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To prevent further consumer deception and safeguard public health, the court granted a permanent injunction restraining the defendants from using J&amp;J’s trademarks, selling counterfeit products, or engaging in any activities that could mislead consumers into believing they were purchasing genuine J&amp;J products.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The court also ordered the destruction of all counterfeit products seized during the proceedings, stating;</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">"The plaintiff is entitled to compensatory and exemplary damages, and the counterfeit products seized shall be destroyed to prevent further harm to the public."</blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>To view the original order, click on the link below:</i></b></p><div class="hocal-draggable" style="text-align: justify; " draggable="true"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/jjjudgment-278336.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/jjjudgment-278336.pdf</a></div></div>

199. Smoking Duration and Log Cig-Years Outperform Pack-Years in Predicting Survival in HNSCC: Study Finds

     Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:30:55 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/24/275704-head-and-neck-squamous-cell-carcinoma.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Canada: A recent cohort study published in<em> JAMA Otolaryngology-Head &amp; Neck Surgery</em> evaluated the effectiveness of different smoking metrics in predicting <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/overall-survival-os">overall survival (OS)</a> in patients with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/head-and-neck-cancer">head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)</a>. The study identified smoking duration (aHR: 1.11) and log cig-years (aHR: 1.11) as the most reliable predictors of overall survival, demonstrating a strong linear correlation with OS and surpassing pack-years in predictive accuracy.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">"Their effectiveness remained consistent across different patient subgroups and tumor sites, reinforcing their potential as superior metrics for assessing the impact of smoking on survival outcomes," the researchers wrote. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/smoking">Cigarette smoking </a>plays a critical role in the development and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, significantly impacting patient survival. While smoking is a well-established risk factor, there is limited evidence on the most effective metric for accurately modeling its association with survival outcomes. Existing survival models often rely on smoking status or pack years to quantify exposure, but these measures may not fully capture the long-term effects of smoking.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To address this limitation, Andrew C. L. Lam, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues have explored alternative metrics that provide a more precise evaluation of smoking impact on survival in HNSCC patients.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study across six clinical epidemiological studies, including five from the Human Papillomavirus, Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Genomic Research (VOYAGER) consortium. The study analyzed data from patients aged 18 and older with pathologically confirmed HNSCC, collected between January 2002 and December 2019 and evaluated between January 2022 and November 2024.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), assessed using eight smoking metrics, including pack-years, duration, and log cig-years. These metrics were compared based on their association strength in Cox proportional hazard models, linear trend significance, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and spline curve assessments. Secondary analyses explored OS across clinicodemographic subgroups and tumor subsites, while exploratory outcomes included cancer-specific and noncancer survival. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The following were the key findings:</p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The study included 8,875 patients with HNSCC, with a median age of 61 years and 24% female participants.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Among the eight smoking metrics evaluated, smoking duration (aHR: 1.11) and log cig-years (aHR: 1.11) had the highest adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs).</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Both smoking duration and log cig-years showed a statistically significant linear association with overall survival.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Log cig-years demonstrated the best model fit, with the lowest Akaike information criterion (AIC) linear value and the most visually linear spline curve for OS modeling.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Smoking duration and log cig-years outperformed pack-years in predicting OS across all age groups, smoking statuses, and cancer stages.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Both metrics performed well in lip and oral cavity cancers, while duration alone showed significance in laryngeal cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative oropharyngeal cancers.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">In an exploratory analysis, smoking duration had the highest aHR (1.15) for noncancer survival, while log cig-years had the lowest AIC linear value in modeling noncancer survival.</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers found that smoking duration and log cig-years demonstrated the strongest linear association with overall survival in patients with HNSCC, maintaining consistent predictive performance across various clinicodemographic subgroups and tumor subsites.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"While conventional survival models often rely on smoking status or pack-years to quantify smoking exposure, these findings suggest that duration and log cig-years may serve as superior metrics for assessing the impact of smoking on survival. Their robustness in modeling survival outcomes highlights their potential for both clinical decision-making and future research applications in HNSCC," the researchers concluded.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Lam ACL, Hueniken K, Pienkowski M, et al. Performance of 8 Smoking Metrics for Modeling Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online February 20, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2024.5392</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

200. Selumetinib shows Limited Efficacy in Treatment of cutaneous neurofibromatosis: JAMA

     Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:30:09 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/13/278344-untitled-design-2025-03-13t100140890.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have found in a nonrandomised pilot trial that selumetinib showed a reduction in cutaneous neurofibromatosis volume, but it did not lead to sustained improvements in patient-reported outcomes.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) can cause itching, disfigurement, pain, and emotional difficulties in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). A study was done to determine the impact of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor selumetinib on cNF including change in tumor volume and patient-reported outcome measures. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Adults with NF1 and 9 or more measurable cNFs were enrolled in this nonrandomized pilot trial at the National Cancer Institute and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which spanned from August 26, 2017, to August 21, 2023. Participants received selumetinib for up to 24 cycles (1 cycle = 28 days) with restaging visits after every 4 cycles. Photography and volumetric measurements of cNFs using calipers were used to evaluate the number and volume of tumors. Participants completed the Skindex-29 Quality of Life assessment to quantify the effect of treatment on symptoms, functioning, emotions, itching, and pain. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Results Among the 11 participants who enrolled, the median (range) age was 54 (28-75) years, and 6 were female. The median (IQR) best response across all participants and tumors was a −28.5% (−40.9% to −12.5%) decrease in cNF volume from baseline. Some participants showed a visible improvement in cNF burden while receiving treatment in standardized photographs. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The median (range) duration of treatment was 9 cycles (1-24), with only 4 participants completing the full 24 cycles of treatment. Two of these participants continued treatment beyond the original 24 cycles due to perceived clinical benefit. All participants experienced at least 1 reversible drug-related adverse event (AE), with cutaneous AEs such as dry skin and rash being the most common. Two participants were removed from treatment due to concern for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. While the Skindex-29 assessment showed improvement in emotion scores after cycle 1, there were no other significant or durable changes in scores. In this nonrandomized pilot trial, selumetinib resulted in some decrease in cNF volume; however, there was no sustained improvement in patient-reported outcome measures. Study enrollment was incomplete, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the challenges of treating patients with cNF with a drug that often leads to dermatologic AEs. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Future larger studies using other measurement techniques, such as 3-dimensional photography, could help to yield results that are more generalizable to the phenotypically diverse NF1 population.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Gross AM, Reid OH, Baldwin LA, et al. Treatment of Cutaneous Neurofibromas in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 With MEK Inhibitor Selumetinib: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. Published online February 26, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.6574</p><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>

201. Patient Walked Down the Aisle by Transplant Surgeon Who Saved Her Life

     Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0000

     

     When Jenny Tice got engaged, she knew exactly who she wanted to walk her down the aisle at her wedding: the transplant surgeon who saved her life.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-1200x675-1.jpg" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="Jenny and Dr. Esquivel at her wedding" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-1200x675-1.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-1200x675-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-1200x675-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-2-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26977" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-2-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>When Jenny Tice got engaged, she knew exactly who she wanted to walk her down the aisle at her wedding: <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/carlos-o-esquivel">Carlos Esquivel, MD</a>, surgical director of the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/liver-transplant.html">Pediatric Liver Transplant Program</a> at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and the surgeon who saved her life not just one time, but twice.</p> <p>Back in 1989, when Jenny was just 8 months old, she was diagnosed with <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=biliary-atresia-90-P01982">biliary atresia</a>, a rare disorder that affects tubes in the liver called bile ducts. It’s the most common reason for childhood liver failure and can be fatal without a transplant. At that time, liver transplants were almost never offered to children younger than 2.</p> <p>Dr. Esquivel was an early advocate for offering liver transplants to sick babies and children. His efforts have saved hundreds of people, including Jenny. At&nbsp;Stanford Children’s, he and his team have built a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/service/liver-transplant">pediatric transplant program</a>&nbsp;now recognized as one of the largest and most experienced in the world.</p> <p>“He goes above and beyond the call of duty,” Jenny said in a <a href="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/en/he-saved-my-life-honoring-a-pioneer-transplant-surgeon-for-35-years-of-saving-lives/">2022 article honoring Dr. Esquivel’s years of service</a>. “Knowing that this is really that person’s only chance, and he’s giving them that second chance—I feel like he holds that very sacred.”</p> <p>Then, 30 years later, Jenny crossed paths with Dr. Esquivel when she in the hospital. He saved her again with a bile duct surgery.</p> <p>Most recently, the two reunited on January 31 at her wedding where Dr. Esquivel walked Jenny down the aisle—a moment that will be etched in their memories forever. “This day would not have been possible without the hope and the story of my liver transplant,” Jenny told <a href="https://people.com/bride-walked-down-aisle-by-transplant-surgeon-who-saved-her-life-twice-exclusive-11690186">PEOPLE</a>.</p> <p><em>Read more in this PEOPLE article: <a href="https://people.com/bride-walked-down-aisle-by-transplant-surgeon-who-saved-her-life-twice-exclusive-11690186">“Bride Walked Down the Aisle by Surgeon Who Saved Her Life Twice: ‘This Day Would Not Be Possible Without Him’”</a></em></p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26975" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26975" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Dr-E-and-Jenny-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Esquivel and Jenny share a hug</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="675" height="900" data-id="26971" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/44926757-675x900.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-26971" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/44926757-675x900.jpeg 675w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/44926757-338x450.jpeg 338w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/44926757-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/44926757-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/44926757-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/44926757-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jenny and her husband, Robert Robert Nathaniel Eberhart</figcaption></figure> </figure>

202. A Leap Forward in Neonatal Care: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford Expands NICU

     Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0000

     

     The Axe and Blaise Wanstrath Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is equipped to benefit patients, families, and staff.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0283-1-scaled-e1741136197382.jpg" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="The Axe and Blaise Wanstrath Neonatal Intensive Care Unit features 14 new rooms — including beds that can accommodate newborn twins." style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0283-1-scaled-e1741136197382.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0283-1-scaled-e1741136197382-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0283-1-scaled-e1741136197382-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0283-1-scaled-e1741136197382-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0283-1-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26937"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Axe and Blaise Wanstrath Neonatal Intensive Care Unit features 14 new rooms — including beds that can accommodate newborn twins.</figcaption></figure> <p>At <a href="http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/">Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford</a>, a joyful milestone has been celebrated with the unveiling of an expanded and renovated 16-bed <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/neonatology/neonatal-intensive-care-unit.html">Neonatal Intensive Care Unit</a> (NICU) at the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pregnancy-newborn.html">Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services</a>. This newly designed space, the Axe and Blaise Wanstrath Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, marks the culmination of five years of careful planning and invaluable input from health care team members and families alike.</p> <p>“Our newly designed NICU room is equipped with advanced technology, benefiting patients, families, and staff, ensuring exceptional care for the next 30 years in a nurturing environment,” says Jacky Lam, MSN, NE-BC, RNC-NIC, Director of Neonatal Services.</p> <p><strong>Redefining family-centered care</strong></p> <p>One of the standout features of the new NICU is the way its layout reflects a commitment&nbsp; to family-centered care. The unit boasts 14 new rooms, including 12 private rooms and two semiprivate rooms specifically designed for newborn twins. These thoughtfully designed spaces allow families to be at the bedside around the clock, providing intimacy and comfort that were not possible in the previous setup.</p> <p>“Our new spaces bring NICU care to the next level, allowing for an environment where families can stay together and partake in crucial bonding practices like skin-to-skin <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pregnancy-newborn/kangaroo-care.html">kangaroo care</a>,” said Lam. “And for the first time, we have twin rooms, ensuring that twins can remain side by side, enhancing their shared journey from the very beginning.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26944" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0257-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26944" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0257-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0257-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0257-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0257-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0257-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26942" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0265-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26942" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0265-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0265-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0265-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0265-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0265-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> </figure> <p>The quiet environment is also more conducive to recovery and development.</p> <p>“These new rooms are designed to offer a serene, nurturing atmosphere for newborns and their mothers, especially for our littlest newborns, who need a different kind of protective care than babies who are just a few weeks older,” said <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/about/news/releases/2021/new-chief-of-division-of-neonatology-and-developmental-medicine-appointed.html">Lawrence Prince, MD, PhD</a>, Chief of the Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine. “The updated unit has adapted our protocols to meet these fragile babies’ unique medical and developmental needs and support their families at every step of their health care journey.”</p> <p>Packard Children’s has also enhanced the unit’s capabilities to provide care for critically ill newborns who need emergent surgery, dialysis for kidney failure, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (<a href="https://neonatology.stanford.edu/Clinical-Care/ECMO.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECMO</a>), which circulates and oxygenates a baby’s blood if their heart or lungs are not working properly. “For newborns with critical illness, ECMO is often the therapy of last resort and is often lifesaving,” said Dr. Prince. “The new rooms allow babies to recover peacefully with their families beside them, minimizing the stress of shared spaces.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26952" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0042-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26952" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0042-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0042-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0042-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0042-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0042-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26956" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0075-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26956" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0075-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0075-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0075-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0075-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0075-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26958" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0127-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26958" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0127-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0127-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0127-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0127-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0127-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26954" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0184-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26954" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0184-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0184-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0184-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0184-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0184-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> </figure> <p><strong>Technology for advanced care</strong></p> <p>Embracing cutting-edge technology, the new NICU is equipped to meet the diverse needs of its most <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/neonatology/neonatal-intensive-care-unit.html">delicate patients</a>. From real-time monitoring systems that allow parents to check on their babies via an app to equipment designed to record and play back soothing sounds from caregivers, every advanced tool serves a vital purpose. “These innovations not only aid in providing superior medical care but also play a pivotal role in parent education, preparing them for the eventual transition home,” said Lam.</p> <p><strong>A healing environment</strong></p> <p>The expanded NICU is not just about tech and design; it’s about the tangible difference it makes in the lives of families. Teresa Castro, a mother whose son Jesus has spent many months in the NICU, says that moving her son from a room that houses more than 10 babies into a private room is a welcome change for both of them. “The ambiance is very pretty. It’s colorful, bright, and very spacious,” said Castro. “Unlike before, where we were surrounded by other babies, parents, and nurses, we can now be alone, and he can sleep undisturbed by other babies, sounds from machines, or conversations from care teams.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26960" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0275-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26960" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0275-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0275-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0275-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0275-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0275-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> </figure> <p>Castro emphasized the importance of being close to her son: “Before, I was unable to spend the night with him—there was no room,” she said. “Now, there is furniture for me to use to sleep, spend more time with him in comfort and be with him 24/7. Speaking as a mom, I am grateful to have this new NICU unit.”</p> <p><strong>Innovations in nutrition and beyond</strong></p> <p>A significant addition to the NICU is the Infant Nutrition Lab, where a mother’s milk is stored for her baby. This new facility ensures that human milk is prepared and fortified to meet each baby’s nutritional needs. Managed by Clinical Food Services and operated by infant-feeding technicians, the lab ensures that parents can provide expressed milk without interruption, maintaining precious bonding time with their newborns.</p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26950" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0012-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26950" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0012-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0012-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0012-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0012-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A0012-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26946" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9985-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26946" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9985-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9985-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9985-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9985-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9985-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" data-id="26948" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9995-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26948" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9995-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9995-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9995-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9995-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/110A9995-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> </figure> <p>The recent expansion is just the beginning. Packard Children’s has demonstrated a lasting commitment to providing top-tier medical care and plans to continue renovating and expanding its facilities. By summer 2025, the hospital plans to open a new <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pregnancy-newborn/maternity-care.html">maternity unit</a>, an <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pregnancy-newborn/antepartum-care.html">antepartum unit</a>, and a renovated <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cancer-blood-diseases.html">Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases</a>. Funding for the new NICU unit was supported by generous philanthropic contributions.</p> <p></p>

203. Heroic Window Washers Brighten Hospital Day

     Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0000

     

     Deadpool, Frozone, Robin, and Miles Morales (aka Spider-Man) bringing delight to patients and staff at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_4729-1-1-e1741041918678.jpg" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="Deadpool, Frozone, Robin, and Miles Morales (aka Spider-Man) bringing delight to patients and staff at Lucile Packard Children&#039;s Hospital Stanford." style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_4729-1-1-e1741041918678.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_4729-1-1-e1741041918678-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_4729-1-1-e1741041918678-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_4729-1-1-e1741041918678-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <p><em>Superheroes Scale Hospital Walls to Bring Joy to Young Patients and Staff</em></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_4729-1-1.jpg" alt="Deadpool, Frozone, Robin, and Miles Morales (aka Spider-Man) bringing delight to patients and staff at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford." class="wp-image-26926"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Deadpool, Frozone, Robin, and Miles Morales (aka Spider-Man) bringing delight to patients and staff. </figcaption></figure> <p>A heartwarming spectacle of heroism, fun, and community unfolded at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford as window washers transformed into superheroes.</p> <p>Deadpool, Miles Morales, Frozone, and Robin from Arkham City were in full superhero action mode, bringing a wave of magic and delight to everyone! Armed with their trusty squeegees, soap, and buckets, these amazing super friends, aka window washers from Transpacific Building Maintenance and Century Pyramid Building Maintenance, assembled to scale the walls of the children’s hospital. Their mission? To brighten the days of patients and staff alike, proving that a little creativity and kindness can go a long way.</p> <p>“It’s an incredible and magical moment to watch the kids’ faces light up when their favorite superheroes appear out of nowhere,” says Elizabeth Valente, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health spokesperson. “Not only does this bring unexpected joy and a sense of empowerment to the young patients who are navigating challenging times, it also uplifts the spirits of our everyday heroes, our health care providers. It’s a fun and cheerful distraction that brightens the hospital in a truly unique way.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" data-id="26913" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Window-Washer-and-patient-2-900x675.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26913" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Window-Washer-and-patient-2-900x675.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Window-Washer-and-patient-2-450x338.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Window-Washer-and-patient-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Window-Washer-and-patient-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Window-Washer-and-patient-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adian beams with joy as his favorite superheroes make a surprise visit.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" data-id="26915" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1011-1-2-900x675.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26915" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1011-1-2-900x675.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1011-1-2-450x338.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1011-1-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1011-1-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1011-1-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Warren and his little brother Dominic&nbsp;were all smiles about hanging out with Spider-Man</figcaption></figure> </figure> <p>Steve Slotzke, witnessing the supercharged event with his two children, remarks, “this is amazing, very touching. I grew up loving Spider-Man, and my son and daughter are also big fans of superheroes, so seeing them here today, going above and beyond to say ‘hi’ to everyone, is awesome.”</p> <p>As the day concluded, the sparkling windows reflected not just the sunlight, but the shining spirits of everyone present. The masked superheroes have been visiting patients at Packard Children’s for over ten years.</p> <p></p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" data-id="26919" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1851-1-2-900x675.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26919" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1851-1-2-900x675.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1851-1-2-450x337.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1851-1-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1851-1-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_1851-1-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Superheroes checking out the <em>Three C&#8217;s: Cartoons to Comics to Comic Books </em>art display at the &nbsp;West Building Ground Floor.</figcaption></figure> </figure> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGyQOrvvL8F/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==">Watch as superheroes scale our hospital walls at Packard Children’s</a> </p> <p></p>

204. Preventing Hearing Loss in Kids: Beware of Unsafe Listening Habits During Video Gaming and Other Activities

     Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:11:32 -0000

     

     March 3 is World Hearing Day. Learn how to spot signs of hearing loss in children and general tips on how to encourage safe listening habits.

     <div><img width="768" height="370" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day.webp" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day.webp 934w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day-450x217.webp 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day-900x434.webp 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day-768x370.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <p><em>March 3 is World Hearing Day. Learn how to spot signs of hearing loss in children and general tips on how to encourage safe listening habits provided by the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/hearing-center.html#:~:text=The%20Children's%20Hearing%20Center%20at,in%20newborns%2C%20infants%20and%20children.">Children’s Hearing Center</a> at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.</em></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="434" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day-900x434.webp" alt="preventing hearing loss" class="wp-image-26869" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day-900x434.webp 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day-450x217.webp 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day-768x370.webp 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/world-hearing-day.webp 934w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>Did you know that more than 1 billion<strong> </strong>young people worldwide could develop permanent hearing loss due to unsafe habits while playing video games, listening to music, and attending noisy events such as concerts and festivals? Regular exposure to sounds that are too loud for too long<strong> </strong>can cause irreversible hearing damage<em>. </em>Children are particularly vulnerable to <em>noise-induced hearing loss</em>. The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable by taking some simple protective steps.<br><br><strong>Safe listening in children</strong></p> <p>Think about the amount of time that your child spends using technology, particularly with their earbuds in or headphones on. For many kids, this adds up to several hours each day. Here’s what parents and caregivers should know about exposure to this noise and hearing loss:<br><br><strong>How loud is too loud? </strong><br>Many earbuds, headphones, and smart devices reach volumes of 100 decibels (dB) or higher. Even many headphones that are marketed as “kid safe” reach 85 or 90 dB. This is well beyond a level that’s safe for children’s hearing, which is generally a maximum of 75 dB.<br><br><strong>How long is too long? </strong><br>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children spend no more than 40 hours per week listening to a personal audio device (again, at levels no higher than 75 dB). Although 40 hours per week may sound like a lot, kids often use earbuds or headphones </p> <p>-in school for doing independent work</p> <p>-at home for watching videos or playing video games </p> <p>-at home or at athletic venues while playing sports or exercising </p> <p>-even in bed, while they sleep </p> <p>This adds up quickly! March 3 is World Hearing Day — which makes this the perfect time to help your kids adopt safer listening habits.<br><br><strong>Tips for parents and caregivers</strong>: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Educational Audiology Association (EAA) share these tips for families:<br><br>&#8211;<strong>Talk to your child about the importance of hearing protection. </strong><br>Help them appreciate that their hearing is something they enjoy—it’s worth protecting.<br><br>&#8211;<strong>Encourage listening breaks every hour when using earbuds or headphones. </strong><br>Even a few minutes of quiet makes a big difference for healthy ears. The same goes for noisy events such as concerts: Try to step outside every hour for a quick break.<br><br>&#8211;<strong>Use volume limiters on their devices—if that option is available. </strong><br>Regardless, teach kids to keep the volume level at no higher than half.<br><br>&#8211;<strong>Consider purchasing noise-cancelling headphones. </strong><br>These products reduce outside noise that may be competing with what they’re trying to hear through their headphones, so they don’t need to crank up the volume.<br><br>&#8211;<strong>Provide plenty of “device-free” time. </strong><br>This benefits a child’s hearing and also encourages creativity, imagination, learning, physical activity, and more.<br><br>&#8211;<strong>Use hearing protection at noisy events. </strong><br>Simple foam earplugs are inexpensive and available at most drugstores. These earplugs offer good protection for older kids and teens. Keep a few pairs in your purse or car. Younger children should use well-fitting earmuffs.<br><br>&#8211;<strong>Be a good role model</strong><br>“Practice what you preach” when it comes to safe listening. Take breaks, keep the volume down, and use earplugs. You’ll protect your own hearing while setting an excellent example for your kids.<br><br><strong>Signs of hearing loss</strong><br>Do you have concerns about your child’s hearing? About <strong>15% of school-age children in the United States have some degree of hearing loss, </strong>according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many children don’t have their hearing screened every year, so it’s important to learn the signs of hearing loss. If you notice that your child does any of the following, take them to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation:<br><br>-turns the TV volume up to a level that is uncomfortable for others<br>-says, “Huh?” or “What?” often <br>-has academic difficulties that can’t be attributed to other causes<br>-complains of ringing, buzzing, or other noises in their ears<br><br>You can also contact your child’s school and ask to be connected to an educational audiologist. Whatever you do, take action if you have concerns. Even a minimal or mild hearing loss can significantly affect a child’s success in school, their interactions with peers, and their behavior if left unaddressed.</p>

205. The Art of Healing

     Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:34:00 -0000

     

     In hospital spaces where life hangs in the balance and time feels suspended, art serves as both a mirror and a balm.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-25T094513.531.jpg" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-25T094513.531.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-25T094513.531-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-25T094513.531-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-2025-02-25T094513.531-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <p><em>In hospital spaces where life hangs in the balance and time feels suspended, art serves as both a mirror and a balm.</em></p> <p>Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford’s commitment to art’s vital role in the recovery process reflects the growing recognition of the therapeutic power of visual culture. When we talk about healing, we often focus on the physical. But healing is, of course, emotional and psychological as well—and that is where art steps in.</p> <p>In environments like the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/neonatology/neonatal-intensive-care-unit.html">neonatal intensive care unit</a> (NICU), where parents are often in a state of heightened emotional stress, art offers something rare: the chance to slow down and reflect.</p> <p><strong>Healing in the NICU</strong></p> <p>In June 2022, Packard Children&#8217;s Hospital announced plans to <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/about/news/releases/2022/100-million-dollar-gift-to-support-moms-and-babies">modernize its obstetrics and neonatal facilities</a>, marking the transition from having NICUs with large open rooms to private rooms—allowing patients to stay with their babies. This space will include 16 commissioned artworks, an initiative led by the hospital’s Art Committee. This group aims to support not only the physical recovery of our tiniest patients but also the emotional well-being of their families as well.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>“When you’re a stressed parent, worrying about your little one, you don’t want to see healthy pictures of infants, says Antonia Dapena-Tretter, art curator. “But at the same time, the Art Committee and I want the space to feel warm, welcoming, and a bit like a nursery. So, the colors are lightly saturated, bright, and happy. We are celebrating the bond between parents and babies.”</p> </blockquote> <p>The artworks are rooted in themes of connection, devotion, and protection. Each piece offers a visual language that underscores the strength of the parent-child bond, while remaining mindful of the delicate nature of the NICU environment. Through color, texture, and symbolism, these works speak to the complex emotions of nurturing and vulnerability.</p> <p><strong>Celebrating the parent-child bond</strong></p> <p>Among the compelling works in the collection are <em>Devotion</em> and <em>California Quail Family</em>, both of which depict parent animals gazing lovingly at their offspring. Referencing wildlife in Northern California, <em>Devotion</em> depicts gray foxes, native to this region of the state.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="773" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Devotion-1-900x773.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26850" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Devotion-1-900x773.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Devotion-1-450x386.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Devotion-1-768x659.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Devotion-1-1536x1318.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Devotion-1-2048x1758.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Devotion stands as a masterful embodiment of care and connection, crafted entirely from sustainably sourced seashells.</em> <em>Artist: Anna Chan</em></figcaption></figure> <p>The piece showcases the unbreakable bond between a parent and their offspring. This unity is felt through their gaze and the subtle touching of their tails, which form a triangle. That shape symbolizes balance and stability. Together, the parent and child rest in a nest of flowers secure in each other’s company.</p> <p>Artist Anna Chan’s work pays homage to nature, depicting wildlife in bas-reliefs. Chan uses beach finds in her artwork and finds true beauty in these natural materials from her coastal surroundings. She transforms items like shells into what appears like brushstrokes. Her art aims to display a childlike quality and evoke joyful memories of the sea.</p> <p><em>California Quail Family</em>, a second piece in the body of art, highlights two parent quail surrounded by their chicks in a brightly colored painting.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quail-family-900x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26854" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quail-family-900x600.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quail-family-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quail-family-768x512.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quail-family-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quail-family-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The label for California Quail Family invites the viewer to count how many baby quail they can find in the piece.</em> <em>Artist: Starla Michelle Halfmann</em></figcaption></figure> <p>Starla Michelle Halfmann grew up living on a farm in West Texas. She chased butterflies, collected shells, glass, and rocks &#8211; whatever she found interesting and beautiful. Immersed in nature, she felt wonder all around and attempts to capture that wonder in her art.</p> <p><strong>A collage of love and friendship</strong></p> <p>While <em>Friends</em> doesn’t literally depict the bond between parent and child, it is made from children’s book illustrations. It reminds viewers of reading to their child. The text incorporated from the book’s pages is all about friendship and love, as the title suggests.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="635" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Friends-900x635.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26856" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Friends-900x635.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Friends-450x318.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Friends-768x542.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Friends-1536x1084.jpg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Friends-2048x1445.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Most of the leaves in Friends depict animals.</em> <em>Artist: Lisa Kokin</em></figcaption></figure> <p>Artist Lisa Kokin brings a fiber sensibility and a conceptual approach to a diverse array of materials, including fabrics, paper, metal, and shredded money.</p> <p><strong>Art as an act of healing</strong></p> <p>The infusion of art into the newly envisioned NICU space is more than just an aesthetic choice; it is a commitment to offering comfort, hope, and connection during what can be one of the most challenging times in a family’s life.</p>

206. Heart Teams Move Mountains to Get Kenson Home to Hawai‘i

     Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0000

     

     Critical care, heart surgery, heart failure, and heart transplant experts act quickly to save boy’s life.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1.jpg" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="Kenson holding a shovel in the garden." style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <p><em>Critical care, heart surgery, heart failure, and heart transplant experts act quickly to save boy’s life</em></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="506" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg" alt="Kenson holding a shovel in the garden." class="wp-image-26833" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-5-1200x675-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>After spending over two years of his life in the hospital, Kenson Saunders is finally home doing what he loves best: being in nature. The 5-year-old beat all odds, over and over again, to make it back to Hilo, Hawai‘i, to enjoy his family, his garden, and his favorite thing, palm trees.</p> <p>“He surprised us all—his parents, his family, and his doctors. We didn’t think he would ever come home,” says his mom, CJ. “Walking through the door was an indescribable feeling of gratitude and joy.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Born with a heart on the wrong side of his chest</h2> <p></p> <p>Kenson was born at <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/location/kapiolani-medical-center.html">Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &amp; Children</a> in Honolulu, a partner hospital of <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en.html">Stanford Medicine Children’s Health</a>. There, heart doctors discovered Kenson had a rare, congenital heart condition called <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/single-ventricle/conditions.html#heterotaxy">heterotaxy syndrome of the heart</a>.</p> <p>Heterotaxy means “different arrangement” of organs. For Kensen, it meant that his heart grew in the right side of his chest rather than the left during fetal development. This reversed heart placement is called dextrocardia.</p> <p>At 4 days old, Kenson was flown to <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/lucile-packard-childrens-hospital.html">Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford</a>, which specializes in treating rare and complex <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=congenital-heart-disease-90-P02346">congenital heart defects</a>. “We were at the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-center.html">Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center</a> for six weeks, where he received his first round of <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiothoracic-surgery.html">heart surgeries</a>,” CJ says.</p> <p>The family was sent home knowing that the day would come when Kenson would need more heart surgeries or a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-transplant.html">heart transplant</a>. That day came a little over two years later, and the hospital stay was much longer than anyone had ever imagined.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A ventricular assist device and a heart transplant</h3> <p>When Kenson was 2 1/2 years old, the Hawai‘ian family returned to Packard Children’s for what they thought would be elective heart surgery. It turned out to be much, much more.</p> <p>“We ran an <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/echocardiography-lab.html">echocardiogram</a> and we found severe biventricular dysfunction (problems with both sides of his heart) and advanced heart failure. The team ran to find me, and after seeing the results, I immediately admitted him to <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiovascular-intensive-care.html">cardiovascular intensive care</a> for critical care,” says <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/elizabeth-loudon-profita.html">Elizabeth Profita, MD</a>, pediatric cardiologist at Stanford Children’s.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="533" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-hospital-400x533-1.jpg" alt="Kenson laying in a hospital bed." class="wp-image-26835" style="width:343px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-hospital-400x533-1.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-hospital-400x533-1-338x450.jpg 338w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Several heart teams came together quickly to save Kenson’s life. Heart surgeon and chief of pediatric cardiac surgery <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/michael-raosen-ma.html">Michael Ma, MD</a>, placed a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-transplant/vad.html">ventricular assist device (VAD)</a>, an advanced heart pump, in his chest. Only large heart centers are able to provide VAD support, and Stanford Children’s is a national leader in the use and innovation of VADs in kids.</p> <p>VADs are often a bridge to transplant, holding kids over until a donor heart can be found. The <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-transplant.html">Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Therapies (PACT)</a> (heart failure/heart transplant) program team at Stanford Children’s evaluated Kenson for VAD placement and transplant. The VAD was helping, but it wasn’t doing enough. He needed a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-transplant.html">heart transplant</a> and fast. Remarkably, just two days after listing him for a donor heart, the team got the call that a heart had been found.</p> <p>“Getting a donor offer for a child within two days is crazy fast. It never happens. We knew we had to take it, despite having another complex heart transplant scheduled that evening,” Dr. Profita says. “We moved mountains and brought in a second full transplant team for Kenson.”</p> <p>Dextrocardia, having a heart on the wrong side of the chest, makes transplant especially challenging because the complex anatomy means blood vessels are misaligned, requiring manipulation of the donor heart to fit and function well.</p> <p>“At Stanford Children’s, we have pioneered innovative techniques for dextrocardiac transplants. It really speaks to our <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiothoracic-surgery.html">heart surgery</a> expertise and Dr. Ma’s skills to be able to quickly figure out how to implant the donor heart,” Dr. Profita says.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Needing critical support on ECMO</h3> <p>Despite the transplant going well, Kenson developed a rare, dangerous complication called primary graft dysfunction. It meant that his new heart did not start beating as it should in the first 24 hours. &nbsp;</p> <p>“It’s a known complication but a really scary one. In 40% of cases, children do not survive,” Dr. Profita adds.</p> <p>To help Kenson survive, the team put him on a sophisticated heart-lung bypass machine called <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-transplant/treatment-options.html#ecmo">extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO)</a>. Only the largest pediatric hospitals in the nation have ECMO. It is used as a last resort in the most critical situations. &nbsp;</p> <p>Because Kenson was so young and so sick coming in, he battled one rare complication after another. Besides primary graft dysfunction, he also experienced posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, a serious complication whereby white blood cells overgrow. It made him terribly sick. He also developed rejection plus a progressive heart block, where the electrical signals in his heart misfired. Again, Kenson needed ECMO to save his life.</p> <p>“Our hope got clouded because he was so sick. I will never forget hearing the words, ‘We don’t think your child will survive this,’” CJ says. “His dad, Kendall, and I told him, ‘If this is too hard, we are OK if you don’t want to fight anymore.’”</p> <p>But Kenson did fight. The little warrior held on for a better day. His heart stabilized, but he had more challenges to face.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Over two years of multidisciplinary support to get Kenson home</h3> <p>Heart problems can sometimes create chronic kidney problems, and they did for Kenson. He needed long-term <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/dialysis.html">dialysis</a> and specialized kidney care from <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/kidney.html">Pediatric Nephrology</a>. He also needed nutrition support to ensure that he was getting enough nutrients. He was put on <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/intestinal-rehabilitation/services.html">total parenteral nutrition (TPN)</a>—intravenous nutrition through a central line in Stanford Children’s Health’s <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/intestinal-rehabilitation.html">Intestinal Rehabilitation Program</a>.</p> <p>His survival took the coordination of multiple highly specialized teams all working together for the best outcome—a hallmark of Stanford Children’s care. “We have great partnerships amongst our teams. So many people collaborated to support him and to love this family,” Dr. Profita says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="350" height="525" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-3-350x525-1.jpg" alt="Kenson holding a balloon in the hospital." class="wp-image-26837" style="width:316px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-3-350x525-1.jpg 350w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kenson-3-350x525-1-300x450.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /></figure></div> <p>“We are really grateful for the care he received. He was so complex that he needed many minds to come together to take care of him, and Stanford Children’s did that without question,” CJ says.</p> <p>She describes the care team of doctors, advanced practice practitioners, nurses, social workers, and even janitors as a family away from home. She says she and Kendall relied on the team to get them through dark times.</p> <p>“The family’s ability to keep getting back up was outstanding. Not many people can do that. They are incredibly resilient,” Dr. Profita says.</p> <p>CJ helped to keep the mood light by hosting fun events for other heart families and staff, including races down the halls, Easter egg hunts, tree-drawing contests, and sharing Hawai‘ian treats. She made the care team T-shirts and gave them palm tree charms to thank them for fighting for Kenson.</p> <p>“A piece of the journey was realizing, ‘Why fight if we are not going to be happy?’ We just wanted Kenson to be happy. He fought so hard to live,” CJ says.</p> <p>Kenson was discharged after two years, and the family lived another half year near the hospital at the <a href="https://www.rmhcbayarea.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area</a>. During this time, CJ and Kendall did everything they could to live fully and make memories with their first and only child. They took train rides across California, visited national parks, enjoyed the Santa Cruz boardwalk, and went to Lake Tahoe so Kenson could experience snow.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Home loving life and enjoying nature</h3> <p>Kenson has been home in Hilo, Hawai‘i, for a little over a month. He is reveling in what he loves the most: spending time in the family garden and walking through the trees—banana, mountain apple, and palms.</p> <p>“He can name all of the palm trees, and he is adamant that we get a foxtail palm,” CJ says.</p> <p>Remarkably, Kenson remembered everything from the second he arrived home, even though he was just 2 years old when he left. He knew where his room was, which plants were in the garden, and how to walk to his grandparents’ house. Despite all the lifesaving care he received for his heart, his brain remained strong—partly thanks to the extra-advanced measures his heart team took to protect his brain during critical care times.</p> <p>“We didn’t tell our extended family and community that Kenson was coming home, so it was a big, joyful surprise,” CJ adds.</p> <p>Kenson’s heart is working fairly well, but he still has some heart and other health issues. He may need more heart surgeries in the future. It’s something CJ and Kendall have accepted. It motivates them to live without regret, enjoying each moment with Kenson and living each day to the fullest.</p> <p>Soon, Kenson will travel to <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/location/kapiolani-medical-center.html">Kapi‘olani Medical Center</a>—a valued Stanford Children’s partner in Hawai‘i—for follow-up <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-center.html">heart care</a>, saving the family a plane ride to California. The Stanford Children’s <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-transplant.html">Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Therapies (PACT)</a> (heart failure/heart transplant) team travels to Kapi‘olani three to four times a year to provide heart failure and transplant care to patients.</p> <p>“There was a pivotal moment in the hospital where I gave up the struggle of trying to get his health perfect,” CJ says. “I realized it never will be perfect, and making the most of his life and focusing on the quality of his life was what we needed to do.”</p> <p>For starters, the family plans to visit every national park and build a bigger garden for Kenson.</p> <p>“Getting him home was a huge milestone. I wouldn’t doubt there’s a chance he could get better just from being at home,” Dr. Profita says. “I hold out hope for that.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-center.html">Learn more about our expert pediatric heart care &gt;</a></p>

207. Baby on Hospice Receives Second Chance With Lifesaving Heart Surgery

     Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0000

     

     Heart surgeon combines unifocalization with innovative valve repair to save Oklahoma baby.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1.jpg" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="Hazel smiling" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <p><em>Heart surgeon combines unifocalization with innovative valve repair to save Oklahoma baby</em></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="506" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg" alt="Hazel smiling." class="wp-image-26800" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/heart-month-hazel-1200x675-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>When Hazel Randolph was 3 weeks old, she was put on hospice and given six months to live by her Oklahoma doctors. Her parents, Loren and Josh, were devastated by the news.</p> <p>“We thought, ‘This is it. We are never going to get to see her grow up.’ I hadn’t cried until then, but that day I really broke down,” says Loren.</p> <p>Hazel was born with a rare combination of heart defects, collectively called <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-artery-reconstruction/conditions.html">tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)</a> with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). Together, these defects add up to poor blood flow between the heart and lungs, and low oxygen to the brain and body. Without surgery, babies with severe ToF do not survive.</p> <p>At first, Hazel seemed healthy and fine. Twelve hours later, she started turning blue from lack of oxygen. A week later, she received a stent to keep her pulmonary artery open, and three weeks later her doctors said there was nothing else they could do and sent her home.</p> <p>“It was hard. We wondered how much time we had with her,” says Josh.</p> <p>The couple shared the sad news that Hazel was on hospice care with family and friends. Along with words of sympathy, they received a spark of hope. A friend of a friend reached out and told them to go to <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en.html">Stanford Medicine Children’s Health</a>.</p> <p>“She said her child was given the same diagnosis, and Stanford Children’s helped save her,” Loren says.</p> <p>The couple researched <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-center.html">Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center</a> at Stanford Children’s. They learned about <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/frank-l-hanley.html">Frank Hanley, MD</a>, who decades ago pioneered <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-artery-reconstruction/treatment.html">unifocalization</a>—a heart-lung surgery that repairs all four defects, often at once. Their hope grew. Maybe Stanford could save Hazel’s life, too.</p> <p>“Stanford Children’s is the number one referral center in the world for treating tetralogy of Fallot with MAPCAs,” says <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/michael-raosen-ma.html">Michael Ma, MD</a>, chief of pediatric cardiac surgery at Stanford Children’s. “Our unifocalization treatment is the gold standard.”</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-artery-reconstruction.html">Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction (PAR) Program</a> at Stanford Children’s is one of a few places in the nation that have a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-artery-reconstruction/careteam">robust team of skilled heart surgeons</a> who perform unifocalization. The team consistently <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-center/outcomes.html">achieves survival rates of 98%</a>, despite caring for children with the most challenging heart defects.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>They help train heart surgeons from around the world on the surgery in hopes of saving as many children with ToF as they can.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coming to Stanford Children’s for tetralogy of Fallot heart surgery</h2> <p></p> <p>Josh and Loren reached out to Stanford Children’s and shared Hazel’s imaging tests and health history. They were told she was a perfect candidate for unifocalization. When Hazel was 5 months old, they flew out for surgery. Unfortunately, it had to be canceled when the couple tested positive for COVID-19. Their faith kept them strong, but it was yet another hurdle for the family to face.</p> <p>“Hazel’s oxygen levels were dropping, and she was approaching her six-month life expectancy. We were getting worried,” Loren says.</p> <p>A new <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiothoracic-surgery.html">heart surgery</a> date was set when Hazel was just over seven months old. This time it went as planned.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="585" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_2748-Hazel-900x585.jpeg" alt="Hazel after surgery." class="wp-image-26804" style="width:454px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_2748-Hazel-900x585.jpeg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_2748-Hazel-450x292.jpeg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_2748-Hazel-768x499.jpeg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_2748-Hazel-1536x998.jpeg 1536w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_2748-Hazel-2048x1330.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div> <p>Her <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-artery-reconstruction/treatment.html">unifocalization</a> surgery involved heart repairs (patching holes and fixing valves), along with reconstructing arteries and blood vessels. Collateral (extra) arteries, called <a href="https://3dqlab.stanford.edu/major-aortopulmonary-collateral-arteries-mapcas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MAPCAs</a>, were used to create a functioning pulmonary artery to carry blood from the heart to the lungs.</p> <p>The operation took about 12 hours. Hazel had a full repair, and she wouldn’t need a second surgery.</p> <p>“In roughly 90% of patients we achieve a full repair, and in the majority of our patients we can complete that in one surgery,” Dr. Ma says.</p> <p>The couple was at dinner when they got the call that surgery was done and Dr. Ma wanted to talk with them. They rushed back, and he told them exactly what they needed to hear: Hazel did great.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Dr. Ma not only has the skills, but he really cared about our family,” Josh says.</p> <p>Hazel’s unifocalization surgery was successful, but not typical. It involved another step, making it even more challenging. Instead of having four known heart defects to fix, Hazel had five. Her aortic valve was also not working properly.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discovering another heart defect in her aortic valve</h3> <p>“Unifocalization is a complex operation, but it is relatively routine for us at Stanford Children’s, given the high number of patients we treat each year. With Hazel, the trickier part was repairing her aortic valve, which was failing,” Dr. Ma says.</p> <p>The aortic valve controls blood flow from the left side of the heart to the aorta, the large artery that carries blood to the body. It’s rare for children with <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-artery-reconstruction/conditions.html">tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and MAPCAs</a> to also have a defective aortic valve. An unrepaired aortic valve can lead to heart failure. Fortunately, Dr. Ma is pioneering new and improved ways to repair aortic valves in babies, which empower surgeons to customize operations to a child’s exact needs, resulting in better heart function and fewer repairs down the road.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hazel-bow.jpg" alt="Hazel after surgery." class="wp-image-26810" style="width:423px;height:auto"/></figure></div> <p>Dr. Ma partnered with the Stanford School of Engineering’s <a href="https://cbcl.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiovascular Biomechanics Computation Lab</a>, led by Alison Marsden, PhD, and scientists from Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center’s <a href="https://med.stanford.edu/base.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basic Science and Engineering Initiative</a> (BASE) to create advanced technology to design surgical repairs of very complex heart defects, including aortic valves. Hazel was a perfect candidate for this new, multidisciplinary surgical approach.</p> <p>“Together, we created a 3-D design of Hazel’s aortic valve, which included a complex computational fluid dynamic simulation of the way her valve opened and closed, and the ideal geometry of her leaflets (flaps that make up the heart valve),” Dr. Ma says. “In surgery, we reshaped her aortic valve to match the simulation.”</p> <p>Alexander D. Kaiser, PhD, applied mathematician and computational scientist, has been a crucial player in helping to develop the groundbreaking modeling method that meant improved care for Hazel. “It is deeply satisfying to hear how my work impacts real lives after many years of working on the science,” he says.</p> <p>Dr. Ma used Hazel’s own tissue (versus artificial material) to repair her valve for a better outcome. “When we use nonnative tissue, it often deteriorates quickly. It would have meant many more surgeries in Hazel’s near future,” he says.</p> <p>Hazel is not expected to need another heart surgery anytime soon. If she does, it will likely be much later in life. The world-renowned <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-artery-reconstruction.html">Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction (PAR) Program</a> was able to turn Hazel’s dire prognosis into a real chance at life and give her parents the joy of watching her grow up. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>“No parent should outlive their kids, and Dr. Ma and the Stanford Children’s team saved Hazel’s life. She is thriving and living her best life, and we are so thankful for them,” Loren says. &nbsp;</p> <p>Stanford Children’s received recent federal funding to advance their 3-D simulation technology. Dr. Ma and his colleagues are publishing their research, which will feature Hazel and four other babies who benefited from computational simulation in facilitating complex aortic valve repair.</p> <p>“This was a particularly rare case that leveraged one of our top well-known skills with what I hope will become one of our next well-known skills. We provided care that she could have only received here or possibly in a few other heart centers in the world,” Dr. Ma says.</p> <p>Hazel stayed close to a month in the hospital before going home. In a few months she will return to Stanford Children’s for a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiac-catheterization-angiography.html">cardiac catheterization</a> to look at her heart and measure its function.</p> <p>The PAR Program at Stanford Children’s stays connected to their surgery patients, even those from another state or country. To prioritize this, the program has been expanding its team to include more cardiologists and advanced practice practitioners, which will ensure continual monitoring of their patients’ health throughout their lives.</p> <p>“Every patient we care for is a patient of ours for life. We stay involved and provide care over time to ensure that these kids stay on track,” Dr. Ma says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="500" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hazel-turns-one.jpg" alt="Hazel turns one." class="wp-image-26802" style="width:622px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hazel-turns-one.jpg 800w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hazel-turns-one-450x281.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hazel-turns-one-768x480.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure></div> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Turning 1 and growing every day</h3> <p>Hazel’s family recently celebrated her first birthday with family and friends.</p> <p>“We are over-the-moon ecstatic! There was a time we didn’t think we would celebrate her first birthday,” Loren says.</p> <p>Even though Hazel isn’t quite where most 1-year-olds are developmentally, she is catching up and growing every day. She smiles and claps. She waves and says “Mama.” She has more energy, and her heart is working close to normal.</p> <p>“She is such a happy baby, and she doesn’t need oxygen, which is fantastic,” Loren says.</p> <p>The couple hopes other families are encouraged by their story of how they came halfway across the country, spent hours with insurance companies and doctors, and found ways to manage care for their older child in order to give their baby a chance at life. They believe that if they can do it, others can too.&nbsp;</p> <p>“We kept pushing through, and it was definitely worth it in the end,” Josh says. “We hope our story inspires others to be persistent, get a second opinion, and have faith.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-artery-reconstruction.html">Learn more about our Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction Program &gt;</a><a id="_msocom_1"></a></p>