health $wellness blog

China: Pruritus of the hands and pain can be reduced by considering and promoting suitable skin hygiene practices in the follow-up and treatment of patients with hand eczema, a recent study has revealed. The findings were published online in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology on November 01, 2023. Hand eczema (HE) is a common inflammatory skin disorder primarily located on the hands and wrist. Among several symptoms of HE, pain and itch are burdensome and prevalent. However, not much research has been performed on the associations between skin hygiene habits and the severity of pain and itch among HE patients. Therefore, Ziye Yang, Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, and colleagues investigated the relationship between skin hygiene habits and itch and pain severity in patients with hand eczema in a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at five universities situated in five geographically d...

China: Results from a real-world study have shown the superiority of roxadustat over erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) as a therapy for iron metabolism in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD). The study, published in the European Journal of Medical Research , found that compared with the ESA group, the roxadustat group showed significant differences in all iron biomarker levels except transferrin saturation (TSAT) and serum ferritin (sFt). Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents received first approval in 1989, since then, the class have ascended to a role as a standard of care for anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ESAs have become a staple in anaemia management in CKD, however, their use is associated with an increased risk of iron metabolism disorders. This, along with other factors has led to the development of the oral hypoxia-inducing factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) class and agents such as roxadustat and daprodustat (Jesduvroq), which rec...

Spain: Breast milk (BM) obtained from breast cancer patients carries cell-free tumour DNA (ctDNA), surpassing plasma-based liquid biopsy for molecular profiling and detection of early-stage breast cancer, even before diagnosis by image, researchers have shown for the first time. The findings, published in Cancer Discovery, open up the potential use of breast milk as a new source for liquid biopsy for the detection of postpartum breast cancer (PPBC). Breast cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed and the most common cancer-related death during lactation and pregnancy. Two entities are differentiated according to diagnosis: breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy (PrBC) and up to 5 to 10 years postpartum. In women <45 years old, both subtypes encompass up to 55% of breast cancers diagnosed. New cases are expected to rise in the years to come, considering that ageing increases the risk of breast cancer and the tendency to delay pregnancy in developed countries. PrBC and P...

Advanced knee osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability worldwide. More than half of diagnosed knee osteoarthritis patients are projected to eventually undergo total knee replacement surgery. Researchers have found in a new study that Stronger quadriceps muscles, relative to the hamstrings, may lower the risk of total knee replacement.Researchers said the findings could inform strength-training programs for people with advanced arthritis in the knee. The research has been presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).  While stronger muscle groups are generally understood to be associated with a lower rate of total knee replacement, their relative importance is not well established. Of particular interest is the relationship between the extensors and the hamstrings, the two most important muscle groups in the knee. The extensors, the muscles on the front of the thigh commonly referred to as the quadriceps, are the strongest mu...

Long Covid or Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) pose a significant global health challenge. Several studies reports pathophysiological highlights of COVID-19, activation of inflammatory cascade can be mentioned. They could cause dysfunction in various organs including the brain with some symptoms such as olfactory and taste disorders, headache, dizziness, myalgia, delirium, confusion, irritability, the altered consciousness, depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The pathophysiology is unknown, and no effective treatments have been found to date. Researchers in the current study proposed a mechanism that links all four hypotheses in a single pathway and provides actionable insights for therapeutic interventions. The study published in Cell journal reports linking viral infection with reduced levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and mood, has proposed a new potential mechanism underlying post–COVID-19 condition. Also known as long COVID, the...

A recent study delving into the effects of wearing FFP2/N95 masks during physical exercise in children has shed light on the potential impact of these masks on cardiorespiratory function. Amid concerns about the repercussions of face mask usage during physical education (PE) lessons, this research aimed to understand the physiological responses of children to wearing FFP2/N95 masks during exercise. This study was published in European Journal Of Pediatrics by Annika Weigelt and colleagues. The research involved twenty healthy children aged 8–10 years who performed cardiopulmonary exercise tests on a treadmill, once with FFP2 masks and once without, within a two-week interval. The study revealed: Participants: 20 children (12 boys and 8 girls). Parameters Measured: Peak VO2: 42.7 ± 9.5 vs 47.8 ± 12.9 ml/min/kg (p = 0.097). O2pulse: 7.84 ± 1.9 vs. 6.89 ± 1.8 (p = 0.064). VE/VCO2slope: 33.4 ± 5.9 vs. 34.0 ± 5.3 (p = 0.689). RER: 1.01 ± 0.08 vs 0.95 ± 0.08 (p = 0.004). Gas Exchang...

Cholelithiasis is a prevalent hepatobiliary disorder that primarily affects Western populations. Since It is a significant risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma therefore it is important to understand factors influencing cholelithiasis for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. A new study  has shed light on the complex relationship between serum lipids, lipid-modifying targets, and cholelithiasis, a common condition characterized by the formation of gallstones. Researchers at the First Hospital of Jilin University have found in a new study that lowering bad cholesterol i.e  LDL-C and increasing good  cholesterol i.e HDL-C  is  associated with reduced risk of gallstone formation.The research employed a combination of observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches to comprehensively assess these associations. The study has been  published in the journal Gut.   Previous research has explored the role of serum lipids and li...

South Korea: A recent study published in Scientific Reports supports the association between prediabetes and incident dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and emphasizes that even mild hyperglycemia should not be left unnoticed. Prediabetes includes impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), each of which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The condition is regarded as a reversible state. It is conceivable that repeated exposure to a prediabetic state might further accelerate dementia risk. Although various studies have investigated the relationship between glucose intolerance and dementia or cognitive function, the results are controversial, particularly in terms of the influence of prediabetes. Therefore, Kyungdo Han, Soongsil University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, and colleagues aimed to investigate the association between cumulative exposure to impaired fasting glucose and the risk of dementia in the general population. For this purpose, the researchers ide...

In a groundbreaking development, scientists have unveiled a novel blood-based assay that shows promise in accurately differentiating individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from healthy controls and those with various inflammatory conditions. The novel assay showed high specificity and maintained sensitivity in seronegative individuals. This breakthrough addresses a significant challenge in current medical practices, where distinguishing between seropositive and seronegative RA remains a complex task. The study results were presented in the recent ACR Convergence 2023 on November 15, 2023.  Also Read:  Stopping TNF inhibitors increases flares and lowers remission rates for RA patients in remission Current medical practices face challenges in effectively distinguishing between seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other conditions. Hence, researchers conducted a study to assess the practicality of a novel blood-based assay in clinically differenti...

New Delhi: The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted permission to the drug major Wockhardt to conduct the trial of the antimicrobial fixed-dose combination drug Cefefime plus Tazobactum. This came after the firm Presented Phase II/III Clinical Trial Protocol No. W-4282-303. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor administered with antibiotics such as piperacillin and ceftolozane to prevent their degradation, resulting in increased efficacy. Tazobactam is an antibiotic of the beta-lactamase inhibitor class that prevents the breakdown of other antibiotics by beta-lactamase enzyme-producing organisms. It is combined with Piperacillin and Ceftolozane for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections. Tazobactam broadens the spectrum of piperacillin and ceftolozane by making them effective against organisms that express beta-lactamase and would normally degrade them. This occurs through the irreversibl...

Berlin:  Bayer has added a brand new manufacturing facility to its global supply chain network. The new production plant was inaugurated at the company’s global pharmaceutical headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The facility features state-of-the-art technology, innovative production, and automated processes. "The inauguration of the facility represents a key milestone in realizing Bayer's global manufacturing strategy for pharmaceutical liquid dosage forms, such as injection and infusion solutions," Bayer stated. “It is of crucial importance that Germany and Europe pursue a clear strategy of a future-oriented innovation policy. Bayer is investing here in research and production to secure future business while strengthening the innovative power in the region,” said Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Bayer AG and Head of its Pharmaceuticals Division The project is part of a billion-dollar investment program through which Bayer AG strengthens its global pharmaceutical...

California: Indian American emergency care physician Mihir Meghani, who founded the Hindu America Foundation along with his friends two decades ago, in Fremont, California, USA. Meghani has committed USD4 million to advocate Hindu advocacy and awareness causes in the United States. Fremont, California: Hinduism is not just a religion, it's a way of life, a prominent Indian-American physician, who has committed $4 million to advocate Hindu advocacy and awareness causes in the United States, has said. Emergency care physician Mihir Meghani, who founded the Hindu America Foundation along with his friends two decades ago, at the annual Silicon Valley gala early this month of the organisation pledged to donate $1.5 million more to the Hindu cause over the next eight years. Also Read:Indian-American gastroenterologist Dr Bimaljit Singh Sandhu appointed to key post in US This contribution will raise his total donations for the cause to $4 million in two decades. The announcem...

Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu Health (TN Health) has invited online applications for Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Speciality Nursing and Post Basic Diploma in Neonatal Nursing courses. The last date for uploading the online application is 27-11-2023, up to 05.00 pm. The expected date for declaration of merit through the official website and tentative allotment of seats will be notified later. The last date of admission will be as mentioned in the allotment order of the candidate. The online submission of the Application form for admission to Post Basic Diploma Courses 2023-2024 session in Tamil Nadu Government Medical Colleges can be accessed from the TN Health website. Candidates selected under the General Category will not be allowed to claim the very same status as the candidates selected under the Special Category and vice versa. Candidates seeking admission under Special Category for the Post Basic Diploma Courses 2023-2024 under Differently Abled person shall upload the presc...

A collaboration of researchers, led by UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital, have published successful results from a Phase II clinical trial for the treatment of BRAF mutated low-grade paediatric gliomas. Gliomas are cancerous brain tumours that start in glial cells-the supporting cells of the brain. The results from the TADPOLE-G study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Clinical Oncology, are the first to demonstrate a clear clinical benefit of combining the therapies of Dabrafenib and Trametinib (Novartis) in BRAF mutated low- and high-grade paediatric gliomas respectively. For children with paediatric low-grade gliomas, the normal course of treatment is a full surgical removal. However, for children where this is not possible, additional treatments like chemotherapy are required. These patients often experience multiple relapses, further disease progression and serious side effects. In the randomised trial, 73 children with BRAF mutated low-g...

A pioneering extraperitoneal cesarean section (ECS) technique via the supravesical approach has been introduced, potentially offering a more expansive view of the lower uterine segment (LUS) and enabling direct visualisation of all operative procedures. This novel technique, detailed in a recent study, aims to improve upon the limitations associated with conventional paravesical approaches. This study was published in The Journal Of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research by Fumikazu Kotsuji and colleagues. The study showcased this innovative approach's feasibility and safety in safely detaching the bladder fundus from the peritoneum, allowing for easier access to the LUS. While the technique provides broader exposure and direct vision for operative procedures, its downside currently lies in the longer operative time required. No bladder injuries leading to urine leakage were reported among the 501 cases treated with this approach during its development phase. The procedure invol...

Korea: A recent study published in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine has shed light on the association between the consumption of certain fruits and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Findings from the Korean Genome And Epidemiology Study revealed that greater grapes consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but the total amount of fruit consumption was not tied to a reduced risk. Hojun Yu, Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, and colleagues aimed to determine the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the consumption of various fruits. The study is an ongoing prospective longitudinal cohort study of community dwellers and participants (aged 40-69 years) recruited from a national health examinee registry in Korea. The individual consumption habits for 12 different types were obtained using food frequency questionnaires. The fruits were categorized into three groups according to their g...

Madhya Pradesh: The Director of Medical Education (DME MP) has released the schedule for college-level admission against stray vacancies in round 2 of NEET PG and NEET MDS courses. The fresh registration can be carried out from 24.11.2023 to 27.11.2023 (till 11:59 PM). The process of registration will be carried out for 4 days. The publication of the revised state merit list of registered candidates & eligible candidates list will be done on 28-11-2023. The vacancies will be published on 28-11-2023. For the detailed seat matrix, the candidates need to keep a tab on the official website of DME. Also Read: KNRUHS Opens Window For Exercising Web Options For Stray Vacancy Phase Of BSc Nursing, PBBSc Nursing admissions The choice-filling process will be carried out only after the merit list is published. The choice-filling process can be carried out from 28-11-2023 to 29-11-2023 (till 11:59 PM Midnight). 2 days have been allotted for choice choice-filling process. Real-time Colleg...

Spain: A recent study in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research revealed an association between greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and lower risk of cognitive decline in older adults. "Old people who follow a Mediterranean diet are at a lower risk of cognitive decline," the researchers wrote. " The study provides new evidence for a better understanding of the biological mechanisms related to the impact of the diet on cognitive health in the ageing population."  The study is led by Mireia Urpí-Sardá, adjunct lecturer and member of the Biomarkers and Nutritional & Food Metabolomics research group of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, the Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), the Food and Nutrition Torribera Campus of the University of Barcelona, and the CIBER on Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES). This European study, part of the Joint Programming Initiative “A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life” (JPI HDHL) was carried out ov...

New Delhi: The drug major Zydus Healthcare has got a go-ahead from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to manufacture and market the pulmonary drug combination Vilanterol tridentate 12.5mcg plus Glycopyrrolate 25mcg metered dose inhalation. This came after Zydus Healthcare presented its proposal along with the Phase III clinical trial report before the committee. Vilanterol is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist used in combination with other bronchodilators for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Its pharmacological effect is attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenylyl cyclase which catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increases in cyclic AMP are associated with the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of the release of hypersensitiv...

The introduction of histamine type 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) has revolutionised the management of acid-related disorders. Ranitidine has been widely used in the treatment of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) since its introduction in 1981 and is the most prescribed drug globally. (1) Several researchers have studied Ranitidine since its inception, and clinical development programs have explored its novel uses, making Ranitidine one of the most extensively investigated drugs. (2) Ranitidine is available in oral and parenteral dosage forms, tablets, capsules, or oral syrup and injectables. (3) Ranitidine binds to histamine type 2 receptors on the basolateral surface of gastric parietal cells, inhibiting gastric acid secretion. (4) Ranitidine: Unique Action on Acid Suppression: The inhibition of acid secretion occurs by blocking histamine from binding to the parietal cell H2 receptor, thereby preventing its stimulatory effects. Ranitidine effectively reduces gastric acid se...