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1. 'It gave me my voice back': How group singing is helping new mums with postnatal depression

   Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:32:02 -0000

   New research suggests singing can be clinically effective at treating the symptoms and cost effective for the NHS.

2. Questions over mysterious death in mental health hospital

   Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:37:13 -0000

   An inquest into Maria Morris's death found it was accidental, but her family still have questions over what happened the night she died.

3. Health minister defends timeline on dealing with winter pressures

   Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:21:13 -0000

   Mike Nesbitt said a plan has been developed, but not yet been finalised, and will be published on Thursday.

4. NHS stripped ex-footballer of dignity, say family

   Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:13:21 -0000

   Failings in Colin Flatt's care in the final months of his life are laid bare in a new report.

5. Targeted prostate cancer screening could save countless lives, says Sunak

   Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:45:36 -0000

   The former PM is among those in favour of targeted screening for men most at risk, but some medical experts are sceptical.

6. Eat kiwi fruit to relieve constipation, says guidance

   Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:24:03 -0000

   New guidance for doctors says focusing on fruit in our diets can help with a really common complaint.

7. Watchdog vows Botox crackdown after BBC exposé

   Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:01:36 -0000

   BBC researchers caught pharmacists trying to sell Botox without assessing patients first.

8. 'We are inventing captivity medicine': Hospital prepares for freed Israeli hostages

   Sat, 11 Oct 2025 18:34:31 -0000

   Several of the hostages will be brought from Gaza to the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva.

9. Could I have saved my parents if I'd been taught CPR?

   Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:23:24 -0000

   Cameron McGerr lost both his parents and is campaigning to have life-saving first aid taught in schools.

10. Alarming number of people now vape, says WHO

    Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:34:03 -0000

    More than 100 million people, including at least 15 million children, use e-cigarettes, fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction, say experts.

11. First-year resident doctors back strike action over jobs shortage

    Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:51:14 -0000

    British Medical Association say 30,000 medics were chasing 10,000 jobs this year.

12. Former England captain Moody reveals MND diagnosis

    Mon, 06 Oct 2025 06:00:04 -0000

    Former England captain Lewis Moody says in an exclusive BBC interview he has "a reluctance to look the future in the face".

13. Top NHS boss backed surgeon whose failures contributed to deaths

    Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:08:52 -0000

    Seven people died following multiple failures by Karen Booth who continues to work for the NHS.

14. 'Why won't anyone give my son access to healthcare?'

    Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:11:11 -0000

    When Harry turned 18, he no longer had access to various healthcare services, his mum says.

15. Is it a cold, flu or Covid – and how to avoid the worst

    Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:30:35 -0000

    BBC Morning Live's Dr Oscar Duke shares his advice on how to identify whether you have cold, flu or Covid and how to look after yourself.

16. I went undercover as a cleaner at a failing care home. Here's what I witnessed

    Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:09:10 -0000

    Catriona MacPhee worked in a Highland care home for seven weeks as part of BBC Disclosure investigation.

17. Covid cases rising with new variants Nimbus and Stratus

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:58:13 -0000

    Unwell with a bad throat and temperature? You may have one of the new Covid strains circulating this autumn.

18. British veterans with hearing loss start legal battle over 'faulty' earplugs

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:00:46 -0000

    Lawyers say the earplugs were used in operations, including in Afghanistan, from 2003 onwards.

19. 'Buy one, get one free' deals for unhealthy food banned

    Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:54 -0000

    Crisps, sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks will be covered by restrictions starting in England.

20. Surgeon offered womb removals in 'minutes' without proper examination, women say

    Wed, 01 Oct 2025 01:35:27 -0000

    Only "good fortune" prevented ex-gynaecologist Daniel Hay from causing more harm to women, a report says.

21. Scientists make embryos from human skin DNA for first time

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:01:42 -0000

    US scientists testing the technique say it could help people overcome infertility and potentially allow same-sex couples to have a genetically related child.

22. Streeting rules out VAT on private healthcare

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:53:57 -0000

    The health secretary says "it's not happening", as ministers face questions about the prospect of tax rises.

23. Nurses and pharmacists endangering patients by supplying illegal Botox

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:45:02 -0000

    An undercover BBC team catch a fake doctor, a pharmacist and a nurse supplying Botox illegally without checks.

24. New inquests open into jailed surgeon's patients

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:32:27 -0000

    The coroner opens the inquests into the deaths of Pauline Brown and Jennifer Fox.

25. Collagen: Do you drink it? Inject it? Rub it on your skin? And does it work?

    Sat, 27 Sep 2025 22:37:43 -0000

    Pills, powders and creams promise to top up natural supplies which decrease as we get older.

26. Doctors' union warning over online booking safety risk

    Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:35:28 -0000

    GPs are concerned they will be at the end of an "online triage tsunami" when the new system launches.

27. 'My baby's brain tumour symptoms were dismissed as colic'

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:52:59 -0000

    A mum whose 12-week-old baby underwent emergency surgery for a brain tumour calls for better awareness.

28. Prostate cancer symptoms and treatment: What to check for

    Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:42:25 -0000

    One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

29. A facelift at 28? Why young people are turning to plastic surgery

    Sat, 11 Oct 2025 01:05:48 -0000

    Gone are the days when facelifts were for the ageing wealthy. Now younger people are going under the knife.

30. Your nose gets colder when you're stressed. These thermal images show the change

    Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:28:34 -0000

    Psychologists subjected a BBC reporter to a carefully designed thermal camera stress test.

31. My eating disorder made me good at lying, says Victoria Beckham

    Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:08:18 -0000

    The former Spice Girl's new Netflix documentary has landed - under the shadow of a reported family feud.

32. My late husband's organs transformed the lives of four people

    Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:33:52 -0000

    Mark Hutchinson was only 52 when he died unexpectedly last year after suffering two strokes "out of the blue".

33. 'I missed a £100 council tax bill while in hospital – the debt ballooned to £6k'

    Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:18:07 -0000

    The government says it is taking action to protect people from “aggressive collection practices”.

34. EastEnders' Kellie Bright on the challenges of being parent of an autistic child

    Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:35:51 -0000

    The soap actor meets families fighting for their children’s education for BBC Panorama.

35. What exactly is freshers' flu - and why do so many get it?

    Sat, 04 Oct 2025 23:05:38 -0000

    It's not an actual flu, and it's rarely serious, but when thousands of students arrive on campus they bring a cocktail of viruses.

36. Scientists win Nobel Prize for discovering why immune system does not destroy the body

    Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:28:37 -0000

    The prize-winning discovery explains how the immune system attacks hostile infections, but not the body's own cells.

37. How weight-loss injections are turning obesity into a wealth issue

    Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:02:26 -0000

    With claims of a 'two-tier system', could it be that these drugs are exacerbating health inequalities?

38. Why I'm challenging Nike, Adidas and Puma over single shoes

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:02:25 -0000

    Former Para-athletic world champion Stef Reid says footwear companies are failing amputees.

39. What we know about rising autism rates and Trump's unproven Tylenol link

    Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:54:16 -0000

    Some studies have suggested an association between the two, but experts say there is no causal relationship.

40. The songs I've chosen to help me prepare for dying

    Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:28:03 -0000

    Music can evoke powerful memories and offers a sense of normality for people dealing with illness or death.

41. 'My girl can't walk or talk': Searching for answers in Wales' rare disease cluster

    Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:58:54 -0000

    Families affected by a rare inherited disease say they have had to "scramble" for information.

42. How to avoid period leaks - the pros and cons of cups, pants and tampons

    Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:02:07 -0000

    Here is a guide to how each product works and the pros and cons to help you decide what might suit you.

43. Cut and bulk: Teenagers explain why they want to get ripped

    Sun, 14 Sep 2025 05:06:27 -0000

    The quest for brick-like abs has become serious business - even if you're only in Year 8.

44. Why the world is watching RFK's fight with US health agency

    Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:24:45 -0000

    The US health secretary's plans could have a huge impact on health policy not just in the US, but across the globe.

45. The trade in US body parts that's completely legal - but ripe for exploitation

    Sat, 30 Aug 2025 23:09:47 -0000

    Human remains can mean profits. But there is an emotional debate about the ethics of the industry.

46. Sitting up straight isn't the only secret to good posture - here are three more tips

    Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:07:22 -0000

    Here are Dr Xand's three suggestions on how to look after your back without turning into a statue.

47. Will Serena Williams's weight-loss admission help shed stigma of anti-obesity drugs?

    Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:34:35 -0000

    Could her comments instil a new sense of confidence in those using the drugs and quieten the critics?

48. What is chickenpox and how can I get my child vaccinated?

    Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:51:59 -0000

    The NHS in England and Wales will start offering the MMRV vaccine to young children from January 2026.

49. The teenage caffeine pouch trend troubling US experts

    Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:06:06 -0000

    Some social media influencers are pushing products to young gym-goers and students, health experts warn.

50. Sleep, exercise, hydrate - do we really need to stick to recommended daily doses?

    Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:08:06 -0000

    As a study casts doubt on the daily steps maxim, we take a look at some other health benchmarks we’re often told to strive for.

51. Is the most expensive lip balm always the best?

    Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:38:36 -0000

    Do you need to spend more to get the best for your chapped lips?

52. Ketamine helped me escape my negative thoughts - then it nearly killed me

    Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:08:50 -0000

    Young people are taking dangerous amounts of ket because it's cheap, easily available and helps them "disconnect", experts say.

53. The English neighbourhood that claims to hold the secret to fixing the NHS

    Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:04:10 -0000

    With public satisfaction in the NHS just 21%, one area has a plan to shake up its services that could reduce GP waiting lists, as well as unblock hospital beds - but can it really work nationwide?

54. How does the disposable vape ban work, and how harmful is vaping?

    Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:56:48 -0000

    The disposable vape ban is designed to reduce environmental damage and protect children's health.

55. Labour's plan for benefits throws up a bigger dilemma

    Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:06:29 -0000

    The debate has sparked a wider dilemma about the broader purpose of welfare

56. 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.

57. 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.

58. 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.

59. '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.

60. 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.

61. 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.

62. 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.

63. 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.

64. 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.

65. Union and government to restart talks on ending doctor dispute

    Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:03:52 -0000

    BMA says there is window of opportunity in coming weeks to reach a settlement after 12 strikes.

66. Doctors' union agrees to resume talks with Streeting

    Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:03:16 -0000

    But the health secretary says he will not negotiate on pay, adding that the union has lost goodwill with their five-day walkout.

67. The doctor strike has ended - what comes next?

    Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:02:02 -0000

    With doctors returning to work after five-day walkout, is there an opportunity for talks to re-start?

68. Why did resident doctors strike and what are they paid?

    Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:49:33 -0000

    Resident doctors in England went on strike over pay for five days at the end of July 2025.

69. Covid care home policy was 'least worst decision' - Hancock

    Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:27:58 -0000

    Former health secretary Matt Hancock denied claims the government's attempt to throw a protective ring around care homes in early 2020 was empty rhetoric.

70. Covid inquiry hears of 'generational slaughter'

    Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:55:44 -0000

    Relatives of care home residents tell the Covid inquiry they will never get over how their loved ones died.

71. Covid inquiry to look at impact on care services

    Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:10:05 -0000

    The Covid inquiry will examine the impact of the pandemic on care services, starting on Monday.

72. The Covid Inquiry Podcast: 'I wasn't the decision maker'

    Sat, 31 May 2025 06:00:00 -0000

    The Inquiry hears from the lead of the test and trace unit

73. Cash to isolate 'would have cut Covid deaths'

    Wed, 28 May 2025 15:05:43 -0000

    Baroness Dido Harding tells Covid inquiry Rishi Sunak blocked higher support payments.

74. Johnson wanted tighter Covid rules, inquiry hears

    Thu, 22 May 2025 19:11:38 -0000

    In his diaries, Lord Vallance wrote that ex-PM thought rules were not ruthless enough.

75. Hancock criticises 'wholly naive' Covid inquiry

    Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:14:53 -0000

    The former health secretary was giving evidence about medical equipment deals during the pandemic.

76. 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".

77. 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.

78. 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.

79. 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.

80. 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.

81. 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".

82. 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.

83. 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.

84. 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

85. 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.

86. 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.

87. Report shows 'stark' gender gap in HIV prevention

    Sat, 11 Oct 2025 11:01:27 -0000

    A meeting will discuss how to tackle what organisers say is a growing inequality in HIV prevention.

88. 'Marginalised and menopausal' women given spotlight

    Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:16:55 -0000

    Women from ethnic minority communities typically experience perimenopause symptoms earlier and for longer.

89. Pharmacies can issue UTI drugs without GP visit

    Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:52:37 -0000

    From October, most pharmacies in Wales can treat women under 64 who have urinary tract infections.

90. First local endometriosis support centre to open

    Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:57:35 -0000

    The charity-run centre in Hull will help women with the condition that can cause extreme pain.

91. 'Severe period pain – it's not normal'

    Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:39:16 -0000

    Reah Steer was prescribed the contraceptive pill, which only disguised her endometriosis.

92. Town's wellbeing and health support gets £13m boost

    Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:11:06 -0000

    A council hopes it will inspire physical activity, and "create learning and career opportunities".

93. 'Prescription for time at the coast helped me'

    Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:14:36 -0000

    A woman from Plymouth describes her health improving after a "green social prescription".

94. School Council Network focusing on digital safety

    Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:30:57 -0000

    The meetings allow primary and secondary school councils to shape policy directly with government.

95. How to have a social life - even when it feels hard

    Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:14:08 -0000

    Advice on staying connected with friends when life feels like a never-ending to-do list.

96. One way Michael Rosen has coped with the death of his son

    Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:51:54 -0000

    "You don’t die as a human being, you live on with others," Rosen told Saturday Live.

97. Inside Health

    Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

    Cystic fibrosis care, AI in cancer screening & science of run clubs.

98. Inside Health

    Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

    Shingles vaccine to reduce dementia risk? Antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea & tech trousers

99. Inside Health

    Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

    We investigate the safety of melatonin as a sleep aid, and should you eat your placenta?

100. Inside Health

     Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

     We try to figure out why drug deaths are at an all-time high - and what can be done.

101. The Climate Question

     Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0000

     Most of the world will be living in cities by 2050. How can we improve their design?

102. 'It saved me' - how Everton in the Community is changing lives

     Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:56:24 -0000

     Everton defender James Tarkowski speaks with lifelong fan Sam to discuss how the club are supporting members of the community with mental health challenges.

103. How singer Calum Scott stays grounded

     Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:05:22 -0000

     Singer-songwriter Calum Scott speaks about resilience and staying grounded for World Mental Health Day.

104. Miranda Hart on the healing power of nature walks

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:03:36 -0000

     Miranda Hart is interviewed about her recovery from fatigue on Woman's Hour

105. Transgender 'trend' sharply declining on American college campuses, new analysis finds

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:17:29 -0000

     A professor's analysis of 68,000 college students shows the transgender identification trend losing momentum, with experts citing improved mental health as factor.

106. Life expectancy back on track with exception of one age group, study finds

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:12:58 -0000

     The Global Burden of Diseases study shows that life expectancy has recovered from pandemic lows, while youth mortality has increased significantly in North America and Eastern Europe.

107. Chikungunya virus: New York confirms first locally acquired case in US since 2019

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:04:12 -0000

     Health officials confirm the first locally acquired chikungunya virus case in the United States since 2019, detected in a Nassau County, New York, resident.

108. Actress ignored subtle cancer symptom for years before onstage emergency

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:30:10 -0000

     Uterine cancer symptoms include irregular bleeding and pelvic pain, but early diagnosis through medical evaluation can lead to better treatment outcomes.

109. Hidden type of breast cancer could be exposed by new breakthrough tech

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:00:43 -0000

     Ohio State University scientists are applying artificial intelligence to predict which lobular breast cancer patients will face higher recurrence risks over the next decade.

110. Growing antibiotic crisis could turn bacterial infections deadly, experts warn

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:25:09 -0000

     Antibiotic-resistant superbugs pose a growing global health threat, with WHO reporting that antimicrobial resistance is outpacing advances in modern medicine.

111. He carries the Alzheimer’s gene but never got the disease — scientists want to know why

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:17 -0000

     Doug Whitney, 76, carries a rare PSEN2 genetic mutation that causes early-onset Alzheimer's but shows no cognitive decline despite his family history.

112. 100-year-old great-grandmother reveals her secret of living a long life

     Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:15:22 -0000

     100-year-old Ruth Lemay exercises three times weekly, rides a recumbent bike for six miles, walks daily, and maintains a vegetable-rich diet for longevity.

113. Popular vitamin D supplement may have an unexpected effect, experts warn

     Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:00:22 -0000

     Researchers analyzed 11 trials with 655 adults and discovered that taking vitamin D2 supplements decreases the body's vitamin D3 levels, a previously unknown effect.

114. Scientists crack code on how dietary fiber shields your body from harmful sugar damage

     Sun, 12 Oct 2025 20:06:51 -0000

     A UC Irvine study reveals how inulin fiber from onions, garlic and artichokes reshapes gut bacteria to metabolize harmful fructose before it reaches the liver.

115. New study reveals why women face significantly higher depression risk than men

     Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:19:51 -0000

     Study published in Nature Communications identifies significant genetic differences in how depression affects women versus men, offering new insights into mental health.

116. One overlooked daily habit could slow the aging process, researchers say

     Sun, 12 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0000

     A new study reveals that lifelong social connections from family, community and religious involvement accumulate to create measurable health benefits, like reduced inflammation.

117. Overlooked supplement could slow aging and boost brain and heart health, expert says

     Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:00:55 -0000

     A registered dietitian nutritionist discusses creatine's safety and effectiveness for cognitive and physical benefits, including heart health and bone health.

118. Drug connected to car crash deaths, plus the risks of illicit weight-loss pills

     Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:09:10 -0000

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

119. Hair-loss drug tied to suicides, depression and anxiety in global study

     Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:21:48 -0000

     A Hebrew University researcher calls for finasteride removal from the market after finding that many may have died by suicide from the hair-loss medication's side effects.

120. Ozempic and similar drugs could interfere with common medical procedure, research warns

     Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:00:20 -0000

     A new study reveals that GLP-1 drugs may affect medical scan results, though experts say findings are preliminary and more data is needed before changing medical practice.

121. State bans products with dangerous substance amid growing fears of overuse by kids

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:15:26 -0000

     Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order banning intoxicating hemp products, requiring retailers to remove THC gummies and beverages by Oct. 14.

122. Major study of diet drinks raises questions about their health impact

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:20:12 -0000

     New research challenges the belief that diet drinks are healthier, showing that artificially sweetened beverages are linked to greater liver disease risk than sugar drinks.

123. 5 things you need to know before getting your flu shot, according to doctors

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:20:56 -0000

     Medical experts share five essential tips for flu shot preparation and recovery, including proper clothing choices, hydration and management of side effects.

124. The hidden reason scientists say bottled water may not be the cleaner choice

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:00:20 -0000

     New research reveals that bottled water drinkers consume significantly more microplastics than tap water users, with particles linked to cancer risks and chronic health complications.

125. World's oldest living man REVEALS 5 longevity secrets

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:30:00 -0000

     World's oldest living man, João Marinho Neto, REVEALS 5 longevity secrets; ‘There are no men….’

126. UK Visa shake up: Higher English standards for skilled workers and who qualifies

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:02:13 -0000

     The UK government is introducing stricter English language requirements for skilled worker and dependent visa applicants as part of a broader immigration system overhaul. These changes, detailed in the May 2025 White Paper, aim to reduce net migration and will apply to individuals taking English language tests. Partners of work visa holders will also need to meet basic English proficiency.

127. Malala’s love story: ‘Never getting married’ to finding love

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:12:00 -0000

     Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai reveals her love story in her new memoir. She opens up about her love story in her upcoming memoir, ‘Finding My Way.’ She initially hesitated about marriage, fearing loss of independence. Meeting Asser Malik, a cricket executive, changed her perspective. Their romance blossomed at Oxford University. The couple married in 2021, finding a true partner in each other.

128. This fruit can reduce your risk of heart attack, dementia, and gut problems; here’s what science says

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:36:46 -0000

     Grapes are a nutritional powerhouse, boasting over 1,600 bioactive compounds like polyphenols and resveratrol. These natural elements actively protect cells, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress. Their consumption significantly benefits heart health, enhances brain function, supports a healthy gut, and improves skin and vision, offering a delicious path to overall wellness and disease prevention.

129. Diwali 2025 recovery: 6 natural ways to undo sugar and oil overload

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:26:05 -0000

     Diwali festivities bring delicious treats but also overindulgence. To feel lighter after heavy meals, focus on hydration and light, fresh foods. Gentle exercise aids circulation and toxin release. Prioritize mindful rest and sleep for rejuvenation. Avoid fad diets. Small lifestyle changes, like reducing caffeine and alcohol, support liver health. Kitchen spices aid digestion. These habits promote recovery and long-term well-being.

130. Jihyo turns heads in lingerie-inspired sheer outfit at Pink Carpet as four TWICE members dazzle at Victoria’s Secret runway

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:31:49 -0000

     Jihyo turns heads in lingerie-inspired sheer outfit at Pink Carpet as four TWICE members dazzle at Victoria’s Secret runway

131. 3 different types of Labradors: Which breed is perfect for your family?

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:12:20 -0000

     Read on to know what they are and which Labrador breed is more suitable for your family:

132. Brown eggs vs. white eggs: What’s the difference and which one is better for you?

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:25:51 -0000

     Eggs are one of the most common and nutritious foods in diets worldwide: it’s what we call a multifaceted whole meal. Those nutrient powerhouses are one of the most popular and largely consumed foods around the world. One large egg delivers about 6–7 g of protein, all nine essential amino acids, and rich vitamins A, D, E, and B12, along with choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, and unsaturated fats. The yolk is the star for brain and eye health; whites offer pure, cholesterol-free protein. Perfect fuel for muscles, minds, and overall wellness.Whether you crack open a brown egg or a white one, you’re likely getting the same wholesome package: protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Yet many of us often wonder: does the color of an eggshell – brown or white – really make any difference?In fact, the truth is more nuanced. The color of an eggshell is determined by hen genetics, not nutrition. Moreover, what really affects an egg’s value is how the hen is raised, what it eats, and how fresh the egg is.Here, in this guide, we’ll compare brown eggs and white eggs on nutrition, taste, cost, and what really matters when you pick eggs. Whether you're cooking omelets, scrambling, or just trying to eat healthier, understanding what’s behind the shells helps you make smarter choices – not just based on color, but on content.

133. 4 everyday drinks that can help prevent artery plaque, and improve blood flow

     Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:47:02 -0000

     Nourishing your arteries involves mindful eating and drinking. Certain beverages like green tea, pomegranate juice, beetroot juice, and turmeric milk can significantly support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering bad cholesterol, and promoting healthy blood flow. While plaque buildup cannot be reversed, these drinks can help stabilize and potentially shrink it.

134. How to train your brain to success: 5 simple tips, as per psychology

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:21:02 -0000

     Many people strive to be successful, but only a few actually succeed. So, what are successful people doing differently that sets them apart from the rest? Well, success isn’t just about luck or hard work — instead, it is about how your mind is trained to think, focus, and persist. According to psychology, our thoughts shape our habits, and our habits shape our results. And so, by rewiring your brain with small, consistent changes and daily habits, you can boost your motivation, discipline, and problem-solving skills-- all of which collectively lead to one's success. Here we list some science-backed psychological strategies to help train your brain to success:

135. How to consume Drumstick for maximum hair growth

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:27:21 -0000

     Whether you take it as powder, juice, or even in food, moringa has nutrients that can literally transform dull, weak hair into thick, strong, and glossy locks. Let’s dive into how you can use this Indian superfood for your mane’s glow-up.

136. Cold and cough remedies: 6 nutritious soups to support your immune system

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:03:16 -0000

     Nourishing soups are essential during cold and flu season, offering comfort and vital nutrients for immune support and recovery. This article highlights six wholesome recipes, from carrot ginger to sweet potato, designed to boost immunity, relieve symptoms, and help you feel better faster with their easily digestible and nutrient-rich ingredients.

137. Keep your bones strong this winter with vitamin D, calcium, and smart habits

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0000

     Winter's reduced sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency, weakening bones and increasing fracture risk. Orthopedic specialists advise maintaining bone health through safe sun exposure, a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, regular physical activity, and avoiding bone-damaging habits. Consistent efforts throughout the year are crucial for long-term mobility and longevity.

138. 5 natural foods to help bring down cholesterol in 3 months

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:42:19 -0000

     5 natural foods to help bring down cholesterol in 3 months

139. Top 10 easy indoor plants for beginners: Low-maintenance greenery that thrives anywhere

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:32:22 -0000

     Bring nature indoors with ten resilient houseplants perfect for beginners. These low-care plants brighten your home and purify the air. Enjoy greenery without constant attention. Plants like the Money Plant, ZZ Plant, and Snake Plant thrive in various conditions. They require minimal watering and adapt easily. These selections offer beauty and health benefits for any living space.

140. Renowned cardiologist reveals how yoga helped overcome knee pain and boost overall health

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:40:00 -0000

     Renowned cardiologist Dr. Devi Shetty shared his remarkable recovery from chronic knee pain through yoga. His personal journey, spanning just months, highlights yoga's scientifically proven ability to reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and restore joint function. This holistic practice offers a natural, non-invasive path to pain relief and enhanced mobility for many.

141. No more last-minute flight fare surprises? How this airline's 'Fare Se Fursat' might be a game-changer

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:22:31 -0000

     Alliance Air has launched 'Fare Se Leisure,' a groundbreaking initiative offering fixed, predictable ticket prices across select Indian routes. This move, inaugurated by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, aims to democratize air travel, making it affordable for the middle and lower classes. The pilot project, running from October to December 2025, seeks to eliminate fare uncertainty and encourage first-time flyers.

142. ‘I ran 5 km every day, and still got 2 stents. Here’s what it taught me’

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:35:39 -0000

     After experiencing chest discomfort and undergoing angioplasty with stents, Karthik Srinivasan reflects on his heart health journey. He now prioritizes home-cooked meals, eliminates ultra-processed foods, and has adopted deep breathing exercises and hourly movement alerts from his smartwatch, significantly improving his sleep quality and overall well-being.

143. The impact of iron deficiency on eye health and vision clarity

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:51:37 -0000

     Essential mineral iron is vital for clear vision, aiding oxygen transport to eyes and protecting against damage. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, blurred vision, dry eyes, and increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Recognizing these symptoms and maintaining adequate iron levels through diet or supplements is crucial for overall eye health and function.

144. Prostate cancer prevention: Effective lifestyle and dietary strategies for men

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:30:00 -0000

     Protecting your prostate health involves proactive lifestyle choices. Experts recommend a plant-based, high-fibre diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lycopene-packed foods. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting red and processed meats are crucial. Awareness of genetic risks and regular medical check-ups further bolster prevention strategies against prostate cancer.

145. ‘You can continue safely for prolonged periods only if…’: Experts highlight risk of hyperlipidemia, liver dysfunction, and glucose intolerance due to long term Keto diets

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:00:04 -0000

146. ‘Assumed it is age-related fatigue’: Patients, doctors reveal how osteoporosis silently steals mobility, and why early awareness matters

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:58:05 -0000

147. Your usual treatments for diseases may not work anymore, WHO warns antibiotic resistance is ‘critically high’ globally

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:30:07 -0000

148. Can cold showers really improve insulin sensitivity?

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:46 -0000

149. Why you must never ever consume medicines with a red line on the strip without doctor’s prescription

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:00:44 -0000

150. ‘My husband’s fasting sugar remains 160 to 170 mg/dl. He doesn’t feel any weakness, always walks and cares for his diet too. His PP sugar is also the same. Should he start medicine?’

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:05 -0000

151. What you must do when alone and having a heart attack

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:55:11 -0000

152. Yes, that sex toy can make you sick if you don’t clean it properly

     Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0000

153. ‘My fasting glucose is 103.3 mg/dL and HbA1c is 4.84 per cent. Should I be worried?’

     Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:30:59 -0000

154. ‘Morning people are more productive than night people,’ say Akshay Kumar-Twinkle Khanna while Saif Ali Khan-Kajol ‘heartily disagree’

     Sun, 12 Oct 2025 15:00:07 -0000

155. 7 ways men in their 20s can boost their testosterone levels

     Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:30:25 -0000

156. Vitamin B3 supplement may reduce your risk of skin cancer

     Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:12:31 -0000

157. Not all headaches are bad — here’s when they become a red flag

     Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:59:23 -0000

158. ORS vs Coconut water: Which is the better option to tackle dehydration?

     Sun, 12 Oct 2025 04:00:09 -0000

159. News of a ‘giant’ baby boy is all over TikTok. Here’s what women really need to know

     Sat, 11 Oct 2025 14:00:31 -0000

160. ‘Women are from Venus, men are from Mars’: Samantha Prabhu explores on how fasting affects males and females differently

     Sat, 11 Oct 2025 06:53:37 -0000

161. How cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty healed knee pain at 55: ‘As a young man, I was a bodybuilder, martial artist’

     Sat, 11 Oct 2025 04:58:54 -0000

162. How the popular ‘chai-sutta’ combination affects the body

     Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:00:20 -0000

163. ‘My blood pressure is 150/90. Does it cause any harm. I am 54 years old’

     Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:00:16 -0000

164. Pahadi Badam can be a game-changer for your morning health. Here’s why

     Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:20 -0000

165. Optometrist Puthussery, epidemiologist Dasgupta among MacArthur Grant winners

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 23:15:23 -0000

166. Dermatologist debunks ‘five common myths’ around acne and reveals what really triggers adult breakouts: ‘What you eat is not the cause’

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:00:30 -0000

167. These 2 additions to the bedroom may radically improve your sleep quality: ‘In all of history, there’s never been…’

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:00:03 -0000

168. Nargis Fakhri reveals skincare routine: ‘Everybody wants a quick fix’ but, it’s a ‘combination of things’

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:00:09 -0000

169. Stop scribbling, start typing: Why Indian courts and doctors are raising alarm over illegible medical prescriptions

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:01:11 -0000

170. Should you check blood sugar right after waking up or 1-2 hours after breakfast?

     Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:00:06 -0000

171. ‘Haven’t used soap on my body for 10 years, and still my skin is soft as ever’: Vidya Malavade shares her bathing rituals

     Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:00:10 -0000

172. Why patients are strictly advised to not eat anything before surgery

     Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:00:21 -0000

173. Signs there is too much sugar in your body, and what you can do to tackle it

     Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:30 -0000

174. Why medical experts want you to ‘throw out’ scented candles from your home

     Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:55:09 -0000

175. ‘I spend 2 million a year to live longer; do not do this’: Bryan Johnson lists 3 habits he avoids at all costs

     Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:55:40 -0000

176. Driving dehydrated vs under the influence of alcohol: How both affect the brain and body

     Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:06 -0000

177. ‘My blood pressure is 150/100 mmHg and I am only 26 years old. Should I immediately take medicines?’

     Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:27 -0000

178. ‘At 32, I have to focus on what I’m putting into my system’: Ranveer Allahbadia on his daily morning ritual and why keeping meals simple fuels his energy

     Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:16 -0000

179. ‘I feel so joyful counting the hours’: Alia Bhatt reveals her and Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘early-to-bed, early-to-rise’ sleep routine

     Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:00:03 -0000

180. This is what happens when you drink tea or coffee over alcohol

     Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:00:21 -0000

181. Holding your phone in this posture is giving you anxiety

     Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:56:44 -0000

182. Why a fasting blood sugar of 17.5 mmol/L or 315 mg/dL is considered abnormal for a healthy adult

     Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:30:09 -0000

183. Are you planning on trying a monotrophic diet? Learn what it can do to your blood sugar levels

     Sun, 05 Oct 2025 11:26:53 -0000

184. What does it mean if you sometimes lose the urge to eat solid food?

     Sun, 05 Oct 2025 09:00:25 -0000

185. ‘If done properly, it is meant to be one of the most effective ways…’: Samantha Prabhu explores why fasting helps aid digestion

     Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:00:25 -0000

186. One dish Tamannaah Bhatia can have for both breakfast and lunch: ‘Plain poha, which doesn’t have too much going on’

     Sun, 05 Oct 2025 04:00:07 -0000

187. Is sitting down immediately after a meal worse than smoking for your heart?

     Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:30:13 -0000

188. A recipe for avoiding 15 million deaths a year and climate disaster is fixing food, scientists say

     Sat, 04 Oct 2025 14:00:36 -0000

189. “Heating it to high temperatures can lead to..”: Doctor explains why you should never heat honey

     Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:55:27 -0000

190. Say goodbye to glasses and achieve clear vision with SILK

     Sat, 04 Oct 2025 10:00:42 -0000

191. Does ‘fasted’ cardio help you lose weight? Here’s science

     Sat, 04 Oct 2025 08:00:04 -0000

192. These mushroom-millet jalebis have been going viral for all the right reasons

     Sat, 04 Oct 2025 05:00:09 -0000

193. Expert says being skinny-fat can be just as risky as being overweight, lists risk factors

     Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:30:02 -0000

194. Why hot fermentation is not recommended to alleviate varicose veins

     Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:00:47 -0000

195. This is what happens to the skin when you float in the mineral-rich Dead Sea

     Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:05 -0000

196. That 9-to-5 desk job could be the culprit behind your weight gain; here are 6 signs to watch out for

     Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:56:42 -0000

197. Can wearing cheap adhesive bindi cause leukoderma in the long run? Dermatologist answers

     Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:00:27 -0000

198. Is there a direct link between sugar consumption and back pain?

     Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:02 -0000

199. ‘My hair is fuller, my skin is better…I’m talking about sex’: Amy Schumer says weight loss drug Mounjaro alleviated perimenopausal symptoms; we check with a doctor

     Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:00:01 -0000

200. Why you must always tie the open end of a used condom before disposing of it

     Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:00:53 -0000

201. ‘On Friday my body said, not today’: Mandana Karimi shares how chronic work exhaustion broke down her body

     Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:18 -0000

202. Can these 6 lifestyle habits really reverse insulin resistance?

     Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:21 -0000

203. ‘Gaali do yaar mast’: Sexual health educator suggests an unusual way of dealing with period pain

     Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:00:15 -0000

204. ‘Part of the journey’: Badshah on normalising stress at work; experts on drawing boundaries

     Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:00:47 -0000

205. Which damages the kidney more – high blood pressure or sugar?

     Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:00:15 -0000

206. Diabetics, here’s what happens to your body when the weather changes

     Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:00:22 -0000

207. ‘I just sleep’: Dipika Kakar opens up about her ‘body just giving up’ on certain days in the post-cancer recovery phase

     Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:08 -0000

208. Top cardiac surgeon picks stress or treadmill test to help detect heart disease risk

     Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:50:40 -0000

209. This is what happens if you use an expired condom

     Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:00:32 -0000

210. All about Sumehara, or smell harassment in Japan

     Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:00:36 -0000

211. ‘Main subhe 7 baje sota hu, aur dopahar ke 1 baje uth ta hu’: Expert on the impact of Saif Ali Khan’s irregular sleep pattern on the body

     Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:33 -0000

212. Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shares 4 must-have foods for ‘digestion, diversity, and de-stressing’

     Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:08 -0000

213. Kajol reflects on the only time she was advised to ‘not raise her voice’: ‘Your blood pressure should not be…’

     Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:18 -0000

214. ‘My fasting glucose is 300, HbA1c is 15, but all the other tests were normal. At 75, what does this indicate?’

     Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:00:10 -0000

215. Akshay Kumar says his social media screen time is just 15-20 minutes every day: ‘I am not giving gyaan or anything but…’

     Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:30:03 -0000

216. What is leucovorin, the drug Trump administration says can treat autism?

     Sun, 28 Sep 2025 15:00:01 -0000

217. How to break a fast safely: Doctors and nutritionists share the best foods

     Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:17:30 -0000

218. Sadhguru details why belly fat is dangerous for health: ‘A young woman is definitely inviting trouble’

     Sun, 28 Sep 2025 09:01:07 -0000

219. Mini Mathur shows us her supplement stash, calls it her ‘arsenal for perimenopause survival’

     Sun, 28 Sep 2025 07:00:11 -0000

220. ‘I’m a nutritionist and I do these 3 things when I get sick’

     Sun, 28 Sep 2025 06:00:40 -0000

221. Can using hand dryers in public washrooms make you sick?

     Sun, 28 Sep 2025 04:00:15 -0000

222. ‘Petrichor’: How this earthy scent contributes to our well-being

     Sat, 27 Sep 2025 15:00:45 -0000

223. It’s OK to use paracetamol in pregnancy. Here’s what the science says about the link with autism

     Sat, 27 Sep 2025 09:00:12 -0000

224. ‘You give the body a signal that you are fasting’: Samantha Prabhu explores the benefits of a fast-mimicking diet

     Sat, 27 Sep 2025 08:00:12 -0000

225. ‘Why could I not hold the baby?’: Geeta Basra reveals having a ‘very, very difficult time’ dealing with two miscarriages after daughter’s birth

     Sat, 27 Sep 2025 06:00:28 -0000

226. These common everyday habits could be unknowingly damaging your brain function

     Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:30:26 -0000

227. Snoring, late-night TV, and melatonin gummies: Sleep doctor warns your ‘harmless’ habits may actually be wrecking rest and brain health

     Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:00:45 -0000

228. Salman Khan opens up about having the ‘suicidal disease’: ‘It used to take me an hour and a half to have my breakfast’; why eating becomes so painful

     Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:59:01 -0000

229. ‘Can one take vitamin B12 supplements every day?’

     Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:02:31 -0000

230. Neha Dhupia takes up the 21-day challenge to get rid off inflammation in her body: ‘Ghar ke nuske, I promise you’

     Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:00:48 -0000

231. Neurosurgeon says a simple blood test can predict brain diseases years before symptoms; here’s everything you need to know

     Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:00:02 -0000

232. ‘I’m pre-diabetic. My doctor won’t prescribe Metformin, which I have access to. If the normal starting dosage for a diabetic is 500 mg, could 250 mg help reduce my carb cravings?’

     Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:30:56 -0000

233. This rare, distressing condition causes people to experience unpredictable orgasms without sex or desire

     Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:00:49 -0000

234. ‘Patients come after expensive full-body check-ups’: AIIMS orthopaedic surgeon lists 4 tests every female should do for long-standing body pain

     Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:00:24 -0000

235. Fat or sugar: What really is the cause of type 2 diabetes?

     Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:27 -0000

236. Here’s what happens to the body when you start your day with haldi water

     Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:30:37 -0000

237. ‘She didn’t want to take multivitamins daily’: Parag Tyagi dismisses ‘anti-ageing medicine’ claims after Shefali Jariwala’s death

     Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:56:25 -0000

238. ‘On our way to start the best chapter of our lives’: Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are expecting their first child; expert reflects on pregnancy in 40s

     Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:55:35 -0000

239. H3N2: The virus affecting ’69 per cent’ families in Delhi NCR

     Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:00:14 -0000

240. ‘The first reason is…’: Fitness trainer lists 3 reasons to avoid intermittent fasting; expert explains the risks

     Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:00:29 -0000

241. Singer Cardi B reveals giving birth to her second child ‘broke her’ as she announces fourth pregnancy: ‘Oh yeah, I ripped’

     Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:55:16 -0000

242. Diabetes and stiff hands: Expert explains diabetic cheiroarthropathy, the little-known complication that affects mobility

     Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:57:23 -0000

243. Does the side you sleep on really matter for your heart?

     Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:21 -0000

244. Bhagyashree shares 3 signs you’re experiencing brain fog in your 40s: ‘If you enter a room and forget…’

     Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:55:12 -0000

245. Why are women more prone to osteoarthritis than men?

     Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:00:10 -0000

246. ‘Chalo cancer bhagate hai’: Macrobiotic coach shares recipe for ‘cancer-fighting shot’; we verify effectiveness

     Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:30:28 -0000

247. Is it OK to sit on public toilet seats?

     Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:00:19 -0000

248. Sanya Malhotra says rajma chawal can be made into a ‘proper, balanced meal’; a nutritionist weighs in

     Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:00:13 -0000

249. ‘My wife and I are very different; we are poles apart’: Akshay Kumar reveals the ‘only thing in common’ with Twinkle Khanna

     Sat, 20 Sep 2025 10:55:49 -0000

250. If I use SPF50+ sunscreen every day do I need to take vitamin D?

     Sat, 20 Sep 2025 08:00:09 -0000

251. ‘Invite me for lunch but not for dinner’: Mini Mathur shares things she no longer does in perimenopause

     Sat, 20 Sep 2025 05:00:10 -0000

252. 4 common salad mistakes that can lead to secret glucose spikes

     Sat, 20 Sep 2025 04:00:13 -0000

253. Jet belly: Why you feel bloated during or after a flight

     Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:00:07 -0000

254. 4 habits that could be slowing your back pain recovery: ‘What you eat can delay or speed up your healing’

     Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0000

255. Here are 5 simple habits for health and longevity, according to tech millionaire Bryan Johnson: ‘Throw that f*** hot dog out of your life’

     Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:00:27 -0000

256. ‘I was in the hospital with a blood pressure of 200/90. They said it was panic attack or stress. Went back to the doctor two months later and it was still high. Can stress cause high BP?’

     Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:00:06 -0000

257. Nutritionist details meeting a friend who complained of fissures and constipation after taking weight loss drugs: ‘At first, I thought… maybe menopause’

     Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:00:01 -0000

258. ‘Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can make you drunk within minutes but…’: Liver transplant surgeon explains the risks

     Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:00:11 -0000

259. ‘My Hb1AC test is 10.5 per cent. Is medication necessary, or can I fix it with diet and lifestyle?’

     Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:19 -0000

260. Pulmonologist explains: “Zero sleep + smoking cigarette = ….”

     Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:00:21 -0000

261. Dipika Kakar shares health update, says she is facing extreme hair fall after liver cancer treatment: ‘Bahut zyaada gir rahe hain’

     Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:02:12 -0000

262. ‘Why do doctors prefer prescribing Metformin for type 2 diabetes instead of just recommending keto diets or intermittent fasting?’

     Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:30:28 -0000

263. ‘Place one leg at 90-degree angle…’: Bhagyashree shares her bedtime stretching routine for restful sleep

     Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:55:55 -0000

264. Boss shares ‘devastating’ post about fit 40-year-old colleague who died 10 minutes after requesting for sick leave due to ‘heavy back pain’; expert explains the link

     Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:58:15 -0000

265. Why Aamir Khan’s recent weight gain is linked to steroid treatment for migraines: ‘It’s difficult to diagnose exactly why things are happening’

     Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:58:08 -0000

266. Why is fasting glucose high (around 105 mg/dL) in a non-diabetic?

     Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:24 -0000

267. Cardiologist says, ‘your gut health isn’t just about digestion — it could be linked to your heart too’; here’s the science behind lifestyle habits he recommends to avoid bloating

     Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:30:56 -0000

268. Humans of Bombay founder Karishma Mehta swears by this 4-ingredient morning shot for skin, hair, and immunity: ‘I hope you add this to your routine’

     Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:00:59 -0000

269. ‘I’m not going to do the epidural’: Ileana D’Cruz on choosing unmedicated birth and why her second postpartum phase hit harder than the first

     Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:56:11 -0000

270. How smoking may affect your voice: Doctors say ‘Even one cigarette can…’

     Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:55:50 -0000

271. ‘I changed tampons every 1 hour for 48 hours straight’: Chhavi Mittal on experiencing ‘severe’ period pain, ‘most probably’ related to post-cancer hormone therapy

     Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:00:15 -0000

272. This rare genetic disorder causes tree-bark like lesions on skins: Dermatologist explains causes, prevention, impact

     Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:30:15 -0000

273. What happens if a man takes a pregnancy test (and it comes positive)?

     Sun, 14 Sep 2025 09:01:39 -0000

274. ‘I ain’t no nutritionist but…’: Vidya Malavade clarifies as she shares all that she eats in a day

     Sat, 13 Sep 2025 06:00:41 -0000

275. Shark Tank India judge Namita Thapar cautions against ‘high sodium consumption’ — learn how it impacts blood sugar levels

     Sat, 13 Sep 2025 05:01:02 -0000

276. Board certified gastroenterologist shares ‘8 morning habits for gut health’

     Sat, 13 Sep 2025 00:30:32 -0000

277. You might be unknowingly risking your life by using this item in the kitchen

     Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000

278. ‘It was about being able to climb three floors’: Anshula Kapoor opens up about being body shamed as a child, ‘retreating into a shell’

     Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:00:51 -0000

279. Answered: Why people sneeze more during monsoon

     Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:00:46 -0000

280. ‘You can easily create a mess’: As astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla says he ‘ate water in space,’ expert lists digestive challenges in microgravity

     Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:53:47 -0000

281. ‘My fasting sugar is 106, and my PP is 149; is my sugar too high?’

     Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:01:47 -0000

282. Cardiologist says these blood tests can predict heart disease risk ‘before you waste 5 years Googling your symptoms’

     Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:57:59 -0000

283. ‘I could have broken somebody’s face’: When Sanjay Dutt recalled his reaction after he learned he had cancer; oncologist on coping with the initial shock of diagnosis

     Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:00:07 -0000

284. AIIMS gastroenterologist explains the best time to eat chia, flax, sesame, and fennel seeds for gut health; we verify

     Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:30:25 -0000

285. A neurologist explains why it is easier to stay up late than to get up early

     Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:00:10 -0000

286. Tanishaa Mukerji recalls life-altering head injury during ‘Sssshhh…’ shoot: ‘My brain shifted inside my skull’; Neurologist explains what happens during a concussion

     Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:26 -0000

287. ‘Cases have doubled since 1990’: Oncologist says liver cancer rising among young people, including non-drinkers; how to know if you are at risk

     Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:14 -0000

288. ‘What causes high blood sugar even when I don’t eat sweets?’

     Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:00:25 -0000

289. This is what happens to the body when you have paracetamol on an empty stomach for fever

     Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:00:09 -0000

290. As Gauahar Khan shares video of dancing with husband Zaid Darbar right before birthing second baby, experts weigh in on the dos and don’ts

     Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:00:39 -0000

291. ‘I am 35, just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The doctor prescribed Metformin twice a day. I am afraid of taking it. Is there any substitute or other solutions to lower sugar level?’

     Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:00:15 -0000

292. Gynaecologist narrates how family refused childbirth during blood moon Lunar Eclipse, took lot of convincing: ‘Grahan hai…aap aaj ke din rakhiye’

     Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:54:54 -0000

293. Having high blood sugar throughout the day is the ‘body’s alarm bell’ — know what you can do

     Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:59:54 -0000

294. Reasons your omega-3 supplement is not working

     Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:30:07 -0000

295. Why is protein suddenly everywhere?

     Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:00:53 -0000

296. Macrobiotic coach says traditional Indian-style toilet systems are the ultimate health hack: ‘Your organs would begin healing’

     Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:49:41 -0000

297. Patralekhaa, who had frozen her eggs three years ago, says natural pregnancy was easier: ‘Test kit showed me a negative result’; gynaecologist weighs in

     Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:51 -0000

298. Diabetes educator reveals 3 tweaks that helped her patient struggling with insulin resistance for 10 years: ‘In just one month…’

     Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:17 -0000

299. ‘Ek saath, about 19-20’: Karan Singh Grover once revealed Bipasha Basu’s love for motichoor laddoos; the effects of bingeing on sweets

     Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:00:41 -0000

300. This is what happens to the body when you smoke a cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning

     Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:04 -0000

301. Five things everyone should know about weight loss

     Sun, 07 Sep 2025 15:00:55 -0000

302. Nutritionist reveals which supplements to avoid and which ones to take

     Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:00:55 -0000

303. A quick guide to different forms of whey protein, and who they are best suited for

     Sat, 06 Sep 2025 09:57:09 -0000

304. ‘Shorts wali desi girl’ Neena Gupta urges you to try her ‘roti roll’ instead of buying overpriced airport food

     Sat, 06 Sep 2025 06:55:35 -0000

305. Not all processed foods are bad for you. Here’s what you can tell from reading the label

     Sat, 06 Sep 2025 05:54:55 -0000

306. Harvard-trained gastroenterologist shares his top 3 seeds for a healthy gut

     Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:56:09 -0000

307. This is what happens to the body when you stop having ghee

     Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:00:23 -0000

308. Orthopaedic surgeon lists ‘3 essential health tests every Indian should consider’; we dive deeper

     Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:00:29 -0000

309. Doctor explains why you sometimes experience a sudden, stabbing headache while travelling in an airplane

     Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:55:58 -0000

310. Cardiologist lists everyday habits that are ‘actually affecting your heart — and nobody’s talking about it’

     Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:02:39 -0000

311. ‘I am type 2 diabetic; HbA1c is 7.3, feel tired and lazy especially in the morning. How do I solve this?’

     Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:00:09 -0000

312. An ENT wants you to know of these hidden risks of using earphones during the rains: ‘While it is tricky to catch…’

     Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:00:54 -0000

313. Gynaecologist on managing the early stages of breastfeeding after Ileana D’Cruz opens up about her experience being ‘intensely painful’

     Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:00:18 -0000

314. ‘My blood sugar was 91 mg/dL at bedtime but jumped to 182 mg/dL in the morning. Why did this happen?’

     Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:00:41 -0000

315. ‘Meri hai, main kisiko bhi doon’: Raj Kundra on donating kidney to Premanand Ji Maharaj, who has been on a 5-hour daily dialysis for 20 years due to renal failure

     Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:00:45 -0000

316. Your furniture might be silently poisoning you

     Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:00:04 -0000

317. Decoding the appeal of premium water: Are Indians willing to pay the price for better health?

     Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:55:33 -0000

318. ‘I simply went back to the basics’: Karan Kundrra credits a traditional diet, ghee, and fasting for 12kg weight loss in one month

     Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:03 -0000

319. ‘Infection thoda zyada severe ho gaya kyunki main treatment pe hoon’: Dipika Kakar opens up about catching a viral infection post liver cancer surgery

     Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:58:30 -0000

320. Is it possible to reverse pre-diabetes in 30 days?

     Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:10 -0000

321. New study finds clopidogrel outperforms aspirin in preventing heart attacks and strokes; here’s what experts have to say

     Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:00:12 -0000

322. ‘Late dinners, 1 on 10’: As a nutritionist rates daily practices for diabetes, find out what truly helps control sugar levels

     Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:13 -0000

323. Chef Gordon Ramsay undergoes skin cancer surgery: Oncologist weighs in

     Sun, 31 Aug 2025 13:00:35 -0000

324. Can learning to write with both hands boost your creativity?

     Sun, 31 Aug 2025 11:30:15 -0000

325. New research finds many infant food products make claims that don’t match the main ingredients

     Sun, 31 Aug 2025 07:59:25 -0000

326. ‘Main burger pizze khaa ke wazan ghata sakta hoon’: Vicky Kaushal talks about how difficult it is for him to gain weight

     Sun, 31 Aug 2025 06:59:35 -0000

327. Diabetes specialist says fruit juice and soft drinks are equally harmful: ‘Both have 15 spoons of sugar’

     Sat, 30 Aug 2025 12:01:02 -0000

328. ‘I’m a doctor and these are 6 things I have banned in my house’

     Sat, 30 Aug 2025 09:56:50 -0000

329. Namita Thapar, 48, talks about her perimenopause journey, says ‘no one warns you about how tough this is’

     Sat, 30 Aug 2025 09:00:13 -0000

330. Painkiller use with antibiotics may increase bacterial resistance: Study

     Sat, 30 Aug 2025 08:00:17 -0000

331. Emraan Hashmi has been following the same diet for 2 years: ‘My cook makes the entire thing for a week’

     Sat, 30 Aug 2025 07:00:36 -0000

332. Here’s what happens to the body when you have leftover pizza the next morning

     Sat, 30 Aug 2025 04:00:29 -0000

333. Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming reveals the ‘hardest decision’ she had to make after his dementia diagnosis: ‘He would want that for our daughters’; how family can offer support

     Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:00:35 -0000

334. ‘How important is checking HbA1c compared to daily blood sugar tests for someone with type 2 diabetes?’

     Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:59:29 -0000

335. Expert warns against following Sadhguru’s footsteps, who went biking to Mount Kailash weeks after brain surgery: ‘Thought it’s best to put it in Shiva’s lap’

     Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:00:26 -0000

336. Bigg Boss 19: Amaal Mallik opens up about suffering from a medical condition, says ‘in one minute, I am not breathing for 15-20 seconds while asleep’

     Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:00:06 -0000

337. ‘It’s definitely a common thing…’: Why GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may trigger hair loss and how to minimise it, according to a dermatologist

     Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:00:20 -0000

338. ‘Why do doctors prescribe Metformin for pre-diabetes if it is also used later for diabetes?’

     Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:26 -0000

339. Dentist explains why Nia Sharma’s teeth-whitening experiment with baking soda, salt and oil could be harmful: ‘Khoon woon aa gaya toh abhi bata dungi’

     Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:30:08 -0000

340. Know when you should immediately stop having Ashwagandha supplements

     Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:00:10 -0000

341. Understanding biohacking, the newest health buzzword made famous by tech billionaire Bryan Johnson

     Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:45 -0000

342. Urvashi Dholakia, 46, recalls getting diagnosed with diabetes following a tumour surgery: ‘Initially thought I had low blood pressure…’

     Wed, 27 Aug 2025 02:30:29 -0000

343. Neurologist breaks down how much sleep you need by age; we fact-check

     Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:00:50 -0000

344. ‘Wear a bigger size but…’: Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar on why women gain weight during menopause

     Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:00:20 -0000

345. Odds of dementia strongly linked to number of co-existing mental health disorders: Study

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:30:20 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/12/278187-dementia-3.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">The odds of developing <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/dementia">dementia </a>are strongly linked to the number of co-existing <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mental-health">mental health </a>disorders, rising from twice as high for one disorder to 11 times as high for four or more, finds research published in the open access journal <i>BMJ Mental Health</i>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In particular, the combination of concurrent mood and<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/anxiety"> anxiety </a>disorders is linked to odds of dementia of up to 90%, the findings indicate. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Psychiatric disorders, such as <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/depression">depression</a>, anxiety, and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/bipolar-disorder">bipolar disorder</a>, have been individually associated with an increased risk of dementia. But the existing body of research hasn’t assessed the impact of multiple co-existing psychiatric disorders, say the researchers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In a bid to plug this knowledge gap, they drew on information extracted from the clinical database of the psychiatry department of Bicêtre Hospital, Paris. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">They included 3688 patients aged at least 45 and diagnosed with one or more of the most common psychiatric disorders-depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance misuse, personality disorder and bipolar disorder-between August 2009 and October 2023. And they included every type of dementia and cognitive impairment. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The average age of the entire group was 67: 70 in those with dementia, and 66 in those without. And the average delay between diagnosis of the first psychiatric disorder and dementia diagnosis was 18 months, but ranged from 7 to 13 years. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nearly 71% (2608) of the patients had one psychiatric disorder; 21.5% (789) had two; 6% (226) had three; and 2% (65) had four or more. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">After adjusting for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors, the odds of dementia rose in tandem with the number of psychiatric disorders. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Compared with those with one psychiatric disorder, those with two, were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia, while those with three, were more than 4 times as likely to do so. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And those with four or more, were 11 times as likely to have dementia. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In particular, the combination of concurrent mood and anxiety disorders was linked to odds of dementia of up to 90%. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The effect of concurrent psychiatric disorders seems to be specific to dementia and suggests they may be early warning signs of it, because further in-depth analysis testing the potential effects on the likelihood of other disease—in this case renal failure–failed to show any link, note the researchers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is an observational study, and as such, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. And the researchers caution that dementia diagnoses may have been delayed, and, without clinical confirmation, misclassification may have occurred. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">All the study participants were also drawn from just one psychiatric department, so may not be representative of all patients with mental health disorders, added to which, information on several potentially influential factors, including socioeconomic status, family history, duration of psychiatric disorder, treatment and brain scans, wasn’t available, the researchers add. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless, they conclude:“The findings of this study highlight the strong association between the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders and an increased posterior probability of developing dementia, particularly for patterns with anxiety and mood disorders. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Recent advancements in dementia diagnoses, such as the development of biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as the use of positron emission tomography, encourage earlier and more accurate detection of dementia. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“Integrating these tools into clinical practice for high-risk individuals, especially those with specific psychiatric comorbidities identified in this study, could significantly enhance their care management, given the recent advancements in dementia treatment.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Baudouin E, Duron E, Verdoux M, Gasnier M, Pelloux Y, Bottemanne H, et al. Strong association between psychiatric disorders co-occurrence and dementia: a Bayesian approach on a 14-year clinical data warehouse. BMJ Mental Health. 2025;28:. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2025-301651</p>

346. Victoria Hospital Surgeon arrested for killing dermatologist wife with anaesthesia overdose

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:36:43 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/09/10/300382-arrested-2.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bengaluru:</b>&nbsp;</span>In a shocking incident, a general surgeon from Victoria Hospital has been <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/arrested" target="_blank">arrested</a> for allegedly killing his wife, a dermatologist, by administering a lethal dose of anaesthesia.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the police, the doctor killed his wife six months ago but initially tried to portray her death as natural. However, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report confirmed the presence of an anaesthetic substance in her organs, prompting the police to arrest him.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">What became more suspicious was that after the deceased doctor’s family claimed the accused had tried to enter the autopsy room, seeking permission to witness his wife’s post-mortem. Finding his behaviour suspicious, they insisted on a detailed forensic examination. They stated that he intended to disrupt the procedure.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The report revealed a lethal dose of Propofol, indicating that her death was premeditated. During interrogation, the doctor confessed that he was upset over her undisclosed health issues before marriage and had deliberately administered the deadly dose, as per an&nbsp;<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/bengaluru-doctor-arrested-for-killing-wife-with-anaesthetic-overdose-cites-anger-over-her-undisclosed-pre-marriage-health-issues/articleshow/124582042.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ET </a>news report</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">However, her family also alleged that the accused was in an extramarital affair with a woman he had known from his post-graduation days in Mumbai, which continued even after his marriage. They claimed that they became aware of the affair three days ago, but his parents were aware of the fact before the marriage.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to police, the case was registered on Tuesday following a complaint by businessman K Muni Reddy (60) against his son-in-law, alleging that he murdered his wife, Dr Kruthika M Reddy (28). Kruthika is Muni Reddy’s younger daughter.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Muni Reddy stated in his complaint that his daughter, an MBBS and MD doctor, was married to a doctor on May 26, 2024, in Gunjur, Bengaluru.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/sms-medical-college-hod-neurosurgery-arrested-for-taking-rs-1-lakh-bribe-to-clear-pending-bills-156663"><b>Also Read:SMS Medical College HoD Neurosurgery arrested for taking Rs 1 lakh bribe to clear pending bills</b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Following the wedding, the couple lived in Gunjur. The complainant alleged that after marriage, the doctor began showing neglect towards Kruthika, demanding that she seek her father’s consent for even minor household decisions and making her bear personal expenses.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He reportedly pressured her family to finance the construction of a large hospital, but instead, Muni Reddy said he set up a clinic named ‘Skin &amp; Scalpel’ at Marathahalli for the couple’s medical practice.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Muni Reddy alleged that on April 21, 2025, he administered intravenous (IV) medication to Kruthika at their residence, claiming it was for gastric discomfort. The next day, he left her at her parents’ home, saying she needed rest, and later returned that night to give another IV dose.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On April 23, Kruthika reportedly complained of pain from the IV site. The accused advised her over WhatsApp not to remove it, saying he would administer another dose that night.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Around 9.30 pm the same day, he went to her room to administer the medicine. The next morning, April 24, Kruthika was found unresponsive.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite being a doctor, the accused allegedly did not perform CPR. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival, Muni Reddy alleged.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Following this, the police sent her body for a postmortem. During the procedure, the doctor tried to enter the autopsy room but was denied access by the police.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">A close relative of the deceased doctor told <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/he-wanted-to-watch-his-wifes-autopsy-alleges-family-of-murdered-doctor-3765836" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DH </a>on condition of anonymity, "He tried to enter the autopsy room and sought permission to witness his own wife’s autopsy. The police denied access. We found it highly unusual and insisted on a detailed forensic test and analysis. We learnt that he frequently watched TV series and movies on murder and crime. After this, his behaviour changed. When Kruthika’s father made enquiries, it emerged that the accused’s brother faced cheating and criminal cases, in which he was also named as a co-accused.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">After learning about his affair, the relative said, "He was financially dependent on Kruthika. We do not know where the money he earned during his fellowship at Victoria Hospital went. He demanded that his father-in-law set up a hospital for him, but he advised him to first gain experience by working at the new clinic, Skin and Scalpel, in Marathahalli. Later, two cheques issued by him and his father towards the clinic bounced."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Regarding the overdose, Dr Vijay Kumar, anaesthetist and intensivist at Victoria Hospital, said, "Propofol is an intravenous anaesthetic used during surgeries or sedation procedures. The dosage is usually 1–2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, and to maintain sedation, 50–200 micrograms per kilogram per minute is administered. An overdose can cause a steep drop in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to death. Using an IV cannula in the leg at home is highly unusual."</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/haryana-doctor-allegedly-murdered-by-friend-over-loan-dispute-154841"><b>Also Read:Haryana doctor allegedly murdered by friend over loan dispute</b></a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

347. Sangli doctor loses Rs 10 lakh in loan fraud case

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:01 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/07/12/294338-fraud.webp' /><div><p><b>Vadodara: </b>A <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors">doctor </a>from Sangli, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=Maharashtra+medical+dialogues+topics&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank">Maharashtra,</a> was conned out of Rs 10 lakh on the pretext of getting a Rs 5 crore loan for hospital renovations. The incident came to light after the doctor lodged a complaint at the Manjalpur police station in Vadodara.&nbsp;</p><p>According to the complaint lodged by Dr. Jamadar, the accused initially approached him with an attractive offer to help secure a substantial loan for his hospital's renovations. The duo allegedly claimed they could arrange a loan of Rs 5 crore, which Dr. Jamadar required to upgrade his medical facility. </p><p>However, instead of providing the loan, the accused reportedly collected a sum of Rs 10 lakh from the doctor under various pretexts. Throughout this period, the accused kept assuring him that the loan was being processed and would soon be disbursed.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/60-year-old-doctor-cheated-of-rs-13-lakh-in-trading-scam-156882"><b>Also Read:60-year-old doctor cheated of Rs 13 lakh in trading scam</b></a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">When Dr Jamadar did not receive the funds, he demanded a refund, but the accused allegedly refused and threatened him, according to the complaint, reports </span><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/maharashtra-doctor-duped-of-10l-in-fake-loan-promise/articleshow/124561218.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI</a><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">.</span></div></div></div><div><p>Following the complaint, Manjalpur police have registered a case against the accused. Authorities are currently investigating, and further action will be taken after verifying the financial transactions and communication exchanged between the parties.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/doctor-duped-of-rs-343-crore-in-investment-scam-1-arrested-156310"><b>Also Read:Doctor duped of Rs 3.43 crore in investment scam; 1 arrested</b></a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Medical Dialogues had previously reported that city police arrested a man in connection with a Rs 3.43 crore investment scam that allegedly duped a doctor from Ulloor in Thiruvananthapuram, officials said. The accused, identified as Dhanush Narayanaswamy, a resident of Bengaluru, was taken into custody by the police on September 29 and subsequently brought to Kerala the next day. He was produced before the Thiruvananthapuram Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, which remanded him to judicial custody. According to police, the gang’s modus operandi involved winning the victim’s trust and luring him into online investments that promised high returns. &nbsp;</span></div></div></div>

348. Marksans Pharma arm gets marketing nod for two products from UK MHRA

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:45:15 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/05/28/239475-marksans-pharma-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/marksans-pharma">Marksans Pharma</a> Limited has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Relonchem Limited in UK, has received Marketing Authorization for&nbsp;</span>Clonidine 100 microgram Tablets and Clonidine Hydrochloride 25 microgram Tablets&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">from UK MHRA.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; ">Marksans Pharma Limited is headquartered at Mumbai, India. It is engaged in Research, Manufacturing &amp; Marketing of generic pharmaceutical formulation in the global markets. The company's manufacturing facilities located in India, USA and UK are approved by several leading regulatory agencies including USFDA, UKMHRA and Australian TGA. The company's product portfolio spreads over major therapeutic segments of CVS, CNS, Anti-diabetic, Pain Management, Gastroenterological and Antiallergies. The company is marketing these products globally.</div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/marksans-pharma-uk-arm-gets-mhra-nod-for-metformin-hydrochloride-relonchem-prolonged-release-tablets-in-three-strengths-153596" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Marksans Pharma UK arm gets MHRA nod for Metformin Hydrochloride Relonchem Prolonged Release Tablets in three strengths</a></i></b></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><br></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

349. Comparative In-Vitro Analysis Highlights Performance of Impression Materials Under Varying Hydration

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:36:44 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/11/304112-featured-image-impression-materials-under-varying-hydration.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Himachal Pradesh:</strong>&nbsp;A recent study published in the <em>Dental Journal of Advance Studies</em> found no statistically significant difference in dimensional stability between addition silicone and condensation silicone impression materials when compared to control measurements. However, addition silicone demonstrated superior surface detail reproduction compared to condensation silicone.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Elastic impression materials are essential tools in dentistry for creating negative replicas of teeth and surrounding structures, especially for cast restorations. From this negative impression, a positive replica, or cast, is produced. This cast must be an exact and accurate form of the prepared tooth and should be free of bubbles, particularly around the cervical margins.<strong> </strong>In this study, the research team aimed to assess whether different conditions such as dry, moist, and wet, have any effect on the reproducibility of two different vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression materials. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This in vitro study compared addition silicone and condensation silicone impression materials (VPS) using 120 samples, each fabricated as 3 mm thick discs. Impressions were made on a stainless steel die engraved with precise reference lines, in accordance with ANSI/ADA Specification No. 19. The materials were tested under three conditions: dry, moist (die exposed to a homogeneous mist of artificial saliva at 32 ± 2°C), and wet (die soaked in water during application). Dimensional accuracy, dimensional stability, and surface detail reproduction were measured for the two materials. </p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">The key findings from the study include:</p> <ul><li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Dimensional Accuracy:</strong> Addition silicone consistently demonstrated superior detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy compared to condensation silicone. Among the addition silicones, the dry condition yielded the best vertical dimensional accuracy, outperforming both moist and wet conditions.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Dimensional Stability:</strong> By the end of the experimental period, no statistically significant differences in dimensional stability were observed for either addition silicone or condensation silicone when compared to control measurements.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Surface Detail and Moisture:</strong> Moisture negatively affected surface detail reproduction across all materials. However, under moist conditions, addition silicone still performed better than under wet conditions, showing relatively improved surface detail reproduction.</li></ul></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div><div contenteditable="false" data-width="298" style="width:298px;" class="image-and-caption-wrapper clearfix hocalwire-draggable float-left"><img src="https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/11/304127-profile.webp" draggable="true" class="hocalwire-draggable float-left" data-float-none="true" data-uid="23690Q8L5ARRuH1hhwP4yu9vQ2Rrgizd23BNA7670801" data-watermark="false" style="width: 100%; float: left;" info-selector="#info_item_1760167670720"><div class="inside_editor_caption image_caption hocalwire-draggable float-left" id="info_item_1760167670720"></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Highlighting the clinical relevance of these findings, <b>Col (Dr) Prof Manjit Kumar, Department of Prosthodontics, Bhojia Dental College and Hospital, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India</b> corresponding author of the study, stated, “The findings of this study have direct clinical relevance in material selection. In terms of dimensional accuracy, addition silicone produced better detail reproduction compared to condensation silicone, particularly in dry conditions. Regarding dimensional stability, although statistical analysis revealed non-significant differences, the numerical values indicated that wet condensation silicone showed the least stability. For surface detail reproduction, moist addition silicone performed best, suggesting that minimal moisture presence may support better surface recording, whereas excessive moisture adversely affects detail reproduction.”</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Expanding on the implications, Col (Dr) Prof Manjit Kumar emphasized the need for further exploration. “Since addition silicone demonstrated superior dimensional stability, further research should focus on evaluating its behavior in actual oral conditions—considering intraoral temperature, humidity, and patient-specific variations. Such studies could pave the way for the development of more refined impression materials that perform optimally in real clinical environments.”</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The study reinforces the superior performance of addition silicone in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface detail reproduction, particularly under dry conditions. While no significant differences were found in dimensional stability between the materials, moisture was shown to adversely affect detail reproduction. These findings highlight the importance of selecting the right impression material and maintaining optimal conditions to ensure precise clinical outcomes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Reference:&nbsp;</b>Kaur, M., Kalra, T., Kumar, M., Bansal, A., Avasthi, A., &amp; Thakur, S. (2025). An In Vitro Study to Examine the Comparative Accuracy and Stability of Elastomeric Impression Materials under Different Levels of Hydration. Dental Journal of Advance Studies, 13(1), 1-7.</p> </div>

350. Tighter rules for Cough syrup marketing companies in West Bengal to prevent health risks

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:57:03 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/16/304719-202510163542879.webp' /><p><b style="text-align: justify;">Kolkata:&nbsp;</b><span style="text-align: justify;">In a move to ensure public safety, the West Bengal Drug Control Directorate has ramped up its surveillance on companies marketing cough syrups across the state.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">A directive, cum comprehensive guidelines, was announced on Thursday by a senior government official.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This heightened scrutiny comes after the ban of 'Coldrif' cough syrup in the state, a measure that follows a similar prohibition in Madhya Pradesh following the tragic deaths of multiple children.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The West Bengal government's order is cited as a "precautionary measure" to prevent any loss of life.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per the rules, no seller can sell or distribute drugs manufactured by any other company in his own name, unless he has a written agreement with the manufacturer. This has been made mandatory under Section 84D in the guidelines. Under Section 84E, the drug marketing company shall be equally responsible for the quality of the product and all kinds of regulatory responsibilities along with the manufacturer.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the guidelines, all cough syrup marketing companies in the state, which are getting their products manufactured outside West Bengal, have been asked to submit a copy of the agreement to the licensing authority of the state Drug Control Directorate within the next 15 days.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">A copy of the agreement should be sent to the designated email address tellddcwb@gmail.com, which will be reviewed by the directorate.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per a IANS report, the companies have been instructed to regularly follow the 'Drug Alert' portal, so that they are updated about new information and warnings regarding the safety and quality of the drug.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the official, the move will prevent the sale of substandard or unauthorised cough syrups in the market and ensure consumer safety. A few days ago, the Union Health Ministry issued guidelines. The Health Ministry has directed caution in the use of cough and cold medicines, especially for children.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Incidentally, after the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the administrative level surveillance and strictness of rules have increased across the country regarding cough syrups.</p>

351. Kerala Health Minister announces universal healthcare coverage by 2031

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:57 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304592-education-2025-10-15t120848648.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Pathanamthitta: Kerala Health Minister <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/veena-george" target="_blank">Veena George</a>&nbsp;presented the policy document 'Kerala's Health Sector Vision 2031' during the Vision 2031-Health Seminar, announcing the state's goal of achieving healthcare for all by 2031.</p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">George stated that the speciality medical services would be decentralised and infrastructural facilities would be further strengthened. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">"Trauma care and emergency response systems will be made more robust, and equality in access to health services will be ensured," the minister said, news agency PTI reported.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Detailing initiatives already implemented, Health Minister Veena George said the state has launched the 'Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi' (KASP) by integrating various health schemes. Through this, 42.2 lakh families have been provided health coverage, and the Karunya Benevolent Fund scheme is also in place.</p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/kerala-rcc-blacklists-globela-pharma-after-brain-cancer-drug-found-in-wrong-packaging-156767">Also Read:Kerala RCC Blacklists Globela Pharma After Brain Cancer Drug Found in Wrong Packaging</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">Under the 'Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi' scheme, each family is entitled to medical treatment worth Rs five lakh. The government now aims to expand coverage to ensure more people benefit from healthcare protection, she said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">She also highlighted the 'Aardram Janakeeya' campaign, people above 30 years are screened for lifestyle diseases through home visits, and those requiring treatment are provided medical care, George said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To prevent cancer, the 'Aarogyam Anandam Akattam Arbutham' (Health and Happiness, Drive Away Cancer) mass campaign has screened over two million people so far. Advanced cancer treatment facilities have also been established, she added.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stating that the health sector faces new challenges, including rising lifestyle diseases and rare infections such as amoebic meningoencephalitis, George said an epidemic intelligence system will be developed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and potentially deadly brain infection caused by free-living amoebae in lakes, rivers, and other freshwater sources, has become a growing public health concern in Kerala. Local-level micro-plans are also being prepared to strengthen preventive measures.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"The ultimate goal is to transform Kerala into a global health hub, and initiatives towards that goal are already underway. The state has also become a national model in antimicrobial resistance (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/AMR" target="_blank">AMR</a>) control," she said, urging people not to spread unscientific or misleading information related to health, reports PTI.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/mdtv/healthshorts/kerala-govt-issues-advisory-for-treatment-of-cough-in-children-156752">Also Read:Kerala Govt Issues Advisory for Treatment of Cough in Children</a></p></div></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div>

352. AI Predicts Sepsis Risk in Children Within Hours: JAMA Pediatrics Study

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:45:39 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/16/304773-add-a-heading-71.webp' /><p>A study published in<i> JAMA Pediatrics</i> has revealed that <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) models can accurately predict the risk of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/sepsis">sepsis</a> in children within 48 hours of arrival at the emergency department. The multi-center research marks the first use of AI to predict pediatric sepsis based on the new Phoenix Sepsis Criteria. </p><p>Sepsis, a life-threatening condition where infection leads to organ dysfunction, is a leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide. Because symptoms often escalate rapidly, early identification and treatment are crucial. In this new study, researchers developed and validated AI models that analyze electronic health record (EHR) data collected within the first four hours of a child’s emergency department (ED) visit, before any signs of organ dysfunction are apparent. </p><p>The study drew on data from five major health systems participating in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN), giving researchers access to a large and diverse pediatric population. Importantly, the study excluded children who already showed signs of sepsis upon arrival, focusing solely on predicting future cases. This approach is designed to enable early, targeted therapies that have been proven to save lives. </p><p>“The predictive models we developed are a huge step toward precision medicine for sepsis in children,” Dr. Alpern, lead author and Division Head of Emergency Medicine at Lurie Children’s, as well as Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “These models showed robust balance in identifying children in the ED who will later develop sepsis, without overidentifying those who are not at risk.” </p><p>Researchers emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary aggressive treatment in low-risk children, while enabling faster care for those at true risk. “We evaluated our models to ensure that there were no biases,” said Dr. Alpern. “Future research will need to combine EHR-based AI models with clinician judgment to make even better predictions.” </p><p>Reference: Alpern ER, Scott HF, Balamuth F, et al. Derivation and Validation of Predictive Models for Early Pediatric Sepsis. JAMA Pediatr. Published online October 13, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.3892 </p>

353. Reduced Retinal Parafoveal Vascular Density Linked to Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis: JAMA

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:45:06 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/08/14/297765-subclinical-atherosclerosis.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">South Korea: Researchers have found in a new cross-sectional cohort study that reduced retinal parafoveal vascular density was independently associated with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/subclinical-atherosclerosis">subclinical coronary atherosclerosis </a>in individuals with elevated vascular risk. This suggests that decreased parafoveal vascular density may indicate greater atherosclerotic burden and help identify patients needing further coronary evaluation beyond traditional risk factors.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">The investigation, published in <i>JAMA Cardiology</i> and led by Dr. Jee Myung Yang of the Department of Ophthalmology at Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine in Seoul, evaluated whether a simple, noninvasive eye scan could provide insights into hidden heart disease. <a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/optical-coherence-tomography">Optical coherence tomography</a> angiography (OCTA), which captures detailed images of the retinal microvasculature, was used to assess its relationship with coronary atherosclerosis detected through coronary <a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/ct-angiography">computed tomography angiography (CTA)</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Between October 2015 and December 2020, the researchers studied 1,286 asymptomatic adults who had elevated cardiovascular risk and voluntarily underwent both OCTA and coronary CTA. Participants had a mean age of 64 years, and about 38% were women. Coronary artery calcium scores, plaque presence, obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), severe CAD, segment stenosis scores, and segment involvement scores were all closely linked to parafoveal vascular density (PFVD) in both the superficial and deep retinal layers. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Key Findings:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Lower parafoveal vascular density (PFVD) measurements showed a linear inverse association with coronary artery disease (CAD) burden.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Individuals in the lowest quartile of superficial capillary plexus PFVD had nearly three times the odds of obstructive CAD compared with those in the highest quartile.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The same group also had more than three times the odds of severe CAD compared with the highest quartile.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Similar but slightly weaker associations were observed for the deep capillary plexus PFVD.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Incorporating PFVD into standard cardiovascular risk models significantly improved the identification of severe and obstructive CAD.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Superficial capillary plexus PFVD outperformed deep capillary plexus PFVD in predicting CAD severity and obstruction.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; ">The findings highlight the retina as a window to systemic vascular health. Patients taking part in the study who had reduced PFVD also tended to have higher coronary calcium scores and more extensive coronary plaque, underscoring the close link between microvascular changes in the eye and atherosclerotic disease in the heart.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The authors acknowledged several limitations, including the single-center design, a largely homogenous Korean population, and the exclusion of patients with advanced macular disease or high myopia, which could affect OCTA imaging. They also noted that coronary plaque characteristics were not assessed and that the analysis did not distinguish between retinal arteries, veins, and capillaries.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">"Despite these constraints, the study provides strong evidence that retinal microvasculature imaging can serve as a complementary marker for subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Incorporating OCTA-based PFVD measurements with traditional cardiovascular risk assessments may help identify asymptomatic individuals who would benefit from more detailed cardiac evaluation, offering a noninvasive and accessible tool to detect heart disease before symptoms arise," the authors concluded. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Yang JM, Yang DH, Lee S, et al. Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis and Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. JAMA Cardiol. Published online September 17, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2025.3036</div></div>

354. Could a Common Steroid Help Immune Cells Kill TB Bacteria? Study Sheds Light

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:30:19 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/16/304769-add-a-heading-70.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published in <i>Scientific Reports</i> (1) offers insights into how <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/dexamethasone">dexamethasone</a>, a commonly used steroid, could support immune cells in fighting <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/tuberculosis">tuberculosis</a> (TB). (2) Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have demonstrated that dexamethasone can enhance macrophage function, boosting the immune system’s ability to kill TB bacteria, while also limiting harmful inflammation. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, with over 10 million people infected each year and 1.25 million deaths globally. (3) While steroids like dexamethasone are already used in some TB cases, especially in TB meningitis, their effects on the immune system have not been fully understood. With the renewed focus on dexamethasone during the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/COVID-19">COVID-19</a> pandemic, the research team aimed to explore how the drug impacts the innate immune response, particularly macrophages, which are key to fighting TB in the lungs. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">To investigate, Scientists treated and infected macrophages, immune cells derived from healthy blood donors and lung fluid with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacteria responsible for TB. (4) They then examined how dexamethasone affected the cells. The results revealed that </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Dexamethasone reduces glycolysis in macrophages, decreasing cellular energy use, and dampens the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. While these cytokines aid immunity, reducing them can prevent tissue damage from excessive inflammation. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Crucially, the study found that dexamethasone-treated, Mtb-infected macrophages survived better (5) and had a lower bacterial burden. The </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Steroid’s effect appeared to be linked to enhanced autophagy and phagosomal acidification, mechanisms that help cells degrade and clear bacteria </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The research suggests that steroids, when used alongside antibiotics, could speed recovery in TB patients and potentially prevent progression from latent to active disease. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Reference:</b> Lorraine Thong et al, Dexamethasone inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced glycolysis but preserves antimicrobial function in primary human macrophages, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-20188-2 </p>

355. Baxdrostat Shows Significant Blood Pressure Reduction in Resistant Hypertension in Phase III trial

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:15:40 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/11/278017-hypertension-2.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/baxdrostat">Baxdrostat</a>, a novel aldosterone synthase inhibitor, demonstrated a highly clinically meaningful reduction in 24-hour ambulatory <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/systolic-blood-pressure">systolic blood pressure</a> in patients with treatment-resistant <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/hypertension">hypertension</a>, according to top-line phase III Bax24 trial results released by AstraZeneca.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Efficacy was observed throughout the 24-hour period, including early morning, when patients with hypertension are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Patients with treatment-resistant hypertension (rHTN) received baxdrostat 2mg or placebo on top of standard of care. Baxdrostat was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with the BaxHTN trial.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">There are 1.4 billion people worldwide living with hypertension. In the US, approximately 50% of patients living with hypertension on multiple treatments do not have their blood pressure under control. Consistent 24-hour <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/blood-pressure">blood pressure</a> control is an important clinical outcome in patients with hard-to-control hypertension. Multiple studies have demonstrated that 24-hour blood pressure is a more powerful predictor of cardiovascular events than a clinic-based measurement. When 24-hour average systolic blood pressure rises by 9.5 mmHg, the risk of all-cause mortality increases by 30%.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Bryan Williams, Chair of Medicine at University College London, primary investigator, said: “The Bax24 results show that a once-daily baxdrostat regimen can deliver highly clinically meaningful reductions in 24-hour systolic blood pressure, including in the morning when patients are at greater risk of heart attack and stroke. These results are groundbreaking and together with the BaxHTN results mean we have the potential to change our treatment approach for the many patients whose hypertension remains uncontrolled despite current therapies.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sharon Barr, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&amp;D, said: “This second Phase III trial of baxdrostat shows substantial improvement in blood pressure, which reflects its durable half-life of up to 30 hours and highly selective inhibition of aldosterone synthase. Too many patients today have hypertension that remains hard-to-control throughout the day and night, making them especially vulnerable to cardiac events. We are advancing our regulatory filings and rapidly progressing our robust clinical development programme for baxdrostat, as both a mono- and combination-therapy, across additional conditions where aldosterone plays a key role, including primary aldosteronism, chronic kidney disease and heart failure prevention.” </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The data will be shared with regulatory authorities around the world and presented in a late‑breaking session at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions in November 2025. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Baxdrostat is designed to lower blood pressure by specifically inhibiting aldosterone, a key hormone that raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart and kidney problems. Phase I studies show baxdrostat reached peak levels in the blood within 2 to 4 hours and had a half-life of about 26 to 30 hours. Baxdrostat is currently being investigated as a monotherapy for hypertension and primary aldosteronism,16 and in combination with dapagliflozin for chronic kidney disease and the prevention of heart failure in high-risk patients.</p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Bax24 trial </h3><p style="text-align: justify;">The Phase III Bax24 trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and the effect of 2mg baxdrostat versus placebo, administered once a day (QD) orally, on the reduction of ambulatory SBP in participants with rHTN. A total of 218 patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive baxdrostat 2mg or placebo once daily during a 12-week double blind period. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in ambulatory 24-hour average SBP at Week 12. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Additional secondary endpoints include the effect of baxdrostat versus placebo on change from baseline in ambulatory night-time average SBP at Week 12, change from baseline in ambulatory daytime average SBP at Week 12, change from baseline in seated SBP at Week 12, the number of participants achieving ambulatory 24-hour average SBP of less than 130 mmHg at Week 12 and the number of participants achieving a nocturnal SBP dipping of greater than 10% at Week 12. Occurrence of adverse events was evaluated during the 12-week treatment period as well as during a 2-week safety follow-up period. </p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Baxdrostat </h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Baxdrostat is a potential first-in-class, highly selective and potent, oral, small molecule that inhibits aldosterone synthase, an enzyme encoded by the CYP11B2 gene, which is responsible for the synthesis of aldosterone in the adrenal gland. In clinical trials, baxdrostat was observed to significantly lower aldosterone levels without affecting cortisol levels across a wide range of doses. Baxdrostat is currently being investigated in clinical trials as a monotherapy for hypertension and primary aldosteronism,16 and in combination with dapagliflozin for chronic kidney disease and hypertension,17,18 and the prevention of heart failure in patients with hypertension.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">AstraZeneca acquired baxdrostat through its purchase of CinCor Pharma, Inc. in February 2023.27</p>

356. SGLT-2 diabetes drugs linked to lower risk of autoimmune diseases, suggests study

     Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:50 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304597-untitled-design-2025-10-15t121304176.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2">Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2</a> (SGLT-2) inhibitors used to treat <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/type-2-diabetes">type 2 diabetes </a>are associated with an 11% lower risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rheumatoid-arthritis">rheumatoid arthritis</a> and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/lupus">lupus</a>, compared with another group of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Diabetes">diabetes </a>drugs called sulfonylureas, finds a study from South Korea published by The BMJ today. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Autoimmune rheumatic diseases occur when the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage to joints, skin, muscles, and other organs. Common conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/scleroderma">scleroderma</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Previous studies have shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors can inhibit the body’s immune response, but whether these effects are clinically meaningful remains unclear. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">To address this, researchers used the Korea National Health Insurance Service database to analyse 2,032,157 adults with type 2 diabetes (average age 59; 60% men) who started taking either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or a sulfonylurea from 2012 to 2022. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Potentially influential factors such as age, sex, income level, existing conditions and drug treatments, healthcare use, and lifestyle factors were taken into account, and two control outcomes (genital infections and herpes zoster) were also included to assess the risk of bias. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A total of 790 participants taking SGLT-2 inhibitors and 840 participants taking sulfonylureas were newly diagnosed with autoimmune rheumatic disease. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Over an average follow-up period of 9 months, SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with an 11% lower risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases compared with sulfonylureas, with incidence rates per 100,000 person years of 52 and 58, respectively. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Findings were largely consistent among subgroups analysed by age, sex, type of SGLT-2 inhibitor, baseline cardiovascular disease, and obesity status. The results for control outcomes also suggested that bias was likely minimal. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is an observational study so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, and the authors acknowledge that follow-up was relatively short, and other unmeasured factors may have affected the results. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, they say this was a large study that applied rigorous methods to nationwide data, and, as such, these results suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors may contribute to reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“However, this potential benefit should be carefully weighed against known adverse events and concerns about tolerability,” they write. “Replication in other populations and settings, as well as studies in patients with existing autoimmune rheumatic diseases, are warranted to confirm and extend these observations.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While in isolation, this study is unlikely to change practice, it is the first full length publication to suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce the risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, say researchers from Canada in a linked editorial. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Although this intriguing finding warrants replication in different populations, this study “sets a foundation for future research and provides preliminary evidence to support an additional reason to use an SGLT-2 inhibitor over a sulfonylurea for the management of type 2 diabetes,” they conclude.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/391/bmj-2025-085196" rel="nofollow">https://www.bmj.com/content/391/bmj-2025-085196</a><br></p>

357. History-based screening protocols highly effective for medication abortion: Study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:30:18 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/05/28/288597-mtp-kit-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">With increasingly restricted access to facility-based abortion in the United States, pregnant people are increasingly relying on models of care that use history-based or no-test approaches for eligibility assessment. Minimal research has examined the accuracy of abortion patients’ self-assessment of eligibility for medication abortion using their health history. This step is necessary for ensuring optimal access to history-based or no-test models, as well as potential over-the counter access.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"> <p style="text-align: justify;">This study aimed to examine the accuracy of pregnant people’s eligibility for medication abortion as determined using their self reported health history, compared with clinician assessments using ultrasound and other tests.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In this diagnostic accuracy study, authors recruited people seeking medication or procedural abortion from 9 abortion facilities, aged 15 years, English- or Spanish-speaking, and with no prior ultrasound conducted at the recruitment facility. Before ultrasound, they surveyed participants on medication abortion eligibility, including estimated gestational duration, medical history, contraindications, and ectopic pregnancy risk factors such as pain and bleeding symptoms. They compared patients’ eligibility based on self-reported history with subsequent clinician assessment, focusing on overall diagnostic accuracy, or area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and proportion with discordant patient and clinician eligibility assessment, using 77 days as the upper gestational duration limit.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, 22.1% of 1386 participants were ineligible for medication abortion according to clinician assessment. Overall diagnostic accuracy of self-assessment was acceptable (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.67), with sensitivity of 92.2% (88.6-94.9) and specificity of 37.8% (34.9-40.7). Very few participants (n=24; 1.7%) self-assessed as eligible when the clinician deemed them ineligible; many more (n=672; 48.5%) self-assessed as ineligible when the clinician deemed them eligible. The most common patient-reported contraindications included unexplained pain (55.5%), gestational duration &gt;77 days (36.5%), and anemia (29.0%). On its own, unexplained pain had poor sensitivity in identifying those with clinician concern for ectopic pregnancy (41.7%; 95% confidence interval, 15.2-72.3). Removing unexplained pain as a screening criterion resulted in higher accuracy (0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.74) (P&lt;.001).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In this diagnostic accuracy study of 1386 people seeking facility-based abortion,&lt; 2.5% self-assessed as eligible for medication abortion when a clinician deemed them ineligible according to the FDA-approved eligibility criteria. Notably, this finding is consistent with a separate, recently completed study relying on self-determination of eligibility with a more limited set of screening criteria (&lt;70 days’ gestation and certainty of date of LMP, regular menstrual cycles, no IUD in place, and no history of ectopic pregnancy). Together, these findings suggest that abortion provided using no-test or history-based eligibility screening or without pretreatment interaction between patient and clinician infrequently results in people receiving medication abortion when contraindicated. Further, given that the most common contraindication is gestational duration &gt;77 days, the likely implication of incorrect self-selection and use would be a need for additional clinical interaction to administer additional doses of misoprostol or perform a procedure to complete the abortion, rather than serious adverse events.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Simultaneously, study findings also indicate that although incorrect self-selection is rare, approximately one-half of patients self-report at least 1 contraindication for medication abortion when a clinician later deems them eligible. This is most often due to the patient reporting unexplained pain or bleeding during the pregnancy, overestimating gestational duration, or reporting a history of anemia not deemed a contraindication by the clinician. For those with access to in-person, facility-based abortion, incorrect self-selection will result in additional testing and may delay care. However, for those who lack access to facility-based care or prefer not to interact with a clinician, a growing population post-Dobbs, incorrect self-screening could prevent access to desired abortion.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This study demonstrates that people seeking abortion rarely incorrectly self screen as eligible for medication abortion, offering evidence in support of asynchronous, history-based eligibility screening models of care and eventual over-the-counter access to medication abortion. However, frequent and incorrect self-screening as ineligible could prevent people from accessing care, especially in settings where facility-based care is no longer available.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Source: Ralph LJ, Ehrenreich K, Kaller S, et al. Accuracy of survey-based assessment of eligibility for medication abortion compared with clinician assessment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2025;233:44.e1-15</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

358. Asthma Patients With Fibromyalgia Twice as Likely to Have Poorly Controlled Disease: Study Shows

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:30:07 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/06/07/289902-fibromyalgia.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Turkey: A new case-control study published in the <i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/annals-of-medicine">Annals of Medicine </a></i>has shed light on the overlooked burden of <a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/fibromyalgia-syndrome">fibromyalgia </a>among <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/asthma">asthma </a>patients.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">The research, conducted by Suat Konuk and colleagues from the Department of Chest Diseases, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey, shows that fibromyalgia is considerably more common in individuals with asthma and may contribute to poorer asthma control.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Asthma and fibromyalgia are both chronic conditions that affect quality of life, and emerging evidence suggests that they share inflammatory and neurophysiological mechanisms. However, little is known about how frequently fibromyalgia occurs in asthma patients and its potential impact on asthma outcomes.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">In this study, 120 individuals with asthma and 120 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Fibromyalgia was diagnosed according to the 2016 revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, using the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity Scale (SSS). Asthma control was measured using the Asthma Control Test (ACT). </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The analysis revealed the following findings:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Fibromyalgia was present in 16.7% of asthma patients compared to 3.3% in healthy controls.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Asthma patients with fibromyalgia had significantly lower ACT scores than those without (18.2 vs. 20.1), reflecting poorer asthma control.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Uncontrolled asthma was more common in patients with fibromyalgia (60%) compared to those without (35%).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Logistic regression indicated fibromyalgia was linked to over twice the odds of uncontrolled asthma (OR 2.16), though not statistically significant.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Higher ACT scores did not correlate with fibromyalgia severity measured by WPI or SSS.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">ROC analysis showed that ACT alone could not reliably detect coexisting fibromyalgia.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; ">The authors emphasized that these findings highlight a gap in current asthma care, where comorbid conditions like fibromyalgia may remain under-recognized. Relying solely on ACT scores may overlook the presence of fibromyalgia, suggesting the need for multidimensional evaluation approaches in clinical practice.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">“Fibromyalgia should not be underestimated in asthma patients,” the authors noted. “Its higher prevalence and association with worse asthma control point to the necessity of screening and multidisciplinary care strategies.”</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study also clarified that demographic factors such as age and sex were not independent predictors of this relationship. Instead, the interplay between asthma and fibromyalgia seems to be driven by shared biological and symptomatic pathways rather than patient characteristics.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers acknowledged limitations, including the single-center design and relatively modest sample size, which may restrict the generalizability of findings. They recommend larger, multicenter, prospective studies to confirm the direction of this relationship and to better understand the underlying mechanisms.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">"Overall, the study reinforces the need for clinicians to consider fibromyalgia as a comorbid condition in asthma management. Early recognition and integrated care may help improve both asthma outcomes and overall quality of life for affected patients," the authors concluded. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Konuk, S., Ozel, A., Ozsari, E., &amp; Nasircilar, A. (2025). Prevalence of fibromyalgia in asthma and its impact on asthma control: a case-control study. Annals of Medicine, 57(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2025.2566392</div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

359. Higher Protein Intake After Kidney Transplant Improves Graft Function and Metabolism: Study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:30:02 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/20/232600-protein-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have found in a new research that in the early post-transplant phase, greater daily protein intake was associated with better kidney graft function, enhanced lipid metabolism, and higher hemoglobin levels. It was further found that Increased protein consumption independently helped protect graft function following kidney transplantation. The study was published in <i>BMC Nephrology</i> by Bin-QI Yang and fellow researchers.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Nutritional care after the transplant is important in recovery because the administration of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids can modify metabolism and worsen malnutrition. Proper protein intake is necessary for healing of the surgical wound, repair of tissue, and the stabilization of graft function.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This retrospective observational study enrolled 176 recipients of kidney transplantation who were transplanted at West China Hospital from December 2021 to June 2022. Researchers collected 24-h urine urea nitrogen at 1 and 3 months post-transplant to compute DPI.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">According to the KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in CKD, patients were classified into two groups:</p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">High Protein Intake Group (≥1.4 g/kg·day, n = 66)</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Low Protein Intake Group (&lt;1.4 g/kg·day, n = 110)</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Laboratory parameters and post-transplant complications were recorded during the initial three months. The relationship between protein intake, graft recovery, and renal function was examined with linear regression and multiple regression analyses to adjust for potential confounders.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Results</p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">The research found that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after three months of post-transplant was found to be much higher in patients who had a higher protein intake. </p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">In particular, the High Protein Intake Group registered an average eGFR of 67.32 mL/min/1.73 m² compared to 58.88 mL/min/1.73 m² for the Low Protein Intake Group (p = 0.044).</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">More detailed analysis with the multiple regression models also supported the fact that increased protein consumption in the immediate post-transplant period was an important independent protective variable for graft function (p = 0.014). </p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Better protein consumption is also associated with improved lipid metabolism and increased hemoglobin levels, reflecting better overall nutritional recovery.</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify; ">These results indicate that keeping a good intake of protein throughout the first few months following transplantation works towards supporting metabolic stability and renal graft well-being.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">In this large observational trial, increased daily protein consumption in the early post-transplant period was independently related to improved kidney graft function, lipid metabolism, and hemoglobin levels. These findings favor the implementation of tailored, high-protein nutritional regimens at the time of kidney transplantation with the aim of facilitating graft protection and recovery outcomes.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><div style="text-align: justify;">Yang, BQ., Liu, Y., Feng, JM. et al. Higher daily protein intake was a protective factor for graft function of kidney transplant recipients in the early post-transplant period: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Nephrol 26, 558 (2025). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04492-7" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04492-7</a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

360. Intracranial Occlusion Not Linked to Higher Stroke Recurrence, suggests study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:15:54 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/08/22/298439-intracranial-atherosclerotic-disease.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have demonstrated in a new study that intracranial occlusion in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) patients is not a risk factor for recurrent ischemic stroke. The research also indicated that anticoagulation did not reduce recurrence in those with or without intracranial occlusion. These results emphasize that intracranial occlusion in ESUS does not independently warrant anticoagulation treatment. The study was published in the <i>Journal of the American Heart Association</i> by Matthew M. and colleagues.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">This multicenter retrospective cohort comprised 2,328 adults with cryptogenic stroke and was followed for a median of 1.31 years (interquartile range: 0.34–2.85). Of these, 999 patients (42.6%) presented with a proximal or medium/distal intracranial occlusion. Recurrent ischemic stroke was the main outcome and was measured using unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. For added robustness, the analyses were repeated following 1:1 propensity score matching and biweight kernel density matching.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Results</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Intracranial occlusion patients had fewer atherosclerotic vascular risk factors, more severe stroke symptoms, and less severe cerebral microvascular disease than patients without intracranial occlusion. In spite of these differences, recurrence rates were nearly the same for the two groups:</p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">6.8% per year (95% CI: 5.7–8.2) in intracranial occlusion patients</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">7.0% per year (95% CI: 6.0–8.1) in patients without intracranial occlusion</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for recurrent stroke was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.77–1.55), which showed no significant difference. </p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">In propensity score matching, HR was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.64–1.59), and in kernel density models, HR was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.62–1.45).</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Notably, intracranial occlusion did not alter treatment with anticoagulation, sex, age, or high‐risk sources of embolism.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">These results indicate that intracranial occlusion in ESUS is not a predictor of increased stroke recurrence risk and anticoagulation provides no added value by occlusion status. This refutes the hypothesis that intracranial occlusions are similar to cardiac embolic sources regarding recurrence risk and warrants more directed therapeutic approaches.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The study concluded that intracranial occlusion in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source was not associated with higher recurrence of ischemic stroke. Moreover, the use of anticoagulation did not influence recurrence rates regardless of occlusion status.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><div style="text-align: justify;">Smith, M. M., Brorson, J. R., Badillo Goicoechea, E., Penckofer, M., Eklund, K., Stretz, C., Lineback, C. M., Khasiyev, F., Kerrigan, D., Lewis, S., Ali, H., Aboul-Nour, H., de Havenon, A., Culbertson, C. J., Melkumova, E., Jillella, D., Dumitrascu, O. M., Parikh, P., Doolittle, C., … Siegler, J. E. (2025). Intracranial occlusion in cryptogenic stroke is not predictive of recurrent ischemic stroke: A propensity-score matched analysis of the cardiac abnormalities in stroke prevention and risk of recurrence study. Journal of the American Heart Association, e041500, e041500. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.125.041500" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.125.041500</a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

361. Poor Periodontal Health Linked to GDM in Pregnant Women: Study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:15:40 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/10/304098-images-93-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Researchers have found in a new study published in BMC Oral Health that women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exhibited significantly worse periodontal health compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential link between periodontal inflammation and GDM. The study also identified pregnancy weight gain as the strongest predictor of GDM risk.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The case-control study included 40 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Oral health was assessed using the Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Probing Depth, Clinical Attachment Level, and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index. The results revealed that women with GDM had significantly higher scores in the Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and Probing Depth, indicating greater periodontal inflammation. Additionally, the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index was significantly higher in the GDM group, suggesting poorer overall oral health. These findings align with previous research indicating that periodontal disease can lead to elevated levels of inflammatory markers, which are also implicated in insulin resistance and the development of GDM.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">Despite the observed differences in oral health, the study found no significant differences in most inflammatory markers between the GDM and control groups, except for eosinophil levels, which were lower in the GDM group. This suggests that while periodontal disease may contribute to systemic inflammation, other factors may also play a role in the development of GDM. The study's authors caution that the relationship between periodontal disease and GDM is complex and multifactorial, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">What this really means is that maintaining good oral health during pregnancy may be an important factor in managing GDM risk. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider oral health as part of prenatal care and to educate pregnant women about the importance of oral hygiene in preventing periodontal disease. However, the authors emphasize that more research is needed to establish a definitive causal relationship between periodontal health and GDM.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus, Periodontal health, Inflammatory markers, Pregnancy weight gain, Oral health, BMC Oral Health, Isa Temur, Eosinophil levels, Plaque Index, Gingival Index</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Temur I, Dönertas SN, Dönertaş AD, et al. Association of periodontal diseases with inflammatory markers and gestational diabetes: a case-control study. BMC Oral Health. Published online October 8, 2025. doi:10.1186/s12903-025-06929-9</div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

362. Restless Legs Syndrome Linked to Higher Parkinson’s Risk in JAMA Study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:59 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/02/01/200124-restless-legs-syndrome.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published in the<i> Journal of American Medical Association</i>&nbsp;showed that individuals with restless legs syndrome (RLS) had a higher likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease. However, dopamine agonist treatment appeared to reduce this risk, and diagnostic complexities may have influenced the study’s interpretation.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Understanding the pathophysiology of RLS and PD may be enhanced by elucidating this relationship and the function of the dopaminergic system. Thus, this study was set to determine whether RLS is a risk factor for PD and whether there is a substantial relationship between RLS and PD and the dopamine pathway. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Sample Cohort, which ran from 2002 to 2019, were utilized in this retrospective cohort analysis. Analysis of the data was done from September 2024 to March 2025. Using classifications from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, patients with PD and RLS were compared to those without RLS. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The patients with RLS who received dopamine agonist (DA) at two or more separate clinical visits were operationally classified as the DA-treated group for the secondary analysis, whereas those who did not fit this description were categorized as the DA-nontreated group. The exposure requirements were RLS diagnosis and DA therapy. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">There were 9919 RLS patients and 9919 matched controls in all. The control and the RLS group had mean (SD) ages of 50.1 (16.3) and 50.3 (16.0) years at enrollment, respectively. In the RLS group, the incidence of PD was 1.6% (158 of 9919), while in the control group, it was 1.0% (99 of 9919).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">RMST to PD diagnosis was 14.93 years in the control group and 14.88 years in the RLS group at the predetermined time horizon of 15 years (τ = 15), resulting in a difference of −0.05 years (95% CI, –0.07 to –0.03 years). The DA-nontreated RLS group (n = 6842) had a higher incidence rate (143 of 6842 [2.1%]) and a considerably shorter RMST to PD diagnosis (difference, –0.09 years [95% CI, –0.12 to –0.06 years]) than the control group.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The DA-treated RLS group (n = 3077) had a reduced incidence rate (15 of 3077 [0.5%]) and a considerably longer RMST to PD diagnosis (difference, 0.03 years [95% CI, 0.01-0.06 years]). Overall, a higher chance of getting Parkinson's disease was linked to RLS. These results imply that mechanisms other than the dopaminergic pathway may be involved in the pathophysiological relationship between RLS and PD.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Source:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Bang, M., Park, D., Kim, J. H., &amp; Kim, H. S. (2025). Risk of Parkinson disease among patients with restless leg syndrome. JAMA Network Open, 8(10), e2535759. <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2839651" rel="nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.35759</a></p>

363. Perioperative Vitamin C supplementation for knee and hip arthroplasty alleviate pain and reduce inflammatory responses within 24 h.: study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:38 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/07/303515-vitaminc.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">The perioperative efficacy of vitamin C (VC) supplementation in total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/ TKA) remains underexplored. The systematic review and meta-analysis by Liu et al comprehensively evaluated the impact of VC on perioperative outcomes in THA/TKA.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and prospectively registered with PROSPERO, the authors searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. Two independent investigators performed literature screening, data extraction, and Cochrane risk-of-bias assessments. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4 software, and qualitative synthesis was applied where appropriate. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The key findings of the study were: </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">• Eight RCTs involving 852 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared to controls, VC supplementation significantly reduced postoperative 24-hour visual analog scale (VAS) scores (MD = -0.60, 95% CI -1.14 to -0.07), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (MD = -14.88, 95% CI -16.84 to -12.92), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (MD = -9.17, 95% CI -12.94 to -5.41). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">• However, no significant differences were observed in these outcomes at 48 h postoperatively (P &gt; 0.05). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">• Qualitative analysis suggested that perioperative VC supplementation may decrease the risk of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and bleeding, reduce propofol dosage, lower the incidence of nausea, and potentially protect against cardiac issues and arthrofibrosis development. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The authors concluded – “This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that perioperative VC supplementation during THA/TKA may alleviate pain and attenuate inflammatory responses within 24 h postoperatively. Qualitative synthesis suggests it may reduce the risks of CRPS and bleeding, lower propofol requirements, decrease postoperative nausea incidence, and potentially confer cardioprotective and anti-fibrotic effects. However, given the limited number of relevant studies and insufficient data, large-scale, high-quality RCTs are warranted to validate these findings and establish robust evidence for clinical practice.”  </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Further reading:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The impact of vitamin C supplementation on the perioperative outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Liu et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2025) 26:906 </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-09163-0">https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-09163-0</a></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

364. Heart Health during adolescence May Influence Future Pregnancy Outcomes: JAMA

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:36 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/03/05/277087-pregnancy-7.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A cohort study suggests that a woman’s cardiovascular health during adolescence and young adulthood may influence certain pregnancy outcomes later in life Further women maintaining optimal cardiovascular health from adolescence through young adulthood showed the lowest rates of gestational diabetes (GD), hypertension, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), suggesting heart health trajectories may still play a role in maternal outcomes. The study was published in <i>JAMA Network Open</i> by Katharine J. and colleagues.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The worldwide cardiovascular morbidity burden during pregnancy is increasingly climbing. Both GD and HDP not only result in immediate threats during pregnancy but also elevate the mother's long-term risk of cardiovascular morbidity and metabolic disease. This study, based on information from a large, nationally representative cohort, aimed to explain how cardiovascular health in adolescence and young adulthood predicts later-life pregnancy outcomes.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This cohort study examined data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health, from female participants who were interviewed at three stages of life:</p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">1994–1996 (ages 11–19 years) – adolescence</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">2001–2002 (ages 18–26 years) – young adulthood</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">2016–2018 (ages 34–43 years) – adulthood</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">A total of 1,094 female participants were included in the analysis. Participants with juvenile-onset diabetes or hypertension were excluded to eliminate confounding risk factors. The median (IQR) age at baseline was 16 (14–17) years, and the median body mass index (BMI) was 21.6 (19.6–24.5). Cardiovascular health was measured on an adapted Life's Essential 8 scale that ranges from 0 to 100, with increased scores indicating improved cardiovascular health. Participants were divided into three groups:</p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Optimal CVH</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Intermediate CVH</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Poor CVH</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The analysis studied the relationship between these CVH groups during adolescence and young adulthood with the subsequent development of gestational diabetes (GD) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).</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;">The results showed a strong correlation between adverse cardiovascular health in youth and subsequent risk of later pregnancy complications.</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Those with adverse adolescent CVH had an adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 2.01 (95% CI, 0.96–4.24) for gestational diabetes, relative to those with the best CVH.</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Those with intermediate adolescent CVH had reduced risk, with an ARR of 1.04 (95% CI, 0.53–2.07) for future GD.</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">The prevalence of gestational diabetes was 28.5% in those with poor CVH at adolescence and young adulthood, 9.6% in those with intermediate CVH, and 4.7% in those with optimal CVH.</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify;">Even in those who progressed to better CVH over time, risk was still significant. Those with poor adolescent CVH but with subsequent optimal young-adult CVH had a 24.9% prevalence of GD, and those with intermediate young-adult CVH had a 14.7% prevalence.</p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="text-align: justify; ">For hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), suboptimal adolescent CVH had a crude ARR of 1.22 (95% CI, 0.74–2.01) and intermediate adolescent CVH an ARR of 1.43 (95% CI, 0.93–2.21), relative to optimal CVH.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">This research proves that poor cardiovascular health during adolescence and early adulthood is linked to a greater risk of gestational diabetes in the future. Optimal cardiovascular health from a young age and sustaining it could thus be an efficient measure to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">McCarthy KJ, Ng A, Boychuk NA, Janevic T. Adolescent Cardiovascular Risk Trajectories and Later-Life Maternal Morbidity. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(10):e2536095. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.36095 </p><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

365. AI distinguishes glioblastoma from look-alike cancers during surgery: Study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:35 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/10/19/223285-glioblastoma.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A Harvard Medical School–led research team has developed an AI tool that can reliably tell apart two look-alike cancers found in the brain but with different origins, behaviors, and treatments. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The tool, called PICTURE (Pathology Image Characterization Tool with Uncertainty-aware Rapid Evaluations), distinguished with near-perfect accuracy between <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/glioblastoma">glioblastoma</a> — the most common and aggressive <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/brain-tumor">brain tumor </a>— and primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), a rarer<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cancer"> cancer</a> often mistaken for glioblastoma. While both can appear in the brain, glioblastoma arises from brain cells, whereas PCNSL develops from immune cells. Their similarities under the microscope often lead to misdiagnosis, with serious consequences for treatment. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The work, supported in part by the National Institutes of Health, is described Sept. 29 in <i>Nature Communications</i>. The AI model is publicly available for other scientists to use and build upon, the team said. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Correctly identifying look-alike tumors in the brain during surgery is one of the toughest diagnostic challenges in neuro-oncology, the researchers said. An accurate diagnosis while the patient is still in the operating room can help expedite critical treatment choices, such as whether to operate and remove the cancerous tissue — as should be done with glioblastoma — or leave it behind and opt for radiation and chemotherapy instead, the preferred therapy for PCNSL. Inaccurate or delayed diagnosis of cancers in the brain can lead to unnecessary surgery and delays in proper treatment. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">What makes the tool especially valuable is its ability to be deployed during surgery, providing critical insights in real time to surgeons and pathologists. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Our model can minimize errors in diagnosis by distinguishing between tumors with overlapping features and help clinicians determine the best course of treatment based on a tumor’s true identity,” said study senior author Kun-Hsing Yu, associate professor of biomedical informatics in the Blavatnik Institute at HMS and HMS assistant professor of pathology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">During brain tumor surgery, surgeons typically remove tumor tissue for rapid evaluation under a microscope. The evaluation is done by freezing the sample in liquid nitrogen, which can distort the cellular features somewhat but provides a quick, real-time assessment. The process takes 15 minutes or so. Based on the results of this first-glance evaluation, surgeons determine whether to remove the tumor or leave it behind and opt for radiation and chemotherapy. Then, over the next few days, pathologists conduct a more detailed and more reliable evaluation of the tumor sample. In about 1 in 20 cases, the initial diagnosis of a tumor changes on second read, Yu said. This is precisely where the new AI system could play a valuable role — removing uncertainty and reducing the risk for error during operation when critical decisions are made. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Our model shows reliable performance on frozen sections during brain surgery and in scenarios with significant diagnostic disagreement among human experts,” he said. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The tool was tested in five hospitals and outperformed both human pathologists and other AI models. A unique aspect of the new model is an “uncertainty detector,” which allows it to not only distinguish between cancer types with high accuracy but also to signal when it’s unsure in its judgment — an important feature for high-stakes medical scenarios. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The new study builds on earlier work led by Yu to develop an AI system that could reliably decode the molecular features of different types of gliomas. </p><h3 style="text-align: justify; ">How PICTURE spots brain-cancer doppelgangers </h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Each year, more than 300,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with tumors in the brain or central nervous system, and more than 200,000 deaths occur as a result. The World Health Organization recognizes about 109 different types of brain and spinal cord tumors, each with its own unique features under the microscope or at the genetic level. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Accurately distinguishing PCNSL from glioblastoma during surgery could allow surgeons to spare brain tissue instead of removing it. Patients with PCNSL are then referred for radiation and chemotherapy, the preferred treatments for this type of tumor. By contrast, glioblastoma requires surgical removal of as much of the cancerous brain tissue as possible. </p><h3 style="text-align: justify; ">A near PICTURE-perfect performance </h3><p style="text-align: justify;">The model — which Yu developed with study co-first authors Junhan Zhao and Shih-Yen Lin — was evaluated on 2,141 brain pathology slides collected worldwide, including rare cases across both frozen sections and formalin-fixed samples. It was designed to spot critical cancer features including tumor cell density, cell shape, and presence of necrosis. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The scientists tested PICTURE’s performance across five international hospitals in four countries. In every case, the AI model outperformed existing AI tools and traditional frozen-section assessment, the standard of care for real-time tumor typing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In tests, the PICTURE model correctly distinguished glioblastoma from PCNSL more than 98 percent of the time — a level of accuracy that held up when tested in five independent international patient groups. In addition, PICTURE identified samples belonging to 67 CNS cancers that were neither gliomas nor lymphomas. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The model could spot tumors it had not seen during its training and, when it did, it raised a red flag for human review. In other words, the tool knew when it didn’t know, Yu said, and this prevented the system from pigeonholing unclear cases into known categories. This feature renders the model unique among other AI systems, the researchers said. In comparison, other AI tools can differentiate in a binary, either-or fashion — disease A versus disease B. This is especially problematic for brain pathology, Yu noted, because there are more than 100 different subtypes of brain cancers, and many of them are relatively rare. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">PICTURE outperformed human pathologists in hard-to-distinguish tumors in the brain. In tests, human specialists showed significant disagreement on difficult diagnoses, with some tumor types misdiagnosed 38 percent of the time. PICTURE correctly identified all these cases, offering support when expert opinion varies. </p><h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Launching PICTURE into the real world </h3><p style="text-align: justify; ">Deploying the tool could be a great opportunity for human-AI collaboration, the researchers said. They envision implementing the system across operating rooms and pathology departments as an initial filter to differentiate glioblastoma from PCNSL and inform in-the-OR treatment calls. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Using the model could also democratize access to neuropathology, a highly specialized area of expertise with a dearth of specialists and uneven distribution of experts across the country and world. In addition, the tool can also be used as an educational tool for training the next generation of pathologists to recognize look-alike lesions in the brain where critical differences are obscured under similar appearance. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers noted that most tumor samples were obtained from white patients, so more research is needed to confirm the model’s accuracy across diverse populations. And while the tool focused on glioblastoma and PCNSL, future work could expand it to other cancer types and combine it with genetic and molecular data for deeper insights.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Zhao, J., Lin, SY., Attias, R. et al. Uncertainty-aware ensemble of foundation models differentiates glioblastoma from its mimics. Nat Commun 16, 8341 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64249-6</p>

366. taVNS Shows Promise as New Treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: JAMA

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:25 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/04/09/174007-rosacea.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new clinical trial published in the <i>Journal of the American Medical Association</i>&nbsp;found concurrent transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) therapy to improve both skin symptoms and systemic comorbidities, indicating its potential as an effective treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The trial from February 2024 to February 2025, involved 72 participants with moderate to severe ETR, identified by a Clinician’s Erythema Assessment (CEA) score of at least 2. The participants were randomly divided into 2 equal groups, where one received daily taVNS therapy, and the other underwent sham stimulation (SS), which mimicked the treatment but provided no actual nerve activation.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The taVNS treatment delivered mild electrical pulses to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, located in the ear, at a frequency of 30 Hz and pulse width of 200 microseconds for 30 minutes daily over 3 weeks. Both groups were monitored for an additional 24 weeks to assess long-term effects.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">After 3 weeks, the taVNS group showed marked improvements in facial erythema when compared to the control group. The average CEA score dropped from moderate to mild redness levels, with a mean score of 1.56 compared to 2.47 in the SS group (mean difference, −0.92; P &lt; .001). This improvement in visible skin symptoms persisted through the 24-week follow-up period.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Beyond dermatological improvements, the patients receiving taVNS also experienced notable reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms. The mean difference for anxiety scores was −5.42, and for depression, −6.22, both with strong statistical significance. These psychological benefits suggest that taVNS not only improves skin appearance but may also help alleviate some of the emotional burdens commonly associated with rosacea.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Also, additional measures like sleep quality, fatigue, and migraine frequency, showed improvement among taVNS recipients, further highlighting the therapy’s potential holistic impact. Adverse events were rare and mild, occurring in only 2 patients (5.6%) in the taVNS group and 3 (8.3%) in the sham group.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Overall, the findings of this study suggest that daily taVNS sessions can substantially reduce facial redness and improve quality of life for ETR patients, signaling a promising new direction for noninvasive rosacea treatment.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Source:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Li, J., Wei, J., Zhang, M., Kong, M., Xie, L., Wan, M., Pan, Z., Tian, J., Ou, Z., Chen, S., Xia, A., Tang, L., Song, Z., Hou, J., &amp; Hao, F. (2025). Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation treatment for erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: A randomized clinical trial: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatology (Chicago, Ill.). <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2839734?guestAccessKey=9815c29a-0c0a-4564-934c-da18816774dd&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=postup_jn&amp;utm_campaign=article_alert-jamadermatology&amp;utm_content=olf-tfl_&amp;utm_term=100825" rel="nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.3796</a></p>

367. Memantine May Improve Social Skills in Youths With Autism, Trial Finds

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/03/302929-youth-with-autism.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">USA: A recent randomized clinical trial published in<i> JAMA Network Open</i> suggests that <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/memantine">memantine</a>, a drug commonly used for Alzheimer’s disease, may offer a potential therapeutic option to improve social difficulties in young individuals with<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/autism"> autism spectrum disorder (ASD)</a> who do not have <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/intellectual-disability">intellectual disability.</a></span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">The trial, led by Dr. Gagan Joshi and colleagues from the Alan and Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder at Massachusetts General Hospital, investigated whether memantine could enhance social functioning in children and adolescents with ASD.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 42 participants between the ages of 8 and 17 years. All participants had ASD without intellectual disability (IQ ≥ 85). Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS), researchers also measured glutamate levels in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC), a brain region previously linked with social and cognitive functions. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Key findings of the study were as follows:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Of the 42 youths enrolled, 35 were included in the efficacy analysis, with 16 receiving memantine and 19 receiving a placebo.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">At trial completion, 56.2% of participants in the memantine group met the response criteria, compared to 21% in the placebo group.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The odds ratio of response was 4.8, showing a significantly higher likelihood of social improvement with memantine treatment.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Memantine was well tolerated, with no significant difference in adverse events between the memantine and placebo groups.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Youths with ASD had significantly higher pgACC glutamate levels compared with healthy controls (95.5 IU vs 76.6 IU).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Elevated glutamate levels were found in over half of the ASD participants, defined as at least one standard deviation above healthy controls.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">In this subgroup, 80% of those treated with memantine showed improvement, compared with 20% in the placebo group.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">pgACC glutamate levels strongly predicted treatment response, indicating their potential as a biomarker for identifying likely responders to memantine.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; ">The authors emphasized that while these results are promising, larger and more rigorous studies are required before memantine can be considered a standard therapy for ASD. They also highlighted the importance of further validating pgACC glutamate as a biomarker to personalize treatment strategies for autism.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">"The clinical trial demonstrated that memantine may be a safe and effective intervention for addressing social impairments in youths with ASD without intellectual disability. The association between elevated pgACC glutamate levels and better treatment outcomes points toward the possibility of biomarker-guided treatment in the future," the authors concluded. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Joshi G, Gönenc A, DiSalvo M, et al. Memantine to Treat Social Impairment in Youths With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(10):e2534927. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.34927</div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

368. Roche gets USFDA clearance for Elecsys pTau181 test for Alzheimer's disease

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:32:54 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/01/12/197702-roche.webp' /><p><b style="text-align: justify;">Indianapolis:</b><span style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Roche">Roche</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Elecsys pTau181 test, the blood-based biomarker (BBM) test indicated as an aid in the initial assessment for <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Alzheimers-disease">Alzheimer's disease </a>and other causes of cognitive decline in the primary-care setting.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "> The Elecsys pTau181 test is intended for patients ages 55 and older presenting with signs, symptoms or complaints of cognitive decline. It measures phosphorylated Tau (pTau) 181 protein in human plasma, a key biomarker for Alzheimer's pathology, including amyloid plaque and tau aggregate pathology.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Developed in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, this minimally invasive test provides clinicians with information that can help identify patients in early stages of cognitive decline who are unlikely to have Alzheimer's-related amyloid pathology. The result should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical information.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"By bringing Alzheimer's blood-based biomarker testing into primary care, we can help patients and their clinicians get answers sooner to support them earlier in their journeys," said Brad Moore, President and CEO of Roche Diagnostics North America. "This milestone reflects Roche's leadership in diagnostics and our commitment to expanding access to innovative testing for patients and their clinicians."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Alzheimer's is complex, with multiple pathologies impacting more than 7 million Americans. Unfortunately, 92% of patients with mild cognitive impairment (early-stage symptomatic disease) go undiagnosed and are therefore unable to explore whether therapeutic intervention is possible.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Until now, Alzheimer's biomarker testing has largely been limited to specialty settings, such as neurology. By enabling use in primary care, the Elecsys pTau181 test has the potential to significantly broaden patient access to minimally invasive testing and helps preserve specialist resources. Primary care clinicians can better guide appropriate referrals so neurologists can focus on the patients most likely to need advanced evaluation and treatment," the release stated.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">With more than 4,500 Roche instruments already installed in clinical laboratories across the United States, health systems and providers are well positioned to rapidly integrate the Elecsys pTau181 test into their existing infrastructure.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Elecsys pTau181 is an FDA-cleared, blood-based Alzheimer's test indicated as an aid in the initial assessment for Alzheimer's and other causes of cognitive decline in the primary-care setting. The performance was evaluated in a multicenter, non-interventional clinical study in 312 participants. Results demonstrated that in an early disease-stage, low-prevalence population reflective of primary-care setting, Elecsys pTau181 could rule out Alzheimer's pathology with a 97.9% negative predictive value (NPV). Fully automated on Roche's installed base of instruments, Elecsys pTau181 allows laboratories to integrate testing quickly and at scale – creating new opportunities to broaden access and reduce delays for patients and their providers.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">With FDA clearance, the Elecsys pTau181 test may provide information that can help healthcare providers and systems:</p><ul type="disc"><li style="text-align: justify; ">Enable early-disease-stage assessment of patients with cognitive complaints by providing information that may help aiding clinicians in ruling out Alzheimer's-related amyloid pathology</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Better integrate primary care into the Alzheimer's diagnosis pathway and expand testing availability</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Improve referral quality by guiding physicians' decisions on patient referrals</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Help preserve neurologists' resources for patients with the greatest need</li><li style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">The clearance of Elecsys pTau181 is an important milestone in Roche's ongoing work to transform Alzheimer's diagnostics. Looking ahead, Roche is advancing a comprehensive portfolio that has the potential to further shape diagnostic pathways and support earlier, more accurate detection of neurological diseases. This work reflects Roche's commitment to lead with science in developing transformational solutions that both improve patient outcomes and simplify laboratory operations.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; ">In addition to FDA clearance in the United States, Roche recently received CE Mark certification in Europe for the Elecsys pTau181 test.</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

369. Free Medicines for Sale? Pharmacist Caught Taking Bribes, Demanding Extra Bucks to 'Increase' Injury in Medico-Legal Reports, Probe On

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:25:26 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/07/23/244912-corruption.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Lucknow</b>: A case of corruption has surfaced in the Khadda area of Kushinagar district, where a pharmacist posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Turkaha was allegedly caught on camera accepting bribes and selling government-supplied medicines meant to be distributed free of cost to patients.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The controversy erupted after three videos of pharmacist Mithilesh Nigam went viral on social media, prompting swift action from health authorities. On Tuesday, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Kushinagar personally visited the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Khadda to conduct an on-site inspection and initiate an inquiry into the matter.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to a recent media report in Dainik Bhaskar, pharmacist Mithilesh Nigam was seen demanding and accepting ₹600 from a patient in the name of preparing a Medico-Legal Report (MLR) — despite the official government fee being just ₹68. In one of the videos, Nigam can be heard saying, “It costs ₹500 per person; you can give whatever you wish.” The patient is then seen handing over cash, after which the pharmacist writes injury details on a government form — a task that should legally be performed only by a qualified doctor.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In another clip, the pharmacist is allegedly seen fixing prices for government medicines, stating, “This medicine is ₹150, and this one is ₹100.” All these medicines, however, are provided free of cost by the government, clearly labeled “Not for Sale” on their packaging. The videos are reportedly from a time when a sterilization camp was being conducted at the center, where women were to receive free vitamins, calcium, and antibiotics. Instead, patients were allegedly charged ₹100–₹150 for injections and medicines.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/drugs-control-officials-caught-taking-rs-20000-bribe-in-telangana-156569"><b><i>Also Read: Drugs Control Officials Caught Taking Rs 20,000 Bribe in Telangana</i></b></a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">One of the videos even shows Mithilesh Nigam accepting ₹700 from a journalist under the pretext of preparing an MLR, and further demanding ₹100–₹200 extra to “increase” the injury details. Shockingly, he reportedly prepares the medico-legal report himself and later gets it signed by the duty doctor before handing it to the patient.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cKivkcQCxvc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The incident has raised serious questions about corruption in government health centers, where free treatment and medicines are meant to serve the poor but have allegedly become a source of illicit profit.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dr Paras Gupta, the in-charge Medical Officer, commented that the matter has been reported to the Chief Medical Officer. He confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated against the pharmacist and strict action will be taken if the allegations are proven.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/kushinagar/khadda/news/action-taken-after-3-videos-of-pharmacist-in-khadda-136169575.html" rel="nofollow">Dainik Bhaskar</a> reports that the CMO personally inspected both Khadda and Turkaha health centers, reviewed the evidence, and constituted a probe committee of senior officials to investigate the incident. The CMO stated, “Appropriate departmental action will be taken once the inquiry report is received. The sale of government medicines or illegal money collection from patients will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/vigilance-nabs-drugs-inspector-taking-rs-40000-bribe-for-pharmacy-licence-154666"><b><i>Also Read: Vigilance Nabs Drugs Inspector Taking Rs 40,000 Bribe for Pharmacy Licence</i></b></a></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div>

370. Health Ministry Draft Rules: Only Engineering or Pharmacy Graduates Eligible to Become Medical Device Inspectors, Analysts

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:52:22 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/10/16/188121-medical-device-new.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>New Delhi:</b> Through a recent Gazette notification, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health and Family Welfare) has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Medical Device Rules, 2017, introducing new qualification requirements for Inspectors and Government Analysts engaged in medical device regulation and quality testing.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The draft, published in the Gazette of India (G.S.R. 748(E)) on October 10, 2025, was issued under Sections 12(1) and 33(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 1940), after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The proposed amendments, titled the Medical Devices (Amendment) Rules, 2024, invite objections and suggestions from the public within 30 days from the date copies of the Gazette are made available. Responses may be sent to the Under Secretary (Drugs), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Room No. 545, A-Wing, Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi – 110011, or via email at drugsdiv-mohfw@gov.in</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to the draft, two new rules—Rule 18A and Rule 18B — are proposed to be inserted after Rule 18 in the Medical Device Rules, 2017, specifying the educational qualifications required for regulatory personnel in the medical devices sector.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/cdsco/alkem-labs-gets-cdsco-panel-nod-for-conducting-phase-iii-study-of-semaglutide-tablet-156904"><b><i>Also Read: Alkem Labs Gets CDSCO Panel Nod for conducting Phase III study of Semaglutide tablet</i></b></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Rule 18A lays down the Qualifications of Inspector (Medical Device), while Rule 18B prescribes the Qualifications of Government Analyst.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Under both provisions, eligible candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology in disciplines such as Biomedical, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Biotechnology, Polymer, Computer Science, or Medical Electronics Engineering, or a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Life Sciences from a recognized university or institute.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The notification specifies, "These rules shall, unless specified otherwise, come into force on the date of their final publication in the Official Gazette."</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/mos-health-urges-youth-to-lead-tobacco-free-addiction-free-movement-156648">Also Read: MoS Health urges youth to lead tobacco-free, addiction-free movement</a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The Gazette notification finally declared:</p><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">“In the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, after Rule 18, the following rules shall be inserted, namely:—</div><div style="text-align: justify;">18A. Qualifications of Inspector (Medical Device)— A person who is appointed as an Inspector under the Act shall be a person who has a degree in—</div><div style="text-align: justify;">i. Bachelors of engineering technology in Bio Medical or Chemical or Mechanical or Electrical or Electronics or Instrumentation or Bio-Technology or Polymer or Computer Science or Medical Electronics Engineering from a recognised university or institute; or</div><div style="text-align: justify;">ii. Bachelors degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Science or Microbiology or Biochemistry or Chemistry or Life Sciences from a recognised university or institute.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">18B. Qualifications of Government Analyst— A person who is appointed as a Government Analyst under the Act shall be a person who has a degree in—</div><div style="text-align: justify;">i. Bachelors of engineering technology in Bio Medical or Chemical or Mechanical or Electrical or Electronics or Instrumentation or Bio-Technology or Polymer or Computer Science or Medical Electronics Engineering from a recognised university or institute; or</div><div style="text-align: justify;">ii. Bachelors degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Science or Microbiology or Bio-Chemistry or Chemistry or Life Sciences from a recognised university or institute.”</div></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>To view the official order, click the link below:</i></b></p><div class="hocal-draggable" style="text-align: justify; " draggable="true"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/20251010-gsr-748einclusion-of-qualifications-of-inspector-medical-devices-and-government-analyst-304571.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/20251010-gsr-748einclusion-of-qualifications-of-inspector-medical-devices-and-government-analyst-304571.pdf</a></div></div>

371. Telangana Junior Doctors launch helpline to support medicos’ mental health

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:45:29 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304659-education-2025-10-15t150549221.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-junior-doctors-to-launch-indefinite-strike-from-june-30-over-stipend-faculty-infrastructure-woes-150793" target="_blank">Telangana Junior Doctors Association</a> (T-JUDA) has launched a new mental health support platform, <i>ED T-JUDA Connect</i>, aimed at providing emotional and psychological assistance to medical students, residents, and junior doctors across the state-run medical colleges. </p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The initiative, described as a confidential helpline, will be managed by trained peers and mentors who will offer counselling, referrals, and connections to professional mental health services.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-junior-doctors-launch-mental-health-helpline-amid-rising-suicides-156901" target="_blank">TelanganaJunior Doctors Launch 'ED T-JUDA Connect' to Support Medicos’ Mental Health</a></i></b></p></div></div>

372. Durgapur MBBS Student Gangrape: Doctors Urge Supreme Court Intervention and Safety Reforms

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:40:10 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304657-education-2025-10-15t145946462.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Referring to the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rg-kar" target="_blank">RG Kar</a> tragedy, where the West Bengal government had repeatedly assured safety for medical students, several <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/doctors" target="_blank">doctors</a>' associations across the nation have condemned the alleged gangrape of a second-year MBBS student near IQ City Medical College, Durgapu, on October 10.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The doctors indicated that the safety of female students and doctors in the state continues to be ignored.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) expressed anger, saying the brutal incident has shaken the conscience of the entire medical community and reignited the collective trauma still fresh from the R.G. Kar Medical College tragedy just a year ago.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/reignites-rg-kar-trauma-doctors-condemn-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-demand-sc-intervention-safety-reforms-156896" target="_blank">Doctors Condemn Durgapur MBBS Student Gangrape, Urge Supreme Court Intervention and Safety Reforms</a></i></b></p></div>

373. NMC to Ban Promotion of Medical Devices During Live Surgeries, says Chairman Dr Abhijat Sheth

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:30:58 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304655-education-2025-10-15t145608094.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Aiming to make regulations for<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/live-surgery"> live surgery </a>procedures clearer and more practical, India is planning to ban the promotion and marketing of medical devices and companies during educational live surgeries, said the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nmc-chairperson">National Medical Commission Chairman</a> (NMC) Dr Abhijat Sheth, Mint has reported.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Under the current guidelines for livestreaming surgeries, which were established following a Supreme Court directive, live broadcasts should not be used to promote the operating surgeon, hospital, or product brand. Surgeons should not have a financial or commercial interest in the equipment or devices used during the surgery/procedures.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/health-news/nmc/nmc-to-ban-promotion-of-medical-devices-companies-during-live-surgeries-chairman-dr-abhijat-sheth-156899" target="_blank">NMC to Ban Promotion of Medical Devices During Live Surgeries: Chairman Dr Abhijat Sheth</a></i></b></p></div>

374. 104 Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Cases and 23 Deaths, Says Kerala Health Minister

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:15:55 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304660-education-2025-10-15t151129089.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Kerala health minister Veena George on Sunday confirmed that 104 cases of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/amoebic-encephalitis" target="_blank">amoebic encephalitis</a> (brain fever) have been reported in the state so far, and 23 patients have died.</p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The state is currently battling this rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the "brain-eating amoeba" Naegleria fowleri.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts have been most affected according to estimates, while cases are also increasing in Kozhikode and Malappuram, according to officials.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/kerala/kerala-reports-104-amoebic-meningoencephalitis-cases-23-deaths-health-minister-156883" target="_blank">KeralaConfirms 104 Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Cases and 23 Deaths, Says Health Minister</a></i></b></p></div></div></div>

375. Health Bulletin 15/October/2025

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:09:01 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304671-health-bulletin-19.webp' /><p><b>Here are the top health stories for the day:</b></p><p><b>NMC to Ban Promotion of Medical Devices During Live Surgeries, says Chairman Dr Abhijat Sheth</b></p><p>Aiming to make regulations for<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/live-surgery"> live surgery </a>procedures clearer and more practical, India is planning to ban the promotion and marketing of medical devices and companies during educational live surgeries, said the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nmc-chairperson">National Medical Commission Chairman</a> (NMC) Dr Abhijat Sheth, Mint has reported.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>Under the current guidelines for livestreaming surgeries, which were established following a Supreme Court directive, live broadcasts should not be used to promote the operating surgeon, hospital, or product brand. Surgeons should not have a financial or commercial interest in the equipment or devices used during the surgery/procedures.</p><p><i><b>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:</b></i></p><p><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/health-news/nmc/nmc-to-ban-promotion-of-medical-devices-companies-during-live-surgeries-chairman-dr-abhijat-sheth-156899" target="_blank"><b>NMC to Ban Promotion of Medical Devices During Live Surgeries: Chairman Dr Abhijat Sheth</b></a></i></p></div><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>Durgapur MBBS Student Gangrape: Doctors Urge Supreme Court Intervention and Safety Reforms</b></p><p>Referring to the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rg-kar" target="_blank">RG Kar</a> tragedy, where the West Bengal government had repeatedly assured safety for medical students, several <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/doctors" target="_blank">doctors</a>' associations across the nation have condemned the alleged gangrape of a second-year MBBS student near IQ City Medical College, Durgapu, on October 10.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>The doctors indicated that the safety of female students and doctors in the state continues to be ignored.</p><p>In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) expressed anger, saying the brutal incident has shaken the conscience of the entire medical community and reignited the collective trauma still fresh from the R.G. Kar Medical College tragedy just a year ago.</p><p><i><b>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:</b></i></p><p><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/reignites-rg-kar-trauma-doctors-condemn-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-demand-sc-intervention-safety-reforms-156896" target="_blank"><b>Doctors Condemn Durgapur MBBS Student Gangrape, Urge Supreme Court Intervention and Safety Reforms</b></a></i></p><p><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/reignites-rg-kar-trauma-doctors-condemn-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-demand-sc-intervention-safety-reforms-156896" target="_blank"><b><br></b></a></i><b>Telangana Junior Doctors launch helpline to support medicos’ mental health</b></p><p>The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-junior-doctors-to-launch-indefinite-strike-from-june-30-over-stipend-faculty-infrastructure-woes-150793" target="_blank">Telangana Junior Doctors Association</a> (T-JUDA) has launched a new mental health support platform, <i>ED T-JUDA Connect</i>, aimed at providing emotional and psychological assistance to medical students, residents, and junior doctors across the state-run medical colleges.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>The initiative, described as a confidential helpline, will be managed by trained peers and mentors who will offer counselling, referrals, and connections to professional mental health services.</p><p><i><b>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:</b></i></p><p><i><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-junior-doctors-launch-mental-health-helpline-amid-rising-suicides-156901" target="_blank"><b>Telangana Junior Doctors Launch 'ED T-JUDA Connect' to Support Medicos’ Mental Health</b></a></i></p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>104 Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Cases and 23 Deaths, Says Kerala Health Minister</b></p><p>Kerala health minister Veena George on Sunday confirmed that 104 cases of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/amoebic-encephalitis" target="_blank">amoebic encephalitis</a> (brain fever) have been reported in the state so far, and 23 patients have died.</p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>The state is currently battling this rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the "brain-eating amoeba" Naegleria fowleri.</p><p>Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts have been most affected according to estimates, while cases are also increasing in Kozhikode and Malappuram, according to officials.</p><p><i><b>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:</b></i></p><p><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/kerala/kerala-reports-104-amoebic-meningoencephalitis-cases-23-deaths-health-minister-156883" target="_blank" style=""><i><b>Kerala Confirms 104 Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Cases and 23 Deaths, Says Health Minister</b></i></a></p></div></div></div>

376. Chamba hospital doctor accused of obscene remark, probe ordered after viral video outrage

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:00:19 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/09/06/300024-probe-ordered.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Chamba:</b>&nbsp;A shocking video of a woman crying inside her car, accusing a <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/doctor" target="_blank">doctor </a>from the Civil Hospital in Tissa, Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district, of making obscene and insensitive remarks during her visit for her daughter's treatment, has gone viral on social media. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with people heavily criticising the doctor's alleged misbehaviour.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In the purported video, the woman said she had rushed her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter to the hospital as the child was suffering from a burning sensation in her private parts. Since the doctor was not present, the nurse on duty called him. However, when the woman insisted that the doctor come immediately, he allegedly responded with a highly objectionable remark about her daughter.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">While narrating the exact quoted lines, the woman breaks down in tears, sitting in the car’s passenger seat, with her daughter trying to console her. The video has deeply shocked viewers, who expressed anger over the doctor’s alleged unprofessional behaviour.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/doon-medical-college-doctors-face-action-after-viral-party-video-1-expelled-others-fined-156884" target="_blank">Doon medical college doctors face action after Viral party video- 1 expelled, others fined</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Taking note of the incident, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chamba, Dr Bipen Thakur, constituted a three-member committee to conduct a detailed probe. The panel includes a block medical officer and two doctors from other hospitals.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">An order issued in this regard mentioned, “In view of a viral video circulated on social media on October 14, 2025, regarding alleged misbehave with the mother of a patient at civil hospital, Tissa, on October 13, 2025, at 11 pm, a committee is hereby constituted to enquire into the matter."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Commenting on this, Dr Thakur told The Tribune, "The inquiry team has been instructed to examine all aspects of the incident and verify the authenticity of the woman’s allegations. The committee would submit its detailed report within three days."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The incident took place late on Monday night, October 13, when the woman visited the hospital with her daughter. The doctor was reportedly not present at the hospital at the time. According to the woman, the nurse on duty called the doctor over the phone, after which he prescribed some medicines and told her to come to the OPD the next morning. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">However, when the worried mother insisted that the doctor come to the hospital to check her daughter immediately, the doctor allegedly made a highly objectionable remark against the daughter.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Distressed and angered by his response, the woman recorded a video narrating her ordeal and demanding strict action against the doctor. In the video, she started crying while narrating the incident and asked 'Why did you become a doctor then if you do not want to treat patients?" Her video quickly went viral, sparking widespread anger and condemnation from the public online.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Several social media users have expressed outrage, calling the doctor’s alleged remarks inhumane and demanding his suspension. One user wrote, “Doctor or beast? Such words for a two-and-a-half-year-old girl! Shameful and heartbreaking.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Following the incident, Local MLA Hans Raj visited the Tissa Civil Hospital on Wednesday morning and summoned the doctor in the presence of the Block Medical Officer. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Calling his action “unacceptable behaviour, which is unbecoming of a medical professional”, Hans Raj reprimanded him and directed the doctor to submit a written apology to the woman. He assured the victim that the matter would be pursued to its logical conclusion.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He further stated that this was not the first complaint against the doctor. He had earlier received several similar complaints from people about his objectionable behaviour. "Such behaviour cannot be tolerated. I will recommend the government to take strict disciplinary action,” he added.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/viral-video-shows-resident-doctor-allegedly-slapping-elderly-man-at-ajmer-hospital-156822" target="_blank">Viral video shows resident doctor allegedly slapping elderly man at Ajmer hospital</a></b></p>

377. 6-year-old's death not caused by cough syrups, says Yavatmal Govt Medical College

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:15:28 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/06/21/212293-death.webp' /><p><b>Nagpur:</b>&nbsp;A six-year-old boy passed away at Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College and Hospital in Maharashtra's Yavatmal district after being administered four types of cough syrups during treatment. While the incident has raised concerns amid recent <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cough-syrup" target="_blank">cough syrup</a>-related deaths in <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/madhya-pradesh" style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Madhya Pradesh</a>, hospital authorities have ruled out drug toxicity as the cause of death.</p><p>However, doctors have confirmed that the child’s death was likely caused due to choking, rather than the medicines prescribed to him. </p><p>The deceased has been identified as a six-year-old boy, Shivam Sagar Gurunule, from the Pimplekhuti village of the Yavatmal district.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/mp-cough-syrup-case-doctors-associations-demand-central-probe-case-withdrawal-for-arrested-paediatrician-156598" style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);"><b>Also Read:MP Cough Syrup Case: Doctors' associations demand central probe, case withdrawal for arrested paediatrician</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>Dr. Anil Batra, dean of VNGMCH, Yavatmal, had earlier requested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate as a precaution. Following his request, the FDA seized samples of all seven medicines — including four cough syrups — that had been prescribed to the child and sent them to the FDA’s Mumbai laboratory for chemical analysis.</p><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">The FDA halted the sale and use of all seven medicines from the same batch across Maharashtra pending completion of the analysis.&nbsp;</span></div><div><p>According to news reports, the boy's autopsy report revealed that food particles and peanut husks were found in his respiratory tract, and the boy is likely to have choked to death.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/mdtv/healthshorts/toxic-syrup-deaths-case-8500-mp-doctors-protest-against-paediatricians-arrest-156912" style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);"><b>Also Read:Toxic syrup deaths case: 8,500 MP doctors protest against paediatrician's arrest</b></a><br></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div>Speaking to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/6-year-old-given-cough-syrup-dies-no-toxicity-doctors/articleshow/124540948.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI</a>, a family member said<span style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Shivam's family, too, has not accused the doctor of negligence or blamed the cough syrup for his death. "He hadn't walked for five years after birth. What caused his&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">death will only be known after a thorough probe".</span></div><p>Officials from the Civil Surgeon’s Office, Department of Medical Education &amp; Research, State Health Department, and the District Health Officer are actively tracking developments and awaiting the lab results for further clarity.<br></p></div>

378. CDSCO Panel Clears BDR Pharma's Abiraterone Oral Suspension, Seeks Phase IV Trial

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:00:04 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/01/11/197561-bdr-pharma-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:</b> The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has recommended approval for Abiraterone Acetate Oral Suspension 1000 mg/5 mL, developed by BDR Pharmaceuticals International Pvt Ltd, for manufacturing and marketing in India.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The firm presented Bioequivalence (BE) fasting and fed study reports comparing Abiraterone Acetate Oral Suspension 1000 mg/5 mL with Abiraterone Tablets 500 mg × 2 before the committee. The submission was made in continuation of the SEC’s earlier recommendation dated May 15, 2024, for the same indication as the already approved tablet formulation.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After detailed deliberation, the committee accepted the BE fasting and fed study results and recommended granting permission to manufacture and market the oral suspension formulation of Abiraterone Acetate for the applied indication, which aligns with that of the tablet dosage form.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, the recommendation has been made subject to a key condition — the company must conduct a Phase IV Clinical Trial in 400–500 subjects to assess post-marketing safety and clinical outcomes. The SEC has directed the firm to submit the Phase IV Clinical Trial protocol within three months from the date of product approval to CDSCO for further review and clearance.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Abiraterone Acetate is a potent androgen biosynthesis inhibitor that blocks CYP17A1 enzyme activity, thereby reducing androgen production, which fuels prostate cancer growth. It is indicated for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and has become a key therapeutic option globally.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">BDR Pharmaceuticals International Pvt Ltd, an Indian oncology-focused pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai, is known for its research and manufacturing of affordable cancer treatments. With this approval, BDR aims to expand patient access to a more convenient oral suspension formulation that may improve compliance among prostate cancer patients.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/cdsco/cdsco-orders-nationwide-audit-of-cough-syrup-makers-after-fatal-toxic-syrup-scare-156769"><b><i>Also Read: CDSCO Orders Nationwide Audit of Cough Syrup Makers After Fatal Toxic Syrup Scare</i></b></a></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div>

379. Aurobindo Pharma Promoters Raise Rs 2,000 Crore via Structured Debt

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:54:42 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/01/10/197263-aurobindo-pharma-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Hyderabad</b>: In a major financial move, the promoter group of Aurobindo Pharma has raised about Rs 2,000 crore through a two-tranche structured debt facility to fund real estate acquisitions and asset purchases, including the Taj Banjara hotel in Hyderabad, through their realty arm Auro Realty.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The funds will support the group's ongoing expansion into the property and infrastructure segment, marking one of the largest promoter-level financings in recent months.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to the Economic Times report, the ₹2,000 crore transaction has been structured in two series of non-convertible debentures (NCDs). The first series, worth ₹650 crore, carries a two-year tenor with a put and call option and an interest rate of 11.75%. The second series, amounting to ₹1,450 crore, has a four-year tenor with a likely 15.5% coupon. Together, these tranches form a carefully structured financing model balancing high yield and strong security coverage.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/aurobindo-pharma-arm-incorporates-new-wholly-owned-subsidiary-in-malaysia-155429"><b><i>Also Read: Aurobindo Pharma arm incorporates new wholly owned subsidiary in Malaysia</i></b></a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The loan is secured through a pledge of promoter entities, including Raidurgam Developers Pvt Ltd (RDL) and Auro Realty, along with other tangible assets collectively valued at more than ₹2,500 crore. Additional personal and corporate guarantees have been provided by the promoter group to reinforce the security package.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Raidurgam Developers, which is developing Galaxy Tower, a premium commercial project in Hyderabad’s Raidurgam area that houses several technology companies, forms a key part of the pledged collateral. The overall asset coverage is estimated at 2.5 times the loan value, increasing to nearly 4 times when guarantees are included.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lenders are expected to gain exit visibility through refinancing, project-generated cash flows, and asset monetisation options, including Loan Against Property (LAP) and Lease Rental Discounting (LRD). The structured arrangement is designed to ensure both liquidity and repayment flexibility backed by a strong asset base.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Aurobindo Pharma, with annual revenues of around ₹31,000 crore, remains net cash positive, reflecting financial strength despite this large promoter-level borrowing. The company, headquartered in Hyderabad, did not issue an official comment on the financing.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/aurobindo-pharma-promoters-raise-rs-2k-cr-to-fund-realty-other-asset-buys/articleshow/124536042.cms?from=mdr" rel="nofollow">The Economic Times</a> reports that the deal aligns with a growing trend of promoters accessing alternative credit funds and private debt markets for high-yield financing. Similar routes have previously been used by promoters of firms like Kalyan Jewellers India through financial institutions such as Motilal Oswal and 360 One.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/aurobindo-pharma-reports-minor-fire-incident-at-andhra-pradesh-unit-155511"><b><i>Also Read: Aurobindo Pharma reports minor fire incident at Andhra Pradesh unit</i></b></a></p></div>

380. Relief for Pharmacy Graduates: Uttarakhand Plans to Open Govt Pharmacist Posts for B.Pharma Holders

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:33:02 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/03/18/205442-pharmacist-new.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Dehradun</b>: In a development for pharmacy professionals, the Uttarakhand government is preparing to amend recruitment rules to allow B Pharma degree holders to apply for government pharmacist posts. The move is set to create new opportunities for qualified graduates while addressing staff shortages in healthcare institutions across the state.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">Until now, only diploma holders in pharmacy were eligible for government pharmacist recruitment. The Health Department has now initiated steps to revise the existing criteria and simultaneously expand the number of pharmacist positions in state-run hospitals, primary health centres, and sub-centres.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Officials from the department told Live Hindustan that a proposal is being drafted to reinstate and add nearly 1,000 pharmacist posts that were earlier discontinued under the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). The planned expansion aims to ensure better medicine distribution and improved pharmaceutical support within the public health system.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/pharma-d-automatically-eligible-for-posts-meant-for-bpharma-d-pharma-pci-issues-clarification-101174"><b><i>Also Read: Pharma D automatically eligible for posts meant for Bpharma, D Pharma: PCI issues clarification</i></b></a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Uttarakhand currently has more than 15,000 students pursuing BPharma programmes, many of whom have long demanded inclusion in government recruitment. Pharmacy graduates and professional associations have repeatedly urged authorities to recognize their qualifications for public sector positions, arguing that degree holders possess deeper technical knowledge and clinical understanding.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat has confirmed that both the revision of eligibility norms and the increase in pharmacist posts are under active review. He has instructed departmental officials to prepare a detailed proposal for submission and approval, reports <a href="https://www.livehindustan.com/career/bpharma-degree-holders-will-now-be-eligible-for-pharmacist-recruitment-new-vacancies-also-increase-b-pharma-uttarakhand-201760404818565.html#google_vignette" rel="nofollow">Live Hindustan</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The decision - once implemented - will mark a major reform in the state’s pharmacist recruitment policy, finally extending eligibility to BPharma graduates and expanding job opportunities in the healthcare sector.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/exam-day-turns-tragic-bpharm-student-stabbed-to-death-over-relationship-149183"><b><i>Also Read: Exam day turns tragic: BPharm student stabbed to death over relationship</i></b></a></div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"></div></div>

381. MBBS student rape case: HC restricts outsiders' entry in Durgapur's medical college, orders police security

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:30:42 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304667-education-2025-10-15t152241220.webp' /><p>Kolkata: In the wake of the MBBS student rape case, the Calcutta High Court has barred the entry of outsiders within the premises of the private medical college and hospital at Durgapur in West Bengal's West Burdwan district. The court also directed the state police to ensure complete security for the institute.</p><p>The college authorities had filed a petition requesting the removal of crowds outside the campus, citing ongoing examinations. During the hearing, Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul) issued the order, emphasizing the safety and security of students and staff.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>Medical Dialogues had reported that altogether five accused have been arrested and are in police custody. The second-year student of a private medical college in Durgapur, hailing from Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district, was allegedly gang-raped on Friday (October 10) night when she went outside the college campus with a male friend to have dinner.</p><p>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/reignites-rg-kar-trauma-doctors-condemn-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-demand-sc-intervention-safety-reforms-156896" target="_blank">'Reignites RG Kar trauma': Doctors condemn Durgapur MBBS student gangrape, demand SC intervention, Safety reforms</a></p><p>According to police sources, the student had initially submitted a brief written statement of three to four lines to the college authorities, stating that she and her friend were walking outside the campus when they were suddenly surrounded by a group of men who then assaulted her.</p><p>The statement was later forwarded to the police, following which an FIR was lodged and an investigation initiated. Based on the student's complaint, the police determined that the incident occurred between 8 p.m. and 8.45 p.m. on Friday. Investigators said that three men initially surrounded the student and snatched away her phone when she tried to call her friends for help. Two more persons later joined them, and together the five men allegedly raped her. The accused also offered her Rs 5,000 to leave quietly, police sources said.</p><p>The survivor's male friend, who was accompanying her and also fled the scene during the alleged assault, is now in police custody. He has been identified as the prime accused in the case and was also named in a complaint filed by the survivor’s father. He was produced before the court on Wednesday morning</p></div><p>Now, after medical college moved the court with the petition, the court considered and barred entry of outsiders within the campus. Giving this direction, the single-judge bench of Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul) also directed the state police to provide and ensure absolute security for the private medical college &amp; hospital.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/mbbs-student-gangrape-case-bengal-health-dept-orders-probe-seeks-report-from-medical-college-156823">Also Read:MBBS student gangrape case: Bengal health dept orders probe, seeks report from medical college</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>The authorities of the private medical college &amp; hospital, earlier on Tuesday morning, filed a petition at the Calcutta High Court seeking the removal of gatherings of people in front of the college premises, given that the examinations are being conducted there, reports IANS.</p><p>The matter came up for hearing at the bench of Justice Dutt (Paul) in the second half on Tuesday, and after a detailed hearing in the matter, the court barred the entry of outsiders within the premises of the private medical college &amp; hospital and also directed the police to ensure the security of the institute.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/west-bengal/doctors-demand-inquiry-supreme-court-intervention-in-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-case-156848">Also Read:Doctors demand inquiry, Supreme Court intervention in Durgapur MBBS student gangrape case</a></p></div></div>

382. Delhi Drugs Dept Begins Citywide Drive to Detect Spurious Fever, Flu Drugs

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:15:35 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/01/13/268884-fake.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:</b> Amid the seasonal surge in viral infections and respiratory illnesse, the Delhi Drugs Control Department has launched a citywide inspection drive to detect and eliminate fake or substandard medicines used for treating fever, cold, cough, and flu-like symptoms.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The campaign aims to safeguard public health by ensuring that only genuine and quality medicines reach patients during this high-demand season.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">With winter setting in and pollution levels climbing, officials have intensified checks across chemist shops, wholesalers, and distributors. According to a recent media report in the Hindustan Times, teams from the department are collecting random samples of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including paracetamol, antihistamines, decongestants, and cough syrups, for laboratory testing. The collected samples will be analyzed in government laboratories, and results are expected in the coming weeks.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/madhya-pradesh/chemists-directed-to-share-information-on-cough-cold-drug-buyers-in-mp-71631">Also Read: Chemists directed to share information on cough, cold drug buyers in MP</a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">A senior official from the department stated that the drive was launched as a precautionary measure to prevent the circulation of spurious or low-quality medicines that often surface during peak flu seasons. The initiative comes despite the department not receiving any recent specific complaints, emphasizing a preventive and proactive approach in anticipation of increased medicine demand.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Health experts have also warned that Delhi’s changing weather and high pollution levels are leading to a sharp rise in cases of Influenza A/B, H1N1, RSV, and other viral infections. Dr Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, stated that patients are increasingly presenting with symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever, body pain, and congestion. He noted that most mild viral infections resolve within three to five days with rest, hydration, and symptomatic medication like paracetamol and antihistamines, but advised medical consultation if symptoms persist or worsen.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Officials further told the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-drugs-control-dept-launches-drive-to-check-fake-fever-cold-drugs-101760465868310.html" rel="nofollow">Hindustan Times</a> that most of these OTC drugs are low-cost formulations manufactured by multiple companies under different brand names but contain the same active ingredients. The department’s drive is part of its ongoing effort to maintain medicine quality and safety standards across Delhi, especially during peak illness seasons.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Public health authorities have also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and self-medication, stressing the importance of consulting qualified doctors for persistent or severe symptoms.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/paracetamol-market-2025-dolo-650-the-top-prescribed-brand-suggests-industry-data-154432">Also Read: Paracetamol Market 2025: DOLO-650 the Top Prescribed brand, suggests industry data</a></div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"></div></div>

383. Medical Bulletin 15/October/2025

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:30:34 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304616-top-medical-27.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Here are the top medical news for the day:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Quitting Smoking at Any Age May Protect Brain Health: Lancet Study </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A new study published in The Lancet reveals that quitting smoking even in your 40s, 50s, or later can significantly slow down memory loss and cognitive decline as you age. The large-scale analysis emphasizes that it’s never too late to quit, as doing so can help preserve brain function, reduce the risk of dementia, and maintain mental sharpness for longer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cognitive decline, which includes memory loss, reduced focus, and slower thinking, naturally occurs with aging. However, researchers from a global collaborative team wanted to understand how smoking habits might accelerate or slow this process. They examined long-term data from adults across 12 countries, tracking changes in brain performance over time, including memory, verbal ability, and mental processing speed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Participants in the study were categorized into four groups: never smokers, current smokers, those who quit in midlife (40s or 50s), and those who quit later in life. Brain function was measured before and after smoking cessation, offering valuable insights into how timing of quitting influenced cognitive aging. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The results were clear: quitting smoking, even after decades, slowed the rate of cognitive decline. The most substantial brain health improvements were seen in adults who quit in their 40s or 50s. However, individuals who gave up smoking in their 60s or 70s also experienced measurable benefits, proving that it’s never too late to take action. Those who had never smoked showed the slowest cognitive decline overall, reinforcing that prevention is ideal but quitting at any age remained better than continuing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The study concludes that whether you’ve smoked for years or decades, quitting now can slow brain aging and support better mental function. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reference: </b>Cognitive decline before and after mid-to-late-life smoking cessation: a longitudinal analysis of prospective cohort studies from 12 countries, Bloomberg, Mikaela et al. The Lancet Healthy Longevity, Volume 0, Issue 0, 100753 </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Not All Depression Is Alike: Study Reveals Different Types Linked to Different Health Risks</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A new study presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress in Amsterdam and based on data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) Study, reveals that not all depression is alike when it comes to health risks. The findings show that specific types of depression are associated with different long-term risks of developing cardiometabolic diseases, a significant advancement in our understanding of the depression-metabolism connection. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It has long been known that depression can increase the risk of metabolic disorders, but researchers have now found that the type of depressive symptoms matters. The research team followed 5,794 adults over a period of seven years, all of whom were free from cardiovascular disease and diabetes at the beginning of the study. Each participant completed detailed questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, allowing scientists to categorize them into two primary profiles: those with “melancholic” symptoms and those with “atypical/energy-related” symptoms. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Melancholic depression is characterized by classic symptoms such as early morning awakening and loss of appetite. Atypical or energy-related depression, on the other hand, includes fatigue, excessive sleep, and increased appetite. These symptom profiles were not just academic distinctions, they predicted different disease outcomes over time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to the findings, individuals with atypical/energy-related depressive symptoms were approximately 2.7 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those without depression, but did not show an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Conversely, those with melancholic symptoms had a 1.5 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as stroke or heart attack, but no increased risk for type 2 diabetes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lead researcher Dr Yuri Milaneschi (Amsterdam UNC) said </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We already knew that not all depressions are the same, but this means that we may need to consider how the type of depression someone has impacts different areas of their physical health. It very much pushes us towards the idea of precision psychiatry, the idea that we need to look for physical associations with mental health profiles, so that we can better treat mental illness. To treat sufferers individually”. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reference: </b>https://www.ecnp.eu/congress2025/ </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Non-Communicable Diseases Now Cause Two-Thirds of All Deaths: Lancet Study Finds</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes now account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s total mortality and morbidity, according to the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study published in The Lancet. The report also finds a significant global rise in life expectancy, from 46.8 years in 1990 to 63.4 years in 2023, highlighting a complex global health transition driven by ageing, lifestyle, and shifting disease patterns. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The GBD 2023 study is one of the most comprehensive demographic analyses, covering 204 countries and territories. Led by Dr Christopher Murray and his team at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), the study draws on data from a global network of 16,500 researchers. It offers new estimates of all-cause mortality and life expectancy from 1950 to 2023, using a novel statistical model to account for complex demographic patterns. In total, 60.1 million deaths occurred globally in 2023, with 4.67 million in children under five. Yet, despite population growth and ageing, the age-standardised all-cause mortality rate fell by 66.6% since 1950. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers observed large reductions in age-standardised rates of Years of Life Lost for respiratory infections, tuberculosis, nutritional deficiencies, and enteric infections, with declines between 58.9% and 79.0%. Simultaneously, modifiable risk factors such as high blood sugar, high BMI, and smoking have emerged as major drivers of poor health, contributing to nearly half of global death and disability. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mental health, too, showed alarming trends: age-standardised rates of anxiety rose by 62.8% and depression by 26.3% since 2010. Alzheimer’s disease entered the top 25 causes of global disability. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“The rapid growth in the world’s ageing population and evolving risk factors have ushered in a new era of global health challenges,” said Dr Murray. The study urges policymakers to adapt to this new reality by prioritising prevention, risk reduction, and long-term chronic disease management. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reference: </b>Global age-sex-specific all-cause mortality and life expectancy estimates for 204 countries and territories and 660 subnational locations, 1950–2023: a demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, Schumacher, Austin E et al. The Lancet, Volume 0, Issue 0</p>

384. Intas Pharma appoints Gagan Bharadwaj as Executive Vice President - Supply Chain Management

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:15:59 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304537-50-40.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Ahmedabad:</b><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Intas-Pharma">&nbsp;Intas Pharma</a> has announced the appointment of&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Gagan Bharadwaj</span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> as Executive Vice President - Supply Chain Management.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;">"Throughout his career, Gagan has been instrumental in transforming global supply chains, driving operational excellence, and building agile, future-ready ecosystems that strengthen business resilience and performance," Intas stated in LinkedIn post.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"We are excited to have him lead our global supply chain and further our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth," it added.</div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; ">"I am excited to join Intas and look forward to building a future-ready, resilient, and agile supply chain that drives operational excellence and supports the company's global growth ambitions".</div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; ">Prior to Intas,&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Gagan worked at Torrent as&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Chief Supply Chain Officer&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">and has held key roles at major pharmaceutical companies like</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">&nbsp;Zydus Cadila, Teva Pharma, and Cadila Pharma.</span></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/intas-pharma-appoints-akash-kalal-as-general-manager-api-production-156074" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Intas Pharma appoints Akash Kalal as General Manager - API Production</a></i></b></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Intas is a vertically integrated global pharmaceutical formulation development, manufacturing, and marketing company. Intas has set up a network of subsidiaries, under the umbrella name of Accord Healthcare to operate in global markets. Over the years, Intas has grown both organically and via acquisition, expanding its product portfolio and operations year on year. It is currently present in more than 85 countries worldwide. Intas is currently investing in a higher barrier to entry developments such as Biosimilar and New Chemical Entities.</p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/cdsco/intas-pharma-secures-cdsco-panel-approval-for-post-marketing-study-of-tacrolimus-enema-155376" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Intas Pharma Secures CDSCO Panel Approval for Post-Marketing Study of Tacrolimus Enema</a></i></b></div>

385. UP: Lakhs of codeine-based cough syrup, painkiller capsules seized, 2 arrested

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:24 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/03/08/233875-arrest-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Bahraich:</b>&nbsp;T</span>wo men were arrested in Uttar Pradesh after authorities seized codeine-based <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cough-syrup">cough syrup</a> and painkiller capsules worth several lakhs. The drugs were found without proper documentation, raising alarm over their potential misuse.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Following a tip-off from the state drug administration, a joint team of drug inspectors from Bahraich, Shravasti, and Gonda districts, along with local police, raided a residential complex in Salar Ganj locality on Monday.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: justify;">The cough syrup and tramadol capsules were seized from the residential complex linked to Royal Pharma, owned by Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Aftab, PTI reported.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Codeine, a narcotic component used in some cough syrups, poses severe health risks, including addiction, respiratory depression, overdose, and even death.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;">A luxury car bearing an "MLA" sticker and a secretariat pass parked at the site was also searched, and more medicines were found inside it, officials said, adding that Ali and Aftab failed to produce valid documents related to the seized drugs and were arrested.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Police have registered an FIR and begun probing the wider network involved in the illegal trade, Jain said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He added that codeine-based syrups and tramadol capsules are prescription medicines often misused as narcotic substitutes, and authorities are maintaining strict surveillance to curb their illegal usage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p>The action comes amid a nationwide crackdown on pharmaceutical agencies found selling or distributing medicines unfit for human consumption, following the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh linked to the adulterated Coldrif cough syrup.</p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p>Yesterday, authorities sealed the Ajay Pharma Agency in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, after discovering that the company purchased 1.40 lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, a controlled substance linked to addiction and fatal effects.</p></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/raid-raebareli-pharma-agency-sealed-over-purchase-of-14-lakh-bottles-of-codeine-syrup-156895">Raid: Raebareli Pharma agency sealed over purchase of 1.4 lakh bottles of codeine syrup</a></i></b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; ">Recently, he J&amp;K Jammu and Kashmir Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) has also imposed a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of three cough syrup brands: Coldrif Syrup, RespiFresh-TR, and Relif Syrup.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/jk-bans-coldrif-respifresh-relif-syrups-amid-health-crisis-156935">J&amp;K bans ColdRif, RespiFresh, Relif syrups amid health crisis</a></i></b></p></div>

386. AIIMS Bhubaneswar Lab Assistant shot dead; 4 arrested

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:22 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/09/26/302327-death.webp' /><p><b>Bhubaneswar:</b> A lab assistant at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/aiims-bhubaneswar">AIIMS) Bhubaneswar</a> was allegedly&nbsp;<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/gun-shot">shot </a>dead on Monday morning near Santra village on the outskirts of the city while returning home from a night shift.&nbsp;</p><p>According to the news reports, the deceased had just finished his night shift and was on his motorcycle heading home when unidentified assailants ambushed him. He sustained a gunshot wound to the lower left chest, causing him to lose control of his two-wheeler and crash. Though he was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition, he succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him. </p><p>Following the incident, four individuals were detained in connection with the killing, and a formal investigation has been launched.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/amritsar-doctor-shot-inside-hospital-by-two-assailants-155132"><b>Also Read:Amritsar doctor shot inside hospital by two assailants</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Speaking to the </span><a href="https://ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/3-held-after-aiims-bhubaneswar-lab-assistant-shot-dead/" rel="nofollow">Ommcom News</a><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">, Police Commissioner Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Suresh Dev Dutta Singh, said, “Based on the complaint filed by the deceased’s family, it has been alleged that members of his uncle’s family were involved in the attack. Some members of that family were also injured during the incident. The police responded promptly and have launched an investigation. The case will be solved soon, and the accused will face legal action.”</span></div></div><p>According to <a href="https://odishatv.in/odisha/aiims-bhubaneswar-employee-chased-shot-dead-on-way-to-work-group-clash-erupts-at-crime-scene-10555982" rel="nofollow">Odisha TV</a>, sources said the attackers appeared to have been following the victim for several days, having tracked his daily route and time of travel before launching the ambush. </p><p>Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Zone III, Tapas Chandra Pradhan, confirmed the arrests, stating that a 7.65 mm pistol, believed to be the murder weapon, and four mobile phones were seized from the accused.</p><p>Shortly after the shooting, tension gripped the Sarkhanta area, with clashes and knife attacks breaking out between two groups allegedly involved in a long-standing land dispute. The violence forced authorities to deploy additional police forces to the area to prevent further escalation. </p><p>In the FIR filed by the victim’s brother, he alleged that the accused had openly issued death threats to their family following the victim’s court deposition in a related case. The complaint stated, “They said they would wipe out our family.”</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/jalandhar-nephrologist-shot-by-unidentified-assailants-153716"><b>Also Read:Jalandhar Nephrologist shot by unidentified assailants</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Acting on the complaint, initially registered under Sections 103(1)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act, police updated the charges to Sections 103(1)/61(2)(a) BNS and 25(1)(a)/27 Arms Act, reports </span><a href="https://odishabytes.com/4-arrested-in-aiims-bhubaneswar-lab-assistant-murder-case-pistol-seized/" rel="nofollow">Odisha Bytes</a><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">.</span></div></div>

387. Supreme Court pulls up States, UTs for defying orders on ICU, CCU guidelines, contempt notices issued

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:41:58 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/13/304308-supreme-court-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:</b>&nbsp;Slamming the officials of 28 States and Union Territories for their 'casual' failure to comply with the Court's directive to formulate nationwide standards for <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/intensive-care-unit">Intensive Care Units (ICUs</a>)&nbsp;and Critical Care Units (CCUs), the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Supreme-Court">Supreme Court of India</a> has issued contempt notices to them and summoned the concerned Additional Chief Secretary or the senior-most health officials of those States/UTs.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The Apex Court bench, comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullan and N. Kotiswar Singh, also asked all the concerned officers to appear before the Court on November 20, 2025, along with affidavits explaining why no action should be taken against them for their casual approach towards the Court's orders.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"Accordingly, notice is issued to the concerned Additional Chief Secretary/Senior-most Official of the Department of Health of all the concerned States/Union Territories (UTs), as to why action be not taken against them for such casual approach shown towards the Court. The said officers shall remain personally present before this Court, along with their personally affirmed show cause affidavits, on the next date of hearing, i.e., 20.11.2025,"</i> the Supreme Court bench ordered.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"It is made clear that the officers who have been directed to appear shall not cite any excuse, including any prior engagements or other programs, which shall be rescheduled to give priority to the order passed today,"</i> it further clarified.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/supreme-court-to-decide-on-guidelines-for-treating-icu-ccu-patients-137516" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: Supreme Court to Decide on Guidelines for Treating ICU, CCU Patients</i></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Warning to take action if such noncompliance continues, the top court bench observed, <i>"We also make it clear that if, by the said date, there is noncompliance or if compliance is casual or by way of a perfunctory report, this Court would take a very strict view against the officers concerned and the States/UTs in general."</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Background:</b>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Supreme Court took cognisance of the matter while examining a medical negligence case, in a plea filed by Asit Baran Mandal, a resident of West Bengal, who complained against a doctor for negligence, allegedly resulting in the loss of his daughter-in-law after the operation.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Back in August 2016, while considering this case and taking note of the stream of medical negligence cases being filed against medical professionals and hospitals, the Supreme Court observed that medical negligence was widespread in the number of private hospitals and there was no effective check on it. It had also said that the petitioner would urge neither the Union of India, the MCI nor the State Governments prescribe guidelines for there treatment of the ICU and CCU patients. "That apart, there is no proper care at the stage of operation or post-operational stage," it had noted.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The Apex Court bench had directed the Central Government as well as the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI), now the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nmc">National Medical Commission</a> (NMC), to inform whether any guidelines were prescribed for private hospitals on providing care to patients in the ICU and CCUs.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Consequently, the Union Government set up a committee last year for guidelines for admission to ICUs, CCUs, and palliative care required for non-salvageable patients if removed from the ventilator and criteria for withdrawing treatment.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Then in 2023, the Central Government released ICU guidelines and addressed several issues, including the ICU Admission Criteria and it specifically defined the critically ill patients who should not be admitted to the ICU. Apart from this, these guidelines also clarified the ICU Discharge criteria, further defining the minimum patients monitoring required while awaiting an ICU bed, the minimum stabilisation required before transferring a patient to ICU, and the minimum monitoring required for transferring a critically ill patient (inter-facility transfer to hospital/ICU).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Until September 2024, only eight States and Union Territories (UTs) had so far implemented the Union Government's guidelines issued in 2023. Taking note of the same, the Apex Court bench comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia had issued directions to the remaining States/UTs to inform them by November 4 whether they wished to continue with the Union Government's suggestions or if they wanted changes.</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per the latest media report by <a href="https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-issues-contempt-notices-to-statesuts-for-defying-orders-on-formulating-icuccu-healthcare-standards-306903" rel="nofollow">Live Law</a>, on August 19, 2025, the Supreme Court had mandated a massive, multi-stakeholder exercise and directed all State Governments and the Union Territory administrations to convene regional conferences involving public and private healthcare experts to draft minimum standardised procedures for critical care. These reports were to be submitted to a central committee for synthesis. Most states failed to act even though the court had set a clear deadline of September 30, 2025, for completing the exercise and October 5, 2025, for submitting reports.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">During a hearing of the matter on September 18, 2025, the Court already took note of the central government's compliance along with the absence of any state reports. At that time, the court extended the deadline with a warning of "consequences", while also taking the crucial step of co-opting Dr. Nitish Naik, a senior cardiology professor from AIIMS Delhi, into a three-member expert committee alongside Additional Solicitor General Ms. Aishwarya Bhati and Amicus Curiae Mr. Karan Bharihoke.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Consequently, the hearing before the Apex Court on October 13, 2025, was convened specifically for addressing such continued defiance and the Court was informed that 28 States/UTs have not filed their reports in compliance with its earlier directives.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Disappointed over this, the Court observed, "<i>We are more pained than shocked by the casualness shown by various States, that despite over indulgence shown by the Court with regard to the exercise, the orders of this Court have been taken very lightly by the officers concerned."</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"The States were directed to submit their respective reports after conducting the exercise indicated by this Court to the learned Additional Solicitor General, latest by 05.10.2025. However, compliance has not been ensured till date,"</i> it further observed.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">During the hearing on October 13, the Court was informed that the following States/Union Territories have either not submitted the report or have submitted it beyond the fixed date i.e., 05.10.2025:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">i. Arunachal Pradesh </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">ii. Assam</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> iii. Chhattisgarh</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">iv. Goa</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> v. Gujarat </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">vi. Himachal Pradesh </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">vii. Jharkhand </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">viii. Karnataka </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">ix. Kerala </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">x. Madhya Pradesh </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xi. Maharashtra </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xii. Manipur </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xiii. Mizoram </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xiv. Odisha </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xv. Punjab </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xvi. Rajasthan </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xvii. Sikkim </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xviii. Telangana </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xix. Tripura </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xx. West Bengal </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xxi. Chandigarh </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xxii. NCT Delhi </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xxiii. Jammu and Kashmir </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xxiv. Puducherry </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xxv. Lakshadweep </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xxvi. Ladakh </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xxvii. Andaman and Nicobar </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">xxviii. Dadra &amp; Nagar Haveli and Daman &amp; Diu</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"In our considered opinion, it is now time for the Court to take serious cognizance of such casualness shown by the States/Union Territories,"</i> observed the court.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The order further mentioned, <i>"Before parting, the Court requests the Committee to meet at least once a week, if not more frequently, and spend time to deliberate on the material available to them and begin preparing a report, which we understand will require considerable time and effort from the learned members of the three-member Committee."</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>To view the order, click on the link below:</i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/supreme-court-icu-304627.pdf"><b><i>https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/supreme-court-icu-304627.pdf</i></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/icu-ccu-guidelines-sc-slams-uttrakhand-director-general-of-health-137591" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: ICU, CCU Guidelines: SC Slams Uttrakhand Director General of Health</i></b></a></p>

388. NIMHANS inaugurates 4th national tobacco testing lab

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:00:01 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/07/04/293366-nimhans-2.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Bengaluru: The 4th National Tobacco Testing Laboratory (NTTL) was inaugurated at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/NIMHANS" target="_blank">NIMHANS</a>), marking a significant step forward in tobacco product testing and public health research, the institute said. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">India currently operates three National Tobacco Testing Laboratories-an apex lab at the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) in Noida, and two regional labs at the Central Drug Testing Laboratory (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/CDTL" target="_blank">CDTL</a>) in Mumbai and the Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (RDTL) in Guwahati.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the PTI report, the new laboratory at NIMHANS is equipped to conduct comprehensive chemical and toxicological analyses of tobacco products, supporting the enforcement of regulatory standards and promoting scientific evaluation in line with national and international guidelines, the institute said in a statement. &nbsp;</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/mdtv/healthshorts/delhi-mumbai-bengaluru-emerging-as-heart-disease-hotspots-apollo-report-156137">Also Read:Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru emerging as Heart Disease hotspots: Apollo Report</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">"The inauguration underscores a collaborative effort to strengthen tobacco control measures and enhance research capabilities for monitoring harmful substances in tobacco," the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the institute, the laboratory's establishment at NIMHANS reinforces its commitment to advancing healthcare research and public health policy through cutting-edge technology and scientific excellence. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to evidence-based tobacco regulation and support government efforts to reduce the health burden caused by tobacco consumption in India," it added.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel launched the third edition of the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 at a hybrid event. Smt. Puniya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Shri. Amit Yadav, Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment; Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) and Smt. V Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, were also present. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/nimhans-launches-dementia-and-geriatric-mental-health-programme-155692">Also Read:NIMHANS launches Dementia and Geriatric Mental Health Programme</a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

389. AYUSH Ministry pushes herbal medicine regulation at WHO-IRCH summit

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:26:21 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304603-education-2025-10-15t122830875.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">New Delhi- The 16th Annual Meeting of the World Health Organisation - International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (WHO-IRCH) is being held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 14th to 16th October 2025. The meeting brings together representatives from <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/WHO" target="_blank">WHO</a> Member States and observer organisations to deliberate on the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks and to promote international cooperation in the areas of safety, quality, and efficacy of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/herbal-medicines" target="_blank">herbal medicines</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">India is participating through a high-level delegation led by Dr. Raghu Arackal, Advisor (Ayurveda), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. The delegation also includes Dr. Raman Mohan Singh, Deputy Director General (I/c), Ayush, and Director, Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine &amp; Homoeopathy (PCIM&amp;H), and Dr. Mahesh Dadhich, Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB). Their active participation highlights India’s leadership in advancing regulatory harmonisation and integration of traditional medicine systems within global health frameworks.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/ayush/ayurveda/news/ayush-ministry-confers-national-dhanwantari-ayurveda-awards-2025-156231">Also Read:AYUSH Ministry confers National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2025</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">On 13th October 2025, the delegation met H.E. Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia. The delegation apprised the Ambassador of India’s participation in the WHO–IRCH Annual Meeting and explored avenues to strengthen international collaboration in traditional medicine. Detailed discussions focused on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance between the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (FDA) and the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine &amp; Homoeopathy (PCIM&amp;H), Ministry of Ayush, signed on 26th January 2025. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation through capacity building, exchange of technical expertise, and harmonisation of quality assurance practices. Ambassador Chakravorty assured active support and coordination by the Embassy of India in Jakarta to facilitate the effective implementation of the MoU.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the opening day of the meeting, Dr. Raghu Arackal delivered a presentation on the status of herbal medicines in India, highlighting recent initiatives, policy developments, and international partnerships led by the Ministry of Ayush. His address underscored India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the regulatory ecosystem for traditional medicines and its proactive role in fostering global collaborations in the sector.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A key highlight of the meeting was the release of the Proceedings of the WHO–IRCH Workshop on “Safety and Regulation of Herbal Medicines” (Working Group-1) and “Efficacy and Intended Use of Herbal Medicines” (Working Group-3). The workshop was organised by the World Health Organisation and hosted by the Ministry of Ayush with support from PCIM&amp;H, held from 6th to 8th August 2025 in Ghaziabad.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The three-day meeting in Jakarta reaffirms the collective commitment of WHO–IRCH member countries to ensure the safe, effective, and quality use of herbal medicines globally. India continues to emerge as a key contributor in shaping international policy and regulatory cooperation in the traditional medicine domain.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/ayush/ayurveda/news/all-india-institute-of-ayurveda-organises-cme-on-panchakarma-and-ayurveda-principles-156518">Also Read:All India Institute of Ayurveda organises CME on Panchakarma and Ayurveda Principles</a></p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

390. Retired RIMS Imphal Physiotherapist found dead at home

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:07:44 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/06/12/290508-death-50-1.webp' /><p><b>Imphal:</b> In a tragic and shocking incident, a 67-year-old physiotherapist&nbsp;was allegedly murdered by unidentified assailants at her residence in Yaiskul Chingakham Leirak, Imphal, on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;</p><p>The deceased, a retired physiotherapist from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/regional-institute-of-medical-sciences">RIMS</a>), was found lying in a pool of blood in the living room on the second floor of her house. Her husband, a senior advocate, and their 25-year-old son, also an advocate, discovered her lifeless body upon returning home at around 5:00 PM. She was immediately rushed to Raj Medicity hospital, where doctors declared her "brought dead." </p><p>According to initial police reports, the incident is suspected to have occurred between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm while she was alone at home. Locals noted that the main gate of the residence, which is usually kept shut, was unusually left open around that time, raising suspicions. </p><p>A police team from Imphal Police Station, along with forensic experts, arrived at the scene shortly after being alerted. Authorities reported no signs of forced entry or robbery, and no valuables or jewellery appeared to be missing. However, CCTV cameras installed inside the home were found damaged, and the hard drive of the recording system was missing.</p><p>The Imphal police have launched a full investigation into the murder, with a case registered at the Imphal police station.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/haryana-doctor-allegedly-murdered-by-friend-over-loan-dispute-154841"><b>Also Read:Haryana doctor allegedly murdered by friend over loan dispute</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Speaking to </span><a href="https://pothashang.in/2025/10/retired-lady-doctor-murdered-at-home/" rel="nofollow">Pothasang</a><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">, Chingakham Jamuna, vice-president of Yaiskul Apunba Meira Paibi, who visited the spot, said, “We saw her lying with blood around. It looked like she had been attacked with a heavy object on the head. The authorities must identify and arrest the culprits at the earliest. This incident has left us in tense that if such a crime can happen inside a secured home on the second floor, no one feels safe.”</span></div></div><p>In response to the incident, a sit-in protest was held at Moirangkhom, Imphal West, on October 14, demanding justice for the physiotherapist. The demonstration was jointly organised by the United Club of Yaiskul and Yaiskul Apunba Meira Lup. </p><p>Protesters condemned the brutal killing and called on authorities to arrest those responsible without delay.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/jalgoan-honour-killing-24-year-old-doctor-shot-dead-by-retired-crpf-father-147465"><b>Also Read:Jalgoan Honour Killing: 24-year-old doctor shot dead by Retired CRPF father</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div><p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/protest-erupts-in-imphal-west-over-brutal-killing-of-67-year-old-woman-1290489-2025-10-14" rel="nofollow">India Today NE</a>, during the protest, Memtombi Moirangthem described the incident as a “cold-blooded murder” that has left residents in shock and fear. She demanded that the government ensure strict punishment for the culprits and take steps to prevent such crimes in the future.</p><p>Furthermore, women’s organisations and local residents from Yaiskul have strongly condemned the killing, calling it a “brutal and senseless act.” They urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and deliver justice swiftly.</p>

391. J&K bans ColdRif, RespiFresh, Relif syrups amid health crisis

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:12 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304573-6af11f7573cc8c273220e33c2ef4e2d4.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Srinagar:</b>&nbsp;In a swift move, the J&amp;K Jammu and Kashmir Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) has imposed a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of three cough syrup brands: Coldrif Syrup, RespiFresh-TR, and Relif Syrup. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The decision follows alarming laboratory tests that declared these syrups as “Not of Standard Quality” due to the presence of toxic impurities, officials said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per IANS, the products were flagged after a communication from the Central Drugs Standard Control Programme under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that the three cough syrups contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) impurities beyond permissible limits, which is the reason behind the recent child fatalities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per the public notice issued by Office of State Drugs Controller, the affected formulations include Relif Syrup (Ambroxol HCl, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin &amp; Menthol) manufactured by M/s Shape Pharma Pvt Ltd, Gujarat, and marketed by Leo Life Science Pvt Ltd, Ahmedabad; RespiFresh-TR Syrup (Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin &amp; Menthol) manufactured by M/s Rednex Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ahmedabad, and marketed by Smartway Wellness Pvt Ltd, Sanand; and ColdRif Syrup (Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride &amp; Chlorpheniramine Maleate) manufactured by M/s Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Tamil Nadu.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“Drug formulations of cough syrups have been declared as ‘Not of Standard Quality’ as they have failed to comply with the requirement of “presence of impurities of Diethylene Glycol is more than the permissible limit” as per the Govt. Analyst, Drug Testing Laboratory, Food and Drug Administration, M.P. In this regard, the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO), in a communication marked most urgent, has asked the Director of SKIMS Soura and all Principals of Medical College Hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir to disseminate the information to all Heads of Departments (HoDs) for necessary action," mentioned the official statement.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The DFCO notice said that, considering the seriousness of the matter, as the above-mentioned drug formulations have been observed to be linked to the deaths of children in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and a need has been felt to ban the sale, distribution, and utilisation in the UT of Jammu &amp; Kashmir of the above-referred products.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Any stock available in the UT of Jammu &amp; Kashmir is to be brought to the notice of the office of the J&amp;K State Drug Controller. Notably, many states have banned these cough syrups, while some have prohibited the use of all cough and cold syrups for children under the age of two.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“On October 04, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory cautioning that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children below two years of age. According to the ministry, such medicines are generally not recommended for children under five and, when used in older children, must be administered only after proper clinical evaluation and under strict medical supervision. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) had issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories on the rational use of cough syrups in the paediatric population, following consumption-related deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan," the statement said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The World Health Organisation (WHO) has voiced “deep concern” over gaps in India’s drug safety regulations, following the deaths of children from contaminated cough syrups, it further said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“It has also warned that such medicines could reach other countries through unregulated distribution channels. The deaths, reported from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states over the past month, have been linked to three cough syrups, samples of which have been found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG) -- a toxic substance found in industrial solvents”, the official statement added.</p>

392. 152 NEET counselling candidates under Maha CET cell radar over invalid documents

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:07 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304590-fake-documents.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Maharashtra:</b>&nbsp;The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) cell has issued notices to 152 candidates for allegedly submitting incorrect documents during the ongoing <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-ug" target="_blank">NEET UG</a>&nbsp;third round counselling for the academic year 2025 under the state quota, setting a deadline of October 16 to submit valid documents.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Earlier, the CET Cell had released the provisional merit list for the third round of medical admissions, after which many students submitted new applications. Meanwhile, during the document verification of the new applicants, it was found that many of these candidates were from areas outside Maharashtra.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/maha-cet-cell-announces-round-2-neet-counselling-results-joining-deadline-september-29-check-details-155864"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>Maha CET Cell announces Round 2 NEET counselling results, joining deadline September 29, check details</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Following this, numerous complaints were received regarding discrepancies in the documents uploaded by candidates. Following this, the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cet-cell" target="_blank">CET Cell</a> initiated an internal investigation, which revealed that 152 applicants had submitted invalid or inconsistent documents. Subsequently, they were sent notices via email, instructing them to re-upload their original and authentic certificates by tomorrow, i.e. October 16, 12 noon, or they would be disqualified from the admission process. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, the CET Cell's public relations officer said in an official statement that the process is currently under verification and it would be premature to comment on any large-scale irregularities. However, the Cell is committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in the admission process. If any irregularities are proven after a detailed investigation, the matter will be referred to the relevant authorities for further action.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">In this regard, speaking to the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/152-medical-aspirants-under-cet-cell-s-scrutiny-for-submitting-invalid-documents-101760467372076.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">HT</a>, a senior official on condition of anonymity said, “We suspect that some candidates may have used forged documents to secure seats under the Maharashtra quota”.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Along with this, a CET cell official said, "This is not the first time such irregularities have come to light. The system needs to further strengthen the verification process to ensure that only eligible students get admission under the state quota."</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharmacy-education/maharashtra-cet-cell-to-kick-off-delayed-pharmacy-admissions-from-sept-24-155791"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>Maharashtra CET Cell To Kick Off Delayed Pharmacy Admissions from Sept 24</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

393. Smoking significantly associated with skin aging, psoriasis, and cancer risk: Study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:30:34 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/10/26/223766-smokeless-tobacco.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify;">A new study published in the journal of <i>Cureus</i> revealed that the effects of smoking stretch beyond the lungs and heart, and tobacco use may be a major driver of dermatological disorders like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, premature skin aging, and even skin cancer.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The research analyzed data from 350 patients, which highlights the toxic impact of smoking that extends to the skin through mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies report that smoking induces cellular damage that accelerates aging and increases susceptibility to chronic inflammatory skin diseases.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The objective of this study was to explore how smoking influences dermatological health by combining clinical, laboratory, and computational analyses. Using retrospective data, this research evaluated demographic and clinical characteristics, inflammatory biomarkers, and smoking exposure levels (measured in pack-years).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Advanced statistical tests were employed to assess relationships between smoking status and skin disorders. This study also attempted to build predictive models using modern machine learning tools such as Random Forest, Logistic Regression, XGBoost, and LightGBM. While these algorithms failed to produce reliable predictions (area under the curve &lt; 0.50), they revealed which biological factors most influenced skin disease outcomes.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Of the 350 participants, 51.1% were men and 48.9% were women, with an average age of 51.4 years. Nearly half (46.9%) were current smokers. Also, current smokers had a much higher lifetime tobacco exposure when compared to former smokers (t = 2.53, p = 0.013).</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The findings showed associations between smoking and psoriasis (χ² = 21.38, p &lt; 0.001). There was an increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis among smokers (χ² = 14.27, p &lt; 0.001). Accelerated skin aging was observed more frequently in smokers (χ² = 12.61, p &lt; 0.001)</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Skin cancer risk was significantly elevated in patients who smoke (χ² = 18.64, p &lt; 0.001). Also, no statistical link was found between smoking and acne severity, treatment response, or other medical comorbidities.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Despite the low predictive success of machine learning models, the analysis identified C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), pack-years, and age as the strongest indicators of skin disease risk among smokers. These findings suggest that systemic inflammation and cumulative tobacco exposure play critical roles in skin pathology.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Overall, this study emphasizes that smoking history should be a routine part of dermatological assessments. Integrating smoking cessation counseling into skin care practice could become an essential preventive strategy for both cosmetic and clinical health.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Source:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Yousaf, J., Sakina, S., Saeed, A., Aftab, M., Khattak, M. I., Elrefae, A., Qandeel, M., &amp; Hameed, A. (2025). Dermatological manifestations of smoking-induced oxidative stress and inflammation: A multifaceted analysis of cutaneous aging and disease progression. Cureus. <a href="https://www.cureus.com/articles/415998-dermatological-manifestations-of-smoking-induced-oxidative-stress-and-inflammation-a-multifaceted-analysis-of-cutaneous-aging-and-disease-progression#!/" rel="nofollow">https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.94147</a></p>

394. 3 MBBS students injured as Inter-medical college event turns violent

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:15:44 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/06/17/291098-injured.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Berhampur: </b>Three medical students sustained injuries after a violent clash broke out between participants from <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/scb-medical-college" target="_blank">SCB Medical College</a>, Cuttack,&nbsp;<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/vimsar" target="_blank">VIMSAR</a>,&nbsp;Burla, and MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, during an inter-college meet at MKCG Medical College, Berhampur.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The event, which had begun on October 11 involving around a dozen institutes and was scheduled to continue till October 18, was abruptly cancelled on Tuesday following back-to-back incidents of violence. The week-long event had included sports, cultural shows, debates, quizzes and paper presentations, with a three-day cultural finale planned from October 16.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The trouble reportedly began on Monday evening during a basketball match between students of Vimsar, Burla and MKCG Medical College. A heated argument soon turned into a physical fight, disrupting the ongoing sports event.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/rs-4474-crore-makeover-for-scb-medical-college-hospital-to-meet-aiims-standard-147535" target="_blank">Rs 4,474 crore makeover for SCB Medical College Hospital to meet AIIMS Standard</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Further, another round of clashes erupted, but this time involving students from SCB Medical College, Cuttack, and MKCG, allegedly due to past rivalry between the two groups.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Two students from SCB and one from Vimsar were injured in the scuffle. The injured students from SCB were treated at the MKCG emergency ward before returning to Cuttack. They later filed a police complaint at the Baidyanathpur police station, alleging that MKCG students pelted stones at them and damaged their vehicle.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">After the clashes broke out, the MKCG college authorities cancelled the event based on the advice of the Superintendent of Police, Berhampur.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Speaking in this regard to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/inter-medical-college-meet-cancelled-after-student-clashes-leave-3-injured/articleshow/124560882.cms" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TOI</a>, Berhampur SP, Saravana Vivek M said, "We have advised the college authorities not to allow the meet to continue under such volatile circumstances."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Following this, the students of MKCG staged a dharna outside the principal's office after being angry over the sudden cancellation. They argued that the cancellation was abrupt and unfair citing financial commitments to artists and event organisers, and the presence of participants from other colleges on the campus.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">TOI sources said that over 100 SCB students arrived in Berhampur late Monday night for the event. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Confirming the cancellation, MKCG dean Dr Suchitra Dash called the incident "regrettable" and stressed the need to prevent such confrontations in future. She said the event may be rescheduled at a later date. Similarly, the SCB Medical College Council held an emergency meeting and resolved not to host or participate in future inter-college meets.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">SCB students' union adviser Jayanta Kumar Panda said, "Around 130 of our students reached Berhampur by train around 9 pm on Monday. They were not picked up by the organisers until late at night contrary to the plan. Later, they were taken to the college in private buses and greeted with stone pelting. Our students fled and returned by whatever means they could."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This is not the first time such violence has disrupted the event. Last year, SCB had hosted the event when students of MKCG and SCB clashed. In 2023, MKCG had pulled out of the event hosted by Vimsar following a clash involving MKCG and Vimsar students. Nine students were then injured.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read-<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/odisha/2-vimsar-mbbs-students-drown-in-sambalpur-waterfall-flood-152492" target="_blank"> 2 VIMSAR MBBS students drown in Sambalpur Waterfall flood</a></b></p>

395. Biocon Biologics appoints Neelkanth Chandgothia as new Global Head - Corporate Finance

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:00:51 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304524-50-39.webp' /><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Biocon-Biologics">Biocon Biologics </a>has announced the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/appointment">appointment </a>of&nbsp;</span><span style="text-align: justify; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Neelkanth Chandgothia</span><span style="text-align: justify; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> as its new Global Head - Corporate Finance, reporting to the CFO.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify;">Neel brings with him over 20 years of rich experience in finance, strategy, and leadership, and has successfully led high-value transformations across diverse industry stalwarts like PwC, EY, airtel, and Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At Biocon Biologics, he will help strengthen and expand the company's Corporate Finance function, driving financial planning, budgeting, tax, forecasting, treasury management, and compliance, while further strengthening financial controls and governance practices across the organization, fueling global growth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kedar Upadhye, CFO, said, “I look forward to Neel’s strategic vision, problem-solving approach, and ability to implement innovative financial solutions contributing to our mission of transforming healthcare and changing people's lives for the better through biosimilars.”&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p>Biocon Biologics Limited, a subsidiary of Biocon Limited, is a fully integrated, global biosimilars company. Biocon Biologics has commercialized 10 biosimilars from its portfolio which are addressing the patients’ needs in key emerging markets and advanced markets like U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan. It has a pipeline of 20 biosimilar assets across diabetology, oncology, immunology, ophthalmology, bone health and other noncommunicable diseases. </p><p><br></p></div></div>

396. Police rule out gangrape in Durgapur MBBS student case

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:49 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/09/28/254506-sexual-assault-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Kolkata: </b>Amid nationwide outrage over the alleged gang-rape of a second-year&nbsp;<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs-student" target="_blank">MBBS student</a> in Durgapur, police said that based on the survivor's statement and initial medical evidence, one of the five accused had sexually assaulted her. Therefore, they have ruled out <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/gangrape" target="_blank">gang rape</a> for now, though the investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the role of the other accused.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Besides, the police have also arrested the survivor’s friend who was with her on the night of October 10 when the incident took place. His arrest is the sixth in the case, with five others already in custody.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had reported that altogether five accused have been arrested and are in police custody. The second-year student of a private medical college in Durgapur, hailing from Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district, was allegedly gang-raped on Friday (October 10) night when she went outside the college campus with a male friend to have dinner.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/reignites-rg-kar-trauma-doctors-condemn-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-demand-sc-intervention-safety-reforms-156896" target="_blank">'Reignites RG Kar trauma': Doctors condemn Durgapur MBBS student gangrape, demand SC intervention, Safety reforms</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to police sources, the student had initially submitted a brief written statement of three to four lines to the college authorities, stating that she and her friend were walking outside the campus when they were suddenly surrounded by a group of men who then assaulted her.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The statement was later forwarded to the police, following which an FIR was lodged and an investigation initiated. Based on the student's complaint, the police determined that the incident occurred between 8 p.m. and 8.45 p.m. on Friday. Investigators said that three men initially surrounded the student and snatched away her phone when she tried to call her friends for help. Two more persons later joined them, and together the five men allegedly raped her. The accused also offered her Rs 5,000 to leave quietly, police sources said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The survivor's male friend, who was accompanying her and also fled the scene during the alleged assault, is now in police custody. He has been identified as the prime accused in the case and was also named in a complaint filed by the survivor’s father. He was produced before the court on Wednesday morning, as per<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/duragapur-rape-survivors-friend-arrested-had-molested-her-when-she-went-out-with-him-2803121-2025-10-14" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> India Today</a> news report.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Addressing a press conference, Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Chowdhury ruled out gang rape. He told <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/only-one-person-involved-police-rule-out-gang-rape-in-durgapur-medical-student-assault-case-2803104-2025-10-14" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">India Today</a>, “According to the statement given by the woman and based on physical evidence, it has been established so far that only one person was involved in the sexual assault. The investigation is ongoing. Clothes of one accused have been collected and sent to a forensic laboratory.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"The presence of the five arrested accused was established in our investigation. The mobile phone of the survivor was recovered during our probe. We visited the crime scene along with the friend of the woman. Reconstruction of the crime was conducted. We are examining everything. We are awaiting forensic and medical reports. The role of the woman's friend also seems to be doubtful. He is under the scanner. We are probing his activities too. We are questioning him too," he said.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">West Bengal Police on Tuesday afternoon took the five arrested accused and the friend of the Durgapur gang rape survivor to the crime spot for reconstruction of the crime as a part of their ongoing probe.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The arrested persons and the survivor’s friend were taken to the crime spot in the jungle adjacent to Paranaganj Kali Bari cremation ground, and asked to “reenact” their respective roles when the alleged crime took place there on Friday night.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“The accused and the survivor’s friend, who accompanied her on Friday night, have been brought to the spot for the reconstruction of the crime. The entire reconstruction will be videographed and then tallied with their statements. We will also verify this with the statement of the victim,” the police officer, who is part of the investigating team, told PTI.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Before coming for the reconstruction of the crime, investigating officers questioned the survivor’s friend for nearly an hour, he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, two of the five arrested accused were on Tuesday morning taken to their respective residences, primarily to find evidence linked to the crime which they may have concealed, he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">During the search, police seized a few clothes from the duo’s homes, which were allegedly worn by them during the crime, the officer said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Earlier, the clothes of the other three arrested accused were seized from their possessions as a part of the investigation, he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“These clothes will be sent for forensic examination. The results will help in our investigation,” he said, adding that the background of the five arrested accused was also checked to find out whether they were involved in some crime in the past.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The mobile phones seized from the possession of the five arrested accused were also sent for the tests, he said, adding that the police were also questioning fellow students of the survivor as part of their probe.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Later in the day, the five arrested accused would be taken for medical examination, he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Among the five arrested accused, one is a former security guard of the private college, while another is currently working with another hospital, the police officer said. One accused is a temporary worker at the local civic body, while another is an unemployed person.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/3-mbbs-students-injured-as-inter-medical-college-event-turns-violent-156934" target="_blank">3 MBBS students injured as Inter-medical college event turns violent</a></b></p>

397. NMC orders inquiry into alleged stipend disparity at JJM Medical College Karnataka

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:17 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/07/26/214978-stipend-disparity.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:</b>&nbsp;Taking cognisance of the complaints alleging stipend disparity at <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/JJM-Medical-College">JJM Medical College</a>,&nbsp;Davangere, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has asked the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/karnataka-directorate-of-medical-education">Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Karnataka</a>,&nbsp;to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The State DME has been asked to submit an Action Taken Report to the Apex Medical Commission.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">NMC took note of the issue after it received various complaints in this regard at the Grievance Cell, NMC, through an email from the students/interns of JJM Medical College, Davangere.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The students alleged that the stipend is being paid only to Government Quota students, while private and management quota students are not receiving any stipend.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/karnataka/jjm-medical-college-medicos-continue-indefinite-strike-demanding-stipend-due-for-16-months-67582" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: JJM Medical College Medicos continue indefinite strike demanding stipend due for 16 months</i></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Referring to this, NMC in the communication addressed to the Director of DME Karnataka on 03.10.2025 mentioned, <i>"Please find enclosed herewith various grievances on same matter received at Grievance Cell, NMC through email from the students/interns of JJM Medical College, Davangere wherein they have stated that at present, stipend is being paid only to Government Quota students, while private and management quota students are being denied stipend."</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"In this regard, it is stated that the matter regarding <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/stipend">stipend</a> is the responsibility of the concemed State Medical Education. Therefore. I am herewith forwarding the same with the request to enquire into the matter urgently and ATR may be sent to NMC within a week,"</i> the Director of NMC UGMEB, Sukh Lal Meena, added in the communication.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This is not the first time that the students of JJM Medical College have expressed concern regarding the unpaid stipend. Medical Dialogues had reported back in 2021 that the intern doctors of JJM Medical College had raised the issue of non-payment of stipend for around five months. Back then, the 2016 MBBS batch students were being tossed between the government and the college management, as both had denied the responsibility of paying stipend to these doctors.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">While the management of the college had clarified that it was the responsibility of the Government to pay the doctors, the Health Minister of the State had allegedly told the students that they had already directed the management to pay the interns and it was not the government's responsibility anymore.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/unpaid-for-5-months-mbbs-interns-of-jjm-medical-college-seek-authorities-intervention-82677" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: Unpaid for 5 months, MBBS interns of JJM Medical College seek authorities intervention</i></b></a></p>

398. NMC approval for 50 additional MBBS seats at Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:15 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/13/304237-mbbs-seats-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Chhattisgarh:</b>&nbsp;The Director of Medical Education,&nbsp;<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/dme-chhattisgarh" target="_blank">DME Chhattisgarh</a>,&nbsp;has issued a notice informing about the increase in MBBS seats in Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai, for the academic session 2025-26.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved an increase of 50 MBBS seats at Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences (SSIMS), Bhilai, raising the total intake from 200 to 250 seats for the academic year 2025–26, following the outcome of a first appeal filed by the college.</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-extends-neet-2025-round-2-counselling-deadlines-revised-schedule-released-155420"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>DME Chhattisgarh Extends NEET 2025 Round 2 Counselling Deadlines, Revised Schedule Released</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">According to the notice, as per the first appeal, issued by the Coordination Division of the NMC, and based on the updated <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs" target="_blank">MBBS </a>seat matrix issued by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), NMC, the MBBS seats of Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (CG) have been increased.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Therefore, all the candidates were informed that in the counselling for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Undergraduate (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-ug" target="_blank">NEET UG</a>) (MBBS and BDS) course for admission year 2025, the increased 50 additional seats of the said private medical college would be included in the mop-up round counselling as per rules.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The Appeal Committee, chaired by Dr Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth (Chairman, NMC) and comprising Dr DK Sharma and Prof. (Dr) Gangadhar Taduri, held a virtual hearing on 1 October 2025. After reviewing the physical assessment report, AEBAS data (faculty attendance from April to August 2025), and the college’s submissions, the committee concluded that the institute had adequate faculty, infrastructure, and clinical material to support an intake of 250 MBBS students.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The NMC order stated:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">“The committee concludes that the available faculty, infrastructure and clinical material are adequate to support an intake of 250 MBBS seats. Accordingly, the committee has decided to grant an additional 50 MBBS seats to the Appellant Medical College, thereby permitting a total intake of 250 MBBS seats for the academic year 2025–26.”</p><p>“In view of the above observations, the present first appeal is hereby allowed for an additional increase in intake of 50 MBBS seats (from 200 to 250 seats) for the academic year 2025–26,” the NMC stated, directing the MARB to issue a revised Letter of Permission (LoP).</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/11-10-2025-ug-notice-50-seats-addition-304238.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/11-10-2025-ug-notice-50-seats-addition-304238.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

399. Kerala reports 104 Amoebic meningoencephalitis cases, 23 deaths: Health Minister

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:15 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304416-amoebic-meningoencephalitis-1.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div><div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p><span style="text-align: justify;">Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala health minister&nbsp;</span>Veena George on Sunday confirmed that&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">104 cases of </span><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/amoebic-encephalitis" target="_blank">amoebic encephalitis</a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> (brain fever) have been reported in the state so far, and&nbsp;</span>23 patients have died.</p></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The state is currently battling this rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the "brain-eating amoeba" Naegleria fowleri.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts have been most affected according to estimates, while cases are also increasing in Kozhikode and Malappuram, according to officials.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"Following the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode in 2023, it was decided and directed that all cases of encephalitis (brain fever) must be mandatorily reported and that the causes behind such cases should be identified. As a result, from 2024 onwards, encephalitis cases began to be officially reported, and some of them were found to be amoebic encephalitis, George said in a post on Facebook, reports ANI.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/kerala-doctors-treat-first-case-of-dual-brain-infection-154670"><b>Also Read:Kerala doctors treat first case of dual brain infection</b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Including the cases reported today, a total of 104 <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/amoebic-encephalitis" target="_blank">amoebic encephalitis</a> cases have been reported so far, of which 23 patients have died," George said.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2024 itself, the Health Department issued both general and technical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The state health minister detailed that globally, the fatality rate for Naegleria fowleri infection is 98 per cent, and for Acanthamoeba-related cases, it is above 70 per cent. "Despite such high global mortality rates, Kerala has managed to significantly reduce the death rate by detecting and treating the disease at an early stage," she said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2025, an action plan based on the One Health approach was prepared and implemented to prevent amoebic encephalitis.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"Based on the decisions taken at a joint meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, various departments are working together to ensure scientific chlorination and other preventive measures are carried out continuously across the state," the minister said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/kerala/brain-eating-amoeba-claims-2-more-lives-including-infant-in-kerala-154474"><b>Also Read:Brain-eating amoeba claims 2 more lives, including infant in Kerala</b></a></p></div></div>

400. FDA Accepts sBLA for inhaled insulin for kids and adolescents Following Positive Phase 3 Results

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:45:02 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/03/231491-usfda-50-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/FDA">FDA</a> has accepted MannKind's supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Afrezza">Afrezza</a> (insulin human inhalation powder) to treat children and adolescents with type 1 or <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/type-2-diabetes">type 2 diabetes</a>, with a PDUFA target date of May 29, 2026. The phase 3 INHALE-1 trial demonstrated Afrezza’s noninferiority to multiple daily injections, showing comparable safety and no significant differences in <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/lung-function">lung function</a> between treatment groups.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Today’s milestone brings us one step closer to offering young children and teenagers living with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Diabetes">diabetes</a> a potential alternative therapy to multiple daily injections or an insulin pump system,” said Dr. Kevin Kaiserman, M.D., Senior Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Endocrine Diseases at MannKind Corporation. “Inhaled insulin has been available to adults for over a decade, and we are excited about the potential of adding this treatment choice for the pediatric population.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The sBLA is based on results from the Phase 3 INHALE-1 study in children and adolescents between the ages of 4-17 who are living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The 26-week open-label, randomized clinical trial evaluated Afrezza in combination with basal <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/insulin">insulin</a> vs. multiple daily injections (MDI) with basal insulin. Six-month topline results from INHALE-1 were reported in December 2024. The submission also included safety data from the study’s 26-week extension phase in which all remaining MDI patients switched to Afrezza. Full results will be shared at the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) in early November. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Afrezza was first approved by the FDA for adults (age 18+) in June 2014 and is also approved in India and Brazil. It is recognized as part of the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care.</p><h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(95, 100, 104); font-family: inherit; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">About Afrezza</span></p></h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder is a rapid-acting inhaled human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Limitations of Use: Not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis or in patients that smoke or have recently stopped smoking.</p>

401. Radiation therapy shows promise for patients with severe heart rhythm disorder: Study

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:45:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/04/08/235821-heart-rhythm-disorder-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/radiation-therapy">Radiation therapy</a> may offer a comparable and potentially safer alternative to repeat catheter ablation for patients with severe <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/abnormal-heart-rhythms">abnormal heart rhythms</a> that can no longer be controlled with medication. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the first study to directly compare cardiac radiation with standard catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia, patients treated with cardiac radiation experienced fewer complications with similar effectiveness at controlling disease than those treated with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cardiac-ablation">cardiac ablation</a>. Findings of the retrospective analysis will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting and published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics (Red Journal). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Several large, single-arm trials have confirmed that stereotactic radiation therapy is a safe and effective option for patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia, but our study is the first to measure outcomes from cardiac radiation directly against those from standard catheter ablation,” said Shannon Jiang, MD, lead author of the study and a radiation oncology resident physician at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “For patients who do not respond to traditional therapies and are at high risk of complications, noninvasive radiation may be a safer alternative to repeating an invasive catheter ablation procedure.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a dangerous disturbance of the heart’s rhythm that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Patients with advanced VT often live with a heavy disease burden, frequently requiring high doses of rhythm-controlling drugs that cause difficult side effects, implantable defibrillators that deliver powerful shocks when the heart slips into arrythmia, and hospital stays that add further physical and psychological strain. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Management becomes especially challenging when VT no longer responds to medication or initial ablation procedures. Patients in this stage, known as refractory or end-stage VT, are often medically fragile and at high risk for complications from further invasive procedures. Catheter ablation, the standard treatment for VT that is not responsive to medication, requires anesthesia and threading a small tube into the heart through a vein in the leg to destroy abnormal heart tissue. While effective for some, repeat procedures carry increasing risks. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In recent years, stereotactic arrhythmia radiation therapy (also known as STAR) has emerged as a novel, noninvasive alternative. By precisely delivering pinpoint beams of radiation to the scarred tissue that drives the abnormal heart rhythm, it aims to achieve the same goal as ablation – bringing the heart back into normal rhythm – without invasive catheters or anesthesia. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the landmark ENCORE-VT trial previously published by the Washington University team, cardiac radiation reduced VT episodes and anti-arrhythmic drug use with modest short-term effects, and improved quality of life. Dr. Jiang and colleagues designed the new analysis to add comparative evidence on radiation versus ablation, as well as to report on longer-term results. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">For the new study, they retrospectively analyzed records from 43 patients with high-risk refractory VT at a single high-volume center between 2015 and 2018. All patients had end-stage VT that was not responsive to anti-arrhythmic drugs. Most (90%) had previously undergone at least one catheter ablation procedure, and the remaining patients were deemed too high-risk to safely undergo an invasive catheter ablation. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Patients were treated with either stereotactic radiation (n=22) or standard repeat catheter ablation (n=21). Those on the radiation arm received a single fraction/dose of radiation therapy, with treatment delivered through close collaboration between radiation oncology and cardiology teams. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Patients treated with stereotactic radiation experienced substantially fewer serious side effects than those treated with catheter ablation. Within a year of treatment, eight patients (38%) in the ablation group experienced serious adverse events requiring hospitalization, compared with two patients (9%) in the radiation group. Complications also occurred sooner after ablation (median 6 days) than after radiation (10 months). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Four patients on the ablation arm died within a month of treatment, all shortly after experiencing treatment-related adverse events, and one did not survive the procedure. By comparison, no deaths on the radiation arm within the three-year follow-up period were attributed to treatment-related side effects. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“From our study, it looks like radiation might be safer especially within that early time window,” said Dr. Jiang. “There wasn’t the same early peak in adverse events, and that seems to drive the benefit. Many of the early serious adverse events after ablation were closely followed, unfortunately, by patient deaths.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Going under anesthesia for an invasive procedure can involve outsized risk for a person who’s already very sick,” she explained. “With radiation, we don't have to use anesthesia. I think this study highlights that radiation being a noninvasive procedure helps us avoid a great deal of risk.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Both treatments were similarly effective at controlling arrhythmia. The time before patients experienced a new persistent VT episode or defibrillator shock was a median of 8.2 months with radiation versus 9.7 months with ablation (p=0.95). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Median overall survival favored radiation (28.2 vs. 12.2 months), though the difference was not statistically significant due to small sample sizes. Dr. Jiang said, “our interpretation is that many patients lived longer after radiation because they avoided the early complications that can follow ablation.” One year after treatment, overall survival was 73% for the radiation arm and 58% for ablation; at three years, it was 45% in both groups. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Jiang emphasized that the study, while encouraging, is limited by its small size and retrospective design. She said the results of RADIATE-VT (NCT 05765175), which is currently accruing patients for the first international, multi-center, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these treatment approaches, will be important to confirm these findings and identify which patients may benefit most. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">They also hope the results will spur interest in expanding patient access. Few centers currently offer stereotactic radiation for VT, she said, “but I think our research adds legitimacy to the approach and underscores its potential as an option for patients, especially those at high risk for complications from anesthesia or ablation.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Radiation therapy shows promise for patients with severe heart rhythm disorder, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Meeting: American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 2025Annual Meeting.</p>

402. UP DGME revises NEET Round 3 counselling schedule, merit list, check details

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:30:55 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304608-schedule.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Uttar Pradesh:</b>&nbsp;The Directorate General of Medical Education and Training, Uttar Pradesh (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/updgme" target="_blank">UPDGME</a>),&nbsp;has released a re-revised schedule for the third round of UP <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-ug" target="_blank">NEET UG</a>&nbsp;3rd round counselling for the academic year 2025 for MBBS and BDS admissions under the state quota in government and private medical, dental colleges across the state.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">According to the re-revised schedule, the online registration and document upload window is now open till today, i.e. October 15, 2025, 11:00 AM; the registration fee and security money can also be deposited till October 15, 2:00 PM, followed by the release of the revised merit list on October 16, 2025.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/updgme-releases-revised-round-3-neet-counselling-schedule-details-156763"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>UPDGME releases revised Round 3 NEET counselling schedule, details</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Following this, the online choice filling period will run from October 17, 2:00 PM to October 24, 11:00 AM, while the seat allotment result is scheduled to be declared on October 27, 2025. Meanwhile, the selected candidates can then download their allotment letters and complete admission formalities between October 28 and November 1, 2025.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, DGME has instructed that only candidates who have completed registration, uploaded verified documents, and deposited the required security amount will be eligible for choice filling. Below is the complete re-revised schedule-</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>REVISED SCHEDULE</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="51"><col width="261"><col width="156"><col width="156"></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>ACTIVITY</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>DATES</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>DURATION</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Online registration &amp; document upload.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Oct 6 – Oct 15 (11 AM).</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">9 Days</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Payment of registration &amp; security money.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Oct 6 – Oct 15 (2 PM).</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">10 Days</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Revised merit list declaration</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Oct 16, 2025.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1 Day</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Online choice filling.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Oct 17 (2 PM) – Oct 24 (11 AM).</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">7 Days</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">5</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Allotment result declaration.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Oct 27, 2025.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1 Day</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">6</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Download allotment letters &amp; admission.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Oct 28 – Nov 1, 2025.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">5 Days</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the re-revised schedule, click the link below</i></u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/updgme-revised-up-neet-2025-round-3-counselling-schedule-registration-window-closes-today-304611.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/updgme-revised-up-neet-2025-round-3-counselling-schedule-registration-window-closes-today-304611.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Meanwhile, UPDGME has published the merit list for the third round of UP NEET UG 2025 counselling for MBBS and BDS admissions in government and private colleges across the state. The list provides a comprehensive list of registered candidates, including their NEET roll numbers, candidate names, gender, category, NEET scores, All India Rank (AIR), and state domicile details.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">According to the UP state merit list of NEET-UG ( <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs" target="_blank">MBBS </a>/ BDS ) Round-3 2025, a total of 34511 candidates' names are mentioned in the list. The list also distinguishes candidates under various reservation categories, such as UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and includes information about minority and private college eligibility, which will help institutions and applicants track seat allotments transparently during the upcoming choice-filling phase.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u><i>To view the list, click the link below</i></u></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/merit-list-304610.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/merit-list-304610.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

403. Better Blood Sugar Control May Slow Liver Stiffness Progression in MASLD: Study Finds

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:30:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/01/25/271125-masld.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">China: A recent study published in<i> Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology</i> has highlighted the significant impact of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/type-2-diabetes">type 2 diabetes (T2D)</a> and long-term<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/blood-sugar"> blood sugar </a>management on the progression of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/masld">metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)</a>.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">Led by Xiao-Dong Zhou and colleagues from the MASLD Research Center at Wenzhou Medical University, China, the research provides key insights into how glycemic control may influence liver health outcomes in patients with MASLD.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study analyzed data from 7,543 patients with MASLD participating in the VCTE-Prognosis cohort, who underwent serial vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) assessments and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements over a median follow-up of 4.1 years. Among these patients, 4,090 had T2D—split evenly between well-controlled (HbA1c &lt;7%) and poorly controlled (HbA1c ≥7%) diabetes—while 3,453 did not have T2D. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study led to the following notable findings:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">MASLD patients with type 2 diabetes had a 50% higher risk of liver stiffness progression compared with patients without diabetes (HR 1.50).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">T2D in MASLD patients was associated with a two-fold increased risk of liver-related events (LRE) such as cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HR 2.03).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Among MASLD patients with T2D, those with good long-term glycemic control showed slower liver stiffness progression compared with those with poor control (HR 1.52).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Glycemic control did not significantly affect liver stiffness regression.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Glycemic control also did not alter the incidence of liver-related events, indicating that optimal blood sugar management may slow progression but may not reverse established liver damage.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; ">“Our findings emphasize the critical role of maintaining optimal glycemic control in patients with MASLD who also have type 2 diabetes,” said the researchers. “Effective diabetes management could help slow the progression of liver stiffness, potentially reducing long-term complications, even if it does not fully reverse liver damage or prevent liver-related events.”</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study’s methodology incorporated time-weighted average HbA1c to capture both the magnitude and duration of glycemic exposure, providing a more comprehensive assessment of long-term glycemic control. Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards models confirmed the robustness of the findings, which were consistent across multiple sensitivity analyses.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Given the rising prevalence of MASLD and its overlap with T2D worldwide, the authors suggest that early identification and stringent management of diabetes in MASLD patients could be a key strategy to mitigate disease progression. They also call for further prospective studies to explore interventions that may prevent liver-related complications and improve long-term outcomes in this high-risk population.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">"The study demonstrates that type 2 diabetes significantly worsens liver stiffness progression and liver-related outcomes in MASLD. While optimal glycemic control can slow the progression of liver stiffness, it does not appear to affect regression or liver-related events, highlighting the importance of early management and ongoing monitoring in this patient population," the authors concluded. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Zhou, X., Chen, Q., Kim, S. U., Yip, T. C. F., Petta, S., Nakajima, A., Tsochatzis, E., Boursier, J., Bugianesi, E., Hagström, H., Chan, W., Romero-Gomez, M., Calleja, J. L., De Lédinghen, V., Castéra, L., Sanyal, A. J., Goh, B. G., Newsome, P. N., Fan, J., . . . Zheng, M. (2025). Long-Term Glycemic Control and the Risk of Liver Stiffness Progression and Liver-Related Events in MASLD. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2025.10.003</div></div>

404. Diabetes Significantly Worsens Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Meta-Analysis Finds

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:15:17 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2021/12/20/166440-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Iran: A new study published in the BMJ journal <i>Heart </i>has shown that adults with <a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy">hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)</a> who also have <a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/diabetes">diabetes mellitus (DM)</a> face significantly worse clinical outcomes than those without diabetes.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">The findings are from a GRADE-based meta-analysis conducted by Seyedeh-Tarlan Mirzohreh and colleagues from the Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers found that diabetes in HCM patients was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality, heart failure, and<a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/atrial-fibrillation"> atrial fibrillation (AF)</a>. The risk of AF was especially elevated among younger patients under the age of 50, suggesting that diabetes may accelerate disease progression in this population.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data from eight observational studies involving approximately 47,592 adults with HCM. It led to the following findings:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Patients with both hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and diabetes had a 43% higher risk of all-cause mortality (OR 1.43) compared with HCM patients without diabetes.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">They had a 34% increased risk of developing heart failure (OR 1.34).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The likelihood of atrial fibrillation (AF) was 41% higher in HCM patients with diabetes (OR 1.41).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The association between diabetes and AF was particularly pronounced in patients under 50 years of age (OR 2.55).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The risk of AF was less pronounced in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">HCM patients with diabetes had smaller left ventricular end-diastolic volumes (SMD −0.26).</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">They also showed impaired global longitudinal strain (SMD 0.58), indicating subclinical systolic dysfunction.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">These structural and functional changes suggest diabetes may contribute to increased myocardial fibrosis and stiffness, worsening HCM severity.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; ">The authors noted that evidence regarding other echocardiographic parameters, including ejection fraction, ventricular mass, and septal thickness, was inconclusive due to limited and heterogeneous data. However, the overall results remained consistent across sensitivity analyses, and the certainty of evidence was high for major clinical outcomes like mortality and heart failure.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">According to the researchers, diabetes should be recognized as a clinically significant risk marker in HCM. They recommend that clinicians incorporate diabetes status into risk assessment models and emphasize regular rhythm and function monitoring for affected patients. Early detection and management of arrhythmias, as well as optimized metabolic control, could be crucial in reducing complications.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">While the findings are robust, the authors acknowledged several limitations. The number of eligible studies was small, and most were observational, with variable follow-up durations and incomplete data on factors such as diabetes duration, HbA1c levels, and body mass index. The heterogeneity in imaging measures and lack of stratification by obstructive versus non-obstructive HCM types also limited detailed conclusions.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Despite these limitations, the study highlights that diabetes substantially worsens outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The researchers emphasize the need for large-scale, prospective studies to explore whether targeted metabolic interventions can help modify the course of HCM and improve survival and quality of life in this high-risk group.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Mirzohreh S, Deravi N, Javanshir E, et alImpact of diabetes on outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a GRADE meta-analysis. Heart Published Online First: 08 October 2025. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2025-326085</div></div>

405. Non-Communicable Diseases Now Cause Two-Thirds of All Deaths: Lancet Study Finds

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:00:40 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304612-add-a-heading-69.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/ischemic-heart-disease">ischemic heart disease</a>, <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/stroke">stroke</a>, and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Diabetes">diabetes</a> now account for nearly two-thirds of the world's total mortality and morbidity, according to the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study published in <i>The Lancet</i>. The report also finds a significant global rise in life expectancy, from 46.8 years in 1990 to 63.4 years in 2023, highlighting a complex global health transition driven by ageing, lifestyle, and shifting disease patterns. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The GBD 2023 study is one of the most comprehensive demographic analyses, covering 204 countries and territories. Led by Dr Christopher Murray and his team at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), the study draws on data from a global network of 16,500 researchers. It offers new estimates of all-cause mortality and life expectancy from 1950 to 2023, using a novel statistical model to account for complex demographic patterns. In total, 60.1 million deaths occurred globally in 2023, with 4.67 million in children under five. Yet, despite population growth and ageing, the age-standardised all-cause mortality rate fell by 66.6% since 1950. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers observed large reductions in age-standardised rates of Years of Life Lost for respiratory infections, tuberculosis, nutritional deficiencies, and enteric infections, with declines between 58.9% and 79.0%. Simultaneously, modifiable risk factors such as high blood sugar, high BMI, and smoking have emerged as major drivers of poor health, contributing to nearly half of global death and disability. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mental health, too, showed alarming trends: age-standardised rates of anxiety rose by 62.8% and depression by 26.3% since 2010. Alzheimer’s disease entered the top 25 causes of global disability. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“The rapid growth in the world’s ageing population and evolving risk factors have ushered in a new era of global health challenges,” said Dr Murray. The study urges policymakers to adapt to this new reality by prioritising prevention, risk reduction, and long-term chronic disease management. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reference:</b> Global age-sex-specific all-cause mortality and life expectancy estimates for 204 countries and territories and 660 subnational locations, 1950–2023: a demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, Schumacher, Austin E et al. The Lancet, Volume 0, Issue 0 </p>

406. Not All Depression Is Alike: Study Reveals Different Types Linked to Different Health Risks

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:45:27 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304607-untitled-design-2025-10-15t123825158.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress in Amsterdam and based on data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) Study, reveals that not all depression is alike when it comes to health risks. The findings show that specific types of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/depression">depression</a> are associated with different long-term risks of developing <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cardiometabolic-diseases">cardiometabolic diseases</a>, a significant advancement in our understanding of the depression-metabolism connection. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">It has long been known that depression can increase the risk of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/metabolic-disorders">metabolic disorders</a>, but researchers have now found that the type of depressive symptoms matters. The research team followed 5,794 adults over a period of seven years, all of whom were free from <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cardiovascular-disease">cardiovascular disease</a> and<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Diabetes"> diabetes</a> at the beginning of the study. Each participant completed detailed questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, allowing scientists to categorize them into two primary profiles: those with “melancholic” symptoms and those with “atypical/energy-related” symptoms. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Melancholic depression is characterized by classic symptoms such as early morning awakening and loss of appetite. Atypical or energy-related depression, on the other hand, includes fatigue, excessive sleep, and increased appetite. These symptom profiles were not just academic distinctions, they predicted different disease outcomes over time. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to the findings, individuals with atypical/energy-related depressive symptoms were approximately 2.7 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those without depression, but did not show an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Conversely, those with melancholic symptoms had a 1.5 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as stroke or heart attack, but no increased risk for type 2 diabetes. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Lead researcher Dr Yuri Milaneschi (Amsterdam UNC) said </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">We already knew that not all depressions are the same, but this means that we may need to consider how the type of depression someone has impacts different areas of their physical health. It very much pushes us towards the idea of precision psychiatry, the idea that we need to look for physical associations with mental health profiles, so that we can better treat mental illness. To treat sufferers individually”. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reference: </b>https://www.ecnp.eu/congress2025/ </p>

407. Quitting Smoking at Any Age May Protect Brain Health: Lancet Study Shows

     Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:30:35 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/15/304602-quitting-smoking-at-any-age-may-protect-brain-health-lancet-study.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published in <i>The Lancet </i>reveals that quitting<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/smoking"> smoking</a> even in your 40s, 50s, or later can significantly slow down <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/memory-loss">memory loss</a> and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cognitive-decline">cognitive decline </a>as you age. The large-scale analysis emphasizes that it’s never too late to quit, as doing so can help preserve<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/brain-function"> brain function</a>, reduce the risk of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/dementia">dementia</a>, and maintain mental sharpness for longer. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Cognitive decline, which includes memory loss, reduced focus, and slower thinking, naturally occurs with aging. However, researchers from a global collaborative team wanted to understand how smoking habits might accelerate or slow this process. They examined long-term data from adults across 12 countries, tracking changes in brain performance over time, including memory, verbal ability, and mental processing speed. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Participants in the study were categorized into four groups: never smokers, current smokers, those who quit in midlife (40s or 50s), and those who quit later in life. Brain function was measured before and after smoking cessation, offering valuable insights into how timing of quitting influenced cognitive aging. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The results were clear: quitting smoking, even after decades, slowed the rate of cognitive decline. The most substantial brain health improvements were seen in adults who quit in their 40s or 50s. However, individuals who gave up smoking in their 60s or 70s also experienced measurable benefits, proving that it’s never too late to take action. Those who had never smoked showed the slowest cognitive decline overall, reinforcing that prevention is ideal but quitting at any age remained better than continuing. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The study concludes that whether you’ve smoked for years or decades, quitting now can slow brain aging and support better mental function. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reference:</b> Cognitive decline before and after mid-to-late-life smoking cessation: a longitudinal analysis of prospective cohort studies from 12 countries, Bloomberg, Mikaela et al. The Lancet Healthy Longevity, Volume 0, Issue 0, 100753 </p>

408. Uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery Shows Better Postoperative Recovery Than MRATS: Study

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:30:47 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/10/304093-fsurg-09-1005860-g002-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have found in a new study published in <em data-start="273" data-end="286">BMC Surgery</em> by Ting-Fang Kuo, Chien-Kuo Kuo, Pei-Ying Lin, Ching-Yao Chen, Chun-Ru Huang, and Hsuan-Tsung Lee that uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery appears to be a feasible and effective surgical approach. According to the authors, this method allows surgeons to operate through a single incision using robotic precision, which helps reduce tissue trauma and postoperative pain.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> The study observed that patients who underwent uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery required less analgesia during the immediate postoperative period and were able to leave the hospital sooner than those who underwent multiportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery. These findings suggest that the uniportal technique may contribute to smoother recovery and greater patient comfort during the early postoperative phase.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"> <p data-start="1094" data-end="2033" style="text-align: justify; ">The research team highlighted that both techniques—uniportal and multiportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery—produce comparable oncological outcomes in terms of lymph node dissection and pathological staging. However, the uniportal approach demonstrated distinct advantages in early recovery, pain reduction, and shorter hospital stay. The authors explained that performing surgery through a single entry point reduces the overall invasiveness of the procedure, thereby minimizing surgical trauma and accelerating recovery. </p><p data-start="1094" data-end="2033" style="text-align: justify; ">They also noted that the technique aligns well with the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery, which focus on minimizing postoperative complications and supporting patient well-being. By offering a less invasive route while maintaining surgical precision, uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery reflects the continuous evolution of thoracic surgery toward more refined and patient-centered methods.</p> <p data-start="2035" data-end="2692" style="text-align: justify; ">According to Kuo and colleagues, adopting this uniportal approach may require additional technical training and experience, as operating through one incision involves a steeper learning curve compared with traditional multiport techniques. The authors suggest that larger, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and to explore whether the benefits observed in early recovery translate into improved long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, this study underscores the potential of uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery to redefine minimally invasive thoracic operations by combining surgical accuracy with enhanced postoperative recovery.</p> <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong data-start="2978" data-end="2992">Reference:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kuo, T.-F., Kuo, C.-K., Lin, P.-Y., Chen, C.-Y., Huang, C.-R., &amp; Lee, H.-T. (2025). <em data-start="3079" data-end="3223">Comparison of perioperative outcomes between uniportal and multiportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery: A propensity score-matched analysis.</em> BMC Surgery, 25, Article 3221.</div></div>

409. Two-Dose Recombinant Shingles Vaccine Remains Effective Despite Prior Live Vaccine Use

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:30:35 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/06/07/240423-vaccine.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A target trial emulation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) accounting for prior receipt of live <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/zoster-vaccine">zoster vaccine </a>(ZVL) and immunocompetence. The study found that RZV achieved over 50% vaccine effectiveness (VE) against any <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/herpes-zoster">herpes zoster</a> (HZ), or <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/shingles">shingles</a>, outcome in both older and immunocompromised adults. The results suggest individuals vaccinated with ZVL should be revaccinated with two doses of RZV. The study is published in <i>Annals of Internal Medicine. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill conducted two analyses of a random sample of adults aged 65 years or older enrolled in Medicare Parts A, B, and D with fee-for-service coverage between 2007 and 2019. Participants had to have six months of continuous coverage before trial enrollment, no claims for HZ since 2007, and no prior RZV vaccination. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The first analysis measured the effectiveness of one or more RZV doses versus none, and the second analysis measured the effectiveness of two RZV doses versus one dose. Among 3,456,555 unique individuals evaluated across 12 emulated trials in analysis 1, the 1-year VE of at least 1 RZV dose as 56.1% (95% CI, 53.1% to 59.0%) against any HZ outcome. VE was similar among individuals aged 65 to 80 years and among immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. VE was 51.8% (CI, 44.7% to 57.9%) among individuals who had previously received ZVL vaccination compared with 57.7% (CI, 54.2% to 60.9%) among those who had not.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> In analysis 2, 146,296 individuals were evaluated across 10 emulated trials to determine the effectiveness of two doses of RZV versus one. The analysis found that receipt of two RZV doses yielded a relative VE of 67.9% (CI, 64.2% to 71.3%) against any HZ outcome compared with one dose. Additionally, the analysis found that the second dose is similarly effective whether it is administered within the CDC-recommended window or within an extended window after the first dose. These findings can be used to inform the CDC’s recommendations on RZV in immunocompromised populations and populations who previously received ZVL.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Nadja A. Vielot, Michele Jonsson Funk, Til Stürmer, et al. Effectiveness of Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine in the U.S. Medicare Population, 2018 to 2019, by Immunocompetence and Prior Receipt of Live Zoster Vaccine. Ann Intern Med. [Epub 14 October 2025]. doi:10.7326/ANNALS-24-02409</p>

410. ASTRO: New therapy delays progression of recurrent prostate cancer

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:30:19 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/01/06/267765-prostate-cancer-50-2.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Patients with recurring <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/prostate-cancer">prostate cancer</a> who were treated with a new PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy before <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/stereotactic-body-radiotherapy">stereotactic body radiotherapy </a>(SBRT) went more than twice as long without their disease worsening compared with those who received SBRT alone, according to new clinical trial results from UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Findings from the trial, presented today at the 2025 American Society for Radiation Oncology Annual Meeting in San Francisco, showed that men who received the radioligand drug went a median of 17.6 months without disease progression, compared with 7.4 months for those who received SBRT alone. This translated into a significant delay in the start of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/hormone-therapy">hormone therapy</a>, which is often used to treat recurrent disease. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“This is the first randomized trial to show that PSMA-targeting radioligand can significantly delay progression when added to metastasis-directed radiation,” said Dr. Amar Kishan, executive vice chair of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and first author of the study. “It gives patients more time before needing hormonal therapy, which can carry significant side effects such as fatigue and bone loss. Avoiding or delaying hormonal therapy consistently benefits quality of life. Moreover, the trial results establish that radioligand therapy agents, which thus far have only been studied in more advanced disease, have a role to play earlier in the disease course.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Prostate<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cancer"> cancer </a>is the second most common cancer among men worldwide. For some, the disease returns years after initial treatment in only a handful of new lesions, a stage known as oligorecurrent disease. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">SBRT has become an increasingly common approach for treating these cases, targeting the visible lesions while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. While the approach can delay progression and postpone the need for hormone therapy, most men eventually relapse, often because of microscopic disease too small to detect on imaging scans. Radioligand therapy, which precisely delivers radiation to cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues, may help address this hidden disease. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The phase 2 study, called the LUNAR trial, explored whether adding a radioactive drug called PNT2002 — a molecule that specifically targets PSMA, a protein highly expressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells — before SBRT could help control these hidden tumors. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“This trial is especially exciting because it showcases the full potential of PSMA-based theranostics technologies,” said senior author of the study Dr. Jeremie Calais, director of the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division’s clinical research program and associate professor at the department of molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “We leveraged PSMA PET imaging technology to guide SBRT targeting, which is more precise than other imaging methods. And we combined it with PSMA radioligand therapy to treat PSMA expressing sites of disease, both the ones visible by PET but also the microscopic sites too small to be detected by PET.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">To test this hypothesis, the researchers enrolled 92 men with recurrent prostate cancer into the trial and split them at random into two groups. One got SBRT alone, the other got two doses of 177Lu-PNT2002 drug first, then SBRT. The team tracked patients with regular PSA blood tests and PSMA PET scans to see how long they stayed free of cancer progression. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">They found adding 177Lu-PSMA before SBRT more than doubled progression-free survival, extending it from 7.4 months to 17.6 months, reducing the risk of cancer returning, the need for hormone therapy, or death by 63%. These benefits were seen across all patient subgroups, regardless of disease stage or the number of lesions, with minimal side effects. Additionally, men in the combination arm went a median of 24.3 months before starting hormonal therapy, compared with 14.1 months in the SBRT-only group. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The team also identified biological markers that may help predict which patients will benefit most from treatment. A stronger immune response after SBRT, measured by T cell receptor changes, was linked to better outcomes, and a set of 20 genes associated with immune function and DNA repair helped define patients at higher or lower risk of progression. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite the clear benefit of adding 177Lu-PNT2002 to SBRT, 64% of men still experienced disease progression, underscoring that microscopic cancer remains a major challenge, the researchers noted. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“This is an important proof of principle,” said Kishan, who is also the co-director of the cancer molecular imaging, nanotechnology and theranostics program at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. “It suggests we may be able to intervene earlier with radioligand therapy and meaningfully change the course of disease. And, importantly, we didn’t see significantly worse side effects with the addition of the drug. Further research is needed to track longer-term outcomes, and we will also be actively looking at other ways of optimizing response rates.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“This work is a great example of true collaboration between radiation oncology and nuclear medicine, leveraging theranostics at its best, a mix of imaging and therapy,” Calais added.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">ASTRO: New therapy delays progression of recurrent prostate cancer, University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences, Meeting: American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 2025Annual Meeting.&nbsp;</p>

411. Epidural Analgesia Lowers Risk of Severe Perineal Tears in First-Time Mothers: Study

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:15:33 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/06/22/212372-epidural-analgesia.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have established that epidural analgesia, at the expense of augmenting small perineal tears marginally, significantly decreases the risk of extreme perineal injury among primiparous women undergoing vaginal delivery. The results assist in demystifying the long-discussed interaction between epidural administration and perineal outcomes of delivery. The study was published in the <i>International Journal of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology</i> by Omri D. and colleagues.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The research was a tertiary care hospital-based large-scale retrospective cohort analysis from 2012 to 2024. It consisted of 45,132 primiparous women with singleton, term, vertex, and vaginal deliveries. Out of these, 36,799 (81.5%) were given epidural analgesia during labor. Propensity score matching was utilized on a 1:1 basis, and there were 5,974 women in each group for comparison of epidural and non-epidural delivery.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Maternal and obstetric factors were controlled to reduce confounding factors. The outcomes measured were any injury to the perineum and OASI, and the results were analyzed with standardized mean difference (SMD) and multivariable logistic regression. SMD of less than 0.1 was regarded as negligible, 0.1 to 0.2 as small, and greater than 0.2 as clinically significant.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Results</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Following matching, the baseline characteristics of the two groups were generally similar, apart from fetal head station at full dilation, which was raised marginally in the non-epidural group (0.90 ± 0.9 vs. 0.66 ± 0.8; SMD = 0.239).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">•Perineal trauma was experienced by 82.2% of the women who were given epidural analgesia but only 78.2% of those who were not, demonstrating a small difference (SMD = 0.10).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Upon further analysis, epidural use was identified to be linked with an increased risk of minor perineal trauma only in the absence of any episiotomy (aOR 1.321; 95% CI: 1.225–1.425; P &lt; 0.001).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• This association is lost when episiotomy was undertaken.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• On the other hand, epidural analgesia was protective against OASI in both instances, with or without an episiotomy.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span>•&nbsp;</span>The adjusted odds ratio was 0.492 (95% CI: 0.285–0.849; P = 0.011) with episiotomy and 0.592 (95% CI: 0.424–0.825; P = 0.002) without episiotomy.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Epidural analgesia in term vaginal delivery for primiparous women was linked with a minimal increase in minor perineal trauma but with a significant reduction in obstetric anal sphincter damage. The results confirm the safety and possible protective effect of epidural use with respect to severe perineal trauma. In summary, epidural analgesia continues to be an excellent option to administer pain in labor without jeopardizing perineal outcomes.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Dominsky, O., Attali, E., Amikam, U., Gold, R., Greenberger, C., Yogev, Y., &amp; Baruch, Y. (2025). The association between epidural analgesia and perineal injury in primiparous women: A propensity score-matched cohort study. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: The Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ijgo.70578. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.70578</p><div style="text-align: justify; "></div></div>

412. Tinnitus and Dizziness Linked to Higher Risk of Chronic and Recurrent Headaches, Study Finds

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:15:27 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/03/09/204256-tinnitus.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Iran: A large-scale study involving more than 10,000 adults has found a strong link between <a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/severe-tinnitus">tinnitus </a>and an increased risk of both chronic and recurrent <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/headache">headaches</a>.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">The research, published in the <i>Ear, Nose &amp; Throat </i>Journal by Dr. Mehdi Rezvani Amin from the Community Nursing Research Center at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, and colleagues, emphasizes the need for coordinated ear, nose, throat (ENT), and neurological care to address overlapping symptoms and improve patient outcomes.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study analyzed data from 10,016 adults aged 35 to 70 years as part of the Zahedan Adult Cohort Study in southeastern Iran. Participants provided self-reported information on tinnitus, <a href="https://health.medicaldialogues.in/tags/dizziness">dizziness</a>, and headache symptoms. Those with severe mental or physical impairments were excluded. Using statistical models, the researchers assessed how tinnitus and dizziness were related to the likelihood of chronic or recurrent headaches, while accounting for demographic and medical factors such as hypertension, head trauma, and epilepsy. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The key findings of the study were as follows:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">Chronic headache was reported in 5.2% of participants, while 36.2% experienced recurrent headaches.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The average age of participants was 50.4 years, and the mean age at the onset of chronic headache was 37.4 years.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Women were 3.2 times more likely to develop chronic headaches and 2.5 times more likely to experience recurrent headaches compared to men.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Tinnitus and dizziness were both significantly associated with a higher risk of chronic and recurrent headaches.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Participants with tinnitus had greater odds of developing headaches, indicating a possible link between auditory or vestibular disturbances and pain pathways in the brain.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Hypertension, previous head trauma, and epilepsy further increased the risk of both chronic and recurrent headaches, underscoring the influence of neurological and cardiovascular factors.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; ">According to the researchers, the interaction between tinnitus, dizziness, and headache reflects a complex interplay of neurological and sensory systems. The overlap between these conditions may be driven by shared mechanisms involving central sensitization, autonomic dysfunction, or inner ear pathology. This emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that combines ENT evaluation with neurological assessment and management.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The authors noted several limitations, such as reliance on self-reported data and the absence of detailed audiological testing. The study also did not evaluate the severity, duration, or frequency of tinnitus and dizziness, which could offer deeper insights into how these symptoms contribute to headache disorders.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study demonstrated a clear association between tinnitus, dizziness, and the risk of chronic and recurrent headaches in adults. Factors such as gender, hypertension, and head trauma further influence this relationship.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The authors emphasized the need for integrated healthcare strategies that bridge ENT and neurology specialties, focusing on both clinical management and public awareness. They also recommended further research to uncover the biological mechanisms linking these conditions and to design interventions aimed at improving patients’ quality of life while reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Amin, M. R., Shahraki-Sanavi, F., Amin, M. R., Salar, A., Moghaddam, A. A., Mohammadi, M., &amp; Sarhadi, Z. (2025). Prevalence of Tinnitus and Dizziness and Their Association With Recurrent and Chronic Headache in Adults. Ear, Nose &amp; Throat Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177_01455613251382380</div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

413. Women with surgical menopause may exit workforce earlier, but hormone therapy could help: Study

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:15:24 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/04/29/284856-menopause-2.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/menopause">Menopause</a> before the age of 45 (known as early menopause) is associated with an increased risk of an array of serious diseases, including <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cardiovascular-disease">cardiovascular disease</a> and <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/osteoporosis">osteoporosis</a>. A new study suggests that it may also force women out of the workforce prematurely, although carefully timed hormone therapy may help women remain employed. Results of the study are published online today in <i>Menopause</i>, the journal of The Menopause Society. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Early menopause, whether natural or surgical (removal of both ovaries), has already been considered a risk factor for multiple diseases. Women with early menopause are also at higher risk of experiencing more frequent, severe, and prolonged hot flashes and night sweats, as well as depressive symptoms. Premature morbidity and menopause symptoms can be even more pronounced in women who undergo early surgical menopause, which results in the sudden cessation of ovarian function. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite extensive research on the health consequences of early menopause, little is known about how it affects other aspects of women’s lives, including their ability to maintain and build their careers. A new study involving nearly 1,400 women who had undergone natural menopause, premenopause bilateral oophorectomy, or hysterectomy is one of the first known studies to not only investigate the effect of early and surgical menopause on work function but also the effect of hormone therapy as a mediator. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers used sequence analysis of employment histories to define three different 10-year employment trajectories. Regression analysis was then used to assess associations between timing and type of menopause on employment. Women with early menopause were found to have less flexible working arrangements during this sensitive period. However, early natural menopause did not appear to make a woman more likely to exit the labor market earlier than women with later menopause. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Surgical menopause, in contrast, was found to be associated with an increased risk of labor market exit, especially for women aged 45 years or older at the time of surgery. Hormone therapy was shown to help reduce the risk of labor-market exit for women with both early natural menopause and surgical menopause. Based on the results, the researchers advocate for workplace policies that consider women’s diverse menopause experiences. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Study results are published in the article “The associations of early and surgical menopause with 10-year employment trajectories bracketing final menstruation or surgery.” </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“This study found that early natural menopause and surgical menopause were linked with women’s employment trajectories and further suggests that hormone therapy within the early postmenopause years may help women remain in the workforce,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society. “These findings add to the accumulating evidence that menopause-related symptoms can adversely affect women in the workplace and that targeted interventions may minimize the negative effect on employment.”</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Peycheva, Darina PhD1; Wielgoszewska, Bożena PhD2; Zaninotto, Paola PhD1; Steptoe, Andrew DPhil, DSc, FBA, FMedSci1; Hardy, Rebecca PhD, FFPH3. The associations of early and surgical menopause with 10-year employment trajectories bracketing final menstruation or surgery. Menopause ():10.1097/GME.0000000000002640, October 7, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002640</p>

414. Oticara's Intranasal Steroid Cream Achieves Phase 2 Success in Post-Surgical Chronic Rhinosinusitis

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:15:02 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/04/02/235477-chronic-rhinosinusitis.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Oticara's intranasal steroid cream met primary endpoints in a phase 2 trial for post-surgical <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/chronic-rhinosinusitis">chronic rhinosinusitis</a> (CRS), showing significant improvements in 4CSS and SNOT-22 scores by week 3. The in-office treatment provided rapid, durable symptom relief and was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events reported.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The late-breaking presentation, delivered by Professor Anders Cervin, MD, PhD, FRACS, will highlight findings from the Phase 2 trial of Oticara’s proprietary nasal-mucosa-optimized steroid cream. The treatment is an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician-administered cream designed specifically for the nasal mucosa, with clinical data demonstrating single-dose, durable relief for hard-to-treat post-surgical CRS patients.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“We are honored to have been selected to present our recent clinical study results at AAO-HNSF,” said Chris Marich, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oticara. “We see a clear need for new options that can deliver durable benefits and reduce reliance on systemic steroids in hard-to-treat CRS patients with an easy-to-administer single-dose treatment.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Full data from the Phase 2 OT-007B trial will be presented during the meeting and the scientific paper is undergoing peer review by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.</p>

415. Early Formula Feeding Linked to Higher Peanut Allergy Risk: Study

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:15:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/02/26/171262-formula-milk.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have found in a new study that introduction of baby formula within the first three days of life significantly increases the risk of developing peanut and multiple food allergies. The study emphasizes the vital role of colostrum, rich in immune-boosting bioactive compounds in supporting infant gut and immune health, benefits that are absent in formula milk. The study was published in the <i>European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology</i> by Maheshwar B. and colleagues.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Food allergies are an increasingly recognized public health issue, and millions of children across the globe are affected. They not only undermine health but also significantly affect the quality of life for the affected children as well as their families. Given that food allergy may be lifelong and life-threatening, it is important to identify early and avoidable risk factors.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The research, within the Australian ORIGINS cohort, investigated data from 666 mother–infant pairs. Infants were placed into two groups according to their feeding pattern over the first three days of life:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Exclusive Colostrum-Fed (ECF): Those whose infants were fed only breastmilk.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span>•&nbsp;</span>Partial Colostrum-Fed (PCF): Those whose infants were fed formula and breastmilk.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers assessed development of IgE-mediated food allergies—namely to egg, peanut, cow's milk, and cashew—between 12 to 18 months of age. Outcomes for food allergies were measured using skin prick tests and maternal-reported immediate food allergy reaction to exposure.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Key Findings</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Incomplete colostrum feeding was very common, with 46% of the infants being in the PCF group.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">In comparison to entirely colostrum-fed infants, PCF infants showed:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• A 4.47 times increased risk of developing peanut allergy [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.47; 95% CI: 1.04–19.12].</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• An 11.44 times increased risk of developing multiple food allergies [aOR 11.44; 95% CI: 1.48–88.55].</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Subsequent analysis showed that the timing of peanut introduction also affected the risk.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Among PCF infants, those who were introduced to peanut after 7 months had a 5.45-fold increased risk [aOR 5.45; 95% CI: 1.18–25.11] compared to earlier introduction.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• For ECF infants, however, they had a consistently low risk of peanut allergy whether peanuts were introduced at an early or late age.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• The researchers also measured whether the frequency of colostrum feeding affected allergy risk.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• They found that infants fed nine or more colostrum feeds a day within the first 72 hours of life had no cases of peanut allergy, regardless of whether they were partly formula-fed.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Partial feeding with colostrum could be an underappreciated but important risk factor for the development of peanut and multiple food allergies during childhood. Maintaining sufficient intake of colostrum in the initial 72 hours of life seems to offer protective benefits against these allergies regardless of formula exposure.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><div style="text-align: justify;">Bhasin, M., Cooper, M., Macchiaverni, P., Joys, R. S., O’Sullivan, T. A., Keelan, J. A., Venter, C., Palmer, D. J., Lowe, A. J., Prescott, S. L., Silva, D., &amp; Verhasselt, V. (2025). Colostrum as a protective factor against peanut allergy: Evidence from a birth cohort. Allergy.&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">https://doi.org/10.1111/all.70043</span></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

416. Depression Linked to Higher Risk of Sleep Apnea, NHANES Study Finds

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:00:53 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304402-depression-in-osa-patients.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">China: A recent study leveraging data from the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nhanes">National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)</a> has revealed that individuals with <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/depression">depression </a>face a significantly higher risk of developing <a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/obstructive-sleep-apnea">obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)</a>.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">Published in <i>BMC Psychiatry, </i>the research was conducted by Xiangyang Cheng from the Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China, and colleagues. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study analyzed data from 14,492 adults across the United States to explore the complex relationship between depression and OSA. Researchers found that depression increased the likelihood of OSA by 31% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31), with the association being particularly strong among individuals without insomnia (OR = 1.65). This suggests that depressive symptoms independently contribute to the risk of sleep-disordered breathing, even when sleep disturbances such as insomnia are absent.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">To delve deeper, the research team employed multiple machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict OSA risk among participants with depression. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Key Findings:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">The neural network model was identified as the most accurate predictive tool for assessing OSA risk in individuals with depression.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">It achieved the highest values for Youden’s Index, area under the curve (AUC), and Kappa scores compared to other models.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) interpretability method was used to identify the most influential predictors of OSA.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Key predictors included body mass index (BMI), age, hypertension, sex, marital status, caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, and dietary fat intake.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; ">The findings highlight the intricate interplay between mental health, lifestyle habits, and physical conditions. Depression and OSA share overlapping risk pathways, including inflammation, hormonal changes, and altered autonomic nervous system activity, which may explain their frequent co-occurrence. Early identification of high-risk individuals could help clinicians intervene before the onset of more severe complications.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">While the results provide valuable insight, the study also acknowledged several limitations. Because the NHANES data are cross-sectional, causal relationships between depression and OSA cannot be definitively established. Both conditions were self-reported by participants, which may lead to diagnostic inaccuracies. Additionally, the modest sample size of depressed participants (n = 1,212) raises the potential for overfitting in predictive models. The researchers also noted that insomnia could confound the depression–OSA association, potentially influencing the accuracy of risk estimates.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Despite these constraints, the use of machine learning offers a promising direction for precision screening and risk stratification. By integrating demographic, dietary, and health-related data, the models provide a more holistic understanding of OSA risk in depressed patients.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Dr. Cheng and colleagues concluded that depression is significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnea, highlighting the importance of screening for OSA symptoms in individuals with depressive disorders. They emphasized the potential of machine learning–based tools to enhance early detection and guide personalized management strategies. However, further validation in larger and more diverse populations is essential before clinical application.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Cheng, X., Liu, F., Zhang, X. et al. Investigating the role of depression in obstructive sleep apnea and predicting risk factors for OSA in depressed patients: machine learning-assisted evidence from NHANES. BMC Psychiatry 25, 964 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07414-x</div></div>

417. Antiplatelet therapy type Has Minimal Impact on Outcomes After Valve-in-Valve TAVR: Study

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:00:06 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/12/24/194873-dual-antiplatelet-therapy.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Researchers have found in a new study that among patients undergoing valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic procedures, antiplatelet therapy type Dual Versus Single, had little effect on major ischemic or bleeding outcomes at one year, though dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may modestly reduce stroke risk. The study was published in <i>JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions</i> by Francesco B. and colleagues.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI) is also more frequently utilized to treat failed surgical bioprosthetic valves in patients with severe aortic valve disease. Single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) remains the standard post-TAVI regimen, but valve-in-valve procedures are at greater risk for thrombosis and embolic complications, this study was pursued as to whether DAPT would provide superior protection. This multicenter study aimed to elucidate if DAPT enhances one-year outcomes over SAPT in patients with valve-in-valve TAVI.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">There were 278 patients enrolled in this multicenter study who had undergone valve-in-valve TAVI in 10 centres participating in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups: those taking dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and those taking single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT). Oral anticoagulant therapy patients were excluded to prevent confounding effects. Both clinical and echocardiographic results were measured during a one-year follow-up. A propensity score model was used to control for baseline imbalances, and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the major outcomes. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), major bleeding, stroke, and all-cause mortality were primary endpoints. Secondary analysis compared structural valve deterioration.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Results</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• The outcomes revealed no statistically significant differences between the SAPT and DAPT groups regarding the composite rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (HR 0.499; 95% CI 0.182–1.371; P=0.178), major bleeding (HR 0.776; 95% CI 0.172–3.504; P=0.741), or mortality (HR 0.907; 95% CI 0.272–3.022; P=0.874).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">• Yet, there was a significantly lower rate of stroke among DAPT-treated patients compared to SAPT-treated patients (HR 0.093; 95% CI 0.010–0.831; P=0.033), implying a neuroprotective effect.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span>•&nbsp;</span>The frequencies of moderate or severe structural valve deterioration were infrequent and not statistically significantly different between the groups (1.9% vs 6.0%; P=0.161).</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The present multicenter study revealed that DAPT following valve-in-valve TAVI was linked to a significantly reduced one-year incidence of stroke when compared with SAPT, without a rise in the risks of bleeding, mortality, or valve deterioration. Thus, DAPT can be considered in patients with greater stroke risk, but this will require confirmation from larger randomized studies in this niche patient population on its optimal use and long-term effects.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Reference:</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Bendandi, F., Palmerini, T., De Marco, F., Godino, C., Fraccaro, C., Barbanti, M., Biroli, M., Gaspardone, C., Gandolfo, C., Annibali, G., Costa, G., Rubboli, A., Tarantino, F. F., Moretti, C., Cavazza, C., Compagnone, M., Gennari, M., Cannata, S., Zimarino, M., … Saia, F. (2025). Dual versus single antiplatelet therapy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation for bioprosthetic valve failure. JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcin.2025.09.018</p><div style="text-align: justify; "></div></div>

418. High Prevalence of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders in Central India attributed to tobacco and areca nut use: Study

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:30:58 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2022/08/04/182575-oral-health.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">A new study published in Epidemiological Review reports that the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) in central India is notably higher than global averages, with tobacco and areca nut use identified as the primary contributing factors.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> The researchers found a prevalence rate of 7.57%, underscoring a substantial public health concern in this region. Oral potentially malignant disorders, including leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), are considered precursors to oral cancer, making their early detection and management critical. The predominance of advanced Grade IV OSMF in the study population highlights the urgency of implementing community-based awareness, preventive strategies, and effective screening programs.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"> <p data-start="1019" data-end="1809" style="text-align: justify; ">The study emphasizes that lifestyle factors, particularly the widespread consumption of smokeless tobacco and areca nut products, play a central role in the development of these oral conditions. These substances not only increase the risk of malignant transformation but also accelerate disease progression to advanced stages. </p><p data-start="1019" data-end="1809" style="text-align: justify; ">The authors argue that public health initiatives must go beyond awareness campaigns to include targeted interventions such as restrictions on areca nut and tobacco availability, along with school and community education on the risks associated with their use. Strengthening dental and medical screening services at the primary healthcare level could also help with earlier diagnosis, allowing for more effective management and reduced progression to malignancy.</p> <p data-start="1811" data-end="2541" style="text-align: justify; ">According to the authors, the findings demonstrate the importance of integrating oral health into broader non-communicable disease strategies in India. With OPMDs carrying a significant risk of malignant transformation, timely identification and intervention are crucial in reducing the future burden of oral cancer. </p><p data-start="1811" data-end="2541" style="text-align: justify; ">The study calls for urgent, large-scale public health measures, combining legislative action with grassroots-level health promotion and clinical screening. By prioritizing early detection and addressing the root behavioral causes, such as tobacco and areca nut use, policymakers and healthcare providers can help mitigate the rising threat posed by oral potentially malignant disorders in high-risk populations.</p> <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong data-start="2543" data-end="2557">Reference:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kushwaha SS, Chaurasia A, Nigam N, et al. Prevalence of oral leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis in patients attending dental hospital in central India. <em data-start="2733" data-end="2751">Przegl Epidemiol</em>. 2025;79(3):445–453.</div> </div>

419. Dotinurad Outperforms Febuxostat in Lowering Uric Acid Levels in Chinese Gout Patients: Phase 3 Trial

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:30:26 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/02/26/233107-gout.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">China: A phase 3 clinical trial has shown that dotinurad, a selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, is more effective than <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/generics/febuxostat-2725794">febuxostat </a>in reducing serum uric acid levels in Chinese patients with <a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/gout">gout </a>while maintaining a comparable safety profile. The findings, published in<i> Arthritis &amp; Rheumatology, </i>suggest that dotinurad may provide a new treatment option for individuals struggling with gout management.</span></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study was led by Dr. Jia Sun from the Department of Endocrinology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, and colleagues. The team aimed to directly compare the<a href="https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/topics/urate%20lowering%20therapy"> urate-lowering</a> efficacy and safety of dotinurad against febuxostat, one of the most widely used therapies for gout.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial, 451 patients with gout were recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either oral dotinurad or febuxostat. Of these, 441 participants were included in the full analysis set. Patients were followed over 24 weeks, with the primary endpoint being the proportion achieving target serum uric acid levels of ≤6.0 mg/dL. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The study led to the following notable findings:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify; ">At week 24, 73.6% of patients receiving dotinurad 4 mg/day achieved the target serum urate level compared to 38.1% in the febuxostat 40 mg/day group.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">The adjusted difference of 35.9% was statistically significant, confirming the superiority of dotinurad.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">At week 12, dotinurad 2 mg/day was found to be noninferior to febuxostat 40 mg/day, with responder rates of 55.5% versus 50.5%.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported at similar rates in both groups, suggesting dotinurad is generally well tolerated.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; ">The researchers acknowledged several limitations. The use of the LOCF (last observation carried forward) method in the primary analysis may have introduced some bias due to missing data, though sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the results. The relatively short study duration restricted the ability to assess long-term outcomes such as recurrent gout flares or the development of tophi, which were not evaluated in this trial. Furthermore, flare prophylaxis was not permitted, leaving uncertainty about flare incidence in real-world practice.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Another limitation was the absence of a direct comparison between dotinurad 4 mg/day and the higher febuxostat dose of 80 mg/day, commonly prescribed in Western countries when 40 mg/day proves insufficient. Additionally, the study population was largely male and relatively young, limiting the generalizability of findings across sexes and age groups.</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">"Despite these caveats, the trial adds important evidence supporting dotinurad as an effective and safe urate-lowering agent in Chinese patients with gout. Longer and broader studies will be necessary to evaluate its impact on long-term disease outcomes and its comparative efficacy against higher doses of febuxostat," the authors concluded. </div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Reference:</div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Sun, J., Wang, Y., Cheng, Y., Guo, D., Hu, J., Liu, D., Gao, Z., Li, C., Lu, Y., Kong, X., Liu, Y., Jiang, Z., Yi, B., Zhang, H., Xu, B., Yu, S., Kokan, R., Ishikawa, K., Kawakatsu, M., . . . Zhang, Z. Efficacy and Safety of Dotinurad Versus Febuxostat for the Treatment of Gout: A Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Trial in China. Arthritis &amp; Rheumatology. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.43261</div></div>

420. MBBS admissions 2025: KNRUHS to close free exit option tomorrow

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:21:41 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304495-extend.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Telangana:&nbsp;</b>The Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/knruhs" target="_blank">KNRUHS</a>)&nbsp;has extended the free exit deadline for candidates admitted to the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs" target="_blank">MBBS </a>course under the Competent Authority Quota for the academic year 2025-26 till tomorrow.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">In continuation of its earlier notifications, KNRUHS has announced that the last date for availing the free exit option has been extended till tomorrow, i.e. October 15, 2025, 5:00 PM.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/telangana-pg-medical-admissions-2025-knruhs-extends-registration-deadline-156850"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>Telangana PG medical admissions 2025: KNRUHS extends registration deadline</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Therefore, through the notification, the University has directed the Principals of Medical Colleges to upload the admission data on the official portal by 5:30 PM on October 15, 2025. KNRUHS has also clarified that no candidate will be allowed to withdraw from their allotted seat after 5:00 PM on October 15, 2025.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">“In continuation of earlier notifications dated 07.10.2025 &amp; 08.10.2025, it is hereby informed to all the candidates admitted into the MBBS course up to the second phase of counselling under the Competent Authority Quota for the AY 2025-26 that the last date for free exit is extended from 01.00 PM on 13.10.2025 up to 05.00 PM on 15.10.2025. The Principals of Medical Colleges are informed to upload the data in the admission portal by 05.30 PM on 15.10.2025. Candidates are not permitted to withdraw from the seat after 05.00 PM on 15.10.2025 onwards”, the notice stated.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The free exit option allows candidates admitted in the first and second phases of MBBS counselling to withdraw from their allotted seats without any penalty before the given deadline.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">This latest extension provides students with additional time to make decisions ahead of the upcoming counselling rounds under the Telangana state quota.</p><p>According to the earlier notification, the last date for online applications from candidates who have qualified by securing the cutoff scores or above in National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET PG) for the academic year 2025 for admission into PG Medical Degree/Diploma courses for the academic year 2025-26 under the Competent Authority and Management Quota (MQ1, MQ2/NRI &amp; MQ3/Institutional) in Private Non-Minority &amp; Minority Medical Colleges affiliated to KNRUHS, Warangal Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad is extended up to 06:00 PM on 16 October 2025.</p><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/knruhs-extends-mbbs-free-exit-deadline-again-till-tomorrow-304496.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/knruhs-extends-mbbs-free-exit-deadline-again-till-tomorrow-304496.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

421. Toxic syrup deaths case: 8,500 MP doctors protest against paediatrician's arrest

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:00:22 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304428-syrup.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Demanding action against the real culprits responsible for the deaths of several children due to kidney failure after consuming contaminated <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cough-syrup" target="_blank">cough syrup</a>, around 8,500 government doctors across Madhya Pradesh staged a protest against what they called the "illegal arrest" of Dr Praveen Soni, a <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/pediatrician" target="_blank">paediatrician</a> who prescribed the syrup.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The doctors expressed their dissent by wearing black ribbons while on duty. Despite the protest, they carried it out peacefully without disrupting their regular work on Friday.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/8500-mp-govt-doctors-protest-arrest-of-paediatrician-in-toxic-syrup-deaths-case-156852" target="_blank"><b><i>8,500 MP Govt doctors protest arrest of paediatrician in toxic syrup deaths case</i></b></a></p></div>

422. NMC Releases 2025 Revised Seat Matrix, Total 1.26 Lakh MBBS Seats

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:45:18 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304422-mbbs-9.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; "> A total of 1,775 MBBS more seats have been added to the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/MBBS">MBBS </a>seat matrix for the academic year 2025-2026, according to the revised seat matrix released by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/NMC">National Medical Commission (NMC) </a>on 11.10.2025.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">NMC has prepared the revised seat matrix in view of the recent changes in renewal of existing UG (MBBS) seats, as well as additional MBBS seats sanctioned this year.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/health-news/nmc/altogether-126600-mbbs-seats-nmc-releases-revised-2025-seat-matrix-complete-details-here-156846" target="_blank"><b><i>Altogether 1,26,600 MBBS seats- NMC releases revised 2025 seat matrix, Complete details here</i></b></a></p></div>

423. 8 Drug Batches from 3 Pharma Firms Banned in Punjab After ADR Reports

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:29:49 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/06/23/291939-banned.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Amritsar</b>: Following multiple reports of suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) from district hospitals and other public health institutions, the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, has issued an urgent directive instructing all Civil Surgeons and Medical Superintendents at MKH Patiala and DH Jalandhar to immediately discontinue the use, issue, and procurement of specific drugs and intravenous (IV) fluids in government health facilities across the state.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The directive identifies eight products and batch numbers, primarily used for IV therapy and antibiotic administration, that have been linked to the reported adverse reactions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The list includes Normal Saline (Sodium Chloride I.P. 0.9%) bearing batch numbers S1FBY463 and S1FBY467; Dextrose Injection IP 5% (Batch No. D1FBX109); Ciprofloxacin Injection 200 mg (Batch Nos. C1FAX17 and C1FAX23); D.N.S 0.9% (Batch Nos. 2235410 and 124356); N/2 plus Dextrose 5% IV (Batch No. 1248536); and Bupivacaine HCL with Dextrose Injection (Batch No. HIBU24014A).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The order follows multiple reports of suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) from district hospitals and other public health institutions. According to the circular issued by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, Chandigarh, the affected IV fluids belong to specific batches manufactured by Swaroop Pharmaceuticals, Otsuka Pharmaceutical India, and Health Biotech.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/health-ministry-bans-34-key-antibiotics-antivirals-for-animal-use-see-list-156088"><b><i>Also Read: Health Ministry Bans 34 Key Antibiotics, Antivirals for Animal Use, See List</i></b></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The circular stated,</p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;"><i>"It has come to the notice of this office that suspected cases of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have been reported from certain health facilities following the use of specific drugs and IV fluids. As a precautionary measure, it has been decided to immediately discontinue the use of the following items until further orders."</i></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Following is the list of drugs and intravenous (IV) fluids ordered for discontinuation:</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><table style="text-align: justify;"><thead><tr><th>Sr. No.</th><th>Name of the item</th><th>Batch No.</th><th>Mfg Date</th><th>Exp Date</th><th>Mfg by</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Normal Saline (Sodium Chloride I.P. 0.9%)</td><td>S1FBY463</td><td>May-25</td><td>Apr-28</td><td>M/s Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Normal Saline (Sodium Chloride I.P. 0.9%)</td><td>S1FBY467</td><td>May-25</td><td>Apr-28</td><td>M/s Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Dextrose Inj. IP 5%</td><td>D1FBX109</td><td>Oct-24</td><td>Sep-26</td><td>M/s Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Ciprofloxacin Inj. 200 mg</td><td>C1FAX17</td><td>Nov-24</td><td>Oct-26</td><td>M/s Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Ciprofloxacin Inj. 200 mg</td><td>C1FAX23</td><td>Nov-24</td><td>Oct-26</td><td>M/s Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>D.N.S 0.9%</td><td>2235410</td><td>Dec-24</td><td>Nov-27</td><td>Ostuka Pharmaceutical India Pvt. Ltd.</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td><p>N/2 plus Dextrose 5% IV</p></td><td>1248536</td><td>Dec-24</td><td>Nov-27</td><td>Ostuka Pharmaceutical India Pvt. Ltd.</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Bupivacaine HCL with Dextrose Inj.</td><td>HIBU24014A</td><td>Dec-24</td><td>Nov-26</td><td>Health Biotech Ltd.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, with respect to the aforementioned medications and intravenous (IV) fluids that were ordered to be stopped, the Punjab Directorate of Health and Family Welfare specifically instructed:</p><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">"You are, therefore, directed to ensure the following actions are taken immediately:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stop the use, issue, and procurement of the above-mentioned drugs/fluids in all government health institutions under your jurisdiction."</div></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>To view the official order, click the link below:</i></b></p><div class="hocal-draggable" style="text-align: justify;" draggable="true"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/1760255068list-304373.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/1760255068list-304373.pdf</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/himachal-up-join-states-banning-coldrif-cough-syrup-after-mp-deaths-156561">Also Read: Himachal, UP Join States Banning Coldrif Cough Syrup After MP Deaths</a></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div style="text-align: justify; "></div></div><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div>

424. Torrent-JB Chemicals Rs 25,689 Crore Merger Under CCI Lens Over Monopoly Concerns

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:27:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/01/19/230547-agreement-50.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>New Delhi:</b> The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has expressed serious concerns over the proposed merger between Torrent Pharmaceuticals and JB Chemicals, warning that the deal could create a dominant market position and reduce competition in critical therapeutic segments.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">According to Zee Business report, sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the antitrust regulator has asked both companies to provide detailed information on product overlaps and market shares, with particular scrutiny on two drug categories: Nifedipine, used to treat hypertension, and Lactobacillus, a widely used probiotic. Analysts indicate that in these segments, the combined market share could reach 70–90% post-merger.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier, the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/after-much-tussle-torrent-pharma-clinches-jb-chemicals-deal-at-25689-crore-valuation-150864">Medical Dialogues Team</a> had reported that Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited, in collaboration with global investment firm KKR, announced that Torrent has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a controlling stake in J. B. Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals from KKR at an Equity Valuation of Rs 25,689 crores (on a fully diluted basis), followed by a merger of the two entities.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The transaction marked a significant step in Torrent’s ambition to create a future-ready, diversified healthcare platform combining a deep chronic segment heritage with emerging international CDMO capabilities.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/after-much-tussle-torrent-pharma-clinches-jb-chemicals-deal-at-25689-crore-valuation-150864"><b><i>Also Read: After Much Tussle, Torrent Pharma Clinches JB Chemicals Deal at Rupees 25,689 Crore Valuation</i></b></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Officials warn that such concentration could distort pricing, restrict competition, and give the merged entity undue control over supply, negatively impacting smaller companies and patients.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, to address regulatory concerns, both Torrent Pharma and JB Chemicals have proposed a three-year price freeze on these medicines.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The CCI has issued a notice under Section 29(1) of the Competition Act, initiating a detailed investigation into the merger’s potential anti-competitive effects. The regulator will determine the next steps after reviewing the companies’ submissions.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Industry observers note that this move is part of the CCI’s heightened scrutiny of pharmaceutical mergers, aimed at preventing market dominance and protecting consumer interests, reports <a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/companies/news-torrent-pharma-jb-chemicals-deal-under-cci-lens-over-possible-monopoly-risk-380563" rel="nofollow">Zee Business</a>.</p></div>

425. CPS Mumbai Derecognition: AG Assures Supreme Court of Relief for Affected Students

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:23:35 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304434-cpsm.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">During the hearing of the matter concerning the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cps-mumbai">College of Physicians and Surgeons, CPS Mumbai</a>, the Attorney General for India recently informed the Supreme Court that a viable solution would be arrived at to secure the future of the students after the Bombay High Court recently upheld the derecognition of all postgraduate medical courses offered by CPS Mumbai.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that, taking note of the issue, the Supreme Court on September 12 requested the intervention of the Attorney General for India to arrive at a viable solution in this regard.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/cps-mumbai-derecognition-932-students-identified-ag-promises-solution-to-supreme-court-156844" target="_blank"><b><i>CPS Mumbai Derecognition: AG promises Supreme Court a solution for affected students</i></b></a></p></div>

426. 2 More Arrested in Durgapur MBBS Student Gangrape Case

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:19:19 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304439-arrested.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">In the ongoing probe into the gangrape incident in Bengal, two more persons have been arrested. Now, altogether 5 accused are in custody.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Speaking to PTI, police informed, "Two more persons were arrested on Monday (October 13, 2025) in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 23-year-old medical student in West Bengal's Durgapur, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five."</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><i>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/west-bengal/2-more-arrests-in-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-case-5-in-police-custody-156859" target="_blank"><b><i>2 more arrests in Durgapur MBBS student gangrape case, 5 in police custody</i></b></a></p></div>

427. Health Bulletin 14/October/2025

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:12:14 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304441-health-bulletin-15.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Here are the top health stories for the day:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>NMC Releases 2025 Revised Seat Matrix, Total 1.26 Lakh MBBS Seats</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">A total of 1,775 MBBS more seats have been added to the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/MBBS">MBBS </a>seat matrix for the academic year 2025-2026, according to the revised seat matrix released by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/NMC">National Medical Commission (NMC) </a>on 11.10.2025.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">NMC has prepared the revised seat matrix in view of the recent changes in renewal of existing UG (MBBS) seats, as well as additional MBBS seats sanctioned this year.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:</b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/health-news/nmc/altogether-126600-mbbs-seats-nmc-releases-revised-2025-seat-matrix-complete-details-here-156846" target="_blank"><i><b>Altogether 1,26,600 MBBS seats- NMC releases revised 2025 seat matrix, Complete details here</b></i></a></p></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Toxic Syrup Deaths Case:&nbsp;8,500 MP Doctors Protest against paediatrician's arrest</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Demanding action against the real culprits responsible for the deaths of several children due to kidney failure after consuming contaminated <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cough-syrup" target="_blank">cough syrup</a>, around 8,500 government doctors across Madhya Pradesh staged a protest against what they called the "illegal arrest" of Dr Praveen Soni, a <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/pediatrician" target="_blank">paediatrician</a> who prescribed the syrup.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The doctors expressed their dissent by wearing black ribbons while on duty. Despite the protest, they carried it out peacefully without disrupting their regular work on Friday.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:</b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/8500-mp-govt-doctors-protest-arrest-of-paediatrician-in-toxic-syrup-deaths-case-156852" target="_blank"><i><b>8,500 MP Govt doctors protest arrest of paediatrician in toxic syrup deaths case</b></i></a></p></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>CPS Mumbai Derecognition: AG Assures Supreme Court of Relief for Affected Students</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">During the hearing of the matter concerning the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cps-mumbai">College of Physicians and Surgeons, CPS Mumbai</a>, the Attorney General for India recently informed the Supreme Court that a viable solution would be arrived at to secure the future of the students after the Bombay High Court recently upheld the derecognition of all postgraduate medical courses offered by CPS Mumbai.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that, taking note of the issue, the Supreme Court on September 12 requested the intervention of the Attorney General for India to arrive at a viable solution in this regard.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:</b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/cps-mumbai-derecognition-932-students-identified-ag-promises-solution-to-supreme-court-156844" target="_blank"><i><b>CPS Mumbai Derecognition: AG promises Supreme Court a solution for affected students</b></i></a></p></div><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>2 More Arrested in Durgapur MBBS Student Gangrape Case</b></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">In the ongoing probe into the gangrape incident in Bengal, two more persons have been arrested. Now, altogether 5 accused are in custody.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Speaking to PTI, police informed, "Two more persons were arrested on Monday (October 13, 2025) in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 23-year-old medical student in West Bengal's Durgapur, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five."</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i><b>For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:</b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i><b><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/west-bengal/2-more-arrests-in-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-case-5-in-police-custody-156859" target="_blank">2 more arrests in Durgapur MBBS student gangrape case, 5 in police custody</a></b></i></p></div>

428. Bengaluru doctor alleges sexual harassment on KSRTC Bus

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:51 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/09/28/254507-sexual-assault-50-1.webp' /><p><b>Bengaluru:</b> In a disturbing incident, a <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/woman-doctor">woman doctor</a> from Bengaluru was allegedly <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/sexual-harassment">sexually harassed</a> by a co-passenger while travelling on a KSRTC bus from Doddaballapur to Bengaluru.</p><p>The accused, identified as a 32-year-old salesperson residing in RT Nagar, was reportedly seated next to the doctor. According to the complaint lodged with the Sanjay Nagar police, the incident took place around 6 PM on October 2, as the bus reached near Esteem Mall. It was at this point that the man allegedly touched the doctor inappropriately. </p><p>Despite the doctor’s repeated attempts to distance herself, the accused continued his advances, causing immense distress and discomfort. Unable to tolerate the harassment any longer, she immediately informed the bus driver and contacted her brother, who in turn alerted the police. </p><p>The bus conductor and co-passengers quickly intervened to restrain the accused and ensured that he did not flee before the bus reached Bengaluru. On arrival, the accused was handed over to the Sanjay Nagar police.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/mbbs-student-gangrape-case-bengal-health-dept-orders-probe-seeks-report-from-medical-college-156823"><b>Also Read:MBBS student gangrape case: Bengal health dept orders probe, seeks report from medical college</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">He was later booked under BNS Section 354 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty). He was later released on station bail, a senior officer said, reports the </span><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-woman-doctor-alleges-sexual-harassment-by-co-passenger-on-ksrtc-bus-3762653" rel="nofollow">Deccan Herald</a><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">.</span></div></div><p>According to <a href="https://newsnext.live/crime/ksrtc-dus-journey-turns-disturbing-for-bengaluru-doctor-molester-nabbed-by-passengers/" rel="nofollow">News Next</a>, the incident has sparked concern over the safety of women in public transport, especially during intercity travel. Authorities have reiterated the importance of reporting such cases promptly and assured that strict action will be taken against offenders.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/mbbs-student-from-odisha-allegedly-raped-in-bengal-police-launch-probe-156727"><b>Also Read:MBBS student from Odisha allegedly raped in Bengal, police launch probe</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div><p>Medical Dialogues had recently reported that unidentified men allegedly raped an MBBS student in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district. The medico is a second-year MBBS student at a private medical college and is currently ungoing treatment. The incident took place nearly a year later, after a 26-year-old postgraduate trainee was raped and murdered inside Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College Hospital.</p></div>

429. MCC releases provisional list of candidates eligible for NRI category in NEET round 3 counselling, details

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304486-list-of-eligible-candidates.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:&nbsp;</b>The Medical Counselling Committee (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mcc" target="_blank">MCC</a>) has released a list of candidates found eligible for filling NRI choices in Round-3 of the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-ug" target="_blank">NEET UG</a>&nbsp;Counselling for the academic year 2025.&nbsp;</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">This update follows MCC’s earlier notification and includes candidates who successfully submitted the required documents to convert their category from Indian to NRI for admission to <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs" target="_blank">MBBS</a>/BDS courses. Meanwhile, as per the official notice issued by the MCC in this regard, the allotment of seats under the NRI category will be made based on a two-tier priority system-</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/mcc-revises-neet-counselling-2025-schedule-again-check-dates-156881"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>MCC revises NEET counselling 2025 schedule again, check dates</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b>1 PRIORITY 1-</b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">i NRI candidates.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">ii Children of NRIs.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b>2 PRIORITY 2-</b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">i First-degree relatives of NRI wards.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">ii Second-degree relatives of NRI wards.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Seat allocation will be carried out sequentially, giving preference to Priority 1 candidates first, followed by Priority 2, depending on seat availability.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">In the meantime, the MCC clarified that the list is provisional, and candidates must produce all original documents, including proof of NRI status and relationship certificates, at the time of reporting to the allotted college. Failure to furnish the required originals may result in cancellation of the allotted seat.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">The updated lists under features the roll numbers and names of candidates deemed eligible after document scrutiny. It is to be noted that the candidates have been converted provisionally from Indian to NRI for the purpose of UG counselling 2025-26 on the basis of scrutiny of documents sent by them to MCC of DGHS. However, the candidates have to produce the same original documents at the time of Reporting in case NRI seat is allotted to them, failing which their admission is liable to get cancelled.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><u><b><i>To view the notice, click the link below</i></b></u></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/mcc-releases-provisional-list-of-candidates-eligible-for-nri-category-in-neet-2025-round-3-counselling-304487.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/mcc-releases-provisional-list-of-candidates-eligible-for-nri-category-in-neet-2025-round-3-counselling-304487.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>NEET UG 2025 COUNSELLING REVISED SCHEDULE FOR ALL-INDIA QUOTA/DEEMED/CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES/ALL AIIMS INSTITUTED/JIPMER (PUDUCHERRY &amp; KARAIKAL)</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="32"><col width="80"><col width="126"><col width="94"><col width="67"><col width="44"><col width="105"><col width="76"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="8"><p dir="ltr"><b>ROUND III</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>SL.</b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>NO.</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF TENTATIVE SEAT MATRIX BY THE PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND NMC</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REGISTRATION/PAYMENT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>CHOICE FILLING/LOCKING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>PROCESSING OF SEAT ALLOTMENT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>RESULT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REPORTING/JOINING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY INSTITUTES SHARING OF DATA TO MCC</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">27th to 28th September 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">29th September 2025 to 9th October 2025 (12:00 NOON as per Server Time)</p><p dir="ltr">* Payment facility will be available upto 03:00 PM of 9th October 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th September 2025 to 16th October 2025 (till 11:55 PM of 16th October 2025) as per Server Time.</p><p dir="ltr">Choice Locking will be available from 04:00 PM of 16th October 2025 upto to 11:55 PM of 16th October 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">17th to 18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19th to 27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">28th to 29th October 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">DAYS</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(11-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(17-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(09-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Days)</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="32"><col width="80"><col width="126"><col width="94"><col width="67"><col width="44"><col width="105"><col width="76"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="8"><p dir="ltr"><b><u>ONLINE STRAY VACANCY ROUND</u></b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>SL.</b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>NO.</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF TENTATIVE SEAT MATRIX BY THE PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND NMC</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REGISTRATION/PAYMENT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>CHOICE FILLING/LOCKING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>PROCESSING OF SEAT ALLOTMENT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>RESULT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REPORTING/JOINING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY INSTITUTES SHARING OF DATA TO MCC</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025 to 03rd November 2025 (12:00 NOON as per Server Time)</p><p dir="ltr">* Payment facility will be available upto 03:00 PM of 03rd November 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">01st-05th November 2025 (till 11:55 PM of 05th November 2025) as per Server Time.</p><p dir="ltr">Choice Locking will be available from 04:00 PM of 05th November 2025 upto to 11:55 PM of 05th November 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">06th-07th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">31st October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">09th to 15th November 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">DAYS</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(05-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(04-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(07-Days)</p></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);"><b><u>STATE COUNSELLING SCHEDULE</u></b></span><table style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: justify;"><colgroup><col width="42"><col width="93"><col width="179"><col width="104"><col width="103"><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>SCHEDULE FOR ADMISSION</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>ALL INDIA QUOTA/DEEMED/CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY MCC</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>STATE COUNSELLING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Round-3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">29th September 2025 to 18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">28th to 29th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">10th-27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4th November 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Last date of joining</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">_</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1st November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">_</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Stray Vacancy</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025 to 07th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">3rd-09th November 2025</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Last date of joining</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15th Nov., 2025</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Commencement of Academic Session for UG Courses</p></td><td colspan="4"><p dir="ltr">22nd September, 2025</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/more-mbbs-seats-added-to-mcc-neet-round-3-counselling-check-college-wise-details-156860"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>More MBBS seats added to MCC NEET Round 3 counselling, check college-wise details</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

430. Alkem Labs Gets CDSCO Panel Nod for conducting Phase III study of Semaglutide tablet

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:53:52 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2023/02/01/200249-alkem-new.webp' /><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>New Delhi:</b> Alkem Laboratories has got the go-ahead from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC), functioning under the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), for conducting a Phase III clinical trial of Semaglutide Tablets 3mg, 7mg and 14mg (Synthetic origin) for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">This came after Alkem Laboratories presented Bioequivalence study report along with the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol (protocol vide no. ALK40/SEM3 Version No. 1.1, dated 19.02.2025 for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) before the Committee.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier the Medical Dialogues Team had reported that Alkem Laboratories had gotten the go-ahead from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to conduct the bioequivalence (BE) study and Phase III clinical trial of Semaglutide Tablets 3mg, 7mg &amp; 14mg (Synthetic origin) for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, in line with the above approval, the expert panel had opined that the firm should submit a BE Study report to CDSCO and the BE report should be evaluated by the committee before the initiation of the Phase III clinical trial.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/alkem-laboratories-gets-cdsco-panel-nod-to-study-semaglutide-tablet-for-type-2-diabetes-mellitus-144649"><b><i>Also Read: Alkem Laboratories Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To study Semaglutide tablet for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus</i></b></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, released in the gut in response to eating.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Semaglutide injection is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is used together with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar. This medicine is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart or blood vessel disease.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Semaglutide improves the efficiency of incretin function by activating GLP-1 receptors. It acts by numerous mechanisms, like augmented insulin secretion (glucose-dependent), inhibition of glucagon release and suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby reducing both fasting and postprandial glucose.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the recent SEC meeting for endocrinology and metabolism, the expert panel reviewed Bioequivalence study report of Semaglutide Tablets 3mg, 7mg and 14mg (Synthetic origin) along with the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol (protocol vide no. ALK40/SEM3 Version No. 1.1, dated 19.02.2025 for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) presented by Alkem Laboratories.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended accepting the BE study report and recommended conducting the Phase III clinical trial as per the revised protocol presented by the firm.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/cdsco/cdsco-panel-seeks-clarifications-from-novo-nordisk-on-icosema-phase-iiib-clinical-study-protocol-156768"><b><i>Also Read: CDSCO Panel seeks clarifications from Novo Nordisk on IcoSema phase IIIb clinical study protocol</i></b></a></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap"><div></div></div></div></div>

431. PCI Restores Approval for 42 Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra for 2025-26 Admissions

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:49:03 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/07/09/294033-admission.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Mumbai</b>: Weeks after barring admissions at nearly 90 pharmacy colleges, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has now reinstated approval for 42 institutions across Maharashtra to admit students for B.Pharm and D.Pharm programmes in the academic year 2025-26.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The move follows a detailed compliance review by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) and court directives, marking a significant turnaround for several colleges earlier flagged for non-compliance.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">The PCI’s latest decision covers 8 B.Pharm and 34 D.Pharm institutions that successfully rectified deficiencies related to faculty strength, infrastructure, and facilities. The Council’s 434th meeting examined the Maharashtra government’s letter dated September 29, 2025, and the Bombay High Court orders of September 24 and 26, before concluding that these institutes had met all regulatory requirements to resume admissions.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap" style="text-align: justify;"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharmacy-education/pci-bars-89-pharmacy-colleges-in-maharashtra-from-2025-26-admissions-over-regulatory-lapses-155996">Also Read: PCI Bars 89 Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra from 2025-26 Admissions Over Regulatory Lapses</a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">“Based on the latest information on record, including the Government of Maharashtra’s communication dated September 29, 2025, the Council decided to restore admission status of 42 colleges for the 2025–26 academic year,” the PCI stated in its circular.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The approved institutions include:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mayani Bhag Shikshan Prasark Mandal’s College of Pharmacy – 60 seats</p><p style="text-align: justify;">SBNM College of Pharmacy – 60 seats</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Aldel College of Pharmacy &amp; Research, St. John Technical &amp; Education Campus – 100 seats</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dnyan Ganga College of Pharmacy – 60 seats</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jay Bharat College of Pharmacy – 60 (BPharm) + 60 (DPharm) seats</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Brahma Valley Institute of Pharmacy – 60 seats</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Late Devrao Digamber Varat College of Pharmacy – 60 seats</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Balasaheb Desai College of Pharmacy – 60 seats</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Alongside these, 34 DPharm colleges have also been cleared to admit students after meeting the PCI’s infrastructure and staffing standards. Some approvals were reinstated following favourable court rulings in response to petitions filed by the institutions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier, the PCI had withdrawn approval from 89 colleges, including 18 BPharm and 71 DPharm institutes, citing serious lapses in infrastructure, teaching staff, and documentation. The Council noted that several colleges subsequently submitted compliance evidence and successfully passed reinspection by the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) and the DTE, reports <a href="https://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=181714&amp;sid=1" rel="nofollow">The Telegraph India</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The PCI has emphasized that all approved institutions must maintain academic standards, qualified faculty, and adequate infrastructure to retain recognition in future sessions. The decision is seen as an important balancing act between regulatory vigilance and continuity of education for thousands of pharmacy students in Maharashtra.</p><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"><div class="read-this-also-wrap" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/channels/top-videos/pci-directs-pharmacy-colleges-to-complete-biometric-attendance-registration-within-15-days-154088">Also Read: PCI directs Pharmacy colleges to complete Biometric attendance registration within 15 days</a></div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="hocal-draggable" draggable="true"></div></div>

432. Reliance Life Sciences Gets CDSCO Panel Nod for Phase I/III Trial of Biosimilar Nivolumab

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:39:43 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/12/30/267015-reliance-industries-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi: </b>The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has granted approval to Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. to conduct a Phase I/III clinical trial for its biosimilar Nivolumab (R-TPR-067, RLS-Nivolumab).</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify;">In light of the earlier recommendation of SEC (Oncology) dated March 20, 2025, the firm presented the protocol to conduct a Phase I/III clinical trial titled “A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Two-Arm Comparative Phase I/III Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics and Immunogenicity of R-TPR-067 (RLS-Nivolumab) and Opdivo®/Opdyta® administered by intravenous route in Patients previously treated for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer” vide Protocol No.: RLS/ONC/2024/05 Version 2.0 dated April 9, 2025.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for grant of permission to conduct the Phase I/III clinical trial as per the protocol presented by the firm.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nivolumab, marketed globally as Opdivo® and Opdyta®, is an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor. By blocking the PD-1 pathway, it enhances the body’s immune system to detect and attack cancer cells more effectively. It is approved internationally for several cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, among others.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The trial aims to establish comparability in efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity between Reliance Life Sciences’ biosimilar Nivolumab (RLS-Nivolumab) and the reference innovator product Opdivo®/Opdyta®. The study will involve patients who have been previously treated for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, a cancer type representing one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., part of the Reliance Group, is an Indian biotechnology company focused on research, development, and manufacturing of complex biologics, biosimilars, and novel therapeutic entities. The company has been actively working to develop affordable biotherapeutics in oncology, immunology, and other life-threatening diseases, aiming to make advanced therapies accessible to patients globally.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/cdsco/cdsco-panel-flags-trial-death-seeks-causality-report-from-reliance-life-sciences-on-etanerrel-155661"><b><i>Also Read: CDSCO Panel Flags Trial Death, Seeks Causality Report from Reliance Life Sciences on EtanerRel</i></b></a></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"></div>

433. Telangana Junior doctors launch mental health helpline amid rising suicides

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:27:33 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2024/12/05/263574-mental-illness-50.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">Hyderabad: The <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-junior-doctors-to-launch-indefinite-strike-from-june-30-over-stipend-faculty-infrastructure-woes-150793" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Telangana Junior Doctors Association</a> (T-JUDA) has launched a new mental health support platform, <i>ED T-JUDA Connect</i>, aimed at providing emotional and psychological assistance to medical students, residents, and junior doctors across the state-run medical colleges.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"> <p style="text-align: justify; ">The initiative, described as a confidential helpline, will be managed by trained peers and mentors who will offer counselling, referrals, and connections to professional mental health services.</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/education/medical-admissions/telangana-pg-medical-admissions-2025-knruhs-extends-registration-deadline-156850"><img class="also-read-media" data-src="https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/13/304246-extend.webp"></a><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/telangana-pg-medical-admissions-2025-knruhs-extends-registration-deadline-156850"><b><u><span class="read-this-also">Also Read:</span>Telangana PG medical admissions 2025: KNRUHS extends registration deadline</u></b></a><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Highlighting the urgent need for such support, the association cited data from the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nmc" target="_blank">National Medical Commission</a> (NMC), which revealed that 119 medical students — 64 pursuing MBBS and 55 postgraduates — have died by suicide in the past five years, many of them from Telangana.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Talking to Medical Dialogues, Ajay Kumar Goud, General Secretary of T-JUDA, stated, “Doctors, while dedicated to healing others, often neglect their own well-being.” He added that long work hours, academic stress, social pressure, and emotional exhaustion have significantly impacted the mental health of the medical fraternity. <i>ED T-JUDA Connect</i>, where “ED” stands for emotional development, seeks to create a culture of care, confidentiality, and mutual support within the medical community.</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/gandhi-medical-college-doctor-allegedly-dies-by-suicide-156293"><img class="also-read-media" data-src="https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/06/06/289787-suicide-3.webp"></a><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/gandhi-medical-college-doctor-allegedly-dies-by-suicide-156293"><b><u><span class="read-this-also">Also Read:</span>Gandhi Medical College doctor allegedly dies by suicide</u></b></a><div></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Dr Goud mentioned that recently, a medico who was preparing for his PG exams from Gandhi Medical College and had already given two attempts for NEET PG ended his life by consuming poison. The reason why he had taken the drastic step, the doctor mentioned that he was unable to cope with the extreme mental pressure of academic expectation, and such is the case for many medicos. “We have launched a portal or helpline to help the medicos. The system is for the students by the students. The class representatives and two volunteers from each batch will be a part of the desk. There will be around 25 people on board, and junior doctors will lead the whole ordeal. Junior doctors from the psychiatric department will also be involved. The helpdesk will identify the medicos who will need such help, we will talk to them, counsel them, analyse their mental condition, and finally refer them to the concerned psychiatrists.”</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">“The whole process will be confidential, and the psychiatrists will be specialists outside of the department and the institute. We will upskill it so that all the medical colleges of Telangana can also access the benefit,” he added.</p></div>

434. WHO issues alert over contaminated India cough syrups

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:09:08 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/06/28/292619-who.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; ">The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarm, issuing a health advisory warning about three contaminated cough syrups from India that have been linked to the deaths of children.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The WHO urged the authorities to report any detection of these medicines in their countries to the health agency.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The contaminated oral liquid medicines have been identified to be specific batches of COLDRIF, Respifresh TR and ReLife, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">On 8 October, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) of India reported to WHO the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in at least three oral liquid medicines.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">CDSCO has confirmed that relevant state authorities have ordered an immediate halt to production at implicated manufacturing sites and have suspended product authorizations. In addition, a recall of the contaminated products has been initiated by relevant state authorities.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The CDSCO has informed WHO that none of the contaminated medicines have been exported from India and there is currently no evidence of illegal export. Nevertheless, WHO encourages National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) to consider targeted market surveillance, with particular attention to informal and unregulated supply chains where products may circulate undetected. NRAs are also advised to carefully evaluate the risks associated with any oral liquid medicines originating from the same manufacturing sites—particularly those produced since December 2024. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The products identified in this alert are considered substandard as they fail to meet their quality standards and their specifications. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per the WHO, these contaminated products pose significant risks to patients and can cause severe and potentially life-threatening illness. Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. The contaminated oral liquid medicines referenced in this alert are unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.</p><p><b style="text-align: justify; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><i>Read also: <a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/3-cough-syrups-recalled-none-exported-cdsco-responds-to-who-156620" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">3 cough syrups recalled, none exported: CDSCO responds to WHO</a></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p>

435. NMC to ban promotion of medical devices, companies during live surgeries: Chairman Dr Abhijat Sheth

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:07:17 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/08/20/298188-nmc.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:</b>&nbsp;Aiming to make regulations for<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/live-surgery"> live surgery </a>procedures clearer and more practical, India is planning to ban the promotion and marketing of medical devices and companies during educational live surgeries, said the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nmc-chairperson">National Medical Commission Chairman</a>&nbsp;(NMC)&nbsp;Dr Abhijat Sheth, Mint has reported.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Under the current guidelines for livestreaming surgeries, which were established following a Supreme Court directive, live broadcasts should not be used to promote the operating surgeon, hospital, or product brand. Surgeons should not have a financial or commercial interest in the equipment or devices used during the surgery/procedures.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">However, certain ambiguities in the guidelines have created confusion among medical professionals. In this regard, Dr Sheth said in an interview, said, "We are working to amend the draft to make it more practical and acceptable to stakeholders."</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/health-news/nmc/should-live-surgery-broadcasts-be-allowed-in-india-nmc-invites-comments-from-medical-fraternity-123595" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: Should Live Surgery Broadcasts be allowed in India? NMC invites comments from medical fraternity</i></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"The previous draft's 'pan-India procedure' rule created ambiguity- a procedure considered new in Delhi may not be new in Mumbai or southern India. We are addressing these confusing issues, particularly the definition of 'new procedures,' the role of the faculty and the administration," he added, as reported by <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/medical-education-regulator-medical-devices-pharma-companies-live-surgeries-national-medical-commission-abhijat-sheth-11760334733501.html" rel="nofollow">Live Mint</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Under the NMC norms, live broadcasts for new procedures are allowed. However, the norms specify that the recording should be preferred for established procedures or high-risk cases.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Dr Sheth said that NMC will soon include a provision to prohibit the promotion, marketing, or medical devices and pharmaceutical products and companies during live surgeries. He said, "Our goal is to fix these gaps and make the guidelines clearer and more effective."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Live Broadcast of Surgeries, even though, it is a potential education tool for surgeons and students, has always been mired in controversies and has raised concerns about its effectiveness vis-à-vis pre-recorded videos. The Apex Medical Commission has also flagged live broadcasts in private hospitals for the possibility of exploiting patients for commercial gain, prioritising advertising and self-promotion over patient safety. Due to these concerns, it is required to take prior permission from regulatory bodies such as the NMC and the State Medical Councils for any live surgery.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that back in 2023, a Delhi-based Ophthalmologist had moved the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>, highlighting the legal and ethical issues posed by live surgery broadcast. Back then, a top court bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and also comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had issued notices to the Central Government, NMC, and others.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">During the case proceedings, the counsel for the petitioners, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, raised several concerns regarding live surgery demonstrations. He also highlighted the fact that these surgeries are conducted with an audience of up to 800 individuals in medical conferences, and this audience actively participates in the process by asking questions to the surgeon while the procedure is ongoing.</p><div class="inside-post-ad-3 inside-post-ad ads_common_inside_post" id="inside_post_content_ad_3"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify; ">After the plea was filed before the top court bench, NMC put the question 'Should the surgeries be broadcast live?' before the various stakeholders in healthcare and the public.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Placing the issue before the public domain, NMC had invited comments from all stakeholders and the general public, seeking their opinion on the live surgery broadcasts conducted by the private hospitals.</p></div><p style="text-align: justify; ">In response to the plea filed before the Supreme Court, the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/ethics-and-medical-registration-board">Ethics and Medical Registration Board</a> (EMRB) of the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/National-Medical-Commission">National Medical Commission</a> (NMC) earlier this year issued guidelines to regulate the conduct and broadcast of Live surgeries.&nbsp;</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; ">In the guidelines, the Apex Medical Commission referred to the concerns related to the broadcast of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/live-surgery">live surgeries</a> and addressed the questions such as who can organise such live surgery procedures, who can perform the same, where it can be done, how it is to be done, the responsibilities of organisers, prior permission of the regulatory body, etc.</div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/health-news/nmc/nmc-releases-guidelines-for-live-surgery-broadcasts-8-points-to-know-152513" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><i>Also Read: NMC releases guidelines for live surgery broadcasts- 8 points to know</i></b></a></div>

436. 65 MBBS seats added to MCC NEET counselling round 3, choice filling available till October 16th

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:28 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304530-seat-matrix-1.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:</b>&nbsp;The Medical Counselling Committee (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mcc" target="_blank">MCC</a>)&nbsp;has announced the addition of new <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs" target="_blank">MBBS </a>seats to the Round-3 seat matrix of the N<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet-ug" target="_blank">EET UG</a>&nbsp;Counselling for the academic year 2025.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">As per the latest notice issued by the MCC in this regard, a total of 65 new seats have been added from three medical institutions across Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "> The updated list includes All India Quota (AIQ) seats and Deemed University seats, allowing candidates to revise and exercise their choice filling accordingly.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/mcc-revises-neet-counselling-2025-schedule-again-check-dates-156881"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>MCC revises NEET counselling 2025 schedule again, check dates</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Therefore, with these additions, MCC has advised all NEET UG 2025 candidates to revisit the Round-3 seat matrix and make necessary updates in their choice filling preferences before the deadline. Below is the seat matrix-</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>SEAT MATRIX</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="54"><col width="194"><col width="124"><col width="124"><col width="124"></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>INSTITUTE NAME</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>STATE</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>QUOTA/CATEGORY</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>NO. OF SEATS</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Autonomous State Medical College, Amethi (U.P.).</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Uttar Pradesh</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AIQ (UR-1, UR-PH-1, SC-2, EWS-1, OBC-2, ST-1)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Rampurhat Government Medical College, Rampurhat.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">West Bengal</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">AIQ (UR-3, OBC-2, SC-1, ST-1, EWS-1)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">J R Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Tamil Nadu</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Deemed/Paid Seats Quota</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">50</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>TOTAL</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>65</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/mcc-adds-65-new-mbbs-seats-to-neet-2025-round-3-seat-matrix-304531.pdf" target="_blank">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/mcc-adds-65-new-mbbs-seats-to-neet-2025-round-3-seat-matrix-304531.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>NEET UG 2025 COUNSELLING REVISED SCHEDULE FOR ALL-INDIA QUOTA/DEEMED/CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES/ALL AIIMS INSTITUTED/JIPMER (PUDUCHERRY &amp; KARAIKAL)</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="32"><col width="79"><col width="127"><col width="91"><col width="71"><col width="44"><col width="106"><col width="74"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="8"><p dir="ltr"><b>ROUND III</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>SL.</b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>NO.</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF TENTATIVE SEAT MATRIX BY THE PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND NMC</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REGISTRATION/PAYMENT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>CHOICE FILLING/LOCKING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>PROCESSING OF SEAT ALLOTMENT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>RESULT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REPORTING/JOINING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY INSTITUTES SHARING OF DATA TO MCC</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">27th to 28th September 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">29th September 2025 to 9th October 2025 (12:00 NOON as per Server Time)</p><p dir="ltr">* Payment facility will be available upto 03:00 PM of 9th October 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th September 2025 to 16th October 2025 (till 11:55 PM of 16th October 2025) as per Server Time.</p><p dir="ltr">Choice Locking will be available from 04:00 PM of 16th October 2025 upto to 11:55 PM of 16th October 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">17th to 18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19th to 27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">28th to 29th October 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">DAYS</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(11-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(17-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(09-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Days)</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="32"><col width="79"><col width="127"><col width="91"><col width="71"><col width="44"><col width="106"><col width="74"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="8"><p dir="ltr"><b>ONLINE STRAY VACANCY ROUND</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>SL.</b></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>NO.</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF TENTATIVE SEAT MATRIX BY THE PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND NMC</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REGISTRATION/PAYMENT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>CHOICE FILLING/LOCKING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>PROCESSING OF SEAT ALLOTMENT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>RESULT</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>REPORTING/JOINING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY INSTITUTES SHARING OF DATA TO MCC</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025 to 03rd November 2025 (12:00 NOON as per Server Time)</p><p dir="ltr">* Payment facility will be available upto 03:00 PM of 03rd November 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">01st-05th November 2025 (till 11:55 PM of 05th November 2025) as per Server Time.</p><p dir="ltr">Choice Locking will be available from 04:00 PM of 05th November 2025 upto to 11:55 PM of 05th November 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">06th-07th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">31st October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">09th to 15th November 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">DAYS</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(05-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(04-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(07-Days)</p></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>STATE COUNSELLING SCHEDULE</u></b></p><div dir="ltr"><table style="text-align: justify; "><colgroup><col width="44"><col width="102"><col width="175"><col width="100"><col width="102"><col width="100"></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>SCHEDULE FOR ADMISSION</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>ALL INDIA QUOTA/DEEMED/CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY MCC</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>STATE COUNSELLING</b></p></td><td><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; "><b>VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES</b></p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Round-3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">29th September 2025 to 18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">28th to 29th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">10th-27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4th November 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Last date of joining</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">_</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1st November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">_</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Stray Vacancy</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025 to 07th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">3rd-09th November 2025</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Last date of joining</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15th Nov., 2025</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Commencement of Academic Session for UG Courses</p></td><td colspan="4"><p dir="ltr">22nd September, 2025</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/more-mbbs-seats-added-to-mcc-neet-round-3-counselling-check-college-wise-details-156860"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>More MBBS seats added to MCC NEET Round 3 counselling, check college-wise details</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

437. Fake BAMS doctor arrested after years of illegal practice

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:38:29 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/04/08/282107-fake-doctor.webp' /><p><b>Guwahati:</b> Following a complaint filed by the Anti-Quackery &amp; Vigilance Cell, a man posing as a <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/quack" target="_blank">quack</a><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/fake-doctor">&nbsp;</a>was arrested by Sonai Police on Friday night in Assam's Cachar district. The accused had allegedly been practising medicine without valid credentials for nearly six to seven years.&nbsp;</p><p>According to news reports, the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/fake-doctor" rel="nofollow">fake doctor</a> has been allegedly treating patients at Arfaz Medical Hall, located on Motinagar Road in Sonai, Rangirghat Pt-1. He claimed to hold a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and used a printed prescription pad carrying the registration number BA/5301-1 (AMC) to lend credibility to his fraudulent practice.</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-medical-council-busts-illegal-clinics-run-by-quacks-155654"><b>Also Read: Telangana Medical Council busts illegal clinics run by Quacks</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Acting on the complaint filed by the Anti-Quackery Cell, led by Dr. Abhijit Neog, a case was registered at Sonai Police Station, leading to the accused’s immediate arrest.</span></div></div><p>According to <a href="https://www.sentinelassam.com/topheadlines/assam-quack-arrested-by-sonai-police-22nd-this-year" rel="nofollow">the Sentinel</a>, regarding the fake doctor Roshan Ali, chief of the Anti Quackery &amp; Vigilance Cell, Dr Abhijit Neog, said that Ali is the 22nd "doctor" arrested since the Anti Quackery &amp; Vigilance Cell was formed in January, 2025 and the 61st on Dr Neog's personal count who, he emphasized, played with the lives of the downtrodden and the innocent civilians. </p><p>This latest arrest underscores the growing concerns around medical fraud and quackery in rural and semi-urban areas. &nbsp;</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/2-fake-dentists-arrested-after-running-clinics-for-10-years-154893"><b>Also Read:2 Fake Dentists arrested after running clinics for 10 years</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Medical Dialogues had previously reported that just days after a fake doctor was arrested from Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Cachar police have intensified their efforts against unqualified medical practitioners by arresting two more fake dentists who had been operating clinics for the past ten years in the Tarapur area of Silchar. The latest arrests followed complaints from Red Cross Hospital and SMCH, which raised alarms over the increasing number of unqualified individuals posing as medical professionals and endangering public health.</span></div></div>

438. 'Reignites RG Kar trauma': Doctors condemn Durgapur MBBS student gangrape, demand SC intervention, Safety reforms

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:44:27 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/08/16/297858-specialist-doctor.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b style="">Kolkata:&nbsp;</b>Referring to the <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/rg-kar" target="_blank" style="">RG Kar</a> tragedy, where the West Bengal government had repeatedly assured safety for medical students, several <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/doctors" target="_blank" style="">doctors</a>'&nbsp;associations across the nation have condemned the alleged gangrape of a second-year MBBS student near IQ City Medical College, Durgapu, on October 10.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> The doctors indicated that the safety of female students and doctors in the state continues to be ignored.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) expressed anger, saying the brutal incident has shaken the conscience of the entire medical community and reignited the collective trauma still fresh from the R.G. Kar Medical College tragedy just a year ago.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">FAIMA has demanded a swift and strict investigation and trial, psychological support and protection for the survivor and her family, mandatory safety audits and secure hostels and campuses across all medical and educational institutions in West Bengal, and the creation of a dedicated grievance and protection cell for women medical students.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/west-bengal/doctors-demand-inquiry-supreme-court-intervention-in-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-case-156848" target="_blank">Doctors demand inquiry, Supreme Court intervention in Durgapur MBBS student gangrape case</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"Medical students dedicate their youth and energy to serve humanity, often working under immense stress and unsafe conditions. It is therefore heartbreaking that even within the sanctuaries of learning and healing, they are not protected from such heinous acts of violence. The repeated occurrence of such crimes within the medical community reflects not only a grave lapse in law and order but also a crisis of trust and safety for every young woman pursuing education in the state," the letter reads.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">While reports were published that a few arrests have been made, several accused remain at large, said the association. "The delay in justice and visible fear among students have further deepened the pain and outrage across medical institutions nationwide. What the students seek is not only punishment for the perpetrators but also accountability from the system that repeatedly fails to ensure their safety," the letter adds.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Medical Dialogues had reported that altogether five accused have been arrested and are in police custody. The second-year student of a private medical college in Durgapur, hailing from Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district, was allegedly gang-raped on Friday (October 10) night when she went outside the college campus with a male friend to have dinner.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to police sources, the student had initially submitted a brief written statement of three to four lines to the college authorities, stating that she and her friend were walking outside the campus when they were suddenly surrounded by a group of men who then assaulted her.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The statement was later forwarded to the police, following which an FIR was lodged and an investigation initiated. Based on the student's complaint, the police determined that the incident occurred between 8 p.m. and 8.45 p.m. on Friday. Investigators said that three men initially surrounded the student and snatched away her phone when she tried to call her friends for help. Two more persons later joined them, and together the five men allegedly raped her.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The accused also offered her Rs 5,000 to leave quietly, police sources said. The survivor's male friend, who was accompanying her, is currently under police detention for questioning. Investigators said his movements and conduct on the night of the incident have raised suspicion. According to the survivor's father, who has also filed a separate complaint, the friend fled the scene when the accused surrounded the woman.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Following this, a political uproar erupted over the comments of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee when she suggested women should not go out at night.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In response to the alleged brutal incident, the doctors, including the West Bengal Doctors Forum (WBDF) and Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors Association (APJUDA), sought Supreme Court Chief Justice B R Gavai's intervention on the apex court-mandated directive for the formation of a National Task Force to ensure security in the medical colleges</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Central MARD</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Similarly, the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (Central MARD) also condemned the incident and stressed the urgent need to ensure the safety and dignity of women everywhere — in educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"It is heartbreaking that such a tragedy has occurred barely a year after the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata. Despite repeated nationwide protests and official assurances, the absence of strong preventive systems and accountability continues to cost innocent lives. While some arrests have been made, several accused remain absconding, and the survivor’s family lives in constant fear. Medical students across India are on the streets demanding justice — not only for one student but for every woman who deserves to live, learn, and work without fear, " mentioned the press release.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The association demanded a swift and transparent investigation with strict punishment for all involved, accountability of authorities responsible for security lapses, robust safety measures in all medical institutions — including secure campus access, CCTV surveillance, gender-sensitization programs, and functional Internal Complaints Committees — and nationwide reforms to ensure safe environments for all women, regardless of their profession or background.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>NAFORD</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Besides, the National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS &amp; INIs (NAFORD) has demanded the Supreme Court's intervention by requesting it to take immediate suo-motu cognisance of the incident to oversee a fast-tracked investigation and trial.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"The National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS &amp; INIs (NAFORD) unequivocally condemns the brutal gangrape of a second-year MBBS student near IQ City Medical College, Durgapur, on 10th October 2025. This heinous assault is a chilling indictment of the failed safety environment for our nation’s medical students. This attack is a horrific reminder of systemic failure, occurring just over a year after the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College," stated the press statement.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The association further stated that despite the Supreme Court’s subsequent suo motu cognisance of the RG Kar incident and the creation of a National Task Force to establish safety guidelines, this tragedy proves that those directives have been completely ignored.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"The ongoing student protests in Durgapur signal a complete collapse of trust in the college administration and state authorities. Paper reforms and political blame games have left our future doctors perilously vulnerable, exposing a total lack of accountability," the press statement added.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">NAFORD’s demands for immediate action are as follows:</p><ul class="hocalwire-editor-list"><li style="text-align: justify; ">Supreme Court Intervention: Immediate suo motu cognizance by the Hon’ble Supreme Court to oversee a fast-tracked investigation and trial.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Judicial Inquiry: An independent judicial inquiry into the negligence of state and college authorities, with strict accountability for their failures.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Nationwide Safety Enforcement: Mandatory, nationwide enforcement of the Supreme Court-mandated safety protocols in all medical colleges, with severe penalties for non-compliance.</li><li style="text-align: justify; ">Exemplary Punishment: The most stringent punishment under law for the perpetrators to serve as a powerful deterrent. Action, not just assurances, is required from the state government.</li></ul><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>JRDA</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The JIPMER Resident Doctors’ Association (JRDA) also expressed solidarity with the victim, urging the authorities to take swift and strict action against all involved in the alleged brutal incident.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"The JIPMER Resident Doctors’ Association strongly condemns the shocking incident of the alleged gangrape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal. Such an act is inhuman and deeply saddening. It raises serious concerns about the safety of women in general, and especially those in the medical field who dedicate their lives to selfless service. We request that the authorities take swift and strict action against all involved in the barbaric act. Along with justice, there is an urgent need for implementation of stronger safety measures for women in public places, medical colleges, and hospitals," mentioned the press release.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/west-bengal/2-more-arrests-in-durgapur-mbbs-student-gangrape-case-5-in-police-custody-156859" target="_blank" style="">2 more arrests in Durgapur MBBS student gangrape case, 5 in police custody</a></b></p>

439. Medical Bulletin 14/October/2025

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:30:46 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304477-top-medical-26.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Here are the top medical news for the day:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Could Skin Conditions Be Early Markers of Mental Health Risk? </b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Scientists have found that individuals with mental health conditions who also experience skin disorders may face a higher risk of poor psychiatric outcomes, including depression and suicidal thoughts. The findings, presented at the ECNP meeting in Amsterdam, could help improve early identification of vulnerable patients and allow for more personalized psychiatric care. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The study examined 481 people undergoing their first episode of psychosis — a condition marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and a break from reality. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">On testing, 14.5% were found to have dermatological symptoms (24% female, 9.8% male) such as rash, itching, photosensitivity, etc. All patients were given 4 weeks treatment with an antipsychotic and then checked for a range of mental health parameters. </p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Lead researcher, Dr Joaquín Galvañ (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid) said: </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“After 4 weeks of follow-up, patients with a first episode of psychosis presenting with skin conditions experienced higher levels of depression and risk of suicide. We found that just 7% of the patients without the initial skin conditions had suicidal thoughts or attempts, in contrast, around 25% of the patients with initil skin conditions had suicidal thoughts or attempts. Initial skin conditions are also linked to greater depression and poorer well-being at follow-up. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This discovery suggests that the presence of skin conditions indicates that these patients are more at risk for worse outcomes than patients who do not have skin conditions after a first episode of psychosis”. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The researchers note that, if confirmed, this finding has the potential to act as an advance marker for mental health risk, similar to the way, a blood test might indicate a greater risk of cancer or heart disease. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The brain and the skin both derive from the same embryonic origin – the ectoderm – prompting the researchers to investigate the relation between the skin and mental health. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Reference:</b> https://www.ecnp.eu/congress2025/ </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><br></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>2 Common Drugs May Show Dual Benefit in Fatty Liver and Heart Disease </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A new study published in Pharmacological Research suggests that two existing medications — pemafibrate and telmisartan, may offer an effective and safer treatment option for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as fatty liver disease. Conducted by researchers at the University of Barcelona, the findings highlight a promising drug repurposing strategy that could help manage both liver fat buildup and cardiovascular risk, especially during the early, asymptomatic stages of the disease. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">MASLD is now the most prevalent liver disorder globally, affecting around one in three adults. It occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells, increasing the risk of liver damage and cardiovascular mortality. The researchers explored whether combining pemafibrate, a lipid-lowering drug approved in Japan, and telmisartan, an antihypertensive commonly prescribed worldwide, could offer dual protection. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Using a rat model and zebrafish larvae, the team evaluated the drugs' ability to reduce liver fat accumulation. The study showed that the combined treatment reversed liver fat buildup caused by a high-fat, high-fructose diet. Notably, using half doses of both drugs proved as effective as full doses of either, pointing to potential synergy and reduced toxicity. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Each drug appeared to work through distinct biological pathways. Telmisartan, in particular, was found to restore normal levels of the PCK1 protein, which diverts metabolites away from lipid synthesis and toward glucose production. "This increase in PCK1 diverts the flux of metabolites from lipid synthesis to glucose synthesis. This increase in glucose production could be negative if the glucose were exported and accumulated in the blood, as it could lead to diabetes, but we have noticed that this is not the case," Marta Alegret, a professor at the University of Barcelona's Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although clinical application is still distant, this research offers a compelling case for further human studies. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>References:</b> Roger Bentanachs, Patricia Ramírez-Carrasco, Bianca Braster, Anastasia Emmanouilidou, Endrina Mujica, Maite Rodrigo-Calvo, Cristina Rodríguez, Núria Roglans, Marcel den Hoed, Juan C. Laguna, Marta Alegret. Telmisartan reverses hepatic steatosis via PCK1 upregulation: A novel PPAR-independent mechanism in experimental models of MASLD. Pharmacological Research, 2025; 218: 107860 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107860 </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b><br></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>WHO Issues New Guidelines on Undernutrition and Tuberculosis </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The World Health Organization’s newly released module in the consolidated TB guidelines, underscores the critical role of nutrition in TB outcomes and prevention. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Undernutrition has long been a silent but powerful driver of the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. It increases susceptibility to TB disease, worsens treatment outcomes, and contributes to preventable deaths. Recognizing this, the WHO’s latest guidance elevates nutritional care to a core element of people centred TB services under its End TB Strategy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The updated recommendations call for universal nutritional assessment and counselling for people with TB and their household contacts, acknowledging that many individuals in TB exposed households may also suffer from undernutrition. They also advocate for targeted nutritional interventions to optimize clinical outcomes in TB patients with undernutrition, regardless of age, pregnancy status, drug resistance, or severity of malnutrition. A particularly novel recommendation is to provide food assistance to household contacts of TB patients in food insecure settings, drawing evidence from the Reducing Activation of Tuberculosis by Improvement of Nutritional Status (RATIONS) trial. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Tuberculosis thrives on inequality, with undernutrition as a major driver,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. “To end TB, we must address undernutrition and food insecurity as part of a comprehensive, household centred response. Integrating nutrition into comprehensive TB care is essential to breaking the cycle of disease and poverty, and constitutes a critical step towards a world free of TB.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Implementation of the new guidance will demand cross sector collaboration. To aid this, WHO plans to release an operational handbook to guide countries on stakeholder engagement, coordination, and practical steps to embed food and nutrition interventions into national TB programs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Reference:</b> https://www.who.int/news/item/08-10-2025-who-releases-new-guidelines-on-tuberculosis-and-undernutrition </p>

440. NMC releases updated MBBS seat matrix, check details

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:13:12 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304427-mbbs-seats.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>New Delhi:&nbsp;</b>The National Medical Commission (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/nmc" target="_blank">NMC</a>)&nbsp;has released the newly updated MBBS seat matrix for the academic year 2025-26.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The seat matrix, published by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/marb" target="_blank">MARB</a>), includes details of newly approved colleges, additional seats sanctioned, and renewals for existing MBBS programs.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">According to the updated MBBS seat matrix, a total of 126725 seats are available this year across 813 medical colleges, including the 9200 <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mbbs" target="_blank">MBBS </a>seats that the Commission approved this year. Prior to this, a total of 126600 MBBS seats were reported available across 812 medical colleges, including the 9075 MBBS seats that the NMC approved.</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper" style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/mdtv/healthshorts/nmc-under-fire-as-massive-discrepancies-emerge-in-official-doctor-count-data-156857"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>NMC Under Fire as Massive Discrepancies Emerge in Official Doctor Count Data</a></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Last year, the Commission granted permission for 117750. </p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; ">Below is the updated seat matrix-</p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>SEAT MATRIX</u></b></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="256"> <colgroup><col width="64" span="4"> </colgroup><tbody><tr height="55"> <td height="55" class="xl65" width="64">S.NO</td> <td class="xl65" width="64">STATE/UT</td> <td class="xl69" width="64">TOTAL NO. OF SEATS DURING AY 2024-25</td> <td class="xl65" width="64">TOTAL NO. OF SEATS FOR AY 2025-26</td> </tr> <tr height="28"> <td height="28" class="xl66" width="64">1</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Andaman &amp; Nicobar</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">114</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">114</td> </tr> <tr height="28"> <td height="28" class="xl66" width="64">2</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Andhra Pradesh</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">6899</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">7065</td> </tr> <tr height="28"> <td height="28" class="xl66" width="64">3</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Arunachal Pradesh</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">100</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">100</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">4</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Assam</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1650</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1875</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">5</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Bihar</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">2995</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">3395</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">6</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Chandigarh</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">150</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">150</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">7</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Chattisgarh</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">2255</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">2455</td> </tr> <tr height="27"> <td rowspan="2" height="47" class="xl67" width="64">8</td> <td class="xl67" width="64">Dadra and Nagar</td> <td rowspan="2" class="xl67" width="64">177</td> <td rowspan="2" class="xl67" width="64">177</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl68" width="64">Haveli</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">9</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Delhi</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1497</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1396</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">10</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Goa</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">200</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">200</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">11</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Gujarat</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">7250</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">7425</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">12</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Haryana</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">2185</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">2710</td> </tr> <tr height="28"> <td height="28" class="xl66" width="64">13</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Himachal Pradesh</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">920</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">970</td> </tr> <tr height="28"> <td height="28" class="xl66" width="64">14</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Jammu &amp; Kashmir</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1285</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1675</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">15</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Jharkhand</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1055</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1205</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">16</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Karnataka</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">12395</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">13644</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">17</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Kerala</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">4755</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">5304</td> </tr> <tr height="28"> <td height="28" class="xl66" width="64">18</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Madhya Pradesh</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">5200</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">5675</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">19</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Maharashtra</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">11845</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">12674</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">20</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Manipur</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">525</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">525</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">21</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Meghalaya</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">200</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">200</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">22</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Mizoram</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">100</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">100</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">23</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Nagaland</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">100</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">100</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">24</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Odisha</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">2725</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">3025</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">25</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Pondicherry</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1830</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1873</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">26</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Punjab</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1700</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1899</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">27</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Rajasthan</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">6505</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">7330</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">28</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Sikkim</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">150</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">150</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">29</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Tamil Nadu</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">12050</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">12650</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">30</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Telangana</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">9065</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">9340</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">31</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Tripura</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">400</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">400</td> </tr> <tr height="28"> <td height="28" class="xl66" width="64">32</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Uttar Pradesh</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">12475</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">13275</td> </tr> <tr height="20"> <td height="20" class="xl66" width="64">33</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">Uttarakhand</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1350</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">1450</td> </tr> <tr height="28"> <td height="28" class="xl66" width="64">34</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">West Bengal</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">5700</td> <td class="xl66" width="64">6199</td> </tr></tbody></table></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><b><u>&nbsp;</u></b><b><u><i>To view the seat matrix, click the link below</i></u></b></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/altogether-126725-mbbs-seats-nmc-releases-updated-2025-seat-matrix-complete-details-here-304430.pdf">https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/altogether-126725-mbbs-seats-nmc-releases-updated-2025-seat-matrix-complete-details-here-304430.pdf</a></p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; "><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/esic-medical-college-indore-gets-nmc-approval-to-begin-mbbs-course-with-50-seats-156762" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b>ESIC Medical College Indore gets NMC approval to begin MBBS course with 50 seats</a>&nbsp;</p></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div></div></div>

441. Mankind Pharma MD Rajeev Juneja takes over as PHDCCI President

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:52:57 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304451-50-38.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/Mankind-Pharma">Mankind Pharma</a> has announced that Rajeev Juneja, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mankind Pharma, takes on the role of President of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) for the PY 2025-26.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Juneja succeeds Hemant Jain, who will now assume the position of Immediate Former President.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Anil Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of KEI Industries Limited, has been appointed Senior Vice President, while Sanjay Singhania, Managing Director and CEO of Epack Prefab Technologies Limited, steps into the role of Vice President, IANS reported.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Rajeev Juneja brings extensive experience from the pharmaceutical industry.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p style="text-align: justify; ">Sharing his vision for the Chamber, Juneja said it is a privilege to lead PHDCCI at such an important time.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He emphasised that his focus will be on building stronger industry linkages, promoting innovation, and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through collaborative growth and self-reliance.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Anil Gupta, the new Senior Vice President, expressed his excitement about the new role.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He said he looks forward to working closely with Juneja and other members to drive meaningful initiatives that benefit both industry and society.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Sanjay Singhania, who has been appointed as Vice President, congratulated Juneja on his appointment.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He said his journey with PHDCCI has been one of trust, transparency, and growth, and assured that the new leadership will continue to take the Chamber to greater heights with the same enthusiasm.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Reflecting on his tenure, Hemant Jain, the Immediate Former President and Managing Director of KLJ Group of Companies, described his experience as deeply fulfilling.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He expressed confidence that the new leadership will further strengthen PHDCCI’s impact and reach.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Welcoming the new team, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary General of PHDCCI, said the Chamber is privileged to have such accomplished leaders at the helm.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">He added that their collective vision and strategic insight will help PHDCCI play an even greater role in driving national growth and enhancing India’s global competitiveness.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">“We are privileged to have such accomplished leaders at the helm. Their combined vision, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence will help PHDCCI further strengthen its role as a catalyst for national growth and global competitiveness,” Mehta mentioned.</p></div>

442. Doon medical college doctors face action after Viral party video- 1 expelled, others fined

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:47:29 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/07/17/294965-expelled.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Dehradun:&nbsp;</b>A shocking video from <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/doon-medical-college" target="_blank">Government Doon Medical College</a> has gone viral on social media, showing several postgraduate <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/doctors" target="_blank">doctors</a> partying late at night inside the hostel while being drunk, and dancing to loud DJ music.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">When police reached the hostel after receiving a complaint, the students reportedly argued with them, which led to an altercation. During the commotion, an outsider entered the hostel and allegedly misbehaved with a neurosurgeon who was trying to pacify the situation.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Following the violation of hostel rules, the college administration expelled a PG junior doctor and fined several others. The doctor who hosted the party was expelled and fined Rs 10,000, while others were fined Rs 5,000 each. Additionally, they have also received warning letters from the hostel warden.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The viral video showed the doctors drinking and dancing to loud music. It also captured the chaos and the quarrel with the police when they arrived and started recording the incident.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/clash-doon-medical-college-hod-oncology-junior-doctor-accuse-each-other-of-assault-probe-on-141444" target="_blank">Clash? Doon Medical College HoD Oncology, Junior Doctor accuse each other of assault, Probe on</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">After the video went online, the college established a five-member internal inquiry. The committee found the junior doctors guilty and submitted a report to Principal Dr Geeta Jain, and the action was taken accordingly.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">As per PTI, Dr Jain informed State Health Secretary R. Rajesh Kumar that the incident occurred between 2:30 am and 3:00 am on October 11, when police received a complaint about loud DJ music being played in the hostel.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> The police approached the hostel gate and informed the security guards, who then escorted them to the room where the party was underway. On entering the room, the police began recording the event, which led to an altercation with the students.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> As tensions escalated, the police called for additional force and brought the students to the ground floor with the intention of taking them to the police station. During this, an outsider arrived at the scene and allegedly misbehaved with neurosurgeon Dr Amit, who was trying to pacify the situation.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In protest, the junior resident doctors wore black ribbons across their uniforms, symbolically expressing their anger at the intrusion and the alleged misbehavior. They demanded stricter security measures and respect for medical staff within the hospital campus, as per <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/jr-doc-at-doon-hospital-expelled-from-hostel-others-fined-after-drunken-brawl/articleshow/124533809.cms" target="_blank">TOI </a>news report.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; "> According to the principal, the students later expressed regret and submitted a written assurance to the police stating that such an incident would not be repeated. Apart from expulsion and fines, the hostel warden, Dr Sushil Ojha, issued a warning letter to them.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The incident drew sharp criticism toward the college, one of the largest medical facilities in Dehradun, for failing to maintain discipline. The inquiry found that neither the security guard nor the warden was present during the incident. The warden was on leave, and the guards failed to act, allowing the situation to get out of control.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Due to the negligence, the administration removed the security guards from their positions. Dr Geeta Jain, principal of the medical college, criticised the security staff for failing to alert the administration or take timely action. Instructions have also been given to the warden to lodge an FIR against the outsider who misbehaved with Dr Amit and recorded the incident, the principal added.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Dr NS Bisht, who headed the inquiry committee, said, "Steps would be taken to strengthen surveillance and supervision around the hostel to prevent such incidents in the future, including closer monitoring of student activities and stricter enforcement of hostel rules."</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Also read- <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/ragging-at-doon-medical-college-intern-suspended-fined-rs-10k-for-allegedly-assaulting-junior-7-senior-students-barred-from-classes-117992" target="_blank">Ragging at Doon Medical College: Intern suspended, fined Rs 10k for allegedly assaulting junior, 7 senior students barred from classes</a></b></p>

443. Raid: Raebareli Pharma agency sealed over purchase of 1.4 lakh bottles of codeine syrup

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:37:24 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/14/304456-202510143540786.webp' /><p style="text-align: justify; "><b>Raebareli:&nbsp;</b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">In a major bust, authorities sealed the Ajay Pharma Agency in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh,</span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&nbsp;on Tuesday after discovering that the company purchased 1.40 lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, a&nbsp;</span>controlled substance<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&nbsp;linked to addiction and fatal effects.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The raid, carried out by a team of drug inspectors, reveals a disturbing trade in controlled substances, as the agency purchased the stock from Lucknow-based Indica Life Sciences,</span>&nbsp;located in Transport Nagar.</p><p>Codeine, a narcotic component used in some cough syrups, poses severe health risks, including addiction, respiratory depression, overdose, and even death. </p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">Before the raid began, the operator of the agency reportedly locked the premises and fled. Authorities have initiated proceedings to file a case against the absconding operator.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Drug Inspector Shivendra Pratap Singh, who led the operation, sealed the premises and confirmed that strict legal action is underway.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Speaking to IANS, he said, "Information was received that a large quantity of the narcotic medicine, codeine cough syrup, was supplied from Ghaziabad Pharma via Lucknow to here. When officials reached the shop, it was closed. The owner was informed and instructed to appear."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">"As soon as we conduct a detailed investigation, we will take strict action against the accused," he added.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The action comes amid a nationwide crackdown on pharmaceutical agencies found selling or distributing medicines unfit for human consumption, following the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh linked to the adulterated Coldrif cough syrup.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The Tamil Nadu government has permanently revoked the manufacturing licence of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the company behind the adulterated cough syrup Coldrif, and ordered its complete shutdown following revelations that the medicine contained dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">In a statement, the Tamil Nadu government said, "The drug manufacturing licence of Sresan Pharmaceuticals has been completely cancelled, and the company has been shut down. Orders have also been issued to conduct a detailed inspection of all drug manufacturing units across Tamil Nadu to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards."</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Officials added that the Health Department will tighten monitoring mechanisms and adopt stricter penalties for pharmaceutical firms violating public health norms.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">The state Drug Control Department, during an inspection of the firm's Kancheepuram facility, found that Coldrif syrup contained 48.6 per cent diethylene glycol (DEG), a lethal industrial solvent used in antifreeze, instead of approved pharmaceutical ingredients.</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Consumption of the syrup has been linked to the death of over 20 children in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, triggering outrage and nationwide scrutiny.</p>

444. NEET Counselling 2025: CENTAC further extends deadlines for Round 3

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:30:52 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/10/13/304337-mbbs-seats-2.webp' /><p>Puducherry: Through a recent notice, the Centralised Admission Committee (<a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/centac" target="_blank">CENTAC</a>)&nbsp;has announced further extension for the Round 3 registration and course preference submission for <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/neet" target="_blank">NEET</a>&nbsp;2025-based medical admissions.</p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr">According to the notice, the new deadline for candidates to complete willingness submission, course preferences, and registration fee payment for Round 3 counselling is October 15, 2025, up to 5:00 p.m. The extension follows the revised <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/mcc" target="_blank">MCC </a>schedule released on the same date.</p><p dir="ltr"><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-admissions/neet-counselling-2025-centac-extends-course-preferences-resignation-deadlines-till-october-13-156760">Also Read:NEET Counselling 2025: CENTAC extends course preferences, resignation deadlines till October 13</a></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p>CENTAC has also allowed candidates who were allotted seats in Round 1 or Round 2 and wish to resign or withdraw their admissions (with forfeiture fee) to submit their Resignation Request Letter through the candidate login dashboard by October 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m.</p><p>Medical Dialogues earlier reported on the revised schedule released by the MCC.</p><p><u>NEET UG 2025 COUNSELLING REVISED SCHEDULE FOR ALL INDIA QUOTA/DEEMED/CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES/ALL AIIMS INSTITUTED/JIPMER (PUDUCHERRY &amp; KARAIKAL)</u></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr">Below is the detailed schedule</p></div></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr"><u>NEET UG 2025 COUNSELLING REVISED SCHEDULE FOR ALL-INDIA QUOTA/DEEMED/CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES/ALL AIIMS INSTITUTED/JIPMER (PUDUCHERRY &amp; KARAIKAL)</u></p><div dir="ltr"><table><colgroup><col width="32"><col width="79"><col width="127"><col width="91"><col width="71"><col width="44"><col width="106"><col width="74"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="8"><p dir="ltr">ROUND III</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">SL.</p><p dir="ltr">NO.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">VERIFICATION OF TENTATIVE SEAT MATRIX BY THE PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND NMC</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">REGISTRATION/PAYMENT</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">CHOICE FILLING/LOCKING</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">PROCESSING OF SEAT ALLOTMENT</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RESULT</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">REPORTING/JOINING</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY INSTITUTES SHARING OF DATA TO MCC</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">27th to 28th September 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">29th September 2025 to 9th October 2025 (12:00 NOON as per Server Time)</p><p dir="ltr">* Payment facility will be available upto 03:00 PM of 9th October 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th September 2025 to 16th October 2025 (till 11:55 PM of 16th October 2025) as per Server Time.</p><p dir="ltr">Choice Locking will be available from 04:00 PM of 16th October 2025 upto to 11:55 PM of 16th October 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">17th to 18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">19th to 27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">28th to 29th October 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">DAYS</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(11-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(17-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(09-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Days)</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div dir="ltr"><table><colgroup><col width="32"><col width="79"><col width="127"><col width="91"><col width="71"><col width="44"><col width="106"><col width="74"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="8"><p dir="ltr">ONLINE STRAY VACANCY ROUND</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">SL.</p><p dir="ltr">NO.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">VERIFICATION OF TENTATIVE SEAT MATRIX BY THE PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND NMC</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">REGISTRATION/PAYMENT</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">CHOICE FILLING/LOCKING</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">PROCESSING OF SEAT ALLOTMENT</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">RESULT</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">REPORTING/JOINING</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY INSTITUTES SHARING OF DATA TO MCC</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025 to 03rd November 2025 (12:00 NOON as per Server Time)</p><p dir="ltr">* Payment facility will be available upto 03:00 PM of 03rd November 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">01st-05th November 2025 (till 11:55 PM of 05th November 2025) as per Server Time.</p><p dir="ltr">Choice Locking will be available from 04:00 PM of 05th November 2025 upto to 11:55 PM of 05th November 2025 as per Server Time</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">06th-07th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">31st October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">8th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">09th to 15th November 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">DAYS</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(05-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(04-Days)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(02-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(01-Day)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">(07-Days)</p></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr"><u>STATE COUNSELLING SCHEDULE</u></p><div dir="ltr"><table><colgroup><col width="44"><col width="102"><col width="175"><col width="100"><col width="102"><col width="100"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p dir="ltr">S.NO.</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">SCHEDULE FOR ADMISSION</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">ALL INDIA QUOTA/DEEMED/CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES' DATA BY MCC</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">STATE COUNSELLING</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">VERIFICATION OF JOINED CANDIDATES</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">1</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Round-3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">29th September 2025 to 18th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">28th to 29th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">10th-27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">4th November 2025</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">2</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Last date of joining</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">27th October 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">_</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">1st November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">_</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">3</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Stray Vacancy</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">30th October 2025 to 07th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">3rd-09th November 2025</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">4</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Last date of joining</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15th November 2025</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">-</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">15th Nov., 2025</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">9</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Commencement of Academic Session for UG Courses</p></td><td colspan="4"><p dir="ltr">22nd September, 2025</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><p dir="ltr"><u style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><i>To view the notices, click the link below</i></u></p></div></div><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/pr-ug-neet-r3-date-extn-13-10-2025-304484.pdf" target="_blank"><i>https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/pr-ug-neet-r3-date-extn-13-10-2025-304484.pdf</i></a></div></div>

445. 60-year-old doctor cheated of Rs 13 lakh in trading scam

     Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:22:12 -0000

     <img src='https://medicaldialogues.in/h-upload/2025/02/06/272986-cyber-crime.webp' /><p><b>Thiruvananthapuram:</b> In a recent case of <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/cyber-crime">cybercrime</a>, a 60-year-old <a href="https://medicaldialogues.in/topics/retired-doctors">retired doctor</a> from Kumarapuram has fallen victim to an elaborate online investment scam, losing Rs 13 lakh.&nbsp;</p><p>The fraud reportedly began in the first week of August when the accused contacted the doctor, claiming to be a staff member of IIFL Securities. They initially offered him a free online course on stock market trading. After the doctor completed the course, he was added to a WhatsApp group where members shared success stories of huge profits earned through trading facilitated by the agency. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/chemist-loses-rs-101-crore-in-social-media-investment-scam-156703"><b>Also Read:Chemist Loses Rs 1.01 Crore in Social Media Investment Scam</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Encouraged by these testimonials, the doctor made an initial small investment. The accused provided double returns during the first three rounds of investment, encouraging the doctor to increase his stake. However, subsequent investments failed to generate any returns. Despite this, the accused urged him to continue investing to eventually earn profits. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div></div><p>In total, the doctor invested Rs 13 lakh. When he requested a withdrawal of his money, the accused demanded Rs 5 lakh as tax to release the promised profit of Rs 80 lakh. It was then that the doctor realised he had been scammed and promptly filed a complaint with the police. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>According to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/retired-doctor-loses-rs-13-lakh-in-online-trading-scam/articleshow/124509193.cms" rel="nofollow">TOI</a>, the city cyber police began a probe after registering a case on the complaints of the victim under Section 66 (D) of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act-2008 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 318 (4) for cheating and 319 (2) for criminal breach of trust. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p><a class="editor-inserted-link" target="_blank" href="https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/retired-doctor-loses-rs-443-crore-in-online-trading-fraud-150693"><b>Also Read:Retired doctor loses Rs 4.43 crore in online trading fraud</b></a></p><div class="pasted-from-word-wrapper"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a retired doctor from a prominent private hospital in Kannur fell victim to a major online scam and lost Rs 4.43 crore after being lured into a fake share trading investment scheme.&nbsp;</span></div></div>

446. Open Communication and Education Are Key to Bullying Prevention

     Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0000

     

     Recognizing four types of bullying, how it affects young kids to teenagers, and parents' and pediatricians' role in awareness.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention.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/2025/10/bullying-prevention.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="900" height="506" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention-900x506.jpg" alt="Teenage boy being bullied by a group of girls" class="wp-image-28099" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention-768x432.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bullying-prevention.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>School is back in session. Kids are back interacting with other kids. And concerns about bullying, particularly cyberbullying, are back on the minds of parents. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to help raise awareness of bullying’s harmful effects on children.</p> <p>There are four main types of bullying—verbal, social, physical, and cyberbullying—and kids of all ages may experience one form or another during their school years or beyond. Verbal bullying is name-calling, insults, or threats. Social bullying is spreading rumors, excluding someone on purpose, or embarrassing someone in public. Physical bullying is any form of physical aggression toward another person. Cyberbullying is using digital platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone.</p> <p>The prevalence of cyberbullying is on the rise, according to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health pediatrician <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/nadereh-varamini.html">Nadereh Varamini, MD</a>. “It can amplify bullying through anonymity and 24/7 accessibility,” she explained.</p> <p>With this type of bullying, “it’s very important for parents to have digital literacy and monitor the online behavior of their children, while also respecting their privacy,” Dr. Varamini said.</p> <p>While parents may think that taking away their child’s phone is the answer, teenagers think that their phone is their life, so it’s not a good idea to take it away, she said.</p> <p>“It’s better to block the platforms we don’t want them to be involved with and supervise and monitor them.”</p> <p>With all types of bullying, open communication with a parent, counselor, teacher, or other trusted adult is key. Children need to feel that they are being listened to without judgment.</p> <p>While any child could be at risk of being bullied, those at higher risk are children who appear different from their peers, either by appearance, behavior, or socioeconomic status, or who are perceived to be shy or weak. Kids who are less popular or have fewer friends also can be targeted.</p> <p>“I see bullying with my patients as early as in kindergarten, and cyberbullying around age 9 or 10 if they have a smartphone,” the pediatrician said.</p> <p>For the younger kids, Dr. Varamini talks to them about bullying, what type of bullying they may have suffered, and what they did about it. She then role-plays with them, playing the role of the bully, and explains what to do to feel safe and what to say if they don’t feel safe.</p> <p>“You should hold your hands up, say, ‘Stop, I don’t like this.’ With a strong voice, stand as tall as you can and then turn your back,” she explained.</p> <p>For teenagers, she asks, “Did you report the bullying to a parent, guardian, or school authority?”</p> <p>“We need to encourage open dialogue, without blame, without pointing a finger, and make sure they know we have 100% unconditional love for them,” she said. “And we need to make sure they don’t feel guilty.”</p> <p>At appointments, “I assess any signs of stress and changes in behavior that might indicate bullying. I offer support and refer them to a counselor if I see severe anxiety and depression (because of the bullying),” she added.</p> <p>“Checkups are good opportunities, especially for teenagers who are not open to talking to parents as much as before … that they have a trusted pediatrician who has often known them since they were little,” Dr. Varamini said. “The way you talk to them can put them at ease. I tell them this office is a sanctuary. You can talk about anything you want to, and I will keep what you say private.”</p> <p>She does clarify, however, that she will talk to their parents if they discuss hurting themself or someone else. Also, once a child reaches age 12, she gives them a questionnaire at each checkup where several questions focus on their emotional health to access any signs of anxiety or depression.</p> <p>Besides their emotional health, physical complaints such as stomachaches, headaches, or a change in sleep pattern or appetite, as well as decreased academic achievement or avoiding social situations, are additional signs of bullying that Dr. Varamini or parents can look for with their older child. For younger children, there could be a sudden change in behavior or in their mood, unexplained injuries, or losing a personal item.</p> <p>“Our role as pediatricians and parents is to emphasize that bullying is harmful, and it’s not a rite of passage to get bullied,” Dr. Varamini said. “Some victims might become aggressive or turn to being a bully themselves as a defense response.”</p> <p>Dr. Varamini, along with about 20 other parents, created a bullying-prevention program when her daughter was in middle school. The monthly presentations made a big difference in decreasing bullying incidents at the school, she recalled.</p> <p>They taught the implications of sharing information online; the importance of online etiquette; that once something is posted online it is there forever, anybody can see it, and they have no control over the post; about using privacy settings to control who sees their posts and profiles; how to report an incident of abusive behavior on social media platforms, and to block the offenders; and finally, how to be empowered to act if they witness bullying, particularly cyberbullying.</p> <p>It’s all about “education and awareness,” Dr. Varamini said. She also discusses bullying in a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/podcasts-parents?segitem=67182">HealthTalks podcast</a>.</p> <center><table style="border: 1px solid #dfdfdf;padding:10px"><tbody><tr><td><center><img decoding="async" width="300" height="169" style="margin-bottom:0px;" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nadereh-varamini-md-healthtalks.jpg" alt="Nadereh Varamini, MD Healthtalks" class="wp-image-28097"><br><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://radiomd.com/audio-player/playerwidget/item/67182?clientcode=stanfordchildrens" seamless="" scrolling="no" border="0" frameborder="0" width="302" height="49"></iframe></center></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p></center>

447. Pediatric Cancer Research Receives a Boost During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

     Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:39:35 -0000

     

     Raya Saab, MD, a pediatric oncologist and renowned solid tumor researcher at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, has been awarded a $400,000 Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01.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/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="506" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01-900x506.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28079" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01-768x432.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-01.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p><a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/raya-hamad-saab.html">Raya Saab, MD</a>, a pediatric oncologist and renowned solid tumor researcher at <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en.html">Stanford Medicine Children’s Health</a>, has been awarded a $400,000 Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research. The grant will support Dr. Saab’s research on CD147, a glycoprotein involved in tumor development and progression, aimed at discovering more effective treatments.</p> <p>Dr. Saab, who is also the Lindhard Family Professor of Pediatric Cancer Biology at the Stanford School of Medicine, accepted the award during a check presentation ceremony on September 24 at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the center of the Stanford Children’s Network. The event was attended by hospital leadership, representatives from Hyundai Motor America, and pediatric cancer survivor Tyler and his family.</p> <p>“I’m really excited about the investigator Hyundai Hope on Wheels is supporting this year,” said <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/tanja-andrea-gruber.html">Tanja Gruber, MD, PhD</a>, the Chambers Family Endowed Professor for Pediatric Cancer and division chief of pediatric hematology, oncology, stem cell transplantation, and regenerative medicine.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="384" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/053666-HHOW-02-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28090" style="width:367px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/053666-HHOW-02-edited.jpg 576w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/053666-HHOW-02-edited-450x300.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure></div> <p>Dr. Gruber explained, “Dr. Saab focuses on solid tumors, in particular soft-tissue sarcomas, and right now we’re not curing all of our patients with soft-tissue sarcomas. One of toughest things about these patients is metastatic disease, which is when the tumors spread throughout the body. So, understanding and being able to target metastatic disease is really crucial. Dr. Saab’s research is filling a void in our current knowledge and has a lot of potential to translate into better treatments for kids.”</p> <p>One of Dr. Saab’s patients, Tyler, 19, was diagnosed with a malignant germ cell tumor during his senior year at Gilroy High School. He feared that illness would put a stop to his football career.</p> <p>He told those gathered, “Your donations to cancer researchers who develop new treatments have helped me not only beat cancer but also return to playing football only six months after remission. I sat in a hospital bed for five months, dreaming of being able to play football again, and now here I am, living out my dreams that seemed so far away.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="864" height="576" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28083" style="width:530px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-03.jpg 864w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-03-450x300.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053666-HHOW-03-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" /></figure></div> <p>Supporters and family members then cheered as Tyler left colorful imprints of his hands on a vehicle, symbolizing hope and progress in the fight against childhood cancer.</p> <p>The check presentation and handprint ceremony are held every year in September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of pediatric cancer and raising funds for research. &nbsp;</p> <p>“My time in the hospital opened me up to how many other teenagers and children there were, just like me, that had their goals derailed by cancer,” said Tyler. “We put our lives in the hands of teams such as Dr. Saab’s to ensure that eventually we’d be able to return to some kind of normal.”</p> <p>With this latest grant, Packard Children’s Hospital has received nearly $5.5 million for pediatric cancer research since 2004 from Hyundai Hope on Wheels.</p> <p><a href="https://lpfch.org/donate/">Learn more about how to support the extraordinary care and research at Packard Children’s &gt;</a></p>

448. Newborn Undergoes Lifesaving Open Heart Surgery at 3 Days Old

     Thu, 25 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000

     

     Hospital and network cardiology teams act quickly to save the life of a newborn with congenital heart disease.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-now.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/2025/09/marcus-now.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-now-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-now-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-now-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <p><em>Boy receives congenital heart surgery quickly, thanks to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health specialty network team</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/2025/09/marcus-now-900x506.jpg" alt="Marcus sitting in a sandbox" class="wp-image-27990" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-now-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-now-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-now-768x432.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-now.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>Marcus Li’s young life changed instantly the morning after he was born. During a newborn screening, a standard <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=congenital-heart-disease-90-P02346">congenital heart disease</a> test uncovered a serious concern.</p> <p>“He failed the test,” says <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/nikola-h-tede.html">Nikola Tede, MD</a>, a Stanford Medicine Children’s Health pediatric cardiologist who sees patients in the North Bay. “He also had low oxygen saturation, which raised further concern.”</p> <p>Marcus’s mom, Lena, was alone in her hospital room, still groggy and sore from a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=cesarean-section-92-P07768">cesarean section</a>, when doctors came in with unexpected news. Her husband, Wilson, had just stepped out to pick up their daughter from daycare. The family lives in Moraga and had been celebrating the arrival of their second child after a smooth, healthy pregnancy.</p> <p>“I remember lying there, still recovering, when they told me something was wrong with Marcus’s heart,” Lena says. “Wilson wasn’t with me, and I was still trying to process everything. The pregnancy had gone so well, and our first child is perfectly healthy. I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I thought, ‘What? Is this really happening?’ It felt like the floor fell out from under me. We had no warning, no family history. I felt completely blindsided and helpless.”</p> <p>Dr. Tede ordered an <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/echocardiography-lab.html">echocardiogram</a>, a type of ultrasound that shows blood flow in the heart. “It revealed a rare form of congenital heart disease called <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=total-anomalous-pulmonary-venous-return-tapvr-90-P01820">total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR)</a>,” she says. “The only treatment is urgent neonatal heart surgery.”</p> <p>With TAPVR, the pulmonary veins that carry blood to the heart from the lungs do not connect in the right spot during fetal development. It is often missed during pregnancy on ultrasound because blood does not flow in a baby’s pulmonary veins until after birth, when they start using their lungs. It can be identified on a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=fetal-echocardiography-90-P01789">fetal echocardiogram</a>, but since there was no family history, Lena was not given one.</p> <p>Approximately one in 7,500 babies are born with this type of heart disease in the U.S. each year. Essentially, Marcus’s heart was not getting the oxygen it needed to survive, and action needed to be taken quickly.</p> <p>Yet, there was one hurdle in the way.</p> <p>The family was at a San Francisco hospital that didn’t provide heart surgery for children. Marcus would need to be moved to a large children’s hospital. Luckily, their current hospital had <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiology/careteam.html">heart doctors</a> available, including Dr. Tede, who was on call. The <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/location/specialty-services-sf.html">specialty services location</a> where she practices and which is part of the Stanford Children’s Health network, is right across the street.</p> <p>“We are very grateful Dr. Tede was there that day to send Marcus to <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/lucile-packard-childrens-hospital.html">Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford</a>,” Lena says.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Transporting Marcus to Stanford Children’s for heart surgery</h2> <p>After careful consideration and heavy consulting with doctors, Marcus was transported by Stanford Children’s <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/transport.html">Critical Care Transport</a> team to the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/heart-center.html">Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center</a> for urgent <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiothoracic-surgery.html">heart surgery</a>. The Stanford Children’s pediatric heart center <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiothoracic-surgery/outcomes.html">performs 600+ heart surgeries</a> each year, more than most other centers in the nation, and specializes in caring for very sick, very small babies with heart disease.</p> <p>“It’s a well-organized, seamless system when we transport young babies because we are all working under the same umbrella,” Dr. Tede says.</p> <p>Dr. Tede had put in a call to <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, and the two had discussed Marcus and the heart surgery, which involves moving the pulmonary veins to their correct location in the back of the heart.</p> <p>“We’ve built collegiality over the years. It’s always nice to be able to call him or another <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiothoracic-surgery/careteam.html">heart surgeon</a> on the phone and quickly discuss a case,” Dr. Tede says.</p> <p>“When Dr. Tede calls, I answer, and I never question if she says it’s an emergency because of our long-standing trust,” says Dr. Ma. “We have a far-reaching, strong network of physicians in the Bay Area, and it’s great to have these partners who know when and how to escalate care through our system… I’m blessed to work with these talented <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiology/careteam.html">cardiologists</a> and their teams.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Newborn undergoes heart surgery the next day</h3> <p>Marcus was scheduled for heart surgery the following morning, his second full day of life. “It was the darkest moment of our lives, having to sign the consent forms for surgery,” Lena says. “And kissing Marcus goodbye that morning was heartbreaking.”</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/2025/09/marcus-hospital2.jpg" alt="Marcus in the hospital" class="wp-image-27992" style="width:376px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-hospital2.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-hospital2-338x450.jpg 338w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>“TAPVR is one of a few pediatric congenital heart disease emergencies, so once we identify it, we want to take care of it right away,” Dr. Ma says. “Rapidity of diagnoses and a fast path to surgery are important for a good outcome, and it is something we are uniquely suited to do.”</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiothoracic-surgery.html">heart surgery</a> went just as planned. Marcus was on a heart-lung machine during the surgery, but he showed his strength by breathing on his own quickly afterward. When Dr. Ma came to tell Lena and Wilson that it went well, both were filled with immense relief.</p> <p>“The first hour after the heart surgery Marcus was on a bunch of wires, but each day he overcame another obstacle,” Lena says. “It was pretty magical for a baby to have open-heart surgery and be back home within 10 days.”</p> <p>The family appreciated how the doctors at Stanford Children’s explained everything that was happening and included them in daily meetings, and how the nurses were always cheerful and positive. “It gave us confidence in the care and made us feel like we had support,” says Wilson.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Home with a normal heart</h3> <p>Today, Marcus is a happy, active 1-year-old. “He started walking a few weeks ago, and he can already walk for a minute around the house, which is pretty amazing,” says Lena. “He is a curious boy who loves to explore everything, from rifling through kitchen cupboards to watching the goings-on at the park.”</p> <p>“These days, his favorite thing is chasing after his big sister, Ellie, and trying to keep up with whatever mischief she’s up to,” says Lena.</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 loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="533" data-id="27986" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/li-family-1.jpg" alt="The Li family walking on a path" class="wp-image-27986" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/li-family-1.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/li-family-1-338x450.jpg 338w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="533" data-id="27988" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-and-sister.jpg" alt="Marcus and sister laughing" class="wp-image-27988" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-and-sister.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/marcus-and-sister-338x450.jpg 338w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure> </figure> <p>The couple feels fortunate to have met Dr. Tede, who has remained Marcus’s cardiologist. They appreciate having access to her expertise nearby. Marcus received regular check-ups in his first year to monitor his heart. Everything looks great, so from now on, he will just come once a year.</p> <p>“His heart is functioning the same as any other child’s,” Dr. Tede says.</p> <p>Stanford Children’s not only includes <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/lucile-packard-childrens-hospital.html">Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford</a> but also hospital partnerships and a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/about/pediatric-medical-network.html">health care network</a> of 65 pediatric and specialty locations throughout the Bay Area—from the North Bay, down the Peninsula to Monterey, and across the bay to the Tri-Valley area.</p> <p>Dr. Tede appreciates being a part of the larger Stanford Children’s <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/content/sch/us/en/search.html?searchTerm=cardiology">pediatric cardiology team</a>, where she can get a second opinion quickly and attend weekly meetings on complex cases, helping her more easily recognize complex and rare congenital heart diseases, like TAPVR.</p> <p>“It was extremely important to have that continuity of care. It was absolutely critical for getting Marcus the lifesaving surgery that he needed,” Lena says.</p> <p>Learn more about Stanford Medicine Children’s Health’s <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cardiothoracic-surgery.html">heart surgery</a> and <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/about/pediatric-medical-network.html">health care network</a>.</p>

449. Girl Cured of Rare, Hard-to-Treat Immune Disorder

     Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000

     

     Bone marrow transplant from mom helps Audrey go home after spending nearly two years in the hospital.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1.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/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <p><em>Bone marrow transplant from mom helps Audrey go home after spending nearly two years in the hospital</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/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg" alt="Audrey holding her little sister" class="wp-image-28056" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-baby-sister-1200x675-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>Audrey, age 5, seems like a typical, happy preschooler. She loves princesses, dress-up, and cuddling with animals. Disneyland is one of her favorite places. Her joy shines in her beautiful smile. Yet, this sweet existence wasn’t easily won.</p> <p>For two years, Audrey was in hospitals fighting a rare, terrible disease that left her with many health concerns—but also with a chance at life.</p> <p>Through it all, her family was by her side, and they never gave up hope.</p> <p>“She lost her pivotal baby and toddler years from her illness, but she’s so smart,” says her mom, Lyndsay. “She’s every bit a 5-year-old in her brain, even though she doesn’t look like one.”</p> <p>Audrey is the size of an 18-month-old, but each day she is growing bigger, stronger, and happier. “It’s been nice to see her smile after so many years of not smiling,” Lyndsay says.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coming to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health for HLH care</h2> <p>Audrey was born in Walnut Creek, California, near her home. She was a healthy, full-term baby with normal genetic testing. Then, at 3 months old, she got very sick, very quickly.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="450" height="360" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-high-five-450x360-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28063" style="width:351px;height:auto"/></figure></div> <p>“She had a common type of pneumonia that normal immune systems can fight off, so infectious disease doctors started thinking something was wrong with her immune system,” Lyndsay says.</p> <p>Lyndsay and Audrey’s dad, John, brought Audrey to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford for immune testing. Her doctors discovered a rare immune disorder called primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH can be challenging to diagnose, because symptoms can mimic other conditions. Audrey’s HLH was triggered by a hidden genetic mutation that has now been registered as an undiagnosed disease with the National Institutes of Health. In other words, Audrey had a disease that not only was very rare, but also had a genetic cause that was unknown, until now.</p> <p>“<a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/stem-cell-transplantation/treatment.html">Stem cell transplant</a>, also known as bone marrow transplant, is the main treatment for HLH,” says pediatric stem cell transplant specialist <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/orly-rachel-kolodner-klein.html">Orly Klein, MD</a>. “It replaces her broken immune system with a new one.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Having a stem cell transplant at Stanford Children’s</h3> <p>Audrey’s immune system was cranked on high and never shut off. “It was too active. It created uncontrolled inflammation throughout her body, damaging her organs,” Dr. Klein says. Her doctors administered chemotherapy, steroids, and a novel antibody to slow down her immune system and ready her for stem cell transplant.</p> <p>At a little over a year old, Audrey received a stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor. Because her immune system was stuck in the “on” position, despite heroic efforts, her body attacked the new stem cell graft. The rejection, and her untamed HLH, caused kidney failure, respiratory distress, pancreatitis, insulin-dependent diabetes, and a need for immune suppression, which meant another several-months stay in the hospital. It was touch and go for a long while as Audrey fought to live. To support her failing kidneys, she began receiving regular <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=dialysis-90-P03082">hemodialysis</a>.</p> <p>“Despite all that has happened, our experience at Stanford Children’s has been wonderful, especially with the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/critical-care-services/careteam.html">critical care team</a>, since we spent her darkest days with them,” Lyndsay says. “But we got close to all of her care teams, who became like family.”</p> <p>Audrey’s critical illness meant she needed care from a very large team of experts from many specialties, including <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/stem-cell-transplantation.html">stem cell transplant</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/kidney.html">nephrology</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/kidney-transplant.html">kidney transplant</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pulmonary-medicine-cystic-fibrosis.html">pulmonary medicine</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/gastroenterology-hepatology-nutrition.html">gastroenterology</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/endocrinology.html">endocrinology</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/dialysis.html">dialysis</a>, and <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/gastroenterology-hepatology-nutrition/nutrition.html">nutrition</a>. Stanford Children’s is known for its remarkable collaboration between specialties, with everyone working together to treat each child as a whole.</p> <p>“Audrey would seriously not be alive without everyone at Stanford,” Lyndsay says.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Undergoing a second stem cell transplant</h3> <p>The team helped Audrey grow stronger and get ready for a second stem cell transplant, which she received six months later. This time, the Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation team gave Audrey her mom’s immune system in what’s called a haploidentical (half identical) transplant. Because Lyndsay’s immune cells were familiar genetically, it helped keep Audrey’s immune system from attacking them.</p> <p>The team also used a special, cutting-edge chemotherapy that was just approved in the United States to ready her body to accept the new stem cells. “Having that brand-new chemotherapy with less toxicity empowered us to use drugs that were easier on Audrey’s failing kidneys and helped us succeed,” Dr. Klein says.</p> <p>After being in and out of the hospital for nearly two years straight, Audrey was finally able to go home. When she grows big enough, she will receive a <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=kidney-transplantation-85-P01495">kidney transplant</a> from her mom to free her from spending several hours each week on a dialysis machine.</p> <p>“What she went through is kind of crazy, but her doctors and providers had such a wonderful love for Audrey. I felt like they loved her as much as we did,” Lyndsay says.</p> <p>Audrey is benefiting from a clinical trial at Stanford Children’s that showed good outcomes for children who receive a stem cell transplant and a kidney transplant from the same donor. Due to the study’s success, Stanford has started a special program for kids like Audrey who need both transplants.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="376" height="500" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-wig-375x500-1.jpg" alt="Audrey in Dr. Klein costume" class="wp-image-28044" style="width:268px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-wig-375x500-1.jpg 376w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-with-wig-375x500-1-338x450.jpg 338w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px" /></figure></div> <p>“It has been amazing to see her resilience and her family’s resilience. Her parents are exceptional advocates in getting her all the services she needs,” Dr. Klein says. She recalls fondly a time when Audrey dressed up as her for Halloween, wearing a curly brown wig, a rainbow dress, and sparkly shoes. “She captured the essence of me perfectly. It was hilarious and quite an honor.”</p> <p>Despite such a hard road, Lyndsay and John kept things fun in the hospital and helped Audrey be a kid. She loved dressing up with wigs and costumes. One day she would be Arielle and the next day Wednesday Adams. The family’s positivity, care, and resilience inspired the entire team. “Their ability to meet challenges and maintain hope is remarkable,” says <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/sapana-jayantilal-shah.html">Sapana Shah, MD</a>, Audrey’s gastroenterologist, who helped her manage an abdomen infection and a damaged pancreas after her first stem cell transplant, and is involved in her growth today.</p> <p>Audrey’s diabetes is recently under much better control with a continuous insulin pump. “Lyndsay and I are noticing her blood sugar is easier to manage on the pump, which helps kids maintain a regular lifestyle and a good quality of life,” says pediatric endocrinologist <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/hilary-hoffman-seeley.html">Hilary Seeley, MD</a>, who is a part of the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/endocrinology.html">Endocrinology and Diabetes</a> team, which includes certified diabetes educators, dietitians, doctors, and the latest and greatest treatments and technology.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Three years with a new, working immune system</h3> <p>It has been over three years since Audrey’s successful stem cell transplant, and her immune system is tuned close to normal—not too high, not too low. She recently received a stem cell boost from her mom, administered like a blood transfusion, to help improve her immune cell counts.</p> <p>She also receives ongoing support to help her grow. The goal now is helping her gain enough weight to qualify for kidney transplant. She’s getting there, with the help of growth hormones and exceptional nutrition.</p> <p>“Audrey’s nutrition plan has been challenging due to her complex medical course, but with the collaboration of <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/kidney.html">nephrology</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/endocrinology.html">endocrinology</a>, and <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/gastroenterology-hepatology-nutrition.html">gastroenterology</a>, we are helping her absorb calories, proteins, and minerals that are helping her grow,” says Joohee Hong, MS, RD, CSP, with <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/nutrition-services.html">Clinical Nutrition</a>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Living a full life while preparing for kidney transplant</h3> <p>Today, Audrey is thriving like never before, with her many conditions under control. “She is currently living a life we didn’t think would be possible just one year ago,” Lyndsay says. “She is so happy every day, and she is finally getting to experience many of the joys of life.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="560" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/June_2025_Bass_Center_717x-400x560-1.jpg" alt="Audrey walking in the hospital" class="wp-image-28050" style="width:305px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/June_2025_Bass_Center_717x-400x560-1.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/June_2025_Bass_Center_717x-400x560-1-321x450.jpg 321w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>After spending nearly two years in hospital gowns, Audrey is relishing wearing regular clothes and dressing up.</p> <p>“She loves wearing princess dresses, and she’s discovering that she can look pretty. She watches herself in the mirror while she twirls and dances,” Lyndsay says.</p> <p>Her doctors call her survival a miracle, not just for facing down a rare, life-threatening immune disorder, but for overcoming huge health obstacles along the way.</p> <p>“HLH is very hard to treat, so the fact that Audrey is now cured, out of the hospital, and thriving in her own way is amazing,” Dr. Klein says.</p> <p>Despite all they have been through, Audrey’s family wanted to give back. They created Team Audrey for Stanford Medicine Children’s Health’s <a href="https://www.summerscamper.org/">Summer Scamper</a> 5k run/walk, raising over $13,000 for children’s health.</p> <p>“Audrey’s story is a hopeful reminder of why we work so hard, and the power of a family’s love,” Dr. Seeley says.</p> <p>“Audrey is a different child after her second stem cell transplant. She is so engaging and is starting to talk. It’s wonderful to hear her voice. And now she’s walking both with and without her walker! The first time she walked into dialysis, we were all in tears,” says Jordi Goldstein-Fuchs, NP, with <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/kidney.html">Pediatric Nephrology</a>, who works closely with Audrey to manage her hemodialysis treatments four times a week at the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/dialysis.html">Pediatric Dialysis</a> center.</p> <p>From the very beginning, Audrey’s journey has been embraced by the entire nephrology team. “We all work together—Drs. Cynthia Wong, Scott Sutherland, and the entire Pediatric Nephrology team—and we continue to work toward her goal of kidney transplant,” Goldstein-Fuchs said.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="517" height="647" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-and-parents-1.png" alt="Audrey and parents at Disneyland." class="wp-image-28048" style="width:337px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-and-parents-1.png 517w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/audrey-and-parents-1-360x450.png 360w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 517px) 100vw, 517px" /></figure></div> <p>She calls Lyndsay and John “honorary dialysis champions” and the dialysis nurses “heroes,” noting that Audrey’s progress has been possible because of the unwavering teamwork and shared commitment of everyone involved in her care.</p> <p>Growth is slow, but Audrey is steadily moving toward her kidney transplant and enjoying all the new things she’s learning and experiencing in the meantime.</p> <p>“We’re looking to the future. She’ll be off to the races when she gets her kidney transplant,” Lyndsay says.</p> <p>Recently, Audrey became a big sister to Vivienne, adding to the circle of love within her extraordinary family. Audrey also fulfilled her Make-A-Wish by going to Disneyland.</p> <p>“The family shares such love, joy, and pain, but they never give up hope,” says Goldstein-Fuchs. “I think their profound love for Audrey is a lot of why she is doing so well today.”<a id="_msocom_1"></a></p>

450. NICU Remains an Important Part of Patients’ and Families’ Lives Years After Their Stay

     Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000

     

     Nearly 800 people attend Stanford Medicine Children’s Health’s 40th NICU & ICN Graduation Party.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/patient-Chris-Witte-and-his-mother-Roberta-Witte-1200x675-1.jpg" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="Patient Chris Witte and his mother Roberta Witte" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/patient-Chris-Witte-and-his-mother-Roberta-Witte-1200x675-1.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/patient-Chris-Witte-and-his-mother-Roberta-Witte-1200x675-1-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/patient-Chris-Witte-and-his-mother-Roberta-Witte-1200x675-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/patient-Chris-Witte-and-his-mother-Roberta-Witte-1200x675-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <p><em>Nearly 800 people attend Stanford Medicine Children’s Health’s 40th NICU &amp; ICN Graduation Party</em></p> <p>The <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/neonatology/neonatal-intensive-care-unit.html">Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)</a> at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health holds a special place in the hearts of families and children who receive care there. This year, nearly 800 people attended the 40th Annual NICU &amp; ICN Graduation Party to reunite with the beloved doctors and nurses who cared for them during a challenging time in their lives.</p> <p>“I attend the NICU annual parties because it’s really nice to see the people who took care of me and helped my mom with me as a baby, like nurse Penny and nurse Roberta, who we stay in contact with to this day,” says Chris, a successful 39-year-old tech manager from the East Bay who was born at 24 weeks during a time when survival for micropreemies (babies born under 26 weeks) was very low.</p> <p>Chris was so tiny, his dad’s wedding ring fit around his upper arm.</p> <p>“I know I didn’t have a good chance of survival as a kid. Stanford made a huge difference in my survival. They picked up on everything I needed and kept me going,” he says.</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="560" height="480" data-id="28017" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Chris-Witte-born-at-24-weeks-560x480-1.jpg" alt="Chris Witte born at 24 weeks" class="wp-image-28017" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Chris-Witte-born-at-24-weeks-560x480-1.jpg 560w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Chris-Witte-born-at-24-weeks-560x480-1-450x386.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris at 4 weeks old with his dad&#8217;s wedding ring around his arm</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="560" height="480" data-id="28019" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/patient-Chris-Witte-and-his-mother-Roberta-Witte560x480.jpg" alt="Patient Chris Witte and his mother Roberta Witte" class="wp-image-28019" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/patient-Chris-Witte-and-his-mother-Roberta-Witte560x480.jpg 560w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/patient-Chris-Witte-and-his-mother-Roberta-Witte560x480-450x386.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris today with his mom</figcaption></figure> </figure> <p>Chris was born not breathing and needed extensive care interventions. He stayed three months in the NICU. Chris and his wife, who was also born premature, sighed with relief when their daughter was born full-term. She’s a healthy, happy 4-year-old today.</p> <p>“The graduation party also gives newer parents hope when they see older kids who are doing well,” Chris says.</p> <p>Stanford Children’s Health’s NICU provides Level IV care, the highest level of intensive care available for newborns. The large team of expert <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/neonatology/careteam.html">neonatologists</a> are some of the best in the country, ranked third in the nation by <em>U.S. News &amp; World Report</em>.</p> <p>It’s this level of expertise, delivered with compassion, that makes Stephanie most grateful when she reflects back on her son Julian’s seven-month NICU stay at Stanford Children’s. Julian was born at 24 weeks and 3 days’ gestation, weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces, about the same as two soda cans. Soon, he will turn his adjusted age of 1.</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="400" height="500" data-id="28021" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Julian-preemie-400x500-1.jpg" alt="Julian preemie" class="wp-image-28021" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Julian-preemie-400x500-1.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Julian-preemie-400x500-1-360x450.jpg 360w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Julian during his first days in the NICU</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="500" data-id="28023" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Julian-now-with-mom-400x500-1.jpg" alt="Julian now with mom" class="wp-image-28023" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Julian-now-with-mom-400x500-1.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Julian-now-with-mom-400x500-1-360x450.jpg 360w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Julian now with mom</figcaption></figure> </figure> <p>“Julian is starting to use his walker. When I come home from work, he smiles and bursts out laughing, hoping I will chase him,” says Stephanie. She thinks he will be walking soon. “Thanks to the Stanford Children’s NICU and their incredible medical care and overwhelming support, we are able to celebrate every milestone Julian reaches.”</p> <p>Julian’s airway was underdeveloped, so he needed breathing support right after birth and up until recently. Today, he is breathing on his own. His airway is still narrow, so he is being treated by the nationally recognized <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/aerodigestive.html">Aerodigestive and Airway Reconstruction</a> team at Stanford Children’s.</p> <p>Stephanie felt like Julian’s NICU nurses and doctors were family. “They were with us every step of the way, and the experience they gave us really changed us,” she says.</p> <p>Because Stanford Children’s is well-equipped to provide state-of-the-art, personalized, around-the-clock care for the smallest and sickest newborns, the team was able to help Julian survive, gain strength, and go home, where he is free to grow, laugh, and play with his family.</p> <p>Stephanie was touched by the NICU celebration, where they reconnected with beloved NICU nurses Laura, Amy, and Nadia, and <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/ritu-chitkara.html">Ritu Chitkara, MD</a>, who “made their time in the hospital feel like home.”</p> <p>“We attended the event because for us, it’s a celebration of life for Julian. Without Stanford Children’s, he would not be here today,” Stephanie says.</p> <p>High-quality NICU care does far more than help babies survive—it lays the foundation for lifelong health, growth, and well-being. When babies are supported holistically with quality sleep, nutrition, critical care, occupational and physical therapy, loving touch, and neurodevelopmental care, they have a smaller chance of experiencing long-term consequences of prematurity, such as developmental delays, learning challenges, and chronic health problems.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="394" height="597" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/twins-irene-jun-1.jpg" alt="Dr. Irene Jun holding her babies" class="wp-image-28031" style="width:272px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/twins-irene-jun-1.jpg 394w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/twins-irene-jun-1-297x450.jpg 297w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 394px) 100vw, 394px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Irene Jun holding her babies after they graduated from the NICU</figcaption></figure></div> <p><a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/irene-h-jun.html">Irene Jun, MD</a>, a neonatal hospitalist at Stanford Children’s, never loses sight of what a strong start in the NICU provided her 16-year-old twins, Katie and James. “I credit their good health outcomes to the expert, dedicated, and compassionate medical teams in the NICU during those critical early weeks,” she says.</p> <p>Katie and James were born at 31 weeks and 5 days’ gestation, each weighing about 3 pounds. They spent four weeks and six weeks, respectively, in the Stanford Children’s NICU receiving breathing support and intravenous nutrition until they were strong enough to breathe and eat on their own.</p> <p>“By the time they were discharged, they were thriving and acting just like healthy term infants—you would never have known they were born prematurely, thanks to the incredible comprehensive care they received,” Dr. Jun says.</p> <p>The twins are active, healthy, happy teens getting the most out of life. A few years ago, James raced on competitive Tahoe snowboard teams, and Katie competed in national horse shows. Today, James is happiest when jamming out on his bass guitar, and Katie is enjoying her role as the captain of her school’s open tennis team.</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="400" height="533" data-id="28027" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-guitar-400x533-1.jpg" alt="James Jun today" class="wp-image-28027" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-guitar-400x533-1.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-guitar-400x533-1-338x450.jpg 338w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James Jun today</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="533" data-id="28029" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Katie-tennis-400x533-1.jpg" alt="Katie Jun today" class="wp-image-28029" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Katie-tennis-400x533-1.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Katie-tennis-400x533-1-338x450.jpg 338w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Katie Jun today</figcaption></figure> </figure> <p>The twins’ NICU experience deeply affected Dr. Jun. As a staff member in Stanford’s NICU, she was suddenly on the other side of the hallway as a mom, not a doctor. Despite being the team’s peer, she was treated as a parent. “I was allowed to struggle with breastfeeding, feel exhausted, and be scared about the future. The NICU family cared for us with the same dedication and compassion they give every parent and baby. The experience gave me a profound appreciation for the power of empathy,” she says. Going forward, she brought that newfound parent perspective into the care she provides—giving families an extra dose of empathy and support.</p> <p>The 40th NICU &amp; ICN Graduation Party was held on Sept. 14. Its Hawaiian theme had NICU and ICN staff, families, and babies dressed in bright tropical clothing, setting the mood for a fun day of games and festivities—including a hula show and a bird show—and delicious treats.</p> <p>The graduation party was the brainchild of now retired nurses, Roberta Harryman, RN, and Barbara Boyington, RN who organized the event for several years. More recently, nurses Jasmine Madlangbayan, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC from the NICU and Ami Wells, BSN, RN from the ICN collaborate as facilitators of the graduation party committee. &#8220;The NICU&amp; ICN graduate party is a deeply meaningful celebration for everyone involved—doctors, nurses, therapists, volunteer cuddlers, and all the people who cared for these patients during their most fragile moments. Most importantly, they are a milestone for families, honoring their journeys, resilience, and the lives of their children,” says Wells.</p> <p>The event was attended by several NICU and ICN nurses and doctors, including <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/william-d-rhine.html">William Rhine, MD</a>, Dr. Chitkara, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/meera-narayanan-sankar.html">Meera Sankar, MD</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/melissa-lewis-scala.html">Melissa Scala, MD</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/alexis-suzanne-davis.html">Alexis Davis, MD</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/valerie-y-chock.html">Valerie Chock, MD</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/janene-h-fuerch.html">Janene Fuerch, MD</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/anoop-venkat-rao.html">Anoop Rao, MD</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/sonia-l-bonifacio.html">Sonia Bonifacio, MD</a>, Andrew Parsons, MD, and others.</p> <p>“For many, the grad reunion is a chance to reflect on how far we&#8217;ve come. This year’s Hawaiian theme was fitting because the NICU community truly feels like an &#8216;ohana,&#8217; a family,” says Luanne Smedley, RN, Executive Director and Associate Chief Nursing Officer of the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pregnancy-newborn.html">Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services</a>.</p> <p>The highlight, of course, was bringing families and staff together to celebrate the strength and resilience of NICU babies like Chris, Julian, Katie, and James.</p> <p><em>This event would not be possible without the contributions of generous volunteers and donors, including our staff at Stanford Children’s, the Roth Auxiliary, Happy Birds, Friendly Pony Party, Artsy with You, Paint in Colors, and the National Charity League. We thank them for their support.</em></p> <p><a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/neonatology/neonatal-intensive-care-unit.html"><strong>Learn more about our Level IV NICU &gt;</strong></a></p>

451. Fostering a Healing Haven: Cultivating Emotional and Mental Well-Being for Staff in Pediatric Oncology

     Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:42:05 -0000

     

     Kimberly M. Williams, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC, serves as the director of Nursing Operations in the Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. She describes how the team at Stanford Children’s provides support for one another.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog.jpg" class="attachment-768x768 size-768x768 wp-post-image" alt="Pediatric cancer patient" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="506" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog-900x506.jpg" alt="Pediatric cancer patient " class="wp-image-28002" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog-768x432.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/053526-blog.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>While pediatric cancer survival rates have improved significantly, approximately 1,600 children and adolescents still die of cancer each year in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. This reality is one that the care providers face daily in their work.</p> <p>Kimberly M. Williams, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC, serves as the director of Nursing Operations in the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/cancer-blood-diseases.html">Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases</a> at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. She describes how the team at Stanford Children’s provides support for one another.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">How have you fostered a culture of providing space for reflection to counter the emotionally heavy work environment that can be in pediatric oncology?</h3> <p>Reflecting on over 25 years in health care, I recognize the profound intentionality we place on prioritizing the health and well-being of our teams, who are dedicated to care for children with pediatric cancer. In the emotionally intense realm of pediatric oncology, fostering a culture that offers room for reflection is essential to nurturing our team’s well-being. At Stanford Children’s, and particularly within the Bass Center, we emphasize impactful leadership, humility, and grace to support our dedicated staff.</p> <p>Leadership here involves more than directives. It embodies creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. As leaders in the Bass Center, we encourage open conversations about grief and coping, validating the staff’s emotions and fostering trust within the team. I am intentional about providing a safe space for reflection, allowing team members to process their emotions and challenges collaboratively. This can be done during leader rounding, huddles, or by just being present on the unit. Our team approach is grounded in humility and grace. Grace provides a space to be “OK with not being OK.” Lastly, recognizing that everyone—from physicians to support staff—brings unique experiences and perspectives is crucial.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What sort of system have you set up to help your team reflect on and manage their own emotions?</h3> <p>Stanford Children’s offers a multitude of resources to support emotional health. Access to counseling services, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and wellness resources ensures that staff have the necessary support. Our nursing leadership team has shown extraordinary commitment and expertise in creating an escalation process that can be activated instantly. This process empowers our staff to manage the profound challenges of death and dying with grace and professionalism, ensuring that necessary support is available precisely when it’s needed and beyond.</p> <p>One of the first things we do is get our resilience team involved immediately. Resilience teams are essential in cultivating an environment where the emotional and mental health of staff is prioritized, allowing for effective and compassionate care for not just our pediatric cancer patients, but for all patients, families, and staff. They often provide small, quick exercises that promote calm and relaxation as well as a listening ear to guide and support:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Emotional processing:</strong> Provides a safe space for staff to express and process their grief and emotions, reducing the risk of emotional burnout and compassion fatigue. Validation of feelings allows staff to share their experiences and ensures that they don’t feel isolated in their emotions.</li> <li><strong>Peer support:</strong> By discussing their experiences, staff can bond over shared challenges, fostering a stronger sense of community and mutual respect. Engaging in debriefing sessions also enables the sharing of coping strategies, enhancing collective resilience among staff members.</li> <li><strong>Professional development and insight:</strong> Reflective learning during debriefing sessions allows staff to reflect on their experiences, learning from both emotional and clinical aspects of caring for terminal patients. Insights gained from these sessions also can improve caregiving approaches and emotional intelligence, benefiting future patient care.</li> <li><strong>Stress reduction guidance:</strong> Debriefing sessions not only provide a structured setting to process emotions, but also promote self-care by highlighting the importance of self-care and encouraging staff to proactively manage their mental health.</li> </ul> <p>Bass Center staff also created their own initiatives to support patients, families, and staff:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Starfish Award:</strong> Inspired by the Bass Center’s emphasis on acknowledging staff contributions amid emotionally taxing environments, the Starfish Award celebrates staff who embody excellence and compassion in caring for our pediatric cancer patients.</li> <li><strong>Heart Cart: </strong>A cart provided for staff to promote relaxation, respite, and a moment to step away. The cart houses chocolates, teas, essential oils, arts and crafts, and treats to enjoy away from the bedside.</li> <li><strong>Wellness events: </strong>Annual social events put on by the Bass Center Wellness Committee are typically held at casual restaurants or venues that provide a relaxed atmosphere in which to connect.</li> <li><strong>Annual Palliative Care/End of Life Workshop:</strong> Our nursesfacilitate workshops to provide education, awareness, and support for staff taking care of end-of-life patients. The workshop focuses on topics like what are the most important things to know when taking care of end-of-life patients? What does it sound like and look like, and what to expect? How can you advocate for your patients? A panel of subject matter experts, including a parent of a child lost to cancer, a palliative care team member, and a few frontline providers, are invited to speak.</li> <li><strong>Bass Center Family Advisory Council: </strong>The multidisciplinary council provides a space to partner with families to work together on quality projects, partnerships, education, and daily standard work from the family perspective. There is shared decision-making, collaboration, and communication on every aspect of patient care to deliver the highest level of quality care.</li> <li><strong>Serenity Room: </strong>We have a special room to accommodate our patients during end of life. The room was designed to provide a tranquil space for families and loved ones to be at the bedside. The Serenity Room in the Bass Center is carefully equipped with various elements designed to support emotional and spiritual needs of patients, families, and staff navigating end-of-life circumstances. There are materials to make keepsakes, like memory boxes or molds to make handprints of loved ones. Staff are also provided with resources to understand cultural sensitivities, ensuring inclusivity and understanding.</li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">How has this culture permeated through other departments at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health?</h3> <p>At the Bass Center, the culture is defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a collaborative spirit that permeates every aspect of care. This dedication is exemplified through seamless communication with <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/palliative-care.html">palliative care</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/patients-families/spiritual-care.html">spiritual care</a>, case management, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/social-services.html">social work</a>, the Family Advisory Council, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pharmacy-services.html">pharmacy</a>, and many other departments, ensuring comprehensive support for both patients and families during challenging times. The Bass Center prides itself on developing robust policies and procedures that shape clinical practice across the health care system, focusing on delivering compassionate, holistic care. The commitment not only fosters an environment of healing and support, but also drives continuous improvement in clinical outcomes and overall patient experience.</p>

452. Boy With Bone Cancer Calls Hospital His Happy Place

     Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000

     

     Josh's positive attitude, family support, and Stanford care team helped him cope during a long battle with Ewing sarcoma.

     <div><img width="768" height="432" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed.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/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed.jpg 1200w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="506" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed-900x506.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27972" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed-900x506.jpg 900w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed-450x253.jpg 450w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed-768x432.jpg 768w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-in-hospital-bed.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure> <p>It’s hard to imagine a child calling a hospital—where he underwent chemotherapy and surgery—his “happy place,” but that’s what Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford is to Josh Summit, age 7. The doctors and nurses are his playmates, and he was sad to leave them.</p> <p>“Josh sees everyone as his friend, and he brings joy to every situation,” says <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/oncology/careteam.html">Michelle Emmons, NP</a>, with <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/oncology.html">Pediatric Oncology</a>. “I was blown away by his ability to stay optimistic rather than get sad or anxious.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-w-sam-carletti.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27974" style="width:413px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-w-sam-carletti.jpg 500w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-w-sam-carletti-450x338.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Josh and Sam Carletti, PA-C</figcaption></figure></div> <p>To cope with his serious illness, Josh made a game out of cancer treatment. He became a cat, who would meow loudly to attract visitors to his room to join in on video game tournaments, Wii bowling, or Uno games. He would purr and rub up when he felt happy and safe, and hiss and claw when he had to undergo scary or painful procedures, like blood draws.</p> <p>“Josh and I quickly became good buddies—his light and positivity were big reminders of why we do what we do on the oncology unit,” says <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/oncology/careteam.html">Sam Carletti, PA-C</a> with <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/oncology.html">Pediatric Oncology</a>. “He was an absolute goofball and he was fearless from day one.”</p> <p><strong>Learning Josh had Ewing sarcoma</strong></p> <p>One week before Josh was to start first grade, his family learned that he had a very aggressive type of bone and soft tissue cancer called Ewing sarcoma.</p> <p>“Instead of going to school, he went to the hospital,” says his mom, Amelia.</p> <p>Josh was having random arm pain that came and went, so his parents took him to see his pediatrician. What they suspected was an overuse injury from a summer full of swimming ended up being something much more serious.</p> <p>“Things moved very quickly from there,” Amelia says.</p> <p>Within a week, the family—Josh, his younger sister, Teresa, and his parents, Amelia and Don—were meeting with doctors from the <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/bone-soft-tissue-tumors.html">Bone &amp; Soft Tissue Tumors Program</a> at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. The program provides innovative, coordinated care from multiple specialists, including <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/oncology.html">oncology</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/radiation-oncology.html">radiation oncology</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/radiology.html">radiology</a>, and <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pathology.html">pathology</a>.</p> <p>Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer. Josh’s sarcoma had started in the soft tissue of his left arm and grown throughout his humerus (the long upper arm bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow) when he was diagnosed.</p> <p>“We were lucky to catch it when we did, because it hadn’t spread yet,” Amelia says.</p> <p>“Ewing sarcoma grows and spreads quickly, putting lives at risk,” says <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/doctor/raffi-s-avedian.html">Raffi Avedian, MD</a>, a pediatric orthopedic musculoskeletal tumor surgeon who treated Josh.</p> <p><strong>Spending a school year in the hospital</strong></p> <p>Josh was admitted to Stanford Children’s on the spot for what would become nearly an entire school year in and out of the hospital. His treatment plan was intense, starting with three months of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, then another four months of chemotherapy.</p> <p>Josh spent alternating weeks at the hospital during chemotherapy treatments. The purpose of his first round of chemo was to kill cancer cells and reduce the size of his large tumor. The chemotherapy was strong, so he often felt sick, experiencing nausea, vomiting, and fever. Yet, he never let it get him down.</p> <p><strong>Undergoing bone surgery for Ewing sarcoma</strong></p> <p>The next step for Josh was bone surgery to remove the tumor. To make sure he didn’t leave any cancer cells behind, Dr. Avedian removed the top half of Josh’s humerus plus a large portion of his shoulder joint. The complex surgery took over six hours.</p> <p>“That day is hardest for mom and dad. They put their child’s well-being in our hands, and they have to wait minute-by-minute most of the day,” Dr. Avedian says. “The first thing I noticed when I sat down with the family after surgery was the sigh of relief when they heard it went well.”</p> <p>Dr. Avedian reconstructed Josh’s shoulder joint and humerus with a state-of-the-art titanium implant that was tailored to match his anatomy and needs. A part of Josh’s recovery was <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/physical-therapy.html">physical therapy</a> to help him learn how to use his new arm, provided by Stanford Children’s &nbsp;expert therapists dedicated to working with kids with cancer.</p> <p>Tests after surgery revealed the reassuring news that that 100% of the tumor had died. Since Ewing sarcoma so easily spreads, a second round of chemotherapy helped remove any small areas of cancer cells that may have traveled to other parts of Josh’s body, reducing the risk of relapse.</p> <p><strong>Stanford Children’s becomes Josh’s ‘happy place’</strong></p> <p>“During Josh’s hospital stay, there was always something—from Luna the robot dog and Mario Kart tournaments to the playground—to take him out of that hospital feeling. That was a big part of his healing process,” Amelia says. “Stanford Children’s is very different than other places. There’s this overwhelming sense of purpose and joy.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="400" src="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-with-ipad-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27978" style="width:356px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-with-ipad-1.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-with-ipad-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-with-ipad-1-125x125.jpg 125w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-with-ipad-1-24x24.jpg 24w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-with-ipad-1-48x48.jpg 48w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-with-ipad-1-96x96.jpg 96w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-with-ipad-1-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>“At Stanford Children’s, it’s a privilege to have so many resources for our patients. We are empowered to create an environment where we don’t just heal children, but also help them grow and develop, and enjoy being kids,” Emmons says.</p> <p>The team credits Josh’s positive attitude, and his family’s loving support, as big contributors to his good outcome. “The family is fantastic. The way they engaged with the care team brought out the best in us, and their kindness was contagious,” Dr. Avedian says.</p> <p>To help Josh stay on track with first grade, his mom started a homeschool program through his charter school. He also received support from <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/patients-families/child-and-family-life.html">Child Life and Creative Arts</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/social-services.html">Social Services</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/psychosocial.html">Psychosocial Service</a>, <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/occupational-therapy.html">occupational therapy</a>, and <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/physical-therapy.html">physical therapy</a> teams at Stanford Children’s.</p> <p>“These kids are forced to bear such adult things at a young age, but at the end of the day they still want to be kids,” Carletti says.</p> <p><strong>Back to school and regular life</strong></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/2025/09/josh-outside-of-hospital.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27980" style="width:311px;height:auto" srcset="https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-outside-of-hospital.jpg 400w, https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/josh-outside-of-hospital-338x450.jpg 338w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>While Josh missed his entire first grade in person, he was able to enjoy the summer at home in the Santa Cruz Mountains and return for second grade. The best part was reuniting with his sister, Teresa, and having the whole family together again.</p> <p>“It was a transition when we left the hospital. He was sad to leave all his friends,” Amelia says. “It’s funny, you have all these people around you at the hospital, and when you go home you’re like, ‘Where’s my support team?’”</p> <p>Luckily, Josh gets to reconnect with his Stanford Children’s friends at regular follow-up visits, and recent tests show zero signs of cancer. He’s now in the third grade, loving school and playing soccer. Over the summer, the family enjoyed his Make-A-Wish celebration—to be a zookeeper for the day at the San Diego Zoo.</p> <p>His wish was to care for capybaras. It was no surprise that when asked why he chose that animal, he said, “Because capybaras are friends with everybody.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/bone-soft-tissue-tumors.html"><strong>Learn more about sarcoma treatment at Stanford Children&#8217;s &gt;</strong></a></p>