BOSTON, June 30, 2026 — The Physicians Foundation today announced findings from its 2026 Survey of America’s Physicians: Impact of Healthy Food on Chronic Disease Care and Prevention, revealing a critical disconnect in U.S. healthcare: while physicians recognize nutrition as foundational to preventing and managing chronic disease, the healthcare system is not fully equipped to enable its use – leaving many patients unable to follow clinical guidance.

Chronic disease may be diagnosed in the exam room, but too often it is shaped by whether patients can access nutritious food and make healthy lifestyle choices. At a moment when national attention is increasingly focused on nutrition as a core tool for improving health, a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. physicians, conducted in collaboration with Medscape, finds that gaps in access to key drivers of health – particularly healthy food – are contributing to worsening control of chronic conditions and limiting physicians’ ability to deliver effective care.

Key findings point to widespread challenges affecting both patients and physicians – and potential solutions to address these issues:

• More than three quarters of physicians (78%) encounter patients at least monthly whose chronic disease care is compromised by a lack of access to healthy food.
• Nearly half of physicians (45%) report that patients with chronic diseases frequently or almost always experience worsening control of symptoms primarily due to drivers of health, rather than clinical factors alone.
• 68% of physicians support insurance coverage for healthy food benefits to make it easier for patients with chronic conditions to make healthier lifestyle or diet choices.

“Physicians understand that nutrition is a critical clinical intervention to prevent and manage chronic disease,” said Dr. Gary Price, President of The Physicians Foundation. “When patients lack access to the healthy foods they need and therefore cannot follow clinical recommendations, it undermines care and leads to worse outcomes. As our survey makes clear, insurance coverage for nutritious food benefits is a crucial tool in enabling patients to follow their doctors’ guidance to eat real food.”

The Physicians Foundation’s findings reinforce the growing recognition across the country – including by leadership at the federal and state level – that improving access to nutritious food is essential to addressing diet-related and other chronic diseases and reducing healthcare costs. Aligning healthcare coverage, policy frameworks, and community resources to support nutrition-based care will be critical to improving outcomes and supporting both patients and physicians.

The Physicians Foundation is advancing research to better integrate drivers of health into care delivery and improve chronic disease outcomes.

Read the full survey results and methodology here.

About The Physicians Foundation 

The Physicians Foundation is a public charity seeking to advance the work of practicing physicians and help them facilitate the delivery of high-quality health care to patients. As the U.S. health care system continues to evolve, The Physicians Foundation is steadfast in strengthening the physician-patient relationship, supporting medical practices’ sustainability and helping physicians navigate the changing health care system. The Physicians Foundation pursues its mission through research, education and innovative grant making that improves physician wellbeing, strengthens physician leadership, addresses drivers of health and lifts physician perspectives. For more information, visit www.physiciansfoundation.org.

The post The Physicians Foundation Survey Finds Lack of Access to Nutritious Food is Undermining Chronic Disease Care and Prevention appeared first on The Physicians Foundation.

Megbízható kaszinó – gyakorlati útmutató kezdőknek

Az online szerencsejáték piac hatalmas, és a megbízható kaszinó keresése sok magyar játékos számára elsődleges feladat. A cikkben lépésről‑lépésre bemutatom, milyen szempontok alapján érdemes dönteni, és hol találod a legfrissebb ajánlatokat. A részletes listát megtalálod a https://ome2021.hu/ oldalon.

1. Mit jelent a “megbízható kaszinó”?

Egy megbízható kaszinó több, mint egy vonzó dizájn vagy nagy nyeremény. Alapvető, hogy rendelkezzen érvényes licenccel, átlátható szabályokkal és tiszta pénzügyi folyamatokkal. A magyar játékosok számára a leggyakrabban elfogadott engedélyek a Máltai (MGA), az Egyesült Királyság (UKGC) vagy a Gibraltári hatóságok által kiadottak.

Az ilyen engedélyek biztosítják, hogy a játékokat független tesztlaborok (pl. eCOGRA) ellenőrizték, és az RTP (visszatérítési arány) a nyilvánosan elérhető adatbázisban is ellenőrizhető. Ha a kaszinó honlapján hiányzik a licencinformáció vagy nehezen megtalálható, az már egy piros jel.

2. Engedélyek és biztonság – mire figyeljünk?

A legfontosabb biztonsági tényező a szabályozó hatóság. Egy magyar játékos számára a legbiztonságosabb, ha a kaszinó egy EU‑tagállam hatóságának felügyelete alatt áll, mert így a pénzügyi tranzakciók és a személyes adatok védelme is erősebben garantált.

Ezen felül keress SSL‑titkosítást (HTTPS) a címsorban, valamint független audit jelentéseket, amelyekben látható a játékok RNG (véletlen szám generátor) minősítése. Ha a weboldal megemlíti a “fair play” vagy “responsible gambling” programokat, az további bizalomépítő jel.

3. Regisztráció és azonosítás – első lépések

A regisztráció folyamata általában három lépésből áll: e‑mail cím megadása, jelszó választása és a felhasználói név beállítása. Sok kaszinó ma már engedélyezi a közösségi média fiókkal való bejelentkezést, ami gyorsabb, de kevésbé biztonságos lehet, ha a másik fiókod már kompromittálódott.

Az azonosítás (KYC) során a játékosnak általában feltölt egy személyi igazolványt vagy útlevelet, egy lakcímigazoló dokumentumot és egy bankszámlakivonatot. Ez a lépés elkerülhető csak akkor, ha a játékos kis összegű befizetést és kivételt hajt végre, de a nagyobb nyeremények esetén kötelező.

4. Bónuszok és feltételek – hogyan olvassuk a kiszámítást?

A legtöbb megbízható kaszinó vonzó welcome bonus-szal kecsegtet: 100 % befizetési bónusz + ingyenes pörgetések. Azonban a tényleges értéket a wagering requirements (áttétel) határozza meg. Ha egy 200 € bónusz 30‑szoros áttételt igényel, akkor a játékosnak legalább 6 000 €-t kell megjátszania, mielőtt a nyeremények kifizetésre kerülnek.

A feltételek közül a leggyakoribbak:

• Maximum áttekinthető nyeremény (pl. 100 €-nél nem több).
• Játékok hozzájárulási aránya (pl. slotok 100 %, asztali játékok 20 %).
• Lejárati idő (30‑90 nap).

Mindig olvasd el a “Bónusz feltételek” részt, és ha valami nem világos, kérdezd meg az ügyfélszolgálatot.

5. Fizetési módok és kifizetés sebessége

A magyar játékosok körében a legnépszerűbb befizetési módok a bankkártya, a Trustly és a Skrill. A kifizetés sebessége nagyban függ a választott módtól: a bankkártyás visszautalás akár 2‑3 munkanapig is tarthat, míg az e‑pénztárcák (Skrill, Neteller) gyakran 24 órán belül megjelennek a számlán.

Az alábbi táblázatban összegzem a leggyakoribb fizetési módok átlagos feldolgozási idejét:

Mindig ellenőrizd, hogy a kaszinó milyen díjat számít fel a tranzakciókért. Néhány platform ingyenes befizetést kínál, de a kifizetéskor díjat vonhat le, különösen a banki átutalásoknál.

6. Mobil és asztali élmény – app vagy web?

A modern megbízható kaszinók mind asztali, mind mobil felületen elérhetők. Ha gyakran játszol útközben, érdemes olyan operátort választani, amely natív mobil app‑ot kínál iOS‑re és Androidra. Az appok általában gyorsabb betöltési időt és jobb értesítési rendszert biztosítanak.

Azok számára, akik a böngészőből szeretik a játékot, a responsív weboldal ugyanúgy funkcionál, mint a desktop verzió. Fontos, hogy a mobil verzió is tartalmazza a licencinformációt, a felelős játék linkeket és a támogatási csatornákat.

7. Ügyfélszolgálat és felelős játék

Az ügyfélszolgálat minősége gyakran elhanyagolt, pedig kulcsfontosságú a felhasználói élményben. A legjobb kaszinók 24/7 elérhető chat‑et, telefonos vonalat és e‑mail támogatást kínálnak, magyar nyelvű operátorokkal. Egy gyors válaszidő (legyen 5‑10 perc a chatben) nagyban növeli a bizalmat.

A felelős játék programok – önkorlátozás, betéti limitek, időkorlátok – szintén kötelező elemek. Ha egy kaszinó nyíltan kommunikál a “responsible gambling” irányelveiről, az további bizonyíték arra, hogy komolyan veszi a játékosok jólétét.

8. Összegzés – a legfontosabb mérőszámok

Összegezve, egy megbízható kaszinó kiválasztásakor a következőket kell mérlegelned:

• Érvényes licenc és független auditok.
• Átlátható bónuszfeltételek (átkelt, max nyeremény, lejárat).
• Gyors és díjmentes fizetési módok, különösen a kifizetés sebessége.
• Mobil app vagy responsív web, ami zökkenőmentes élményt nyújt.
• 24/7 ügyfélszolgálat magyar nyelven és felelős játék programok.

Ezeknek a tényezőknek a figyelembevétele segít abban, hogy ne csak szórakoztató, hanem biztonságos környezetben játssz, és a nyeremények valóban elérhetőek legyenek. Ha bármelyik pontban bizonytalan vagy, ne habozz felkeresni a támogatást, vagy további információkat keresni a fent említett forrásokban.

The post Megbízható kaszinó: app és mobil használati útmutató appeared first on The Physicians Foundation.

The noncommunicable disease (NCD) challenge in advanced East Asia is often misunderstood. Unlike in many Western contexts—where obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk dominate the narrative—countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore are increasingly defined by a different reality: rapid population ageing, multimorbidity, frailty, and breakdowns in continuity of care after hospitalization.

This does not mean the NCD burden is lighter. Rather, it presents differently. While obesity rates remain lower than in countries like the United States, East Asian populations often develop conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes at lower body mass indices, with higher risks of stroke and kidney disease. In short, the region faces a less visible—but equally serious—metabolic risk profile, compounded by the complexities of ageing.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Japan, where nearly 30% of the population is over 65. Its Community-based Integrated Care System reflects a shift away from disease-specific care toward coordinated support that integrates health services, long-term care, and social needs. South Korea and Taiwan are following similar trajectories under even faster demographic pressure, while Singapore’s system highlights another critical issue: the challenge of ensuring smooth transitions from hospital to home. High readmission rates among older adults underscore that hospital care alone is not enough.

This points to a central insight: in ageing societies, the NCD challenge is no longer just about managing disease—it is about maintaining function. The greatest risks often emerge after discharge, when patients must navigate rehabilitation, home-based care, and long-term support systems. Evidence from integrated hospital models shows improvements in inpatient outcomes, but far less impact on long-term recovery, readmissions, or functional decline. The gap lies in continuity of care.

From a systems perspective, this is where resilience matters most. As emphasized by the World Health Organization, resilient health systems are not defined solely by access to services, but by their ability to coordinate care across the full continuum—from prevention and treatment to rehabilitation and long-term support. Continuity of care is not just an operational concern; it is foundational to delivering people-centered health systems that can respond to ageing populations and rising demand.

East Asia’s experience offers a critical lesson for the global health community: the future of NCD policy must move beyond disease metrics alone. It must prioritize function, integration, and the lived realities of ageing populations. As more countries approach similar demographic shifts, these lessons will only grow more relevant.

Key Calls to Action for Global Health Advocates:

• Reframe the NCD agenda: Move beyond disease-specific metrics to include ageing, multimorbidity, and functional outcomes.
• Invest in continuity of care: Prioritize systems that connect hospital, primary care, rehabilitation, and long-term care services.
• Strengthen community-based care models: Support policies that enable older adults to age with dignity in their communities.
• Elevate post-acute and long-term care: Ensure these services are fully integrated into UHC strategies and financing frameworks.
• Promote people-centered health systems: Advocate for care models that are coordinated, accessible, and responsive across the life course.

As global populations age, the question is no longer just how to treat chronic disease—but how to sustain health, function, and dignity over time.

References:

1. OECD, Health at a Glance 2025 — Overweight and obesity
2. WHO Europe — Cardiovascular diseases fact sheet
3. U.S. CDC Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Severe Obesity Among Adults Age 20 and Older: United States, 1960–1962 Through August 2021–August 2023
4. Review article on type 2 diabetes in East Asians (PMC)
5. Type 2 diabetes in East Asians: similarities and differences with populations in Europe and the
6. Statistics Bureau of Japan — Current Population Estimates as of October 1, 2024
7. Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Community-based Integrated Care System
8. Yonhap / Korea Times — Over 20% of Koreans 65 and older in 2025
9. PubMed / PMC — Trends in Frailty Prevalence Among Older Adults in Korea: 2008 to 2020
10. Taiwan MOI-related reporting — Taiwan officially became a super-aged society, 20.06% aged 65+ at end-2025
11. Taiwan NDC projection, via reporting and official portal
12. Singapore National Population and Talent Division — Longevity / Population in Brief 2025
13. Singapore Ministry of Health — Elderly Patients Readmitted within 30 Days after Discharge From Hospital
14. Singapore, Longevity
15. Singapore, Population And Vital Statistics
16. Impact of Hospitalist Care on Outcomes of Inpatient Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study at a Single Community Hospital, Chiang Kuan Yu
17. WHO, Integrated people-centred care
18. WHO, Primary health care

Being unable to afford dental care may increase a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease or dementia, according to a new study led by researchers at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH).

Published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A, the study found that older people who forego necessary dental procedures because of financial barriers may be more likely to experience heart failure, a heart attack, a stroke, or dementia.

Poor oral health has been previously linked to cardiovascular and neurological conditions, but the prior research was mostly limited to specific oral health issues, such as periodontitis or tooth loss. Being unable to pay for dental care is a modifiable problem that, if addressed, could potentially lower people’s chances of developing more serious or fatal health conditions.

“Cost is one of the main barriers to dental care,” says study lead author Ms. Mabeline Velez, an instructor of health policy and health services research at BUSPH and a PhD candidate at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. “As a result, people often delay critical care or they accept the coverage available, which may be more drastic measures—such as getting a tooth pulled than is clinically indicated. Tooth loss, especially early in life, can cause a whole set of health problems later in life including increased mortality. Finding ways to make dental care more accessible and affordable for everyone is a preventative measure that we can take to improve health outcomes down the line.”

For the study, Velez and colleagues from BUSPH and the University of California, San Francisco utilized survey data among participants ages 55 and older in the All of Us study, an initiative that the National Institutes of Health launched in 2017 to develop a diverse database on a variety of health conditions. Analyzing electronic health records and survey responses, the team examined the associations of unmet dental care needs due to cost with new diagnoses of heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, and all-cause dementia. A total of 88,496 people were analyzed for incident heart attacks, 86,593 people for heart failure, 88,410 people for strokes, and 92,272 people for dementia.

They found that people who skipped dental checkups and procedures because they could not afford them had higher incidence of all of the above conditions. On a population level, eliminating the financial barriers that prevented people from receiving dental care could prevent 2-4 percent of each outcome among older adults. With the exception of strokes, the associations were reduced after the researchers accounted for socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical factors.

The researchers note that this weakened relationship signals that further data is needed to understand and address the underlying or systemic drivers of chronic diseases.

“Multiple studies have evaluated pieces of this puzzle, but this is the first time we can point to financial barriers to care as being linked with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and dementia: two leading causes of disability and death among older adults,” says study senior author Dr. Kendra Sims, assistant professor of epidemiology at BUSPH. “This study serves as an indicator that if we alleviate upstream factors such as financial constraints, we can prevent chronic disease.”

Fewer than 30 percent of US adults 65 and older have dental insurance and nearly 8 percent say they are unable to afford necessary dental care. Medicare and Medicaid do provide dental coverage, but that coverage is limited and often excludes preventive services. Medicaid dental coverage also varies widely by state, and in some instances, only covers emergency care.

Policies that facilitate access to preventive dental care could widely reduce poor oral health outcomes, with benefits that extend to cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes, the researchers say. For example, states that extended dental care under the Affordable Care Act reported an increase in dental visits, fewer missing teeth, and better overall oral functioning.

These dental visits also present an opportunity to conduct other health screenings.

“People who can access and afford routine dental care typically visit the dentist twice a year,” Dr. Sims says. “What if insurance could cover screening for cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes or hypertension when a patient is in the chair?”

For her dissertation, Ms. Velez is exploring how periodontitis, a condition where plaque built up on the gums causes inflammation and infection, can eventually lead to cardiovascular issues.

“Periodontitis is very common, but it is a treatable disease,” she says. “I hope this new insight will encourage doctors to integrate dental care into general practice.”

Reference:

Mabeline Velez, Peter T Buto, Anna M Pederson, Jennifer Weuve, Audrey R Murchland, Jingxuan Wang, M Maria Glymour, Kendra D Sims, Associations of unmet dental care needs due to cost with incident cardiovascular disease and dementia: a prospective study in the All of Us cohort, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 81, Issue 4, April 2026, glag023, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glag023

Thiruvananthapuram: The death of a BDS student of Ancharakandi Dental College in Kannur, has triggered widespread protests, multiple inquiries, and serious allegations of sustained harassment by faculty.

Classmates of the student have levelled grave charges against Head of Department accusing him of routine intimidation, body shaming, and both mental and physical abuse.

According to students, the circumstances leading to his death reveal unheard-of cruelty, including bizarre punitive practices that allegedly broke students psychologically and physically, reports IANS

They firmly reject earlier reports attributing the suicide to threats from loan apps, calling it a fabricated narrative aimed at shielding the college authorities and the accused faculty.

According to IANS report, students allege that the faculty wielded undue influence over internal marks and viva evaluations, using this to silence dissent through threats of failure.

Instances of verbal humiliation, including insults in front of parents, and physical abuse such as hitting and forcing students into degrading punishments have also been cited.

The protests have intensified, with students boycotting classes and demanding immediate action.

Activists of the KSU and the MSF staged a march to the college, forcing entry into the campus and holding a sit-in, before being removed and arrested by police.

Protesters asserted they would not allow any teacher accused of misconduct, including communal remarks, to be protected.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has also escalated the issue, submitting a complaint to Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey and the National Medical Commission, seeking a transparent and comprehensive probe and strict action against all those responsible.

The complaint alleges that, a first-year student from Thiruvananthapuram, died by suicide after facing brutal treatment, including caste and racial abuse by faculty members.

At the national level, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes has ordered an inquiry based on a complaint by BJP leader P. Shyamraj, directing the state DGP to submit a report within five days.

Meanwhile, Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty has assured that the government stands firmly with the student's family, promising a thorough investigation and all necessary support, including facilitating a meeting with the Chief Minister.

Police have registered two FIRs, one on the unnatural death and another against a loan app, though inconsistencies in the latter have raised further questions.

Statements from students and faculty are being recorded, while suspended teachers named in the case are reportedly absconding, facing possible arrest under non-bailable charges.

What if when you eat matters just as much as what you eat? Emerging research suggests that meal timing could play a key role in maintaining a healthy weight.

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that two simple habits—eating earlier in the day and extending the overnight fasting window—are associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) over time. The research, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health analyzed data from over 7,000 adults aged 40 to 65, with follow-up assessments conducted five years later.

The findings point toward the growing field of chrononutrition, which explores how meal timing interacts with the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. Researchers suggest that eating earlier aligns better with the body’s natural metabolic processes, improving calorie burning and appetite regulation. Participants who combined an early dinner with an early breakfast and a longer overnight fast tended to maintain healthier weight levels.

However, not all fasting patterns showed benefits. A subgroup of men who practiced intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast and delaying their first meal until the afternoon did not experience lower body weight.

The study also revealed gender differences. Women generally had lower BMI, healthier dietary patterns such as closer adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and lower alcohol intake. However, they also reported poorer mental health and greater caregiving responsibilities, highlighting the complex interplay between lifestyle and health outcomes.

While the findings are promising, researchers caution that they are observational and do not prove causation. Still, the results reinforce previous evidence linking early eating patterns with reduced risks of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Overall, the research suggests that aligning eating habits with the body’s natural rhythms could be a simple yet effective strategy for long-term weight management.

REFERENCE: Luciana Pons-Muzzo, Rafael de Cid, Mireia Obón-Santacana, Kurt Straif, Kyriaki Papantoniou, Isabel Santonja, Manolis Kogevinas, Anna Palomar-Cros, Camille Lassale. Sex-specific chrono-nutritional patterns and association with body weight in a general population in Spain (GCAT study). International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2024; 21 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01639-x

Can a simple nutrient shift influence how the mind feels and functions? A growing body of research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play a meaningful, though complex, role in mental health.

A recent review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition highlights how omega-3 supplements could impact brain function through anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective mechanisms. Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, are increasingly being linked to chronic inflammation and imbalances in fatty acid metabolism. Modern diets, often high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3s, may further contribute to this imbalance.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential components of brain cell membranes. DHA, for instance, makes up a significant portion of neuronal membranes and supports neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and protection against cell damage. EPA, on the other hand, is more closely associated with anti-inflammatory and potential antidepressant effects.

These fatty acids may also influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping regulate stress responses and reduce excess cortisol levels. Additionally, omega-3s can affect key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are often disrupted in mental health conditions.

Despite these promising mechanisms, the clinical evidence remains mixed. Some studies suggest omega-3 supplementation may reduce depressive symptoms or delay the progression of early psychosis, while others show limited or inconsistent results—especially in chronic or advanced conditions.

Importantly, omega-3s are not a standalone treatment. Experts emphasize their role as a complementary approach alongside established therapies such as medication and psychotherapy.

Overall, omega-3 fatty acids represent a promising but still evolving area in mental health research, underscoring the intricate connection between diet, brain biology, and emotional well-being.

REFERENCE: Fleig, K., Haslinger, L., Dawczynski, C., et al. (2026). Omega-3 fatty acids in mental disorders: from neurobiological and metabolic mechanisms to therapeutic potential. Frontiers in Nutrition. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1748196. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1748196/full

That "zero-calorie" sweetener in your drink might not be as metabolically neutral as it seems.

A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that commonly used non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose and stevia may influence metabolism in unexpected ways—potentially even across generations. While these sweeteners are widely used as sugar substitutes, concerns have been growing about their long-term health effects.

In this study, researchers from the Universidad de Chile tested the effects of these sweeteners in mice. The animals were given water containing either sucralose, stevia, or no sweetener, at doses comparable to typical human consumption. The researchers then tracked metabolic changes not only in the original mice but also in their offspring across two generations.

The results revealed subtle but notable changes. Mice exposed to sweeteners showed altered glucose tolerance—an early indicator of metabolic dysfunction. These effects varied by sex and type of sweetener, but were more consistent and long-lasting with sucralose.

The study also found disruptions in the gut microbiome. While microbial diversity increased, the production of beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids decreased. These compounds are important for gut health and metabolic regulation. Additionally, changes in gene expression linked to inflammation and metabolism were observed, suggesting possible epigenetic effects—biological changes that can be passed to future generations.

Interestingly, these changes did not lead to immediate disease, such as diabetes, but may represent early warning signs of metabolic imbalance. Researchers emphasize that the findings do not prove causation and may not directly translate to humans.

Still, the study raises important questions about how artificial sweeteners interact with the body over time. While not a cause for alarm, the researchers suggest moderation and further investigation into their long-term effects on human health.

REFERENCE: Concha Celume, F., et al. (2026). Artificial and natural non-nutritive sweeteners drive divergent gut and genetic responses across generations. Frontiers in Nutrition. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1694149. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1694149/full

Here are the top medical news for today:

New Study Links Common Sweeteners to Long-Term Metabolic Changes Across Generations

That “zero-calorie” sweetener in your drink might not be as metabolically neutral as it seems.

A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that commonly used non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose and stevia may influence metabolism in unexpected ways—potentially even across generations. While these sweeteners are widely used as sugar substitutes, concerns have been growing about their long-term health effects.

In this study, researchers from the Universidad de Chile tested the effects of these sweeteners in mice. The animals were given water containing either sucralose, stevia, or no sweetener, at doses comparable to typical human consumption. The researchers then tracked metabolic changes not only in the original mice but also in their offspring across two generations.

The results revealed subtle but notable changes. Mice exposed to sweeteners showed altered glucose tolerance—an early indicator of metabolic dysfunction. These effects varied by sex and type of sweetener, but were more consistent and long-lasting with sucralose.

The study also found disruptions in the gut microbiome. While microbial diversity increased, the production of beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids decreased. These compounds are important for gut health and metabolic regulation. Additionally, changes in gene expression linked to inflammation and metabolism were observed, suggesting possible epigenetic effects—biological changes that can be passed to future generations.

Interestingly, these changes did not lead to immediate disease, such as diabetes, but may represent early warning signs of metabolic imbalance. Researchers emphasize that the findings do not prove causation and may not directly translate to humans.

Still, the study raises important questions about how artificial sweeteners interact with the body over time. While not a cause for alarm, the researchers suggest moderation and further investigation into their long-term effects on human health.

REFERENCE: Concha Celume, F., et al. (2026). Artificial and natural non-nutritive sweeteners drive divergent gut and genetic responses across generations. Frontiers in Nutrition. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1694149. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1694149/full

Study Explores When Omega-3 Supplements Benefit Mental Health and When They Do Not

Can a simple nutrient shift influence how the mind feels and functions? A growing body of research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play a meaningful—though complex—role in mental health.

A recent review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition highlights how omega-3 supplements could impact brain function through anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective mechanisms. Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, are increasingly being linked to chronic inflammation and imbalances in fatty acid metabolism. Modern diets, often high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3s, may further contribute to this imbalance.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential components of brain cell membranes. DHA, for instance, makes up a significant portion of neuronal membranes and supports neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and protection against cell damage. EPA, on the other hand, is more closely associated with anti-inflammatory and potential antidepressant effects.

These fatty acids may also influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping regulate stress responses and reduce excess cortisol levels. Additionally, omega-3s can affect key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are often disrupted in mental health conditions.

Despite these promising mechanisms, the clinical evidence remains mixed. Some studies suggest omega-3 supplementation may reduce depressive symptoms or delay the progression of early psychosis, while others show limited or inconsistent results—especially in chronic or advanced conditions.

Importantly, omega-3s are not a standalone treatment. Experts emphasize their role as a complementary approach alongside established therapies such as medication and psychotherapy.

Overall, omega-3 fatty acids represent a promising but still evolving area in mental health research, underscoring the intricate connection between diet, brain biology, and emotional well-being.

REFERENCE: Fleig, K., Haslinger, L., Dawczynski, C., et al. (2026). Omega-3 fatty acids in mental disorders: from neurobiological and metabolic mechanisms to therapeutic potential. Frontiers in Nutrition. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1748196. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1748196/full

Researchers Identify Two Easy Eating Habits That May Aid Weight Loss

What if when you eat matters just as much as what you eat? Emerging research suggests that meal timing could play a key role in maintaining a healthy weight.

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that two simple habits—eating earlier in the day and extending the overnight fasting window—are associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) over time. The research, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health analyzed data from over 7,000 adults aged 40 to 65, with follow-up assessments conducted five years later.

The findings point toward the growing field of chrononutrition, which explores how meal timing interacts with the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. Researchers suggest that eating earlier aligns better with the body’s natural metabolic processes, improving calorie burning and appetite regulation. Participants who combined an early dinner with an early breakfast and a longer overnight fast tended to maintain healthier weight levels.

However, not all fasting patterns showed benefits. A subgroup of men who practiced intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast and delaying their first meal until the afternoon did not experience lower body weight.

The study also revealed gender differences. Women generally had lower BMI, healthier dietary patterns such as closer adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and lower alcohol intake. However, they also reported poorer mental health and greater caregiving responsibilities, highlighting the complex interplay between lifestyle and health outcomes.

While the findings are promising, researchers caution that they are observational and do not prove causation. Still, the results reinforce previous evidence linking early eating patterns with reduced risks of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Overall, the research suggests that aligning eating habits with the body’s natural rhythms could be a simple yet effective strategy for long-term weight management.

REFERENCE: Luciana Pons-Muzzo, Rafael de Cid, Mireia Obón-Santacana, Kurt Straif, Kyriaki Papantoniou, Isabel Santonja, Manolis Kogevinas, Anna Palomar-Cros, Camille Lassale. Sex-specific chrono-nutritional patterns and association with body weight in a general population in Spain (GCAT study). International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2024; 21 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01639-x

New Delhi: Amid the long-standing demand to amend the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations, 2021, to ensure a uniform stipend for MBBS interns across the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has now stated that it will not take any further action, saying the matter falls entirely within the domain of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The information in this regard was shared in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Kerala-based ophthalmologist and RTI activist Dr KV Babu, who sought clarity on whether the NMC and its Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) plan to amend the CRMI Regulations to remove disparity in stipend paid to interns across institutions.

On February 22, 2026, Dr Babu submitted RTI applications to the UGMEB and the Medical Education Policy (MEP) section of the Ministry, seeking action on stipend parity.

While the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board reiterated its earlier position that any amendment to the CRMI Regulations, 2021 would require consideration through the statutory process and consultation with all concerned authorities, the Medical Education Policy (MEP) section of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in its RTI reply, clearly outlined its stand on the issue.

In its response dated April 2, 2026, the Ministry stated, "The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the apex statutory body constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, for regulating medical education and profession in the country. All matters relating to framing, amendment, and implementation of medical education regulations fall within the domain of NMC. Therefore, in view of the above, no further action is required to be taken by the MEP Section in the matter, as the subject falls within the domain of the National Medical Commission (NMC)."

Stipend disparity:

The issue was first raised by Dr Babu in June 2022, when he wrote to the Ministry alleging that his suggestions on stipend parity were ignored while finalising the CRMI Regulations, 2021. Despite this, he continued to send multiple reminders.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the doctor requested that the centre withdraw the Gazette Notification dated November 18, 2021, which notified the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations, 2021. He stated that his earlier comments submitted on July 24, 2021, regarding stipend parity were not incorporated before the regulations were finalised. He requested the Government to re-gazette the regulations.

In his representation, he specifically sought an amendment to Clause 6.3 relating to the stipend, which includes - "All the candidates pursuing compulsory rotating internship at the institution from which the MBBS course was completed, shall be paid stipend on par with the stipend being paid to the interns of the State Govt. Medical Institution / Central Government Medical Institution in the State / Union Territory where the institution is located."

While the government medical colleges pay interns between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000, private colleges either pay half of that or none at all. Data from NMC in 2025 showed that 60 of 555 medical colleges were not paying stipends, and many were paying nominal stipends of less than Rs 5,000 per month.

The Supreme Court in its order dated October 28, 2025, pulled up the NMC for delaying action on stipend-related issues. The Court observed that the Commission was “dragging its feet” and directed it to take appropriate steps, while also asking the Ministry to ensure compliance.

Following this, the doctor again approached the Ministry in November 2025. On this, the MEP section wrote to the NMC in November and December 2025, asking it to examine the issue of stipend provisions for undergraduate interns under CRMI Regulations, 2021, keeping in view similar provisions in PGMER Regulations, 2023.

However, in its reply dated February 18, 2026, the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) under NMC noted that any amendment to the existing rule would require a statutory process.

It stated, "As per the CRMI Regulation 2021 it is stated that, the existing regulation already provides for the payment of stipend to interns. However, the actual implementation, including the rate of stipend, is undertaken by the respective States/UTs in accordance with their financial capacity and budgetary provisions. The regulation has been notifled after deliberations with concerned authoritles, experts and competent authorities assigned at the time of formulation of the regulation, The above regulation being statutory notifled after due approval and consultation with MoHFW and the same is laid in the parliament. In view of the above, any amendment to the CRMI Regulations, 2021 , if required would need consideration in accordance with the statritory process and after due consultation with all concerned concerned authorities."

The issue of 19 posts being vacant at NMC, out of the 54 sanctioned strength, was also highlighted in the Parliament.

In response, he again wrote to both the Ministry and NMC on February 22, 2026, requesting an amendment of the regulations. He later filed RTI applications with both authorities. While the UGMEB reportedly reiterated its earlier response, the Ministry declined to intervene, stating the matter is under NMC’s jurisdiction.

"The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the apex statutory body constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, for regulating medical education and profession in the country. All matters relating to framing, amendment, and implementation of medical education regulations fall within the domain of NMC. Therefore, in view of the above, no further action is required to be taken by the MEP Section in the matter, as the subject falls within the domain of the National Medical Commission (NMC)," mentioned the government's response to the RTI. 

Dr Babu further alleged inconsistency in the Ministry’s approach, stating that while MEP section of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been reluctant to direct the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board on amending the CRMI Regulations for stipend parity, it had promptly intervened in May 2022 on another matter. He pointed out that, based on a representation dated May 3, 2022, the Ministry had directed the National Medical Commission to convene a joint meeting under Section 50 of the NMC Act by May 31, 2022, regarding suggestions for the “Swasth Bharat” roadmap.

Commenting on the matter, Dr Babu told Medical Dialogues, "The issue of stipend parity has been pending with the NMC & GOI for almost five years. Though following the SC order of 28th October 2025, the Govt took a proactive decision to amend CRMI regulations in line with PGME regulations, the nominated, almost vacant, UGMEB is not inclined to amend the regulations for stipend parity even after harsh criticism from the SC & communications from the Govt."

He further said, "It should be noted that, though GOI have the authority to direct the NMC/UGMEB to amend the regulations for stipend parity, they are absolving the responsibility, though they had no hesitation in directing the NMC to act on issues which suits them earlier. It should be presumed that the GOI & the nominated vacant UGMEB are hand in glove in denying stipend parity to the interns."

Also Read:Any amendment to CRMI regulations requires statutory process: NMC on MBBS intern stipend disparity row

New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has announced revisions in seat allocation for various DM and MCh super specialty courses under the INI-SS Entrance Examination for the July 2026 session.

As per the latest update issued in continuation of the previously published prospectus, changes have been made to the number of seats across select specialties at AIIMS New Delhi, AIIMS Bhopal, and PGIMER, Chandigarh, based on recent communications from these institutes, given below-

All other contents of the Prospectus for July 2026 remain the same

To view the notice, click the link mentioned here- https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/14/1776080525441-681280407-341558.pdf

Medical dialogues had earlier reported that, The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)  released the detailed prospectus and schedule for the INI SS July 2026 session, announcing that online registration process, with the last date set for April 13, 2026.

Rajkot: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rajkot organised its first convocation ceremony recently. 

At the convocation ceremony, degrees were conferred upon the first batch of 49 MBBS graduates. 10 medals and certificates of merit were also awarded. These included an institutional medal, as well as gold, silver, and bronze medals for the first, second, and third professional years.

President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu addressed the first convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, marking a significant milestone in the institution's journey as it graduated its inaugural batch of medical students. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel was also present.

Congratulating the graduating students, the President described the occasion as a moment of pride not only for the students but also for all those associated with the establishment of the institution. “You are the first batch graduating from this institution. In that sense, you are the first brand ambassadors of AIIMS Rajkot. Your work and conduct will shape the reputation of this institution”, she said.

Highlighting the rich cultural and historical significance of the Saurashtra region, the President noted its association with sacred sites and the life of Mahatma Gandhi. She called upon all stakeholders of AIIMS Rajkot to work in the spirit of service and public welfare, guided by the ideals of duty and compassion.

Emphasizing the noble nature of the medical profession, the President said, “Medicine is not just a profession, it is a commitment to the service of humanity. This profession requires not only scientific knowledge but also sensitivity, patience and humility.” She urged the graduating students to uphold empathy, patience, and humility in their practice, adding that “the white coat you wear symbolizes the trust that people place in doctors during times of illness and uncertainty.”

The President underscored the important role played by AIIMS institutions in providing affordable, world-class tertiary healthcare, and in advancing medical education, research, and public health. She expressed satisfaction that AIIMS graduates are contributing to healthcare leadership both in India and abroad, reflecting the high standards of these institutions.

Referring to AIIMS Rajkot as a young and evolving institution, the President stressed the importance of a clear vision, good governance, and transparency in ensuring its long-term success. She also highlighted the need to address region-specific health challenges, including maternal and child health and genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia.

Acknowledging the rapid technological advancements in healthcare, the President said, “Artificial Intelligence, robotics, precision medicine and digital health services are transforming the nature and possibilities of healthcare.” She encouraged students to embrace innovation while retaining the human touch, noting that “human compassion in medicine can never be replaced.” Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the President reminded the graduates of the value of service: “Now that you have the opportunity to render service, pour your soul into it and learn to enjoy it thoroughly.”

The President also highlighted the importance of ethical values in medical practice, stating that while being a good doctor is important, being guided by compassion, integrity, and altruism is even more essential.

In the context of India’s goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, the President emphasized that accessible and quality healthcare is a critical pillar. She noted that the Government of India has taken several steps in this direction and called for continued collaboration among all stakeholders, including premier institutions like AIIMS.

Expressing confidence in the future of AIIMS Rajkot, the President said that the institution would play a vital role in advancing equitable healthcare and setting new benchmarks in medical education and research.

Concluding her address, the President extended her best wishes to the graduating students, urging them to serve with dedication, lead with integrity, and uphold the noble ideals of the medical profession.

Jaipur: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday led a 24-hour statewide shutdown of private healthcare services in Rajasthan, as doctors’ bodies and private hospital associations launched a boycott of the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS) following the arrest of a doctor over alleged irregularities.

The shutdown, which began at 8 am on April 14 and will continue until 8 am on April 15, has resulted in the suspension of OPD, IPD, and emergency services in private hospitals across the state, severely affecting healthcare access for patients.  

Also Read:Jaipur Hospital operator arrested over alleged RGHS fraud

Medical Dialogues recently reported that a private hospital operator in Jaipur was arrested on Sunday for allegedly submitting forged and fabricated documents under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS).

At a meeting chaired by IMA Rajasthan state president Dr Mahesh Chandra Sharma, representatives of private hospitals unanimously decided to stop generating new transaction IDs (TID) under RGHS. Patients already admitted will continue to receive treatment, but hospitals will not issue a fresh TID if required, reports TOI.

The association has warned that the boycott will continue until the arrested doctor is released and concerns related to the case are addressed. 

According to the news reports, the protest has received widespread support from prominent healthcare bodies, including the Rajasthan Alliance of Hospital Associations, Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHNHA), UPCHAR, AHPI Rajasthan, and PHNHS.

Dr. Sharma stated that the arrest has created a climate of fear and resentment among doctors, arguing that the action was taken without adequate dialogue or fair process. He warned that such measures could seriously disrupt healthcare delivery in the state. He further added that doctors have resolved to collectively boycott treatment services in the future if similar arrests occur over alleged irregularities in government schemes.

Speaking to TOI, IMA Rajasthan zonal secretary Dr Anurag Sharma said there was “deep anger” among doctors across the state. He said the medical board formed in the matter had not found any medical negligence, yet criminal action had been taken against a reputed doctor over what he described as alleged minor RGHS irregularities, adding that the arrest had hurt the dignity and morale of the fraternity.

PHNHA representative Dr. Vijay Kapoor also criticized the manner of the arrest, alleging that due legal process was not followed and that the doctor in the case was not given an opportunity to present his case. He claimed the doctor was treated “like a hardened criminal,” sparking outrage among healthcare professionals statewide.

Doctors’ associations have warned that if the doctor is not released and the concerns surrounding the case are not addressed, the agitation could escalate into a prolonged statewide shutdown of medical services.

The ongoing shutdown is expected to impact RGHS beneficiaries significantly, particularly affecting new admissions and approvals at empanelled private hospitals.

Also Read:Rajasthan private hospitals suspend cashless medicine services over unpaid dues

Kottayam: In a shocking incident, a car belonging to a prominent doctor was reportedly set ablaze by his former security guard in Kottayam on Monday morning, an act that later led to the death of the accused after he sustained severe burn injuries. 

The victim identified as the former Head of the Endocrinology Department at Kottayam Medical College. The incident occurred around 7:30 am at his residence near the Gandhinagar–Medical College Road. The fire was first noticed by a domestic worker who had arrived at the premises for routine chores, reports the Daily.

Also Read:Nagpur doctor arrested for abetting suicide of 28-year-old air hostess

According to officials at the Kottayam Fire Station, they received information around 8.10 am that a car parked at a doctor’s residence had caught fire, reports PTI.

Emergency services, including the Fire Force and local police, rushed to the spot. Upon arrival, they found the accused lying near the burning vehicle with severe burn injuries. He was immediately transported to Kottayam Medical College Hospital for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries later in the evening.

Authorities stated that the accused had been employed as a night watchman at the doctor’s residence. He had reportedly been dismissed from his job recently, which may have contributed to the motive behind the act. Police are also exploring the possibility that he was dealing with mental health issues.

The fire was prevented from spreading to the house after employees from a nearby petrol pump rushed to the spot with fire extinguishers and doused the flames. However, one window of the house was damaged in the fire, reports Onmanorama.

The accused is survived by his wife and two children. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at 3:30 pm.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a car carrying a doctor couple suddenly caught fire in Maharashtra's Beed district; fortunately, no casualties were reported, police said. The incident took place near Mahajanwadi crossroad on Manjarsumba-Patoda road in Beed tehsil at around 6.15 am when the couple was heading towards their farmland. 

Also Read:Doctor couple escapes unhurt as car catches fire in Beed

China: A retrospective cohort study from Hong Kong has found that calcium supplementation alone may increase the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in individuals with established cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, this increased risk was not observed when calcium was combined with vitamin D, suggesting a potential protective or mitigating role of vitamin D. Overall, the findings do not support the cardiovascular safety of calcium supplementation alone in patients with pre-existing CVD.         

Jabalpur: The Health Department has initiated a major crackdown on private healthcare facilities in Jabalpur, cancelling the registrations of 5 private hospitals and 121 clinics for failing to comply with mandatory renewal norms and directing them to cease operations immediately.  

Officials said that under existing rules, private hospitals and clinics are granted registration for a period of three years, after which annual renewal is mandatory between January and February. Inspections are conducted in March, and renewal is approved only if all prescribed standards and documentation requirements are met.

Also Read:Pune: 37 Private Hospitals get notices over regulatory violations

During the review process, officials identified irregularities among 55 hospitals in the district. Two hospitals had applied for closure, one failed to apply for renewal, another submitted incorrect documents, and one was found without staff during inspection. As a result, the registration of five hospitals was cancelled, and they have been barred from admitting or treating patients.

Included in the list of cancelled registrations are Batalia Eye Hospital, Namdev Nursing Home, SC Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, Sankalp Hospital, and Government Hospital, reports Raj Express.

The crackdown extended to private clinics as well. Out of 240 clinics in the district, 89 did not apply for renewal, while 32 submitted incomplete or incorrect documentation. Consequently, the registrations of 121 clinics were cancelled for failing to meet regulatory requirements.

The Health Department has issued strict instructions to all affected institutions. They have been directed not to admit new patients, to discharge existing patients after completing their treatment, and to shut down operations immediately. Authorities have also ordered the removal of signboards from such facilities.

Speaking to the Hitavada, CMHO Dr Navin Kothari stated that any hospital found operating without a valid registration will face strict legal action under the MP Nursing Home Act.

The move is part of a broader effort to enforce regulatory compliance and ensure patient safety.

Also Read:Maha Health Minister urges officials to submit Health Policy proposal

Pune: In a shocking cyber fraud case, fraudsters allegedly siphoned off Rs 92.5 lakh from a doctor cum General Manager of a hospital in Baramati, Maharashtra, by hacking into two bank accounts on April 6.   

A recent study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences in December 2025 highlights a significant gap in patient literacy concerning Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and its systemic risks, with a low mean awareness score of 4.38 ± 1.84 and the discovery that only 26.67% of individuals recognize the threat of chronic complications (the eyes, kidneys, and heart).

A recent systematic review published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry in March 2026 reveals that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) remains a high-performance cornerstone of psychiatric care, demonstrating robust efficacy across schizophrenia and depression while confirming that neurocognitive side effects are overwhelmingly transient.

Researchers have found in a new study that higher serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. These findings suggest that serum neurofilament light chain may serve as a useful biomarker for predicting cardiovascular risk in this population.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a life-changing condition affecting women under 40, marked by diminished ovarian function, irregular menstruation, and early infertility. While the causes of POI are diverse and often mysterious, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology sheds new light on the modifiable and non-modifiable factors that elevate risk, offering hope for prevention and early intervention.

The diagnostic criteria for POI are amenorrhoea or oligomenorrhea lasting at least 4months and elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels exceeding 25U/L on two separate tests, spaced 4weeks apart. The global incidence of POI is reported to range from 1% to 4%, with a prevalence of 3.7%.

The meta-analysis included participants who were patients with disorders related to ovarian function decline, such as premature ovarian failure, POI, or diminished ovarian reserve.

The metaanalysis included a total of 38 studies. All included studies were case-control studies. A total of 4,968 cases and 5,158 control subjects were involved across the studies. The results as reflected by the given systematic review and meta‐analysis showed the following:

The findings reveal a multifactorial etiology, with both lifestyle and hereditary elements playing substantial roles:

1. Lifestyle Hazards:

o Chemical Exposure & Hair Dyeing: Regular exposure to chemicals, especially in certain professions (e.g., hairdressing), and frequent hair dye use significantly increased POI risk (OR up to 4.7).

o Smoking & Sleep Deprivation: Both active and passive smoking, along with chronic sleep deprivation (less than 6 hours per night), were found to nearly triple or quadruple the risk.

o Negative Emotional States: Type A personalities, chronic stress, and persistent bad moods were among the strongest predictors, with Type A behavior increasing risk sixfold.

2. Medical and Surgical Histories:

o Family History & Infections: Women with a family history of POI were four times more likely to develop the condition. A history of mumps, particularly in childhood, was also a strong risk factor.

o Gynecological Surgeries & Abortions: Past pelvic surgeries and multiple induced abortions were consistently associated with heightened POI risk.

Protective Factors:

Certain habits can help safeguard ovarian health:

• Physical Exercise: Regular, moderate activity emerged as a significant protective factor, reducing POI risk by as much as 70%.

• Vegetable Intake: Diets rich in vegetables and plant-based nutrients offered additional protection, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The meta-analysis also emphasizes the role of the gut microbiome in POI.

These results highlight the multifactorial nature of POI and underscore the importance of considering a wide range of risk factors in both clinical practice and public health strategies.

Clinical and Public Health Implications

Early screening of high-risk population, combined with the initiatives like public health strategies including educating the public on smoking cessation, stress management and healthy nutrition along with implementing workplace measures to reduce chemical exposure and support mental well-being can help improve outcomes for individuals at risk of POI.

BULLET POINTS:

• POI is related with abnormal menstruation, hair dyeing, chemical exposure, Type A personality, survival stress, sleep deprivation, bad mood, smoking history, family history of POI, history of mumps, number of abortions, and history of pelvic surgery.

• Physical exercise and vegetable intake may provide protection against the development of POI.

• The findings underscore the importance of managing lifestyle factors and stress to reduce the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency.

• Early screening for high-risk groups and the initiatives like public health strategies may help preserve fertility.

REFERENCE: Shuling Lin, Shanyan Chen & Qin Zhang (2025) Factors influencing premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 45:1, 2469331, DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2025.2469331

Administration of aminophylline at the initiation of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) was associated with a greater decline in serum creatinine, suggesting a possible renoprotective effect. However, the increased incidence of convulsions highlights the importance of close neurological monitoring. Further research is required to determine optimal dosing and to balance potential renal benefits against neurological risks.

New Delhi: Piramal Pharma Limited has successfully closed the USFDA inspection at its Lexington, Kentucky manufacturing facility following the receipt of an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) with Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI) status, marking completion of the regulatory review process.

New Delhi: Codeine-based cough syrups are being sold at black market prices of up to Rs 1,000 per bottle in parts of Madhya Pradesh's Vindhya region following an intensified police crackdown under "Operation Prahaar", which has led to over 700 NDPS cases, more than 1,100 arrests, and seizure of over 75,000 bottles, significantly disrupting illegal supply chains and driving prices sharply higher.

New Delhi: Only a few private medical colleges in the country are currently linked with district hospitals under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, and no list of such colleges is maintained by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC), the Union Minister of State for Health, Smt Anupriya Patel, informed the Lok Sabha.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Patel informed that, as per the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission, a few private medical colleges are operating in association with district hospitals under the PPP model.

However, she clarified that MARB does not maintain details or a list of these colleges.

The information was shared in response to queries raised by a Member of Parliament who sought to know whether the Government proposes to link the private medical colleges with local district hospitals to improve and maintain the quality of medical education in the country, if so, the details thereof, and the names of the private medical colleges linked with district hospitals so far.

In response, Patel said, "The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission has informed that there are a few private medical colleges in the country, operating under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, which are linked to district hospitals. However, the details of such colleges are not maintained by the MARB."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that, endorsing the public-private partnership model, the Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC), Dr Abhijat Sheth, termed it "the way forward" to reshape India's medical education landscape. Dr Sheth made this observation during his maiden visit to Hyderabad. Referring to Gujarat's Brownfield Medical College Policy, Dr Sheth called it a game-changer that transformed the struggling district hospitals into thriving education hubs and encouraged the involvement of the private sector in the medical education sector.

Also read- PPP model is the way forward to reshape medical education in India: NMC Chairman

Denmark: A recent exploratory analysis published in Clinical Obesity has found that liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly used for weight management, may significantly reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and improve certain aspects of quality of life in individuals with obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

USA: A recent research letter published in JAMA reports a considerable decline in long-term opioid use alongside a rise in gabapentinoid co-prescribing. Between 2015 and 2023, the number of individuals in the United States receiving long-term opioid therapy dropped from 5.6 million to 4.2 million, marking a 24.3% reduction. Despite this decline, co-prescribing of opioids with gabapentinoids increased significantly, rising from 47% to 58.7% over the same period. In contrast, benzodiazepine co-prescribing decreased, while stimulant use showed a slight uptick.

Being unable to afford dental care may increase a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease or dementia, according to a new study led by researchers at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH).

Published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A, the study found that older people who forego necessary dental procedures because of financial barriers may be more likely to experience heart failure, a heart attack, a stroke, or dementia.

Poor oral health has been previously linked to cardiovascular and neurological conditions, but the prior research was mostly limited to specific oral health issues, such as periodontitis or tooth loss. Being unable to pay for dental care is a modifiable problem that, if addressed, could potentially lower people’s chances of developing more serious or fatal health conditions.

“Cost is one of the main barriers to dental care,” says study lead author Ms. Mabeline Velez, an instructor of health policy and health services research at BUSPH and a PhD candidate at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. “As a result, people often delay critical care or they accept the coverage available, which may be more drastic measures—such as getting a tooth pulled than is clinically indicated. Tooth loss, especially early in life, can cause a whole set of health problems later in life including increased mortality. Finding ways to make dental care more accessible and affordable for everyone is a preventative measure that we can take to improve health outcomes down the line.”

For the study, Velez and colleagues from BUSPH and the University of California, San Francisco utilized survey data among participants ages 55 and older in the All of Us study, an initiative that the National Institutes of Health launched in 2017 to develop a diverse database on a variety of health conditions. Analyzing electronic health records and survey responses, the team examined the associations of unmet dental care needs due to cost with new diagnoses of heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, and all-cause dementia. A total of 88,496 people were analyzed for incident heart attacks, 86,593 people for heart failure, 88,410 people for strokes, and 92,272 people for dementia.

They found that people who skipped dental checkups and procedures because they could not afford them had higher incidence of all of the above conditions. On a population level, eliminating the financial barriers that prevented people from receiving dental care could prevent 2-4 percent of each outcome among older adults. With the exception of strokes, the associations were reduced after the researchers accounted for socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical factors.

The researchers note that this weakened relationship signals that further data is needed to understand and address the underlying or systemic drivers of chronic diseases.

“Multiple studies have evaluated pieces of this puzzle, but this is the first time we can point to financial barriers to care as being linked with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and dementia: two leading causes of disability and death among older adults,” says study senior author Dr. Kendra Sims, assistant professor of epidemiology at BUSPH. “This study serves as an indicator that if we alleviate upstream factors such as financial constraints, we can prevent chronic disease.”

Fewer than 30 percent of US adults 65 and older have dental insurance and nearly 8 percent say they are unable to afford necessary dental care. Medicare and Medicaid do provide dental coverage, but that coverage is limited and often excludes preventive services. Medicaid dental coverage also varies widely by state, and in some instances, only covers emergency care.

Policies that facilitate access to preventive dental care could widely reduce poor oral health outcomes, with benefits that extend to cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes, the researchers say. For example, states that extended dental care under the Affordable Care Act reported an increase in dental visits, fewer missing teeth, and better overall oral functioning.

These dental visits also present an opportunity to conduct other health screenings.

“People who can access and afford routine dental care typically visit the dentist twice a year,” Dr. Sims says. “What if insurance could cover screening for cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes or hypertension when a patient is in the chair?”

For her dissertation, Ms. Velez is exploring how periodontitis, a condition where plaque built up on the gums causes inflammation and infection, can eventually lead to cardiovascular issues.

“Periodontitis is very common, but it is a treatable disease,” she says. “I hope this new insight will encourage doctors to integrate dental care into general practice.”

Reference:

Mabeline Velez, Peter T Buto, Anna M Pederson, Jennifer Weuve, Audrey R Murchland, Jingxuan Wang, M Maria Glymour, Kendra D Sims, Associations of unmet dental care needs due to cost with incident cardiovascular disease and dementia: a prospective study in the All of Us cohort, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 81, Issue 4, April 2026, glag023, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glag023

Tapered splined titanium stems (TSTSs) are the most frequently used femoral stem design in revision total hip arthroplasty. Despite encouraging and favorable results with TSTS, complications including femoral stem subsidence persist and subsidence >5 mm has been associated with implant failures and the need for aseptic re revision surgery.

Josef E. Jolissaint et al conducted a study to investigate whether an extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) at the time of TSTS insertion increased mean subsidence and whether the amount of cortical contact was associated with subsidence, failure, and revision. The article has been published in ‘JBJS Open access’

It was a single-center retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected database including all patients who received a TSTS from 2016 to 2020. Data collected include surgery type, presence of an ETO, and stem specifications. Radiographs were reviewed to analyze cortical contact and postoperative subsidence. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between contact length and subsidence.

The key findings of the study were:

• This cohort consisted of 299 hips, and 66 hips necessitated an ETO at the time of TSTS.

• Patients who required an ETO were more likely to subside (2.5 ± 0.2 mm vs 5.0 ± 0.7 mm, p < 0.001) and were more likely to subside >5 mm (32.3% vs 14.5%, p = 0.001).

• After controlling for other variables, an ETO was an independent risk factor for significant subsidence (adjusted OR: 3.4, p = 0.02).

• Contact length below the ETO was inversely related to stem subsidence (correlation coefficient of 20.26; p = 0.037), and multivariable logistic regression demonstrated bicortical contact > 30 mm to be a protective factor for significant subsidence (adjusted OR: 0.12, p < 0.001).

• Patients who received an ETO had a higher aseptic rerevision rate than patients who had a TSTS implanted without an ETO (16.1% vs 6.6%, p = 0.018).

The authors concluded – “Patients who receive an ETO during revision hip arthroplasty have a higher mean subsidence and 3-fold increase in odds for subsiding >5 mm. However, bicortical contact of 30 mm or greater below the ETO was protective against significant TSTS subsidence. Although not all patients with >5 mm of subsidence were revised, the aseptic rerevision rate was significantly higher in patients who received an ETO.”

The authors also commented – “An extended trochanteric osteotomy is an excellent technique to gain direct visualization of the femoral canal. However, it is not without its associated morbidity and postoperative complications, specifically stem subsidence. The results of this study suggest that when preparing for a TSTS after an ETO, careful consideration should be taken to confirm 3 cm of cortical engagement below the transverse limb of the ETO. The scaffolding technique, which prioritizes stem preparation followed by ETO closure, facilitates achieving sufficient cortical contact in the intact canal below the ETO segment. Consideration for intraoperative radiographs to confirm appropriate contact length and location may ensure sufficient fixation that will minimize the risk of postoperative stem subsidence.”

Level of Evidence: Level III. 

For further details on the article refer to:

Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy Increases the Risk of Tapered Splined Stem Subsidence in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Josef E. Jolissaint et al

JBJS Open Access 2025:e25.00110

http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.OA.25.00110

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that among patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), facial (biological) age which assessed using deep learning was associated with overall survival and early mortality, unlike chronological age. A facial age ≥85 years significantly increased early mortality risk. Facial age and lung age provided complementary, independent information, supporting their role as novel biomarkers for risk stratification.

The study focused on patients aged 60 and older diagnosed with early-stage NSCLC and treated with SBRT. Accurately gauging physiological fitness and life expectancy in this population has long posed a challenge, as chronological age often fails to reflect true biological health.

Thus, this research evaluated two innovative, noninvasive biomarkers, the "face age,” which is estimated using a deep learning algorithm analyzing patient photographs, and the “lung age,” which is derived from spirometry-based pulmonary function tests. The study determined whether these measures could better predict overall survival and early mortality when compared to traditional age metrics.

The retrospective cohort study included a total of 670 patients treated from 2009 to 2023 across 6 radiation oncology clinics affiliated with a cancer center. With a median follow-up of nearly 4 years, the findings revealed that the face age of a patients was significantly associated with survival outcomes, while their chronological age was not.

For every additional decade in face age, the risk of death increased by 39%, even after adjusting for key clinical factors such as cancer stage, smoking history, and performance status. The patients whose face age was estimated at 85 or older also had a significantly higher risk of dying within two years. Also, being 85 or older by actual age did not show the same predictive value.

Lung age showed minimal correlation with face age, which suggests that each metric captures different aspects of biological aging. Also, face age remained a strong independent predictor of survival even when lung age was taken into account. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of AI-driven tools to enhance clinical decision-making. A simple photograph could provide valuable insight into the biological resilience of patients.

Reference:

Lee, G., Haugg, F., Bontempi, D., He, J., Bitterman, D. S., Pai, S., Guthier, C., Fitzgerald, K. J., Kozono, D. E., Kann, B. H., Aerts, H. J. W. L., & Mak, R. H. (2026). Multimodal assessment of biological age following radiation therapy among patients with early-stage NSCLC. JAMA Network Open, 9(4), e264872. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.4872

A new study published in the journal of Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging showed that Mannitol demonstrated reliable performance as a clearance marker in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–4 and may be considered a useful alternative when standard markers such as iohexol or isotopes. However, larger studies are needed to validate its clinical utility.

This research evaluated mannitol as a clearance marker for determining glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Traditionally, GFR is measured using markers such as iohexol or radioactive isotopes, which may not always be suitable for all patients due to contraindications or limited availability. This study explored whether mannitol could offer a simpler and equally accurate option.

The trial involved 20 outpatients diagnosed with stage 3–4 CKD. Each participant received simultaneous bolus injections of both mannitol and iohexol, the latter serving as the reference standard. Blood samples were collected at 3, 5, and 22 hours after injection, and analyzed using advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This research then applied the Bröchner–Mortensen multi-sample model to calculate GFR for both substances.

When comparing multi-sample clearance methods, mannitol demonstrated a very small average bias of just 0.95 mL/min/1.73 m² relative to iohexol, with an error rate of 10%. Also, accuracy reached 100% within both P30 and P10 thresholds which indicated how closely the results align with the reference method. This level of agreement suggests that mannitol performs nearly identically to iohexol under multi-sample conditions.

The study also assessed a simplified approach using a one-sample method based on the Jacobsson equation, which was applied to blood samples taken at 5 and 22 hours. Despite being less precise, the accuracy remained high, with up to 100% within P30 and 80% within P10 at certain time points, though variability and error rates were higher when compared to the multi-sample method.

Overall, the findings indicate that mannitol is a dependable marker for GFR measurement in patients with CKD stages 3–4, particularly when using a multi-sample approach. Its performance closely mirrors that of iohexol, which makes it a potential alternative in clinical situations where these markers cannot be used. Larger-scale investigations are required to confirm the reliability of mannitol across broader patient populations and clinical settings.

Source:

Kiss, K., Saeed, A., Ricksten, S.-E., & Bragadottir, G. (2026). Clearance of mannitol for assessment of glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease: A validation against iohexol clearance. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 46(3), e70059. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpf.70059

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that a 4-week vancomycin pulse and taper regimen was more effective than a 2-week regimen in reducing Clostridioides difficile recurrence by day 56. However, some recurrences were delayed rather than completely prevented, which suggests the longer regimen may help postpone relapse while remaining a safe and effective strategy.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains a major health concern in hospital settings, where it is linked to significant illness and death. Recurrence is common, with many patients experiencing repeat infections even after initial recovery. Thus, this randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted across 12 hospitals in Canada, examined whether a longer, tapered dosing schedule of vancomycin could outperform the standard shorter regimen in preventing recurrent CDI (rCDI).

This study enrolled a total of 265 adult patients who had either a first episode or a first recurrence of CDI. All participants initially received a standard 2-week course of vancomycin. After showing improvement by day 10, they were randomly assigned to either a group receiving an additional 2-week tapering dose of vancomycin, or the other receiving a placebo.

By day 56, recurrence occurred in 14.8% of patients in the extended-treatment group, when compared to 17.7% in the standard-treatment group. While this difference did not meet strong statistical certainty, the extended regimen demonstrated a 73.8% probability of being more effective.

By day 38, only 6.7% of patients receiving the extended taper experienced recurrence, when compared to 15.4% in the control group. This translates to a significantly lower risk, with a 99% probability that the longer regimen is superior in preventing early relapse.

Also, both treatment strategies were found to be safe, with very few adverse effects reported in either group. This reinforces the feasibility of adopting a longer tapering approach without increasing patient risk. This trial was stopped early due to recruitment challenges, which may limit the strength of long-term conclusions. 

While the extended vancomycin regimen may not completely eliminate recurrence, it appears to delay or reduce early relapse, which can be clinically significant. Overall, the study highlighted the accessible strategy for managing CDI. 

Reference:

McDonald, E. G., Butler-Laporte, G., Brophy, J. M., Elsayed, S., Frenette, C., Huseen, I., Loo, V. G., Moran, K., Coburn, B., Hota, S. S., Longtin, Y., Kong, L. Y., Muller, M. P., Steiner, T. S., Valiquette, L., Daneman, N., Daley, P., Nott, C., MacFadden, D. R., … TAPER-V Team. (2026). Initial vancomycin taper for the prevention of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: A randomized clinical trial: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 9(2), e2560495. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.60495

A new clinical study published in the journal of Contact Lens and Anterior Eye showed that patients with astigmatism of at least –0.75 diopters achieve better visual acuity with toric lenses when compared to spherical lenses and also tend to prefer them. These findings suggest that clinicians should consider toric lenses as a primary option for correcting astigmatism to improve both vision quality and patient satisfaction.

This randomized, crossover clinical trial involved 53 habitual soft contact lens wearers between the ages of 20 and 40, and analyzed 84 eyes in total. Participants were grouped based on their level of astigmatism, which ranged from none (0.00 DC) to −1.50 diopters cylinder (DC), increasing in increments of 0.25 DC. Each eye was tested using three types of correction as spherical soft contact lenses, custom toric soft contact lenses, and full-correction spectacles.

The Pupil-Controlled Vision Testing System (PUCS) dynamically adjusted lighting conditions to simulate different pupil sizes—2.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.5 mm, as well as each participant’s natural minimum and maximum pupil diameters, which allowed the research to assess visual acuity in more realistic conditions than standard testing methods.

Visual acuity decreased as pupil size increased across all types of vision correction, confirming that larger pupils can reduce clarity. However, toric lenses consistently delivered better visual performance than spherical lenses once astigmatism reached −0.75 DC or higher. This improvement was statistically significant across all pupil sizes.

On average, toric lenses improved visual acuity by about 0.06 logMAR (roughly three letters on an eye chart) at −0.75 DC, and by 0.12 logMAR (about six letters) at −1.50 DC. Also, toric lenses performed on par with full-correction spectacles, long considered the gold standard for astigmatism correction.

The participants increasingly favored toric lenses as astigmatism levels rose. From −0.75 DC onward, toric lenses were the preferred choice, and at −1.25 DC or higher, no participants preferred spherical lenses at all. Toric lenses demonstrated excellent rotational stability in maintaining consistent visual clarity.

Overall, the study suggests that toric soft contact lenses should be routinely prescribed for individuals with astigmatism of −0.75 DC or greater. The benefits are not only measurable in clinical terms but also strongly felt by patients in everyday vision quality.

Source:

Read, M., Morgan, P., Maldonado-Codina, C., Orsborn, G., Vega, J., & Navascues-Cornago, M. (2025). Evaluating the visual benefits of toric soft contact lenses using a novel pupil-controlled vision testing system. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye: The Journal of the British Contact Lens Association, 49(2), 102604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2025.102604

Prospective data from the Netherlands, published in JAMA Network Open, have revealed that liver transplants performed during the daytime remain safe even after prolonged dual hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion of donor livers. This approach may improve transplant logistics without compromising patient outcomes. The study was conducted by Silke B. and colleagues.

New Delhi: Expressing serious concern over the vacant posts at the National Medical Commission (NMC), a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has recommended initiating an urgent time-bound recruitment process to fill all statutory, ex officio, and encadred vacancies.

Further, taking note of the number of contractual staff members, the Parliamentary Health Panel observed that consequent heavy reliance on such outsourced and contractual staff ultimately compromises institutional accountability, dilutes a sense of belongingness, and raises the risk of unethical practices to secure continued engagement.

These recommendations were presented before the Parliament by the Department-related Parliamentary Committee on Health and Family Welfare in its 172nd report.

Huge Vacancies in Statutory & Encadred Posts: 

The panel noted that a total of 17 statutory and 36 encadred posts were vacant at the Apex Medical Commission. It was observed by the panel that the posts of 2 out of 10 ex officio members and 3 out of 22 part-time members were lying vacant in the Commission.

Shockingly, all 8 posts of Whole-time members in the Autonomous Boards and 4 out of 8 Part-time members in the Boards were also unfilled. Further, 11 CSS Cadred and 25 CSSS cadred posts were also vacant.

"The Committee observes that while the National Medical Commission (NMC) has successfully overseen a massive expansion of medical education capacity, reaching 818 colleges, its own regulatory architecture is suffering from acute personnel deficits. The Committee notes with serious concern the absolute vacancy in the crucial category of Whole-Time Members in Autonomous Boards, with 0 out of 8 sanctioned posts filled, alongside significant vacancies in encadred administrative posts," observed the panel.

"The Committee believes that the consequent heavy reliance on 236 outsourced and contractual staff members compromises institutional accountability, dilutes a sense of belongingness, and raises the risk of unethical practices to secure continued engagement. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department urgently initiate a timebound recruitment process to fill all statutory, ex-officio, and encadred vacancies," it recommended.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that earlier this year, the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Anupriya Patel in the Rajya Sabha stated that nearly one-third of the approved positions in the National Medical Commission (NMC) were lying vacant. 

 The total sanctioned strength across the apex medical regulator and its autonomous boards is 54 posts, of which 35 are filled, while 19 remain vacant, the Minister had informed.

Similarly, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) has 5 sanctioned posts, of which 2 were filled, and 3 were vacant. The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) also has 5 sanctioned posts, with 2 in position and 3 vacant. The Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) has 5 sanctioned posts, but only 1 member was in position, leaving 4 vacancies.

Also Read: 19 of 54 NMC posts vacant: Health Minister tells Parliament

Here are the top medical news for today:

New Study Reveals Hidden Drainage System Within the Human Brain

Your brain is constantly cleaning itself—but scientists have just discovered a hidden “drainage switch” that controls how it happens.

A new study published in iScience by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has identified a previously unknown control point in the brain’s waste clearance system. The discovery centers on the middle meningeal artery (MMA), a structure now believed to play a crucial role in draining fluids and metabolic waste from the brain.

The brain relies on a specialized lymphatic system to remove toxins and maintain healthy function. Until recently, scientists had limited understanding of how this system operates in humans. Using advanced real-time MRI technology—developed through a collaboration with NASA—researchers were able to observe fluid movement in unprecedented detail.

In the study, scientists tracked cerebrospinal and interstitial fluid flow in five healthy individuals over a six-hour period. Surprisingly, the fluid traveling along the MMA did not behave like blood, which moves rapidly through arteries. Instead, it flowed slowly and steadily, resembling a drainage system. This provided the first direct evidence that the MMA is involved in lymphatic function rather than just blood circulation.

These finding challenges long-standing assumptions about the brain’s isolation from the rest of the body. The brain is protected by layers called the meninges, which were once thought to act as barriers. However, emerging research shows that these layers contain lymphatic vessels that connect the brain to the body’s immune and waste removal systems.

By identifying the MMA as a key control point, scientists now have a clearer picture of how the brain clears harmful substances. This could have major implications for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders, where waste buildup is a known factor.

The discovery opens new avenues for research, potentially leading to therapies that enhance the brain’s natural cleaning processes and improve long-term brain health.

REFERENCE: Mehmet Albayram, Sutton B. Richmond, Kaan Yagmurlu, Ibrahim S. Tuna, Eda Karakaya, Hiranmayi Ravichandran, Fatih Tufan, Emal Lesha, Melike Mut, Filiz Bunyak, Yashar.S. Kalani, Adviye Ergul, Rachael D. Seidler, Onder Albayram. Meningeal lymphatic architecture and drainage dynamics surrounding the human middle meningeal artery. iScience, 2025; 28 (11): 113693 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113693

Creatine Alone Not Enough for Muscle Gain, Resistance Training Key, Study Suggests

Creatine may boost performance—but its real power depends on how you train.

A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition reveals that the benefits of creatine supplementation are strongly influenced by training context, particularly resistance training. Researchers analyzed 39 randomized controlled trials involving healthy men aged 18 to 30 to understand how creatine affects strength, anaerobic performance, and body composition.

Creatine is widely known for enhancing the phosphocreatine system, which helps rapidly regenerate ATP—the body’s primary energy source during short, high-intensity activities. This makes it a popular supplement among athletes and gym-goers aiming to improve performance.

The study found that creatine significantly improved squat strength (1RM) and anaerobic power, including peak and mean performance in Wingate cycling tests. These benefits were observed across both resistance-trained (RT) and non-resistance-trained (non-RT) individuals, suggesting that creatine can enhance explosive performance regardless of training background.

However, when it came to body composition, the effects were more selective. Increases in lean body mass (1.61 kg) and fat-free mass (2.32 kg) were seen only in participants engaged in resistance training. This supports the idea that creatine works best as a “training amplifier,” enhancing the adaptations triggered by structured strength training rather than independently building muscle.

Interestingly, improvements in jump performance were modest and inconsistent, becoming significant mainly in longer studies (eight weeks or more) and among competitive athletes. No meaningful differences were found between daily and non-daily supplementation strategies.

The findings also highlight variability across studies due to differences in training protocols, participant fitness levels, and supplementation methods. Importantly, some of the early gains in lean mass may reflect increased water retention in muscles rather than true muscle growth.

Overall, the research underscores a key takeaway: while creatine can enhance strength and power broadly, pairing it with resistance training is essential for meaningful muscle gains.

REFERENCE: Gu, J. et al. (2026). Creatine supplementation in young men under resistance versus non-resistance training: A systematic review and meta-analysis of strength, performance, and lean mass. Frontiers in Nutrition. 13, 1800546. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1800546. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1800546/full

Research Shows Breastfeeding Linked to Better Long-Term Weight Outcomes for Mothers

Breastfeeding may shape your health decades later—not just in the months after childbirth.

A new study from the University of Oslo suggests that women who breastfeed for at least three months gain significantly less weight later in life. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the research followed over 170,000 participants from the long-running Women and Health Study in Norway, tracking weight changes from early adulthood into middle age.

The findings reveal a clear long-term benefit. Women who breastfed each child for three to 15 months gained up to 6.5 kilograms less over time compared to those who breastfed for shorter durations. The effect was most pronounced among women who were already overweight or obese before pregnancy. Among women with normal weight, the difference was smaller but still notable—up to 3 kilograms less weight gain over the years.

Researchers say breastfeeding likely contributes to this effect by increasing energy expenditure, as the body uses additional calories to produce milk. However, the relationship is not straightforward. Increased appetite during breastfeeding may offset some of the calorie burn, meaning outcomes can vary between individuals.

Interestingly, the association between breastfeeding and lower long-term weight was strongest among women who had children after 1980. This group is considered more reflective of modern lifestyles, including diet and breastfeeding practices, making the findings especially relevant today.

Beyond individual benefits, the study highlights broader public health implications. Supporting breastfeeding could play a role in reducing long-term weight gain and associated risks such as cardiovascular disease. At the same time, researchers emphasize the importance of personalized care, noting that women—especially those with overweight or obesity—may need additional support after childbirth.

Overall, the study reinforces that breastfeeding is not just beneficial for infants, but may also offer lasting health advantages for mothers well into later life.

REFERENCE: Skammelsrud, T. B., et al. (2026). Breastfeeding duration and maternal weight change through adulthood in a population-based cohort study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.101134. https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(25)00726-9/fulltext

Here are the top health stories for the day:

NBE Releases Tentative 2026 Exam Schedule for FMGE, DNB, DrNB and Diploma Courses

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released the tentative schedule for upcoming key examinations, including DNB, DrNB, NBE Diploma, and FMGE, for the 2026-2027 academic cycle.

Mangaluru: The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has released curricula for 17 allied health courses and directed institutions to implement them mandatorily from the 2026-27 academic year.

Sharing the update, NCAHP Chairperson Yagna Unmesh Shukla said the courses include Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Technology, Medical Physics and Nuclear Medicine Technology. She added that the Commission will soon notify minimum standards for institutions offering allied health programmes.

Dr Shukla announced this while speaking at the inauguration of Mangalore Physiocon, an international physiotherapy conference organised by the South Canara Physiotherapy Teachers’ Association in Mangaluru on April 10.

She emphasised that all healthcare institutions must adopt the prescribed curriculum for these 17 courses from the 2026–27 session.

Saying that the registration of allied and healthcare professions will start soon, she said as reported by TOI, "The regulations for institutions and minimum standards for institutions will be notified, and the big reform is going to come, and we all must be ready. It is our duty to ensure its implementation. So it will be the state's responsibility to ensure implementation."

"I am very sure that Karnataka will be the first state to implement the curriculum. So many meetings were held, and I do get updates. I am really happy that the Karnataka State Allied & Healthcare Professions Council is doing wonderful. I must say that NCAHP is working tirelessly on standardisation, research promotion, innovation, adoption and equitable access to rehabilitation services," she said.

"The NCAHP Act, 2021, has brought a big reform. It is a big game changer in healthcare in India. Physiotherapy is one of the scheduled professions of Allied and Healthcare Commission, she said.

She said that "Physiotherapy was in the frontline to reduce hospital stay, preventing complications, and helping patients to reclaim their lives. Future of physiotherapy was being reshaped by ground-breaking innovation. Quality care is now accessible in the remotest areas. New technology is helping physiotherapist deliver evidence-based efficient patient centric care."

"In India, non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular conditions and musculoskeletal disorders are on the rise, and the ageing population demands greater focus on geriatric care. We all know physiotherapy plays a pivotal role. We all know post-Covid-19, the world witnessed how critical and important rehabilitation is. From restoring lung capacity and mobility in acute care to managing long-term post-Covid viral fatigue and neurological complications, physiotherapists were on the front lines, reducing hospital stays, preventing complications and helping patients reclaim their lives," she said, adding that the future of physiotherapy is being reshaped by groundbreaking innovations.

Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told The Hindu, "There is great scope for physiotherapy. Those who practice physiotherapy will have a stable career. The government of Karnataka is committed to make the course more effective and useful to everybody."

Growing demand for Allied health fields

With more countries facing a shortage of healthcare workers, allied health courses like nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy are emerging as strong career options for students, especially those who fail to clear NEET.

Speaking at The Hindu Education Plus Career Counselling Fair 2026, E. Theranirajan, Additional Director of Medical Education, Tamil Nadu, said these courses did not require students to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has announced that appearing in the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET UG) will not be mandatory for admission to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) undergraduate programmes for the academic year 2026-27. In a letter issued to the University Grants Commission (UGC) on March 2nd, the Commission informed that the earlier decision to conduct admissions to these courses through NEET has been deferred to the next academic year 2027–28.

Advising students on kind of courses they can pursue in furture, Dr Theranirajan said, "In the backdrop of surging demand for nursing professionals in Europe and other countries, the government of Tamil Nadu was going to start the B.Sc Nursing course in 11 government colleges. Similarly, Physiotherapy was growing in scope both within the country and abroad, while Occupational Therapy was an emerging field in India, but already in high demand abroad. Also, certain diploma courses like Cardio Perfusion Technology were in high demand that could be pursued."

"Occupational Therapy is in high demand abroad and has its uses in the care of children with special needs to make them ambulant. Allied sciences like Forensic Science and Embryology were gaining ground as well," he added. 

Speaking about the foreign medical graduates waiting for internship in Tamil Nadu, he said, "Over 600 students have applied for internships in Tamil Nadu and have been on the wait. The portal would be opened up soon for students to be able to choose colleges."

Recalling his time as the Dean of Madras Medical College (MMC) when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dr. Theranirajan said "Tamil Nadu became a pioneer in managing the spread of the pandemic, banking primarily on its history of research and publication. We searched the literature and finally arrived at protocols on mild, moderate, or severe cases, and how to go about managing severe cases."

The MMC treated 88,000 COVID-19-affected patients and cured 96 per cent of them. MMC, he added, was ranked 10th in NIRF rankings in 2024 due to its excellence in research, publication, patient care, and academics and diversity of students.

Also read- NEET NOT Mandatory for Physiotherapy, occupational therapy admissions this year, requirement deferred to 2027-28

The AIIMS NORCET 10 selection process comprises Phase 1 (Written Examination), Phase 2 Examination, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.

To view the official vacancy position released, click the link mentioned below-

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/13/1775897590161-228671941-341318.pdf

Preparation of List of Qualified Candidates for Stage II

Also Read:AIIMS NORCET 10 registrations begin, check complete details HERE!

Nagpur: A doctor from Umred has been arrested on charges of abetting the suicide of his girlfriend, a 28-year-old air hostess, police said. The air hostess allegedly died by suicide following a heated phone argument with him.

According to investigators, the woman and the doctor, both 28 years old, were in a relationship. Authorities have taken the doctor into custody as part of the probe into the circumstances surrounding her death. 

Also Read:BDS student dies after fall in Kannur, Harassment allegations surface, 2 faculty suspended

Also Read:AIIMS Rajkot MBBS suicide case: HC seeks state reply after 5 accused students appeal to quash abetment charge

A doctor from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences has cautioned that lifestyle changes cannot be replaced by Semaglutide, highlighting growing misuse of the drug through online pharmacies and wellness clinics in India. Hey noted that while semaglutide is effective for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss, it requires strict medical supervision. With the drug becoming more affordable after patent expiry, its wider availability has raised concerns about unsupervised consumption and rising health risks.

Experts warned that improper use may lead to serious complications such as gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, kidney problems, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies, reports The Hindu.

They also flagged misuse for cosmetic weight loss and the risk of temporary results followed by rebound weight gain. Emphasising that diet and exercise remain essential, they stressed the need for stricter enforcement of prescription norms along with better monitoring systems and public awareness to ensure safe and responsible use.

Deoria: A dispute at a private clinic in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked controversy after allegations of patient assault and misconduct surfaced, with a video of the incident circulating widely on social media. 

According to news reports, the incident occurred at a dermatologist's clinic, where a patient reportedly sought the names of the medicines listed in his prescription, claiming that the handwriting was unclear. He further alleged that even the pharmacists at a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana centre were unable to decipher them.

Also Read:AIOCD Flags AI-Generated Fake Prescriptions, Writes to PM Seeking Shutdown of Unregulated E-Pharmacies

The patient further alleged that when he requested clarification, clinic staff refused to disclose the names of the medicines, leading to an argument. The situation reportedly escalated when the dermatologist’s husband, also a doctor, pushed the patient out of the clinic.

The patient has also alleged that additional individuals were called in during the confrontation, and that he was verbally abused, threatened, and physically assaulted

The victim questioned the incident, saying that if patients are not informed about the medication they are receiving, how can government programs aimed at providing affordable and accessible medicines be successful? He expressed concern that patients are being forced to purchase their medication from private clinics, reports Bhaskar English.

The incident has triggered debate over patient rights, prescription transparency, and conduct within private healthcare facilities.

As of now, there has been no official response from the doctor or the clinic regarding the allegations. Police and health department officials are expected to take further action if a formal complaint is filed and an investigation is initiated.

Also Read:AIIMS Delhi doctors told to use Hindi in prescriptions, sparks debate

Nagpur: In a major case of cyber fraud, a 76-year-old retired medical officer from Laxmi Nagar, Maharashtra, was allegedly swindled out of Rs 2 crore through a 'digital arrest' scam. The fraudsters who perpetrated this fraud claimed that his bank account was linked to terrorist activities.  

Bhubaneswar: In a tragic loss to the medical fraternity, eminent neurosurgeon and academician Prof. (Dr.) Sureswar Mohanty passed away in Bhubaneswar at the age of 83. 

According to the news reports, he had been ailing for some time and breathed his last while undergoing treatment at IMS and SUM Hospital. Prof. Mohanty, regarded as one of India’s most respected neurosurgeons, is survived by his daughter.

Also Read:Dr Seshagiri Rao Mallampati, Pioneer of Mallampati Score, Passes Away at 85

Dr Mohanty completed his MBBS from S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack, and obtained his M.Ch in Neurosurgery from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He went on to serve as Professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he later also served as Director. 

During his distinguished career, he received advanced neurosurgical training at leading global centres, including institutes in London, Moscow’s Burdenko Institute, and the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, which helped him bring modern neurosurgical techniques to India. 

After retiring from IMS-BHU, he returned to Odisha and played a key role in establishing the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, where he served as the first Principal and Dean. 

Prof. Mohanty has published nearly 150 research papers in reputed national and international medical journals. He was honoured by several national bodies, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Medical Council of India (MCI), and Neurological Society of India (NSI). He was also a Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) and a recipient of the Dr. B.C. Roy Award, India’s highest medical honour.

Throughout his career, he held several leadership positions, including President of the Uttar Pradesh Neurosciences Society and President of the Neurotrauma Society of India. He was widely regarded as a pioneer in advancing modern neurosurgery in eastern India and played a key role in building high-level neurosurgical training programs, bridging global medical practices with Indian healthcare systems.

The Neurological Society of India deeply mourned the passing of Prof. (Dr.) Mohanty describes him as a highly accomplished professional, dedicated clinician, and mentor. Several leading healthcare professionals, including Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Mahapatra, eminent neurosurgeon, former Vice-Chancellor of SOA Deemed to be University, former Head of Department of Neurosurgery, AIIMS, New Delhi, and Founding Director of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinghar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, senior professors, and others have mourned the passing away of Prof. (Dr.) Mohanty. A guard of honour was presented to the departed soul at the hospital, reports Daily Hunt.

Also Read:90-year-old doctor, known for affordable healthcare, passes away

Hyderabad: Orbicular Pharmaceutical Technologies on Saturday announced that a generic version of Ozempic (semaglutide injection), developed in partnership with Apotex, has received tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Mumbai: The Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is expected to see moderate revenue growth, with EBITDA margins remaining flat, in the March quarter, according to a brokerage report by HDFC Securities.

New Delhi: A 33-year-old man from Assam has been arrested by Arunachal Pradesh Police for allegedly duping multiple individuals by promising to arrange pharmacy and business licences, collecting money under false pretences, with several cases registered against him across the Itanagar Capital Region and investigations revealing he had been absconding since 2023.

This case discusses a 62-year-old male diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) presenting with severe anemia and transfusion dependence. Despite regular transfusions, the patient continued to experience fatigue and dyspnea, significantly impacting quality of life.

With a serum erythropoietin level <750 mIU/mL, treatment with darbepoetin alfa was initiated, leading to a clinically meaningful hemoglobin rise from 5.6 g/dL to 9 g/dL and notable symptomatic improvement.

This case highlights the importance of early ESA therapy, patient selection based on EPO levels, and targeted management in intermediate-risk MDS to reduce transfusion burden and improve outcomes.

Watch to understand:

• When to initiate ESA in MDS

• Role of darbepoetin alfa in anemia management

• Practical insights for improving patient quality of life

New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued the advance intimation of examination city for candidates appearing in the National Eligibility and Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) exam for the academic year 2026. The announcement was made through a public notice.

Breastfeeding may shape your health decades later-not just in the months after childbirth.

A new study from the University of Oslo suggests that women who breastfeed for at least three months gain significantly less weight later in life. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the research followed over 170,000 participants from the long-running Women and Health Study in Norway, tracking weight changes from early adulthood into middle age.

The findings reveal a clear long-term benefit. Women who breastfed each child for three to 15 months gained up to 6.5 kilograms less over time compared to those who breastfed for shorter durations. The effect was most pronounced among women who were already overweight or obese before pregnancy. Among women with normal weight, the difference was smaller but still notable—up to 3 kilograms less weight gain over the years.

Researchers say breastfeeding likely contributes to this effect by increasing energy expenditure, as the body uses additional calories to produce milk. However, the relationship is not straightforward. Increased appetite during breastfeeding may offset some of the calorie burn, meaning outcomes can vary between individuals.

Interestingly, the association between breastfeeding and lower long-term weight was strongest among women who had children after 1980. This group is considered more reflective of modern lifestyles, including diet and breastfeeding practices, making the findings especially relevant today.

Beyond individual benefits, the study highlights broader public health implications. Supporting breastfeeding could play a role in reducing long-term weight gain and associated risks such as cardiovascular disease. At the same time, researchers emphasize the importance of personalized care, noting that women—especially those with overweight or obesity—may need additional support after childbirth.

Overall, the study reinforces that breastfeeding is not just beneficial for infants, but may also offer lasting health advantages for mothers well into later life.

REFERENCE: Skammelsrud, T. B., et al. (2026). Breastfeeding duration and maternal weight change through adulthood in a population-based cohort study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.101134. https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(25)00726-9/fulltext

Creatine may boost performance-but its real power depends on how you train.

A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition reveals that the benefits of creatine supplementation are strongly influenced by training context, particularly resistance training. Researchers analyzed 39 randomized controlled trials involving healthy men aged 18 to 30 to understand how creatine affects strength, anaerobic performance, and body composition.

Creatine is widely known for enhancing the phosphocreatine system, which helps rapidly regenerate ATP—the body’s primary energy source during short, high-intensity activities. This makes it a popular supplement among athletes and gym-goers aiming to improve performance.

The study found that creatine significantly improved squat strength (1RM) and anaerobic power, including peak and mean performance in Wingate cycling tests. These benefits were observed across both resistance-trained (RT) and non-resistance-trained (non-RT) individuals, suggesting that creatine can enhance explosive performance regardless of training background.

However, when it came to body composition, the effects were more selective. Increases in lean body mass (1.61 kg) and fat-free mass (2.32 kg) were seen only in participants engaged in resistance training. This supports the idea that creatine works best as a “training amplifier,” enhancing the adaptations triggered by structured strength training rather than independently building muscle.

Interestingly, improvements in jump performance were modest and inconsistent, becoming significant mainly in longer studies (eight weeks or more) and among competitive athletes. No meaningful differences were found between daily and non-daily supplementation strategies.

The findings also highlight variability across studies due to differences in training protocols, participant fitness levels, and supplementation methods. Importantly, some of the early gains in lean mass may reflect increased water retention in muscles rather than true muscle growth.

Overall, the research underscores a key takeaway: while creatine can enhance strength and power broadly, pairing it with resistance training is essential for meaningful muscle gains.

REFERENCE: Gu, J. et al. (2026). Creatine supplementation in young men under resistance versus non-resistance training: A systematic review and meta-analysis of strength, performance, and lean mass. Frontiers in Nutrition. 13, 1800546. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1800546. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1800546/full

Your brain is constantly cleaning itself-but scientists have just discovered a hidden "drainage switch" that controls how it happens.

A new study published in iScience by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has identified a previously unknown control point in the brain’s waste clearance system. The discovery centers on the middle meningeal artery (MMA), a structure now believed to play a crucial role in draining fluids and metabolic waste from the brain.

The brain relies on a specialized lymphatic system to remove toxins and maintain healthy function. Until recently, scientists had limited understanding of how this system operates in humans. Using advanced real-time MRI technology—developed through a collaboration with NASA—researchers were able to observe fluid movement in unprecedented detail.

In the study, scientists tracked cerebrospinal and interstitial fluid flow in five healthy individuals over a six-hour period. Surprisingly, the fluid traveling along the MMA did not behave like blood, which moves rapidly through arteries. Instead, it flowed slowly and steadily, resembling a drainage system. This provided the first direct evidence that the MMA is involved in lymphatic function rather than just blood circulation.

These finding challenges long-standing assumptions about the brain’s isolation from the rest of the body. The brain is protected by layers called the meninges, which were once thought to act as barriers. However, emerging research shows that these layers contain lymphatic vessels that connect the brain to the body’s immune and waste removal systems.

By identifying the MMA as a key control point, scientists now have a clearer picture of how the brain clears harmful substances. This could have major implications for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders, where waste buildup is a known factor.

The discovery opens new avenues for research, potentially leading to therapies that enhance the brain’s natural cleaning processes and improve long-term brain health.

REFERENCE: Mehmet Albayram, Sutton B. Richmond, Kaan Yagmurlu, Ibrahim S. Tuna, Eda Karakaya, Hiranmayi Ravichandran, Fatih Tufan, Emal Lesha, Melike Mut, Filiz Bunyak, Yashar.S. Kalani, Adviye Ergul, Rachael D. Seidler, Onder Albayram. Meningeal lymphatic architecture and drainage dynamics surrounding the human middle meningeal artery. iScience, 2025; 28 (11): 113693 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113693

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that patients with iatrogenic Alzheimer's disease (iAD) can exhibit histopathological features similar to sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, with notable language impairment emerging as a key clinical characteristic of this subtype.

This case series have documented four men who developed what is now being termed iatrogenic Alzheimer disease (iAD) which is associated with exposure to contaminated medical products. All four individuals had received cadaveric pituitary–derived human growth hormone (c-hGH) during childhood, a treatment used decades ago before synthetic alternatives became available.

Based on patients referred to the UK National Prion Clinic between 2024 and 2025, this study suggests that these treatments may have inadvertently introduced amyloid-β (Aβ) “seeds” into the brain. These seeds are known to play a crucial role in Alzheimer disease by promoting the buildup of amyloid plaques.

What made these findings particularly significant were the growing evidence that Aβ pathology may spread in a “prion-like” manner, where misfolded proteins can trigger similar misfolding in healthy proteins, which propagates the disease over time. This mechanism has previously been linked to iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy, but its role in full Alzheimer disease has only recently come into focus.

The four patients described in the report developed symptoms between the ages of 47 and 60, which was earlier than is typical for sporadic Alzheimer disease. Also, their cognitive decline was marked by prominent language impairments, rather than the more commonly recognized memory loss seen in most Alzheimer cases.

One patient, who began showing symptoms at age 47 and died at 57 and underwent a postmortem brain examination. The analysis revealed extensive amyloid plaque deposition and severe tau pathology inside neurons.

The other three patients exhibited similar clinical patterns, particularly difficulties with language, illuminating that this may be a distinguishing feature of iatrogenic Alzheimer disease. This findings could help clinicians identify and differentiate iAD from more typical forms of the condition.

Despite the use of c-hGH was discontinued decades ago, the long incubation period observed in these cases highlights the long lasting impact of past medical practices. It also raises queries on how protein-based pathologies may be transmitted and develop over time.

The findings of this series press on the need for continued vigilance in medical procedures and a deeper understanding of how neurodegenerative diseases can arise. Overall, the study reinforces that iatrogenic Alzheimer disease mirrors the biological characteristics of sporadic Alzheimer’s, while potentially presenting with language impairments.

Reference:

Banerjee, G., Mok, T. H., Hyare, H., Cousins, O., Jaunmuktane, Z., Mead, S., & Collinge, J. (2026). High-Level Alzheimer disease neuropathological change following iatrogenic exposure. JAMA Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.0437

Kannur: In an unfortunate incident, a first-year BDS student at Anjarakandy Dental College died after falling from a college building under suspicious circumstances.

While Police suspect suicide, the student’s parents have dismissed the possibility alleging that he was murdered and had been subjected to emotional and mental harassment by faculty members. According to the family, he was pushed from the third floor of the six-storey building, but the police said the preliminary findings point to suicide.

The family told the media that his son was emotionally and "verbally harassed" by teachers over his dark complexion and poor family background. They claimed that not only did the faculty members make racist remarks, but also called him 'slum dog' and 'rabid dog'.

While an inquiry has been launched into the case, the institution has suspended two professors - the Head of the Dental Anatomy department, and an associate professor, over allegations of mentally harassing the student.

Police have also launched a probe against faculty members after registering a case under Section 194 (unnatural death) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). An investigation is underway. 

As per PTI report, the student has been identified as 22 year old native of Uzhamalackal, Puthukulangara, Thiruvananthapuram who belonged to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

According to police, the student was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from the building on the afternoon of April 10. He was found lying on a stone-paved area between the administrative block and the hospital building on the campus at around 1.30 pm.  Though he was rushed to the medical college and given treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Viral audio clip

Police said that the student had sent an audio message to his friends alleging harassment by faculty members, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions such as reducing his marks in examinations.

As reported by HT, the student in the clip was heard telling his friend that one of the teachers threatened to chop his hands off if he stepped out of the college gates and that he would be forced to walk around like an invalid.

The audio clip, which has been marked authentic by his parents, captured him saying, "He called me an idiot. I said ‘same to you’. You have no idea what they said to me in the staff room. They threatened to chop my hands and feet off if I stepped outside the gates. He said he wanted to see me walk around without limbs. I said I would like to see him try. Teachers like Dr *** just stood and watched."

He further heard saying as reported by The News Minute, "I tolerated the insult as far as I could. They insulted my mother and her surgery. My answer sheet was distributed among students, pointing out my spelling mistakes."

Following the clip's circulation, the college initiated an internal inquiry and, on Saturday, suspended the two professors. Meanwhile, the police booked the two professors under under Section 3(1)(r) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 

Officials at Chakkarakkal police station said a detailed probe is underway into the incident, with digital evidence being collected. Also, statements by the student's classmates, college authorities and family members will be recorded soon, police added.

Mental harassment, racist remarks

The deceased's father told reporters that his son was emotionally and "verbally harassed" by teachers over his dark complexion and poor family background.

"He worked hard without any support to secure admission on a merit seat in the dental college. But he was harassed by faculty over his caste and colour. They also threatened to harm him academically," he claimed.

"He was mocked by teachers for his dark skin, ridiculed for our work as daily wage labourers and targeted because he belonged to a Scheduled Caste," he told South First. 

His father further alleged that the head of the department repeatedly insulted him in front of his classmates and maintained a hostile attitude despite his academic performance.

His sister told local media on Sunday, "Prof ** has always targeted him and even called him a rabid dog. He was abused based on his dark skin and caste. In class, when he insults a student, he wants other students to laugh. And when certain students don’t laugh, he hits them.”

"We had complained earlier to the principal of the college, but he denied it. If the call records can be obtained by the cyber cell, everything will become clear. My younger brother would not commit suicide and was likely pushed off the building. He had video-called me on Thursday, too, and he seemed fine," she said.

The father said that they have lodged a complaint against the faculty members with the police and are expecting a fair probe into the death of his son.

His sister claimed that he had filed a complaint with the college principal, but no action was taken. "He used to tell us about such discrimination and harassment regularly. He was once called to the staff room where he was severely harassed," she alleged.

The sister also claimed that the student was once called a "slum dog" in the classroom in front of other students by a faculty member. "Once, when the harassment became unbearable, he reacted, after which the verbal abuse intensified," she added.

When contacted, college authorities told PTI that two faculty members had been suspended and that they were cooperating with the police investigation. "We will fully cooperate with the investigation and share all details. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the police probe," an official said.

The body of the student was brought to his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, and the cremation is expected to be held in the afternoon.

Kerala State Human Rights Commission seeks a report in a week

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Sunday directed the police to conduct a detailed probe into the death of the student and submit a report within a week. The Commission took a case on its own based on media reports.

Commission Judicial member K Baijunath issued directions to the Kannur City Police Commissioner to investigate the allegations surrounding the incident and file a report within the stipulated time, according to a statement.

Loan app angle

During the investigation, the Kannur police found that he had taken a loan through a mobile application between December and January. The matter is under probe and a cyber FIR has been registered at the Cyber Police Station.

According to Kannur City Police Commissioner, the student received repeated calls from the lenders. The loan agency had also contacted a teacher at his college regarding the repayment and the teacher reportedly received multiple calls in connection with the dues.

Commenting on this, the student's father said the loan was taken with the family’s knowledge for his mother’s treatment. "My wife had been undergoing treatment for over a month, and we needed money to meet the medical expenses. That is why he took the loan," he told Onmanorama. 

"Since he had been spending most of his time at the hospital, he was unable to work, which led to a delay in repayment. He could have informed me if the loan had become a problem. 

The father also alleged that the college authorities had never informed the family about issues related to the loan, including instances where a teacher was reportedly contacted by the lending agency.

“They have my phone number. Then why didn’t they call me even once to inform me about it?” he asked.

A senior police officer told HT, “We are currently treating it as a case of suicide. We have not found evidence yet of him being pushed off the building by anyone. We have not recovered a suicide note either. The doctor who conducted the autopsy said the death resulted from injuries during the course of the fall. The final report is still awaited.”

Also read- Bengaluru Dental student suicide: 6 oral medicine and radiology faculty suspended

Jaipur: A private hospital operator in Jaipur was arrested on Sunday for allegedly submitting forged and fabricated documents under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS). 

According to news reports, the case stems from a complaint filed on September 29, 2025, by Jitendra Kumar Sharma at a local police station. He alleged serious irregularities during the treatment of his mother at a private hospital in the Mansarovar area.

Also Read:Foreign object inside patient during root canal, endoscopic procedure without consent- TN Hospitals slapped Rs 7 lakh compensation

The complaint states that the hospital collected substantial amounts of cash without issuing any bills or receipts, raising suspicions of financial malpractice. The complainant further claimed that hospital authorities failed to inform the family about the deterioration of his mother’s condition, and they were later abruptly told of her death. When he demanded medical records and billing details, hospital staff allegedly refused to cooperate and even intimidated him by involving outsiders.

Given the gravity of the allegations, Jaipur Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter thoroughly. As part of the investigation, a medical board comprising eight doctors from SMS Hospital reviewed the treatment records.

The board found no evidence of medical negligence in the care provided to the patient. However, the investigation uncovered discrepancies in the hospital’s administrative practices.

DCP South Rajarshi Raj stated that no action has been taken against the hospital for medical negligence. The action was taken for document fraud. The department had also filed a complaint regarding the fraud. Following an investigation, the private hospital operator was arrested, reports Patrika.

Speaking to TOI, Officials said the hospital management allegedly showed the patient as discharged and readmitted multiple times and tampered with a consent form by altering dates before uploading it online. The RGHS authorities also found irregularities during their inquiry, and a forensic science laboratory report confirmed tampering of documents, police said.

Following his arrest, the accused doctor reportedly experienced anxiety and a decline in health. He was admitted to SMS Hospital for medical care. Station House Officer Lakhan Singh Khatana confirmed that the doctor complained of severe stress.

The arrest has sparked a strong reaction from the private healthcare sector. Vijay Kapoor, President of the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association, criticized the move, calling it contrary to established government standard operating procedures (SOPs).

According to Patrika, he alleged that this move, taken under pressure from lawyers, would have serious long-term consequences. He said that private hospitals would hesitate to admit and treat critical patients. Serious patients would face difficulties in accessing treatment in private hospitals, ultimately borne by the public. He said that in the event of a patient's death during treatment, there is a clear and specific system and guidelines for further investigation and action, which must be followed.

Also Read:Bengaluru Man Arrested for Submitting Fake Medical Bills to Claim CM Relief Fund

Bengaluru: In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, a doctor heading a private multi-specialty hospital in Bengaluru has been booked by police for allegedly sexually harassing a woman employee who later resigned, citing repeated inappropriate behaviour.

According to a senior police officer, the 29-year-old complainant, who had been working as an accountant at the private Hospital since July 2025, alleged that the hospital head repeatedly made inappropriate remarks about her appearance during office hours. She further claimed that he would stare at her while she was in uniform and comment on her attire despite her objections. 

Also Read:Bengaluru medical college assistant professor booked for sexual harassment after alleged proposal to student in classroom

The complainant stated that she had repeatedly warned him to stop such behaviour, but the alleged harassment continued.

She also alleged that the harassment reportedly continued beyond the workplace, claiming that the doctor sent her objectionable messages on WhatsApp and later contacted her via phone call, during which he allegedly made inappropriate remarks about her appearance.

The situation reportedly escalated at her home when her husband overheard one of the calls, leading to a dispute and further distress. Following repeated incidents, the woman resigned from her job and approached the police. 

Based on a complaint, a case has been registered at the HSR Layout police station, and the accused doctor is currently out of station. “Once he returns, we will initiate legal action,” the police officer said, reports Deccan Herald.  

Medical dialogues had previously reported that a senior Ayurvedic doctor posted at the AYUSH wing of the District Medical College Hospital in Korba was accused of molesting a trainee doctor by allegedly pretending to examine her against her will. Following her complaint, the police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter.    

Also Read:Ayurveda doctor booked for allegedly sexually harassing trainee doctor

Dehradun: In a shocking ragging allegation surfaced from Government Doon Medical College in Dehradun, an MBBS student has claimed that seniors forced him to shave his beard and get a haircut.

The complaint was submitted anonymously, and the anti-ragging committee has taken up the matter for investigation, Principal Dr Geeta Jain confirmed.

Meanwhile, a senior doctor at the college indicated that the administration may soon address the issue publicly.

Also read- Bijnor's medical college 11 MBBS students suspended over ragging

Speaking to TOI, Dr Jain said, "The committee is looking into all the aspects of the complaint as the complainant is anonymous and has not revealed the identity of the seniors."

Similarly, the student said, "The college is likely to hold a press conference to address the media regarding the complaint. It is imperative to know the victim as well as the perpetrators, to initiate any kind of action."

The fresh complaint comes three months after Medical Dialogues reported that the administration had fined 24 students for indiscipline following a ragging incident. In that case, a first-year MBBS student alleged that seniors had taken him outside the campus and beaten him with a belt, leaving him “shaken and terrified.”

The student from the 2025 batch of Government Doon Medical College stated in a written complaint that he had been mentally disturbed and living in fear since the incident.

Taking disciplinary action, the administration suspended nine MBBS students and expelled them from the hostel. Of them, two students were suspended from classes for two months, expelled from the hostel and internship for the entire course duration, and fined Rs 50,000 each. The remaining seven students were suspended from classes for one month and expelled from the hostel for three months.

Also read- Doon medical college 9 MBBS students suspended, expelled for ragging

Margoa: In a shocking incident, a doctor from Margao, Goa, was allegedly robbed at knifepoint at his residence in Benaulim on April 6. Following the incident, he lodged a complaint with the police.

A pilot randomized trial showed that food supplementation after hospitalization for heart failure (HF) is feasible, with fresh produce being more acceptable and better adhered to than medically tailored meals. However, it did not reduce HF hospitalizations or emergency visits. These findings support the need for larger trials to evaluate its clinical impact.

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre and the state government on a petition filed in 2025 by a 90-year-old retired professor and gynaecologist, who has requested permission to legally adopt his 43-year-old caretaker as his son to “carry forward the name and fame.”

Also Read:Kerala HC Rules Failure to Conduct Pre-Anaesthetic Check-Up Gross Negligence, Denies Relief to Anaesthetist

Also Read:Bombay HC refuses to quash criminal proceedings against doctor in patient data leak case

Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) unit in Kerala has raised concerns after some political parties reportedly included support for “mixopathy” in their manifestos ahead of the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

Also Read:IMA Kerala raises concern over Clinical Establishments Act, small hospitals at risk

Also Read:1,306 clinics shut, as private hospitals rise in Kerala; IMA expresses concern

Carpometacarpal (CM) joint osteoarthritis of the thumb is characterized by pain and impaired thumb function in terms of pinch and range of motion. Teiji Kato et al newly adopted a trapeziectomy with a graft-augmented ligament reconstruction procedure, in which the reconstructed ligament is reinforced using a half-slip extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon. The article was published in “JBJS Open Access.”

101 hands of 95 patients with CM joint osteoarthritis of the thumb underwent trapeziectomy with graft-augmented ligament reconstruction using the half-slip ECRL tendon to reconstruct the ligament. The reconstructed ligament was reinforced by wrapping 3 times with the half-slip ECRL tendon. All patients underwent a 1-year assessment, and 29 hands of 26 patients were followed up for >4 years postoperatively.

The key findings of the study were:

• Motion pain, as assessed by visual analogue scale, was significantly improved from 56.9 ± 20.6 preoperatively to 4.2 ± 10.1 at the 1-year assessment (p < 0.001).

• Radial and palmar abduction also increased significantly from 46.0 ± 11.0 and 49.7 ± 8.8 preoperatively, respectively, to 58.4 ± 6.4 (p < 0.001) and 59.5 ± 6.3 (p < 0.001), respectively, at 12 months postoperatively.

• Both male and female tip pinch increased significantly from 4.2 ± 1.8 and 3.0 ± 1.4 preoperatively, respectively, to 6.1 ± 1.9 (p = 0.002) and 4.3 ± 1.4 (p < 0.001) at the 1-year postoperative evaluation.

• The authors observed no impingement of the first metacarpal and scaphoid bones due to sinking of the first metacarpal bone, and repeat surgery due to rupture of the reconstructed ligament or fractures at the bone hole, was not needed for the 101 hands followed for approximately 1 year and the 29 hands followed over 4 years.

The authors concluded – “Trapeziectomy combined with graft-augmented ligament reconstruction, using a reinforced half-slip ECRL tendon wrapped 3 times, may serve as an effective treatment option for primary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. This approach offers significant pain relief, improved range of motion and pinch strength, and prevents postoperative impingement of the first metacarpal across all Eaton stages in the short medium term.”

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level Ⅳ. 

For further details on the article refer to:

Trapeziectomy and Ligament Reconstruction Using a Reinforced Half-Slip of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Tendon for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Teiji Kato et al

JBJS Open Access 2025:e25.00147

http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.OA.25.00147

Researchers have found in a new study that dapagliflozin combined with intensive insulin pump therapy provides better glycemic control than metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes, indicating a more effective treatment strategy for clinical practice. The study was published in the Journal of Diabetes Research by Miaoguan P. and colleagues.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that patients with iatrogenic Alzheimer’s disease (iAD) can exhibit histopathological features similar to sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, with notable language impairment emerging as a key clinical characteristic of this subtype.

This case series have documented four men who developed what is now being termed iatrogenic Alzheimer disease (iAD) which is associated with exposure to contaminated medical products. All four individuals had received cadaveric pituitary–derived human growth hormone (c-hGH) during childhood, a treatment used decades ago before synthetic alternatives became available.

Based on patients referred to the UK National Prion Clinic between 2024 and 2025, this study suggests that these treatments may have inadvertently introduced amyloid-β (Aβ) “seeds” into the brain. These seeds are known to play a crucial role in Alzheimer disease by promoting the buildup of amyloid plaques.

What made these findings particularly significant were the growing evidence that Aβ pathology may spread in a “prion-like” manner, where misfolded proteins can trigger similar misfolding in healthy proteins, which propagates the disease over time. This mechanism has previously been linked to iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy, but its role in full Alzheimer disease has only recently come into focus.

The four patients described in the report developed symptoms between the ages of 47 and 60, which was earlier than is typical for sporadic Alzheimer disease. Also, their cognitive decline was marked by prominent language impairments, rather than the more commonly recognized memory loss seen in most Alzheimer cases.

One patient, who began showing symptoms at age 47 and died at 57 and underwent a postmortem brain examination. The analysis revealed extensive amyloid plaque deposition and severe tau pathology inside neurons.

The other three patients exhibited similar clinical patterns, particularly difficulties with language, illuminating that this may be a distinguishing feature of iatrogenic Alzheimer disease. This findings could help clinicians identify and differentiate iAD from more typical forms of the condition.

Despite the use of c-hGH was discontinued decades ago, the long incubation period observed in these cases highlights the long lasting impact of past medical practices. It also raises queries on how protein-based pathologies may be transmitted and develop over time.

The findings of this series press on the need for continued vigilance in medical procedures and a deeper understanding of how neurodegenerative diseases can arise. Overall, the study reinforces that iatrogenic Alzheimer disease mirrors the biological characteristics of sporadic Alzheimer’s, while potentially presenting with language impairments.

Reference:

Banerjee, G., Mok, T. H., Hyare, H., Cousins, O., Jaunmuktane, Z., Mead, S., & Collinge, J. (2026). High-Level Alzheimer disease neuropathological change following iatrogenic exposure. JAMA Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.0437

New Delhi: Gland Pharma Limited has approved the re-appointment of Naina Lal Kidwai as an Independent Director for a second term of five consecutive years from May 17, 2026 to May 16, 2031.

New Delhi: C4 Therapeutics, opens new tab said on Thursday it has entered into a deal ​focused on research and development of ‌a type of cancer drug with Swiss drugmaker Roche, opens new tab that could be worth more ​than USD 1 billion.

Researchers have identified a new method for analyzing chest CT scans that may help physicians better understand the different forms of sarcoidosis, a complex inflammatory lung disease that affects more than 150,000 people in the United States. In a new study published in Scientific Reports, scientists at National Jewish Health and colleagues used a computer-based imaging technique known as radiomics to analyze subtle patterns in lung scans from 320 people with sarcoidosis. The approach identified four distinct imaging profiles that were linked to differences in lung function and disease severity and gave insight into potential uses of radiomics to advance diagnosis and patient care.

Sarcoidosis most commonly affects the lungs and can lead to inflammation, scarring and breathing difficulties. Doctors typically assess lung involvement by visually reviewing imaging scans, but interpretations can vary among specialists.

Radiomics offers a more objective approach by using advanced algorithms to measure hundreds of quantitative features from medical images, capturing subtle patterns that may not be readily visible to the human eye.

“We found that radiomic analysis of CT scans can reveal distinct patterns of lung abnormalities in sarcoidosis,” said Tasha Fingerlin, PhD, vice chair of the Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine at National Jewish Health and co-senior author of the study. “These patterns were associated with differences in lung function, suggesting that this approach may help us better understand how the disease varies from patient to patient.”

“Using radiomic analysis could allow providers to evaluate patients’ pulmonary status and radiographs in an automated way,” said Lisa Maier, MD, chief of the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, head of the World Association of Sarcoidosis and Granulomatous Disease (WASOG) Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence at National Jewish Health and co-senior author of the study.

The research team analyzed previous high-resolution CT scans from participants in the Genomic Research in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Sarcoidosis (GRADS) Study, one of the largest and most comprehensive sarcoidosis research cohorts in the United States. Using machine-learning clustering techniques, the investigators identified four patient groups based on their features seen in the images. Some patients showed relatively few abnormalities, while others showed patterns consistent with more extensive inflammation or fibrosis. Importantly, the radiomic groups accounted for differences in lung function even after adjusting for traditional imaging assessments used in clinical practice.

“Current staging systems are helpful, but they don’t always capture the full complexity of what we see in the lungs of people with sarcoidosis,” Dr. Fingerlin said. “Radiomics allows us to quantify those patterns in a more detailed and reproducible way.”

Because the radiomics analysis can be performed quickly and automatically using open-source software, the researchers say it could eventually help clinicians analyze large numbers of scans and better track disease patterns over time.

“Radiomics has the potential to complement the expertise of radiologists by providing objective measurements of lung abnormalities, identifying disease subtypes, monitoring progression and potentially guiding more personalized treatment strategies,” said Dr. Fingerlin.

The researchers note that further studies are needed to determine how radiomic analysis could be used in routine clinical care.

“There is promise for significant impact on patient care, especially in regions where there is no expert in sarcoidosis radiology, which is much of the country and certainly most areas in the Far West,” said Dr. Maier. “Radiomics could also expedite care in clinics with rapid turnaround for patients at specialized centers and revolutionize the way we interpret CT scans for research and clinical trials.”

Reference:

Carlson, N.E., Lippitt, W.L., Ryan, S.M. et al. Radiomic profiling of chest CT in a cohort of sarcoidosis cases. Sci Rep 16, 9695 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-39384-9

Eating large amounts of ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked not only to reduced fertility in men, but also to slower growth in early embryos, and smaller yolk sacs, which are essential for early embryonic development, according to new research.

The authors of the study, which is published today (Tuesday) in Human Reproduction , one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, say their findings suggest that reducing the consumption of UPFs, especially around the time of conception and pregnancy, is better for both parents and embryos.

Although maternal and paternal health are known to influence reproductive success and the development and health of offspring, until now no study has investigated the combined impact of mothers’ and fathers’ UPF consumption on the length of time it takes to conceive and early embryonic development.

Consumption of UPFs has been growing rapidly. They are highly processed foods, typically high in added sugars, salt, saturated and trans fats, and additives, and low in fibre, whole foods and other essential nutrients; they are usually designed for convenience and mass production rather than nutritional value. In some high-income countries, UPF now account for up to 50-60% of food eaten each day.

“Even though UPFs are so common in our diets, very little is known about their potential relationship with fertility outcomes, and early human development,” said Dr Romy Gaillard, a paediatrician and associate professor of developmental epidemiology at Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, who led the study.

Dr Gaillard and colleagues analysed findings from 831 women and 651 male partners enrolled in a population-based, prospective study that has been following parents from before conception onwards and into their offspring’s childhood – the Generation R Study Next Programme. Couples were included during the pre-conception period or during pregnancy between 2017 and 2021.

The researchers assessed the parents’ diet with a questionnaire during early pregnancy around 12 weeks. The different foods were classified as either non-UPFs or UPFs, and UPF intake was expressed as a percentage of total food intake in grams per day. All the women were pregnant at the time of this questionnaire. The average (median) consumption of UPF was 22% and 25%, respectively, of women’s and men’s total food intake. 

A questionnaire also provided information on time to pregnancy, fecundability (the probability of conceiving within one month) and subfertility (a time to pregnancy of 12 months or more, or the use of assisted reproductive technology).

The distance between the embryo’s head and its buttocks (crown rump length or CRL), which is an indication of its size and development, and the volume of the yolk sac were measured by transvaginal ultrasound at seven, nine and 11 weeks of gestation.

The first author of the study, Celine Lin, a Phd student at Erasmus University Medical Center, said: “We observed that UPFs consumption in women was not consistently related to the risk of subfertility and time to pregnancy, but was associated with slightly smaller embryonic growth and yolk sac size by the seventh week of pregnancy. These differences in early human development were small, but are important from a research perspective and at population level, as we showed for the first time that UPF consumption is not only important for health of the mother, but may also be related to development of the offspring.

“In men, we observed that higher UPF consumption was related to a higher risk of subfertility and a longer duration until pregnancy was achieved, but not with early embryo development. This association may be explained by the sensitivity of sperm to dietary composition, whereas maternal UPF consumption may directly influence the environment in the womb in which the embryo develops from the start of life onwards.”

Dr Gaillard said: “Our findings suggest that a diet low in UPFs would be best for both partners, not only for their own health, but also for their chances of pregnancy and the health of their unborn child.”

Other studies have shown that slower embryonic growth in the first trimester is associated with an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including premature birth (birth before 37 weeks), low birth weight, and an increased risk of heart and blood vessel problems in childhood. Impaired yolk sac development is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Dr Gaillard continued: “Our study shows for the first time that UPF consumption in men and women is associated with fertility outcomes and early human development, but also has limitations. Importantly, as this is an observational study, our study shows associations, but cannot prove direct causal effects of UPF consumption on these early life outcomes.

“More research is needed to replicate our findings, in diverse populations, and to study the potential biological mechanisms underlying this effect. For instance, are these differences driven by the low nutritional value of UPFs or by the increased exposure to additives or microplastics? We also want to study whether these early differences have consequences for birth outcomes, growth and development of offspring throughout childhood.

“Finally, our research shows that we should think more broadly about fertility and early pregnancy. We should move away from the idea that only the health and lifestyle of mothers-to-be is important for pregnancy and offspring outcomes, and recognise that the health and lifestyle of both the mother- and father-to-be play an important role. Our results highlight the need to pay more attention to male health in the preconception period, which has traditionally been overlooked.”

Reference:

Celine H X Lin, Romy Gaillard, Annemarie G M G J Mulders, Vincent W V Jaddoe, Mireille C Schipper, Periconceptional ultra-processed food consumption in women and men, fertility, and early embryonic development, Human Reproduction, 2026;, deag023, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deag023

A systematic review published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology in June 2025 reveals that integrating diverse antioxidants like vitamin C and cysteamine into clinical protocols can achieve a superior 81.1% reduction in melasma severity scores, demonstrating that these agents offer a safer, more effective alternative or adjuvant to traditional depigmenting therapies.

In a new Dartmouth Cancer Center (DCC) study led by clinical researcher Tyler J. Curiel, MD, MPH, FACP, investigators found that the FDA-approved blood pressure drug telmisartan can significantly enhance the cancer-killing activity of the targeted therapy olaparib, potentially expanding its use to many more patients. The findings are newly published in The Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.

“This study shows that a common, safe, tolerable, convenient, and inexpensive drug may significantly improve how well an important class of cancer therapies works,” said Curiel, the study’s senior and lead author.

Expanding the reach of PARP inhibitors

PARP inhibitors such as olaparib work by exploiting weaknesses in how some cancer cells repair damaged DNA. They are particularly effective in tumors with defective homologous recombination DNA damage repair, such as those with gene mutations in BRCA. However, many tumors lack these defects, limiting the number of patients who can benefit from PARP inhibitors. In addition, most cancers eventually develop resistance to PARP inhibitors.

Curiel’s team discovered that telmisartan can make tumors more vulnerable to PARP inhibitors, even when they lack the specific DNA repair defects that usually make PARP inhibitors effective.

In preclinical studies, telmisartan increased DNA damage in tumor cells when used with olaparib and triggered powerful immune-stimulating signals. Specifically, the combination boosted production of type I interferons—molecules that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer.

“This immune activation appears to be a key reason the combination works so well,” Curiel said.

A unique effect among blood pressure drugs

Telmisartan belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class of medications, commonly prescribed to treat hypertension. The DCC study found that the cancer-enhancing effects were unique to telmisartan among all the ARBs tested.

The drug also reduced levels of PD-L1 inside tumor cells-a protein that cancers use to evade immune attack—further increasing its therapeutic potential.

“Telmisartan has several distinct anticancer effects that, together with targeted therapy, could make tumors more responsive to distinct types of treatments,” Curiel said. “We showed the improved efficacy with PARP inhibitors in this study, but we also have good data showing that telmisartan improves efficacy of distinct chemotherapy classes and immunotherapies in many other cancer types through related mechanisms.”

Moving quickly to clinical trials

Telmisartan is orally bioavailable, safe, and well-tolerated, including by individuals without hypertension, making it an ideal candidate for clinical translation. Curiel and colleagues at DCC are already testing the strategy in patients through two ongoing clinical trials.

One trial is evaluating the combination in men with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer. The first patient enrolled in the study experienced what Curiel described as an exceptional response to treatment. The second trial is in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, which just enrolled its first patient.

“We are encouraged by what we are seeing so far,” Curiel said. “Our goal is to determine whether this combination approach can help more patients benefit from greater effectiveness of PARP inhibitors and other cancer treatment classes and potentially overcome resistance to these drugs.”

Support from the Guyre fund and Gmelich fund at DCC were instrumental in getting these studies completed and the clinical trials launched.

Reference:

Murray CE, Ontiveros CO, Wentworth J, Blinkiewicz P, Leung B, Bai H, et al. Telmisartan increases olaparib efficacy in homologous recombination proficient tumors by augmenting type I interferon production. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. 2026;14:e012426. https://doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2025-012426

A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that young people with cannabis use disorder were more likely than young people with other substance use disorders to later be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. In contrast, adults with cannabis use disorder were significantly less likely to develop psychiatric disorders, compared to adults with other substance use disorders.

The study found that the relative risk of young people age 17 and under with cannabis use disorder was 52% higher for schizophrenia, 30% higher for recurrent major depression, and 21% higher for anxiety disorders, compared to young people with other substance use disorders. Adults with cannabis use disorder had lower relative risks for being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.

The findings highlight the question of whether excessive cannabis use, perhaps more than other substances, might alter brain development of young people, predisposing them to developing a psychiatric disorder.

The study was published online March 5 in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

“Is cannabis use a unique risk factor compared to the use of other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or cocaine? That’s the question we addressed in this study, and our findings suggest that that relative risk depends on the user’s age,” says study co-author Johannes Thrul, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Mental Health at the Bloomberg School.

Products made from the Cannabis sativa plant have been used recreationally in the U.S. since at least the 1800s. Their popularity increased during alcohol prohibition in the 1920s and the counterculture movement in the 1960s. Today, cannabis use by adults age 21 and older is legal in 24 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Surveys suggest daily use of cannabis is higher than alcohol consumption.

“Much of our interest in this came from the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Maryland, in 2023, and other states,” says Ryan Nicholson, MD, resident at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “We wanted to understand cannabis-related psychotic disorders clinicians are seeing in the context of other substance-related psychotic disorders."

The link between cannabis and psychosis first appeared in medical literature in the early twentieth century. In 1987, a study of more than 45,000 Swedish army recruits found that the use of cannabis at the time of conscription was associated with large increases in the risk of subsequent schizophrenia, especially when the cannabis use was heavy. Other studies since then have found similar associations.

For the study, the researchers analyzed nearly 700,000 U.S. medical records from a large commercial database. They identified patients who had been diagnosed with cannabis use disorder—a condition that implies relatively heavy cannabis use—but had not been diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders. They then matched these patients on measures such as age, sex, ethnicity, and income level, with patients who had been diagnosed with other, non-cannabis substance use disorders and did not have other psychiatric conditions. The researchers compared the rates of subsequent schizophrenia and other psychiatric diagnoses in these two patient groups—adults age 18 and older (691,806 patients) and one for those age 17 and under (49,586 patients).

The median age among patients with cannabis use disorder was 16 versus 15 among patients with other substance use disorders. About 10% of patients in the cohort of all substance use disorders were under age 12. The authors note that this aligns with reports from adult patients being treated for substance use disorder: 10.2% reported starting substance use at age 11 or younger.

Adults in the cannabis use disorder group had a 19% lower risk (0.34% vs. 0.42%) of subsequent schizophrenia compared to the group with other substance use disorders. Risks of subsequent psychosis, recurrent major depression, and suicide attempts were also lower in the cannabis-use group.

The results are consistent with the idea that heavy cannabis use predisposes young people to subsequent schizophrenia and some other psychiatric disorders that they might not develop otherwise. Thrul notes that this acceleration effect could make these illnesses seem less likely at later ages, thus appearing to lower the risk in adults, at least in relation to other recreational drugs.

Thrul cautions, however, that the causation might point in the other direction, with individuals who are innately more likely to develop certain psychiatric disorders to also have a greater tendency to self-medicate with cannabis, even before their mental health issues have become evident.

“There are still many unknowns on that question, but I would never recommend that teenagers use cannabis, especially not the high-potency cannabis products that are on the market now,” he says.

One of the paper’s limitations is that the database the researchers used relied on International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 coding by other physicians, so the researchers may not know the exact patient history that led to the diagnosis. 

Reference:

Ryan C. Nicholson, Una E. Choi, Ramin Mojtabai, Association of Cannabis Use Disorder Versus Other Substance Use Disorders With Psychiatric Conditions: A Propensity-Matched Retrospective Cohort Analysis, American Journal of Psychiatry, https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.20250336

Researchers have found in a new research that using an internally beveled vestibular incision combined with multilayer suturing helps preserve peri-implant papillary integrity. This approach promotes predictable primary intention healing following reconstructive peri-implantitis surgery and is particularly beneficial in esthetically sensitive areas.

Researchers have found in a new study that Statin use in postmenopausal women was not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. While primarily used for cardiovascular prevention, their potential role in breast cancer prevention remains uncertain due to mixed evidence.

A large Korean study published in the journal of Radiology Artificial Intelligence found that accelerated biological aging, as estimated from chest X-rays using a deep-learning model, is significantly associated with increased patient mortality, which suggests its potential role as a prognostic marker.

This research analyzed chest X-rays from more than 421,000 Korean adults collected between 2006 and 2020 to determine whether “radiographic age” (AI-derived estimate) could predict mortality. Using a deep learning model known as AgeNet, which was trained on healthy individuals, this study compared the radiographic age of each person with their actual chronological age.

The results suggest that when the body appears older than its actual age on imaging, it may signal significantly higher health risks. The participants whose radiographic age exceeded their chronological age by 5 or more years were classified as experiencing “accelerated aging.” Across the median follow-up period of 8.5 years, over 6,500 deaths were recorded, which included those from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory illness.

Accelerated aging was strongly associated with increased mortality across all causes and this effect was more pronounced in women. Men with accelerated aging had a 26% increased risk of death, while women faced a 52% higher risk, which highlighted the potential sex-based differences in how aging impacts health.

This study also examined how quickly radiographic age (aging velocity) changes over time. Among nearly 180,000 individuals who had at least 3 chest X-rays, those with faster increases in radiographic age underwent significantly higher mortality risks, regardless of their initial health status.

Each standard deviation increase in aging velocity corresponded to a 24% rise in mortality risk for men and 35% for women. Slower aging rates were linked to better outcomes, where women with decelerated aging velocity (<0.5 years of radiographic aging per year) experienced around 50% reduction in mortality risk.

The individuals whose radiographic age increased rapidly (>1.5 years) were at markedly higher risk of death. Mortality rates rose by 51% in men and 71% in women within this group. Overall, the study found that both accelerated radiographic aging and rapid aging velocity independently predict mortality risk. These findings suggest that AI-enhanced analysis of routine chest X-rays could become a valuable tool in preventive medicine.

Reference:

Chang, Y., Kim, H., Lee, S., Lee, H., Yoon, S. H., & Ryu, S. (2026). Accelerated aging and aging velocity from deep learning-based chest radiograph-derived age for predicting cause-specific mortality. Radiology. Artificial Intelligence, e250609, e250609. https://doi.org/10.1148/ryai.250609

Netherlands: Among older adults with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), women experienced a greater overall symptom burden than men; however, men demonstrated a more rapid worsening of symptoms over time and with declining kidney function.

USA: A Phase 2 trial has revealed that treatment with mezagitamab increased platelet counts in patients with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), with a safety profile comparable to placebo.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that intraoperative use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography during colorectal surgery is associated with a reduced risk of anastomotic leaks, particularly in rectal and left-sided resections. 

Surgical connection between two sections of the bowel could fail, which leads to leakage of intestinal contents. This complication can result in severe infection, prolonged hospitalization, and even death. Traditionally, surgeons rely on visual inspection and clinical judgment to assess blood flow to the bowel before completing the connection. However, ICGFA offers a more objective, real-time method by using fluorescent dye to visualize tissue perfusion intraoperatively.

This research analyzed data exclusively from randomized controlled trials and included 9 trials involving a total of 4,754 patients undergoing colorectal resection with primary anastomosis. Databases such as PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to July 2025, following rigorous PRISMA guidelines.

The patients whose surgeries incorporated the imaging technique experienced a 34% reduction in overall anastomotic leak rates when compared to those assessed with standard methods alone. The number needed to treat (NNT) revealed that for every 24 patients treated with ICGFA, one leak could be prevented.

Further analysis showed that ICGFA reduced both severe leaks requiring intervention and less severe leaks not requiring additional procedures. The benefits were especially pronounced in left-sided colorectal surgeries, rectal resections, and low anterior resections, the procedures which were traditionally associated with higher leak risks. Here, the NNT dropped as low as 13, which indicated even greater clinical impact.

This study found no significant benefit for right-sided resections. Also, a meta-regression analysis identified patient body mass index (BMI) as a key factor influencing outcomes. The protective effect of ICGFA increased with higher BMI, highlighting that patients with obesity may benefit most from the technology.

Through trial sequential analysis, this study was confirmed to be robust with sufficient data to draw firm conclusions. Overall, this study suggest that the routine use of ICGFA in left-sided and rectal colorectal surgeries should now be strongly considered. Further research on proving benefit and more on optimizing implementation and identifying specific patient groups who stand to gain the most is needed.

Source:

Ryan, É. J., Ryan, O. K., Corrigan, N., Ainsworth, G., Hilling, D. E., Vahrmeijer, A. L., Kössi, J., Watanabe, J., Jayne, D., & Cahill, R. A. (2026). Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography for anastomotic perfusion assessment in colorectal surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis, meta-regression, and trial sequential analyses. The Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(25)00373-5

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a significantly higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), highlighting the need.

Preliminary evidence suggests that obsessive-compulsive and related disorder (OCRD) symptoms fluctuate across the menstrual cycle, with consistent premenstrual worsening reported. However, significant research gaps remain, and longitudinal studies with reliable tools are needed to better understand the role of female sex hormones.

Patiala: The nursing staff at three government medical colleges and hospitals in Punjab have been on an indefinite strike for the past 15 days. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday warned the striking nurses to resume their duties, failing which strict action would be taken.

Chhattisgarh: To provide new strength to health education in Chhattisgarh, the State Government has decided to establish five new medical colleges across the state. This initiative will also lead to a significant expansion in the number of seats available for medical education.

New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, is soon going to close the online application process for the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) July for the 2026 session for admission to various postgraduate medical courses.

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch an online dashboard that will display bed availability across its hospitals in Maharashtra. The dashboard will include details of general beds, ICU beds, and 24/7 facilities, and is expected to be ready by next month. 

Chandigarh: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has rescheduled its upcoming 39th convocation ceremony to April 30, 2026, to be held at the Bhargava Auditorium of the institute.

As per the official notice, candidates wishing to receive their degrees in person must attend a compulsory rehearsal scheduled for April 29, 2026, from 9:00 AM onwards in Bhargava Auditorium of PGIMER, Chandigarh. All the candidates desirous of receiving the degrees in person, are required to be present at the rehearsal and Convocation on the date, time and place mentioned above. Those who do not attend the rehearsal will not be admitted to the Convocation.

The candidates are requested to confirm their attendance before 15th April, 2026 through google form link so that necessary arrangements are made accordingly. While confirming participation, details of the acompanying person may also be given.

The recipients of degrees will attend the function in convocation dress. The sash/stole will be available on hire basis on the day of rehearsal @ Rs.500/- at the counter in Zakir Hall from 9:00 AM onwards.

The entry of only one accompanying guest per candidate is allowed. Due to space constraint the guest will be allowed entry in separate area where proceedings of convocation will be televised.

No mobile phone/personal camera hand bag or any electronic gadgets are allowed in the Auditorium.

To view the full official notice, click the link mentioned below-

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/11/notice-xxxix-convocation-2026-00110apr2026152649-341032.pdf

Also Read:After Ayushman Bharat fraud, PGI Chandigarh revamps procurement system

Chennai: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chennai (North), recently held Saveetha Dental College Hospital and Saveetha Medical College Hospital guilty of medical negligence and deficiency in service and directed them to pay Rs 7 lakh compensation to a city resident.

According to DT Next report, the bench observed that a foreign object entered the body of the patient during a dental procedure, and the subsequent endoscopic procedure performed on the patient lacked valid consent.

The matter goes back to August 2025, when the husband of the complainant underwent a root canal procedure. Allegedly, due to the failure in adhering to the standard safety protocols, including the non-use of a rubber dam, a sharp dental instrument slipped into the patient’s digestive tract during the procedure. Further, it was alleged that no informed consent was taken. 

A consumer court bench comprising President D. Gopinath and members Kavitha Kannan and TR Sivakumar observed that the complainant had established a clear case of negligence in treatment administered to her husband.

"The material on record substantiates that a foreign object entered the patient’s body during the procedure," observed the consumer court. "The hospitals failed to rebut the allegations and are set ex parte," it further noted.

Apart from this, the DCDRC further held that the medical intervention, including an endoscopic procedure, which was conducted at the second hospital lacked the required valid consent or adequate preparation. It was observed by the Commission that the acts of the hospitals amounted to gross deficiency in medical service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Also Read: Surgery delay: WB medical council finds surgeon guilty of medical negligence, issues notice

As per the latest media report by DT Next, the Commission invoked the legal principle of res ipsa loquitor and ruled that the very nature of the incident indicated negligence.

Observing that the hospitals had failed to prove due care, the consumer court noted, "The complainant’s version remains unchallenged and is accepted."

Further, the Commission also took note of continued medical complications, mental trauma, and financial losses suffered by the patient, as well as the failure of the hospitals to furnish complete medical records despite repeated requests.

Accordingly, the consumer panel allowed the complaint and directed the two institutions to jointly pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation for medical negligence and Rs 2 lakh as punitive damages. An additional Rs 10,000 was awarded to the complainant towards litigation costs.

Apart from paying the compensation, the hospitals have also been directed to provide complete medical records, including consent forms and procedural details within 45 days.

In its order, the Commission mentioned that the failure to comply within 60 days will attract 9% annual interest on the amount of compensation awarded to the complainant from the date of filing of the complaint. 

Also Read: Failure to conduct pre-anaesthetic check-up is gross negligence: HC refuses relief to anaesthetist booked under IPC 304A

Jaipur: Clarifying that a woman doctor is entitled to continue her sanctioned maternity leave, the Rajasthan High Court granted interim relief to a NEET PG candidate in her postnatal recovery phase, whose request for extension of the joining date for her Post MBBS Diploma in Ophthalmology was rejected by the State.

Restraining the State from taking any coercive or adverse action against the petitioner, Single Bench Justice Anuroop Singhi allowed her to continue her officially sanctioned maternity leave, while permitting her to submit her joining before the allotted medical college, S.K. Medical College and Hospital.

The bench also granted two weeks time to the State to file its reply and listed the matter for further hearing on April 29, 2026.

Also read- NEET PG: Rajasthan HC relief to doctor denied admission over permanent registration certificate

As per Live Law report, the petitioner is currently posted as a Medical Officer in Sikar. She had cleared NEET-PG and was allotted a Post MBBS Diploma seat, for which she had already deposited the tuition fee and security amount.

However, during this period, she gave birth and was granted maternity leave till July 19, 2026. Meanwhile, the State had fixed April 9, 2026, as the last date for joining, warning that failure to do so would lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.

Since she was in the postnatal recovery phase, the doctor sought an extension of the joining deadline. The State rejected her request, following which she moved the High Court.

Taking note of these circumstances, the Court granted two weeks’ time to the State to file its reply. In the meantime, it ensured protection to the petitioner by allowing her to retain both her admission and her maternity leave, making it clear that no adverse action should be taken against her.

"The petitioner was granted maternity leave for the period 21.01.2026 to 19.07.2026 .. issued by Chief Medical Officer, Kudan (Sikar), it is directed that while the petitioner may submit her joining before respondent No.5 – S.K. Medical College and Hospital for her Post MBBS Diploma of Ophthamology, she would be entitled to continue with her said maternity leave for the period already granted to her vide order dated 21.01.2026 and the respondents are restrained from taking any coercive or adverse action against the petitioner," said the court. 

To view the court order, click on the link below:

Also read- NEET SS: Rajasthan HC scraps Rs 25 lakh bank guarantee rule for DM, MCh admissions

Chandigarh: UT Health Secretary Mandeep Singh Brar, while presiding over a meeting of the Chandigarh Council for Clinical Establishments, issued directives to clinical institutions to display rates for various services in the local language and English.    

The meeting was attended by the Director of AYUSH, the President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), a representative of the Bharat Vikas Parishad, the Registrars of the Dental and Pharmacy Councils, and other members of the Chandigarh-based Clinical Establishments Council.      

New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has revised the rules regarding admission of Post-Doctoral students in medical colleges.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has specified that a medical college can admit either one Post Doctoral Certificate Course (PDCC) student or one Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) student every year in a unit, and this will be over and above the already sanctioned or eligible seats in that unit.

The commission further stated that in departments where a unit structure does not exist, medical colleges can still admit either one PDCC or one PDF student every year for every five sanctioned or eligible seats in that department.

These conditions have been specified by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the Commission in the recently released revised Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMSR) 2023. The Commission asked all medical colleges and institutions across the country to comply with the updated rules with immediate effect.

Issuing a public notice on 11.03.2026, the PGMEB informed that the standards for running postgraduate medical courses have now been amended as of February 20, 2026. These norms define the minimum requirements that institutions must meet to start and run PG medical programmes in the country.

The document included the mandatory requirements for a PG medical institute to start a PG medical course, the clinical material/investigation workload required for post-graduate, the ratio of eligible post-graduate faculty to the number of students, the number of minimum and maximum beds in a Unit, the faculty and senior resident requirements for the number of PG seats in different specialities, and the list of functional departments mandatory in a specific medical college etc.

Earlier, the PGMSR 2023 regulations stated that one PDCC or PDF student could be admitted over and above the sanctioned or eligible seat in a unit. In departments without a unit structure, one additional seat could be permitted for every five sanctioned or eligible seats. If there is any vacancy, then the remaining number of PDCC or PDF candidates can be admitted. 

However, under the amended PGMSR 2023, the Commission has clarified, "Either one Post-Doctoral Certificate Course (PDCC) or one Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) student can be admitted every year over and above the sanctioned/eligible seat in a Unit. In a department where a unit structure is not there, either One Post-Doctoral Certificate Course (PDCC) or one Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) student can be admitted every year, up to every five sanctioned/eligible seats."

To view the PGMSR 2023 notice, click on the link below:

Also read- NMC amends Minimum Standard Requirements for running PG medical courses, here are key takeaways

Shanghai: Amgen's lung cancer drug tarlatamab has won approval from ​China's National Medical Products Administration, its development and commercialisation partner BeOne Medicines said on Friday on WeChat.

Bengaluru: The U.S. ​Food and Drug Administration ​on Friday declined to approve Replimune's drug for ​advanced skin cancer citing insufficient data from studies, a letter from the regulator showed.

New York: Consulting firm McKinsey & Co has ​agreed to contribute USD 125 million to Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy settlement, resolving potential legal ​claims over advice it provided to Purdue on how to "turbocharge" sales of its addictive painkiller OxyContin, according to a court filing submitted late Wednesday.

New Delhi: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited has successfully completed a USFDA inspection at its Bileshwarpura oncology manufacturing facility with zero observations, indicating full compliance with regulatory standards during the inspection conducted from April 6 to April 10, 2026.

New Delhi: The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB) has opened the application correction window for WBJEE 2026, allowing candidates seeking admission to pharmacy courses (BPharm) to edit their submitted application forms until April 12 through the official website.

Here are the top health stories for the day:

FMGs Urge NMC for One-Time FMGL Exemption, Seek Prospective Application From 2022 Batch

Six Attempts for MBBS First Professional Exams, Ten-Year Course Limit; Suggests Parliamentary Panel

Kerala HC Rules Failure to Conduct Pre-Anaesthetic Check-Up Gross Negligence, Denies Relief to Anaesthetist

Telangana Medical Council Bars Doctor for Two Years Over Fake MD Claim, Invalid Registration

Salumbar: In a tragic series of events, the deaths of five young children in Rajasthan’s Salumbar district have sparked fears of suspected viral encephalitis and prompted an intensive surveillance and outbreak control operation across affected villages. 

Over the past few days, five children from Ghata and Lalpura villages have reportedly died under what officials described as “mysterious circumstances.” The deceased include a 3-year-old and his younger brother from Lalpura, another 4-year-old from Lalpura, and two children aged 4 and 2 from Ghata village.

Also Read:Karnataka issues guidelines for Sabarimala Pilgrims amid brain-eating amoeba cases

Speaking to the Indian Express, Salumbar District Collector Muhammad Junaid said that the deceased children had common symptoms, including vomiting, unconsciousness, and altered sensorium. “These point to some kind of encephalitis. In the opinion of the team from Udaipur Medical College, it is a suspected case of viral encephalitis. One suspicion is that it could be a variant, ‘Chandipura’ virus, although the final word is awaited from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, where the samples have been sent.”

Family members said the children first developed fever and vomiting, after which they were taken to nearby health centres and then referred to larger hospitals in Dhariyawad, Pratapgarh, and Udaipur. In several cases, the children died while being shifted for treatment, reports NDTV Profit.

According to the news reports, one relative said a child fell ill on March 31 and died on April 1 during referral to Udaipur. Another child developed similar symptoms on April 5 and died en route to treatment. In another case, a child with sudden fever and vomiting died the same evening despite being shifted between hospitals.

Officials noted that the remote location of the villages may have contributed to delays in receiving advanced care. They also said some families initially sought help from unauthorised practitioners, which may have affected outcomes.

The deaths have created widespread panic across the region. In response, the district administration has launched a large-scale door-to-door survey and surveillance drive.

Hundreds of teams have combed through Ghata Gram Panchayat, which has three revenue villages — Ghata (2,504 persons/ 408 families), Lalpura (169 persons/ 29 families), and Karnagarh (667 persons/ 124 families) for a total of 561 families. Six schools, with 659 students, and three Anganwadis, with 144 children, have also been covered by the teams, which have collected various samples. Of the 561 families, 528 families have been surveyed, with 9 blood samples being collected on Wednesday, anti-larval activity being conducted at 51 places, and 20 samples being sent for analysis, reports the Indian Express.

The Medical and Health Department said outbreak control activities have been intensified across the seven districts of the Udaipur division, including Salumbar. According to official data, 6,167 field teams have surveyed over 1.2 lakh households across the division, identifying 1,470 symptomatic individuals. Of these, 924 patients were treated on the spot, while 85 were referred to higher medical facilities for advanced care. Public awareness campaigns have been conducted at over 13,000 locations, alongside anti-larval drives at more than 5,500 sites to curb potential mosquito-borne disease spread.

Also Read:Kerala reports 104 Amoebic meningoencephalitis cases, 23 deaths: Health Minister

New Delhi: While upholding the admission of a NEET UG candidate, the Supreme Court observed that medical seats in government medical institutes are a precious resource, and if such a seat becomes vacant, it is the responsibility of the authorities to allot the same to the next eligible candidates.

The Apex Court bench comprising Justices J.K.Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar made this observation while considering a case where two seats in two medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh had become vacant because the students had submitted forged mark sheets. When one of those seats was granted to a student who appealed, based on the High Court's direction, the same decision was challenged before the Supreme Court.

The concerned student appeared in the NEET UG exam in 2022 and secured 508 marks in the General Category. During the second round of counselling, which took place between 07.11.2022 and 18.11.2022, two other students were initially granted admission to Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Govt. Medical College and Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, respectively.

Subsequently, it was revealed that the scorecards of two candidates were forged, and therefore, their admission was cancelled since the documents submitted by them did not match the available information on the NMC portal. Consequently, one undergraduate MBBS seat became vacant in each of those two colleges.

The concerned student submitted that before the commencement of the admission counselling process and the verification of relevant documents, the said fact was not detected, and it only came to light on January 17, 2023. 

Atal Medical & Research University, Himachal Pradesh, on 17.01.2023, informed the NMC secretary that, as a consequence of admissions granted based on forged documents and the resultant action taken against the concerned students, one seat had fallen vacant in each of the two colleges. Accordingly, permission was sought to fill the said vacant seats at the earliest.

After a considerable delay of approximately five months, NMC on 19.06.2023 conveyed that since the counselling schedule had already been notificated in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court, no admission beyond the schedule date i.e., 29.12.2022, would be permissible for Under Graduate courses under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, immediately after getting to know about such vacant seats, the concerned student submitted a representation to the medical college as well as to the University. Not getting any response, the student filed a plea on 28.01.2023 seeking direction to consider the admission for MBBS admission during the academic year 2022- 2023 on the said vacant post. Permission was further sought to allow the concerned student to join the additional classes. A prayer for being condoned for any shortage of attendance was also made.

Relying on the judgment in the case of Asha v. Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences and Others and also the judgment of S. Krishna Sradha v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Others, the HC bench allowed the petition and issued directions to grant the petitioner student admission to Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Govt. Medical College, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, during the academic year 2023-2024.

Further, the Court had directed NMC and Atal Medical & Research University to pay Rs 2 lakh compensation along with Rs 10,000 cost because of the delay caused, due to which the concerned student (petitioner before the HC) could not get admitted in the academic year 2022-2023.

The High Court's order was challenged by the National Medical Commission (NMC) before the Supreme Court. The counsel for NMC relied on the Supreme Court's order dated 20.09.2021 in National Medical Commission v. Sourabh Kumar Jeengar & Ors, contending that the admission as directed by the High Court cannot be allowed in the subsequent year by creating additional seats. It was also contended that once the schedule had been notified pursuant to the directions of the Apex Court dated 21.10.2022 in Ashish Ranjan v. Union of India & Ors, as modified on 08.05.2023, the same could not be overlooked by giving admission to the student. 

It was further argued that, as held in the Ashish Ranjan (Supra) case, the NMC does not have the authority to permit the University/College for admission as directed. It was also urged that on receiving the letter dated 17.01.2023, oral communications were made to the University with respect to the intent as communicated in the letter by them on 19.06.2023, and therefore, there was no delay in such communication.

Meanwhile, the counsel for the student urged with vehemence that if a seat is occupied by an ineligible candidate, prioritizing by playing fraud upon the authorities, though allegedly above in merit, would not defeat her right of admission since she is the next meritorious candidate in the merit list being wait listed. It was also suggested that the process of document verification of the candidate who could get admission in second counselling ought to have been made immediately, and if such exercise was not done with promptness, as is the case in hand, next candidate i.e. the concerned student, placed in the merit list should be offered admission sustaining her merit.

Observations by the Supreme Court: 

Taking note of the submissions, the Supreme Court bench observed that the High Court rightly analysed the entirety of facts and circumstances and found that the University as well as NMC, remained silent and allowed those seats to go vacant.

"Therefore, the ratio of the judgment of Asha as well as S. Krishna Sradha is rightly made applicable and the direction is issued to grant admission to Respondent No.1 student in Respondent No. 6-College in the MBBS course for the academic year 2022-2023 by creating one additional seat in the next year 2023-2024. In the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case which have been brought before us, the direction as issued by the High Court is completely justified and because of the said peculiarity, will not be in teeth of the schedule as prescribed by this Court in Ashish Ranjan (Supra)," observed the Apex Court.

Highlighting how medical seats in government institutes are a national resource, the bench observed that if such a seat remains vacant, the authorities must allot the same to the next eligible candidate.

"It cannot be sufficiently underscored that a medical seat in a Government Institution is not merely an individual gain for a private candidate, but is also a precious resource for our nation that is held in public trust by the regulatory authorities. In an eventuality, when such a seat is rendered vacant through fraud, an obligation is cast upon the authorities to restore that seat to the next eligible candidate as per the merit list," noted the Apex Court.

"To allow a seat to remain wasted due to administrative inaction or lethargy, is a subversion of the very purpose of the NEET-UG examination that was to facilitate systematic organization of admissions in government medical institutions," it further observed. 

Addressing NMC's contention regarding adherence to the schedule fixed by the court in Ashish Ranjan (Supra), the top court bench observed, "it must be borne in mind of the authorities that the said schedule is a servant of the admission process, provided by this Court to facilitate the timely induction of doctors without delay, not a master that can lead to sacrifice of a meritorious student’s career, that too without having any fault of such candidate. In this regard, we are guided by the principle enunciated in S. Krishna Sradha (Supra) that in exceptional cases where a candidate has been prompt in approaching authorities and delay is entirely attributable to the failure of the authorities to detect fraud, irregularity or respond to queries, as is the situation in present case, equity requires that admission be granted to such a candidate in next academic year possible."

Accordingly, the bench held that the High Court's order was justified. It noted, "In view of the foregoing, we are of the considered opinion that the High Court was completely justified and in fact, because of the vexatious litigation of Appellant, the matter has been stalled before this Court for more than three years. Nonetheless, since we have arrived at a conclusion that the order passed by the High Court is justified, in exercise of jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, we modify the direction as issued by the High Court for grant of admission for the year 2026-2027 instead of 2023-2024 while not interfering with other terms and conditions as directed by the High Court."

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/07/supreme-court-neet-seats-340190.pdf

Also Read: HC comes to rescue of MBBS candidate denied admission, NMC, University told to pay Rs 4 lakh compensation

New Delhi: Setting aside a Uttarakhand High Court's direction that granted an extraordinary pension to the widow of a paediatrician who was shot dead while on duty, the Supreme Court has recently held that such a benefit can be awarded only after due consideration under the Uttar Pradesh Civil Services (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1981 and with the sanction of the Governor. In its order, the apex court upheld the Rs 1 crore compensation to the kin.

The Division Bench comprising J K Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar made these observations while hearing an appeal filed by the State of Uttarakhand challenging the High Court’s order. The issue before the Apex Court was whether the respondent was entitled to an extraordinary pension and whether the High Court was justified in granting it directly without the mandatory sanction of the Governor under the 1981 Rules.

The Bench held, 

"On a complete reading of the Rules of 1981, it is clear that in the matter of award of extraordinary pension, the sanction of the Hon’ble Governor is necessary. Such sanction is expected to be granted by the Hon’ble Governor after examining all relevant aspects referred to in the Rules of 1981."

It further clarified that "the claim for an extraordinary pension shall be considered and decided on its own merits without being influenced by any observations made either in the judgment of the High Court impugned herein or any observations made in this judgment."

Background

The State of Uttarakhand has challenged a 2018 High Court judgment directing it to pay Rs 1.99 crore compensation with 7.5% interest and grant an extraordinary pension with 8.5% interest on arrears to the widow of Dr Singh.

The doctor was appointed as a Medical Officer on an ad hoc basis in the State of Uttar Pradesh on 22.08.1992. Following the enactment of the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000, he opted to serve in Uttar Pradesh. However, since he was working in the newly formed State of Uttarakhand, he was not relieved from his duties there.

On 20.04.2016, while serving as a Pediatrician at CHC Jaspur, the doctor was shot dead during the discharge of his duties. Claiming that his death occurred in the line of duty, his widow (the first respondent) submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary, Ministry of Health, with a copy to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, seeking an extraordinary pension under the 1981 Rules.

Although a proposal was made to grant Rs 50 lakh compensation, a job to his son, and accommodation, the family alleged that only Rs 1 lakh compensation and a contractual job for the son were provided.

The first respondent filed a writ petition before the Uttarakhand High Court seeking implementation of the Rs 50 lakh compensation proposal, enhanced compensation of Rs 4.18 crore, and grant of an extraordinary pension along with family pension.

The State opposed the plea, arguing that a doctor’s work does not qualify as hazardous for an extraordinary pension. It stated that Rs 10.65 lakh salary arrears, Rs 1 lakh ex gratia, government housing, and a contractual job for the son had already been provided, and no further relief was due.

However, the High Court found that despite approval of Rs 50 lakh, only Rs 1 lakh was paid. Holding that the doctor died in the line of duty, it declared the widow entitled to an extraordinary pension. The Court calculated Rs 1.89 crore as compensation using salary, age, and future prospects, and added Rs 10 lakh for loss of consortium. It directed payment with 7.5% interest, along with extraordinary pension and arrears carrying 8.5% interest, and ordered strict enforcement of the Uttarakhand Medicare Act, 2013.

Appearing for the State, Additional Advocate General Gaurav Bhatia challenged the High Court’s directions, particularly the grant of an extraordinary pension. He argued that such a pension is subject to conditions under the 1981 Rules and requires the Governor’s sanction. He contended that the respondent did not meet the criteria under Rule 3, and given the circumstances of his death, the case did not qualify for an extraordinary pension.

He emphasised that sanctions by the Governor under Rule 4 are mandatory and discretionary, guided by the Rules. He therefore argued that since Rs 1 crore compensation has already been paid, no further relief should be granted, and the direction for extraordinary pension should be set aside.

Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria, for the respondent, supported the High Court’s ruling, arguing that the doctor died while on duty and his case qualified for extraordinary pension under Rule 3 of the 1981 Rules, including provisions on "risk" and "violence."

Observation by Supreme Court

After hearing both sides, the Court noted that the 1981 Rules constitute a complete code, laying down both the conditions and procedure for grant of extraordinary pension. It observed that under Rule 4, such pension can be awarded only with the sanction of the Governor, who exercises administrative discretion in the matter.

Examining the High Court’s reasoning, the Supreme Court held:

"The Division Bench of the High Court proceeded on the premise that the husband of the first respondent died while discharging his official duties. It appears that the aspect that though the Hon’ble Chief Minister had agreed to pay compensation of ₹50,00,000/- but only an amount of ₹1,00,000/- was paid to her has heavily weighed with the High Court. In this background, the High Court proceeded to determine the amount of monetary compensation and also held the first respondent entitled to an extraordinary pension. The factual adjudication as required under the Rules of 1981 preceding the grant of extraordinary pension has not been undertaken."

The Court further noted that although the respondent could have been guided to apply in the prescribed manner under the Rules, this was not done. Given the requirement of the Governor’s sanction and the discretion vested under the Rules, the Court held that the claim for extraordinary pension must be considered strictly in accordance with the 1981 Rules.

The Bench emphasised that the power to grant an extraordinary pension is administrative and discretionary in nature and it is for the competent authority, i.e., the Governor, to take such a decision after evaluating all relevant factors. 

Judicial interference, the Court clarified, is warranted only in cases of inaction or arbitrariness. It observed:

"In such a scenario, the Court would be slow to itself take such decision especially when the authority on whom the power has been conferred to take such decision has had no occasion to examine the matter and exercise its discretion in accordance with law. It would be a different matter if such authority has either refused to take any decision for a reasonable period of time or the decision taken is found to be wholly arbitrary or suffering from non-application of mind. Even in such situations, normally, a direction to the authority concerned to take a decision afresh would follow. Ordinarily, the Court would not substitute its decision in place of the decision required to be taken by the concerned authority in exercise of its discretion."

Applying these principles, the Court noted that the Governor had no occasion to consider the kin;s claim, as her application dated 20.01.2017 was still pending when she approached the High Court.

The Court held that the High Court, without first directing the competent authority to decide the claim, proceeded to grant an extraordinary pension itself. This approach, the bench found as unwarranted, as the High Court exercised jurisdiction without allowing the statutory authority to apply its discretion under the Rules.

Accordingly, the Court set aside the High Court's direction granting an extraordinary pension. However, considering that the respondent has already received Rs 1 crore as compensation, along with other benefits such as compassionate appointment to her son, government accommodation, salary arrears, and family pension, the Court permitted her to apply afresh for an extraordinary pension under the 1981 Rules.

The Court partly modified the High Court’s judgment with the following directions:

(a) The direction to pay an extraordinary pension to the first respondent is set aside.

(b) The first respondent is permitted to make an application for the grant of an extraordinary pension under the Rules of 1981 within the period of four weeks from today. If such an application is duly made, the Competent Authority shall consider the same in accordance with the Rules of 1981 and determine the entitlement of the first respondent to receive an extraordinary pension. This to be done after giving due opportunity to the first respondent. The decision in this regard be taken within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of such application, and the outcome thereof to be communicated to the first respondent. 

(c) It is clarified that the claim for an extraordinary pension shall be considered and decided on its own merits without being influenced by any observations made either in the judgment of the High Court impugned herein or any observations made in this judgment.

(d) The amount of monetary compensation of ₹1,00,00,000/- paid to the first respondent pursuant to the interim orders passed in these proceedings shall be the amount of monetary compensation to which she is entitled. The same shall not be recovered from her.

To view the court order, click on the link below:

Also read- Medical seats are national resource, cannot be left vacant: Supreme Court on NEET fraud case

New Delhi: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital recently released the reporting schedule for candidates allotted seats in DM/MCh and DrNB courses under Round 2 of counselling for the academic year 2025-26.

As per the official notice, all selected candidates must report in person between April 8 and April 16, 2026, at the designated venues within the institute, carrying all original documents along with self-attested copies to complete the admission process within the stipulated timeline.

Reporting scheduled dates given below-

Belagavi: In a major breakthrough, police have arrested two people, including the wife of a 40-year-old Ayurvedic doctor, in connection with his death, which was initially suspected to be accidental. 

According to the news reports, the doctor was found dead inside his clinic in Anagol, Belagavi, on March 5. At first, authorities and family members suspected that he may have slipped and fallen, leading to his death. 

Also Read:Bengaluru Dermatologist Murder Case: Husband denied bail, chats suggest cover-up

However, doubts were later raised by the victim’s mother, who alleged possible foul play and lodged a complaint with the police, prompting a deeper investigation into the matter.

Speaking to PTI, Belagavi Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase said that from the beginning, the statements of the deceased’s wife were inconsistent and lacked clarity. “If it had been an accidental fall, there might have been one injury. However, there were four injury marks on the head,” he said. During the post-mortem, doctors also found internal injury to the heart, which strengthened suspicion, he added.

He said that the forensic team, including scene-of-crime officers, conducted bloodstain pattern and luminol analyses at the scene. The wife’s version did not match the evidence found at the spot. Based on these scientific findings, the suspicions were confirmed.

During the investigation, the accused confessed to the offence. The police produced them before the court, which remanded them in judicial custody, reports the Hindu.

Police said both accused had planned the murder together. As per the investigation, the man allegedly attacked the doctor using a gas cylinder at the clinic, while the wife was reportedly not present at the scene. Investigators believe the motive was an illicit relationship, with the husband seen as an obstacle.

The police commissioner added that the accused initially attempted to mislead investigators by claiming the doctor had low blood sugar and fell, hitting his head on a table.

Police officials have stated that further investigation is ongoing to establish all aspects of the crime.

Also Read:Two armed men shoot 38-year-old patient at Aligarh hospital

Patna: Nearly a month after serious allegations of exam malpractice surfaced, the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna has finally set up an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations of question paper leaks and answer sheet manipulation in MBBS and postgraduate final-year exams,

The controversy began on March 13, when an anonymous email flagged irregularities in the examination process. Despite the allegations, no immediate action was taken, as reported by Patna Press. 

It was only after about 28 days that the acting director-cum-Dean (Academics), Dr Om Kumar, constituted a four-member panel. The committee has been formed under the leadership of acting director-cum-Dean (Academics), Dr Om Kumar. The panel is headed by Dr Sanjay Kumar, Head of the PSM department, with Dr Gyan Bhaskar and Dr Ashwini as members. The panel has been given seven working days to submit its report, following which action will be taken. 

Also read- NEET 2025 Aftermath: 10 arrested for duping aspirants with Paper leaks, Proxies

According to the Daily's sources, the alleged malpractice involved large sums of money, with separate rates reportedly fixed for leaking question papers and manipulating answer sheets, and for getting answer sheets written externally and later adjusted within the system.

Preliminary inputs suggest that CCTV footage from the examination branch has captured suspicious activities, including unusual movement of candidates at odd hours. However, these claims are yet to be officially confirmed.

Sources indicate that an initial inquiry had earlier found signs of irregularities, but no concrete action was taken at the time. 

Meanwhile, the institute administration has come under further scrutiny after Dr Ranjit Guha, the Principal of IGIMS, was excluded from the enquiry process. He said he was neither invited to meetings nor informed about discussions, despite the matter directly involving MBBS and PG students under his charge.

Speaking to Patna Press, He said, "Four meetings have been held since March 13 regarding the issue, but I was not informed about any of them. Even internal committee discussions were conducted without me."

Dr Guha added that practical examinations are currently underway and said he plans to directly interact with students after their completion to gather more information.

Also read- IGIMS Patna's 1,200-Bed Super-Speciality Hospital to open by 2026

New Delhi: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released the tentative schedule for upcoming key examinations, including DNB, DrNB, NBE Diploma, and FMGE, for the 2026-2027 academic cycle.

As per the notification, the exams will be conducted across multiple dates between May 2026 and February 2027, with NEET-PG 2026 tentatively scheduled for August 30, 2026, while candidates have been advised to regularly check the official website for detailed information and updates.

Tentative schedule of forthcoming NBEMS Examinations.

The tentative schedule for FMGE December 2026 is as follows:-

As notified on 22.01.2026, the tentative date for conduct of NEET-PG 2026 is 30.08.2026 (Sunday).

The tentative schedule for NEET-SS 2026 will be notified separately.

Please note that the above schedule of forthcoming examinations is purely tentative. The exact dates of exams will be indicated in the Information Bulletin which will be notified on NBEMS website in due course.

Candidates are advised to regularly visit the NBEMS website for Information Bulletins and online Application Forms of these examinations, as and when notified.

For any queries, clarifications, or assistance, candidates are requested to contact NBEMS ONLY through its Communication Web Portal.

Please note that queries or representations submitted through any other mode may not be considered and may lead to a delay in response.

To view the official notice, click the link mentioned below- 

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/11/nbe-tentative-schedule-of-forthcoming-nbems-examinations-340982.pdf

What if the key to feeling full isn't just in your neurons-but in overlooked brain cells working behind the scenes?

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is reshaping how scientists understand appetite control, revealing that astrocytes—once thought to be mere support cells-play an active role in telling the brain when to stop eating.

The research, led by teams from the University of Concepción and the University of Maryland, uncovers a previously unknown communication pathway in the hypothalamus, the brain’s hunger-regulating center.

Traditionally, neurons were considered the main players in signaling hunger and fullness. However, this study shows a more complex chain of events involving multiple cell types. After a meal, rising glucose levels are detected by specialized cells called tanycytes. These cells convert glucose into lactate, which then acts as a signaling molecule.

Instead of communicating directly with neurons, lactate first activates nearby astrocytes through a receptor known as HCAR1. Once activated, astrocytes release glutamate, a neurotransmitter that signals appetite-suppressing neurons, ultimately creating the sensation of fullness. In simple terms, tanycytes “talk” to astrocytes, and astrocytes “talk” to neurons.

Researchers also found that this signaling can spread across networks of astrocytes, amplifying the brain’s response to food intake. Interestingly, lactate may have a dual role—indirectly activating fullness signals while also potentially suppressing hunger signals through other pathways.

Scientists are now exploring whether manipulating the HCAR1 receptor could influence eating behavior. If successful, this pathway could complement existing treatments like Ozempic, offering a new frontier in metabolic health.

REFERENCE: S. López,R. Elizondo-Vega,V. Azócar,V. Sepúlveda,V. Opazo-Mellado,W. Vásquez,J.C. Sáez,R.C. Araneda, & M.D.L.Á. García-Robles, Tanycyte-derived lactate activates astrocytic HCAR1 to modulate glutamatergic signaling and POMC neuron excitability, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 123 (15) e2537810123, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2537810123 (2026).

A simple urine sample may soon reveal whether bladder cancer will return before scans can even detect it.

Bladder cancer, particularly non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is notorious for coming back even after early treatment. Patients typically undergo tumor removal followed by immunotherapy using BCG. However, doctors have long lacked a reliable way to predict who will benefit from this therapy and who will relapse.

Now, a new study published in Cell by researchers at Stanford University offers a promising solution: a highly sensitive, non-invasive urine test that can detect microscopic traces of tumor DNA and predict recurrence risk with remarkable accuracy.

The innovation lies in overcoming a major challenge in liquid biopsy testing. Scientists discovered that even healthy bladder cells can carry mutations—termed “clonal cystopoiesis”—which can lead to false positives. To address this, the team developed a statistical method to filter out these background mutations, allowing the test to distinguish real cancer signals from harmless genetic noise.

When tested in patients undergoing surgery and BCG therapy, the results were striking. Individuals with detectable tumor DNA after treatment had an almost certain risk of recurrence, while those whose tumor DNA disappeared showed excellent outcomes. In many cases, the test identified relapse risk even before standard cystoscopy exams showed abnormalities.

Researchers also identified three response patterns: patients cured by surgery alone, those who responded to BCG, and those who did not respond to either. This insight could help doctors tailor treatment strategies more precisely.

If validated in larger trials, this approach could transform bladder cancer care—reducing unnecessary treatments, prioritizing high-risk patients, and enabling earlier intervention. Ultimately, it moves the field closer to truly personalized cancer therapy, guided by a simple urine test.

REFERENCE: Shi, W. Y., et al. (2026). Field-effect-informed urine liquid biopsy for bladder cancer. Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.12.054. https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(25)01503-X

Not all plant-based diets are healthy-and your brain may know the difference.

A new study published in Neurology journal finds that the quality of plant-based foods you eat could significantly influence your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While plant-based eating is often seen as beneficial, researchers say it’s not just about eating plants—but choosing the right ones.

The study, led by scientists from University of Hawaii at Manoa, followed 92,849 adults with an average age of 59 over 11 years. During this time, more than 21,000 participants developed dementia. Researchers analyzed dietary patterns by categorizing them into three types: an overall plant-based diet, a healthful plant-based diet, and an unhealthful plant-based diet.

The healthful version emphasized whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and healthy oils. In contrast, the unhealthful version included refined grains, sugary foods, fruit juices, and processed plant-based items.

Results showed that participants who consumed the highest amount of plant foods overall had a 12% lower risk of dementia compared to those who consumed the least. Those following a healthful plant-based diet had a 7% lower risk. However, people consuming the unhealthiest plant-based foods had a 6% higher risk of developing dementia.

Long-term changes in diet also mattered. Among participants tracked over time, those who shifted toward unhealthful plant-based diets had a 25% higher risk of dementia. Conversely, those who moved away from unhealthy choices reduced their risk by 11%.

The findings highlight a key message: simply avoiding animal products is not enough. Diet quality plays a crucial role in brain health. While the study is observational and does not prove cause and effect, it suggests that choosing nutrient-rich, minimally processed plant foods may support cognitive health as we age.

REFERENCE: Song-Yi Park, Veronica Wendy Setiawan, Eileen M. Crimmins, et al.; Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias in the Multiethnic Cohort Study; Neurology, The American Academy of Neurology; https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000214916

New Delhi: Observing that in some cases, teaching experience certificates and postgraduate training were being claimed from unrecognised departments, the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has reiterated that such experience will neither be considered valid nor counted for academic or professional purposes.

The Apex Medical Regulatory body stressed that postgraduate medical education and training must strictly follow its notified regulations, including the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 and the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025.

According to the Commission, these regulations clearly stipulate that teaching experience for appointment to faculty positions or for recognition as a postgraduate teacher must be obtained only from recognized medical colleges and duly recognized teaching departments with approved infrastructure, faculty strength, and permitted postgraduate seats as per NMC records.

Writing to the Vice-Chancellors, DGHS officials, heads of medical colleges and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the PGMEB clarified that any teaching or training experience gained in departments or units not recognized by the Commission will not be counted for academic or professional purposes.

This comes after the Commission noted that some faculty members were submitting experience certificates based on departments that are not approved for postgraduate medical education. It made it clear that such practices are not valid under existing regulations.

"The National Medical Commission (NMC) has observed, in certain instances, that teaching experience certificates and postgraduate training experience are being claimed by the faculty or certified by the universities/institutions on the basis of departments or units that are not recognized or permitted by the Commission for conducting postgraduate medical education.

It is reiterated that postgraduate medical education and training must strictly conform to the provisions of the regulations notified by the Commission from time to time, including the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 and the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025. These regulations clearly stipulate that teaching experience for appointment to faculty positions or for recognition as a postgraduate teacher must be obtained only from recognized medical colleges and duly recognized teaching departments with approved infrastructure, faculty strength, and permitted postgraduate seats as per NMC records," the letter read. 

In light of the above, NMC has issued the following clarifications for strict compliance:

(i) Non-counting of training/experience

Any postgraduate training or teaching experience obtained in a department or unit, that is not recognized or approved by the National Medical Commission for conducting postgraduate medical education, shall not be counted for the purpose of:

a. Eligibility for appearing in postgraduate examinations;

b. Recognition as a postgraduate teacher/guide;

c. Appointment or promotion to faculty positions;

d. Determination of teaching experience for regulatory, academic, or administrative purposes.

(ii) Invalidation of experience certificates

Any teaching experience certificate issued on the basis of service rendered in an unrecognized department/unit shall be treated as invalid for determining eligibility, appointment, promotion, or recognition under the applicable regulations of the Commission.

(iii) Responsibility of Universities and Institutions

All Medical Colleges/Institutions and affiliating Universities shall ensure that:

a. Teaching experience certificates are issued only after verification of the recognition status of the concerned department/unit as per NMC records;

b. No teaching experience certificate is issued for experience gained in departments/units not recognized or permitted by the Commission .

"All concerned are requested to ensure strict compliance with the above directions and disseminate this advisory to all affiliated institutions and departments under their jurisdiction," it added.

Referring to the PGMEB letter, the NMC secretary, Dr Raghav Langer, wrote to the concerned stakeholders informing them that postgraduate training or teaching experience obtained from unrecognized departments will not be counted, and any experience certificates issued on such basis will be treated as invalid.

"Please find enclosed herewith an Advisory No. NMC-23(1)(161)/2022/Med/PG dated 09-04-2026 on the subject matter as issued by Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of National Medical Commission being self- explanatory and reiterating that teaching experience for appointment to faculty positions or for recognition as a postgraduate teacher must be obtained only from recognized medical colleges and duly recognized teaching departments with approved infrastructure, faculty strength, and permitted postgraduate seats as per NMC records in due conformity with various regulations as notified by the National Medical Commission. The Advisory inter-alia provides certain instructions and clarifications and all concerned are requested to take note of and ensure strict compliance of the same," mentioned the notice. 

To view the notice, click on the link below:

Also read- Teaching experience before medical college's recognition not valid for faculty appointment eligibility: HC

Here are the top medical news for today:

New Study Highlights Brain Benefits of High-Quality Plant-Based Diets

Not all plant-based diets are healthy—and your brain may know the difference.

A new study published in Neurology journal finds that the quality of plant-based foods you eat could significantly influence your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While plant-based eating is often seen as beneficial, researchers say it’s not just about eating plants—but choosing the right ones.

The study, led by scientists from University of Hawaii at Manoa, followed 92,849 adults with an average age of 59 over 11 years. During this time, more than 21,000 participants developed dementia. Researchers analyzed dietary patterns by categorizing them into three types: an overall plant-based diet, a healthful plant-based diet, and an unhealthful plant-based diet.

The healthful version emphasized whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and healthy oils. In contrast, the unhealthful version included refined grains, sugary foods, fruit juices, and processed plant-based items.

Results showed that participants who consumed the highest amount of plant foods overall had a 12% lower risk of dementia compared to those who consumed the least. Those following a healthful plant-based diet had a 7% lower risk. However, people consuming the unhealthiest plant-based foods had a 6% higher risk of developing dementia.

Long-term changes in diet also mattered. Among participants tracked over time, those who shifted toward unhealthful plant-based diets had a 25% higher risk of dementia. Conversely, those who moved away from unhealthy choices reduced their risk by 11%.

The findings highlight a key message: simply avoiding animal products is not enough. Diet quality plays a crucial role in brain health. While the study is observational and does not prove cause and effect, it suggests that choosing nutrient-rich, minimally processed plant foods may support cognitive health as we age.

REFERENCE: Song-Yi Park, Veronica Wendy Setiawan, Eileen M. Crimmins, et al.; Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias in the Multiethnic Cohort Study; Neurology, The American Academy of Neurology; https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000214916

Non-Invasive Urine Test Improves Prediction of Bladder Cancer Treatment Outcomes: Study

A simple urine sample may soon reveal whether bladder cancer will return—before scans can even detect it.

Bladder cancer, particularly non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is notorious for coming back even after early treatment. Patients typically undergo tumor removal followed by immunotherapy using BCG. However, doctors have long lacked a reliable way to predict who will benefit from this therapy and who will relapse.

Now, a new study published in Cell by researchers at Stanford University offers a promising solution: a highly sensitive, non-invasive urine test that can detect microscopic traces of tumor DNA and predict recurrence risk with remarkable accuracy.

The innovation lies in overcoming a major challenge in liquid biopsy testing. Scientists discovered that even healthy bladder cells can carry mutations—termed “clonal cystopoiesis”—which can lead to false positives. To address this, the team developed a statistical method to filter out these background mutations, allowing the test to distinguish real cancer signals from harmless genetic noise.

When tested in patients undergoing surgery and BCG therapy, the results were striking. Individuals with detectable tumor DNA after treatment had an almost certain risk of recurrence, while those whose tumor DNA disappeared showed excellent outcomes. In many cases, the test identified relapse risk even before standard cystoscopy exams showed abnormalities.

Researchers also identified three response patterns: patients cured by surgery alone, those who responded to BCG, and those who did not respond to either. This insight could help doctors tailor treatment strategies more precisely.

If validated in larger trials, this approach could transform bladder cancer care—reducing unnecessary treatments, prioritizing high-risk patients, and enabling earlier intervention. Ultimately, it moves the field closer to truly personalized cancer therapy, guided by a simple urine test.

REFERENCE: Shi, W. Y., et al. (2026). Field-effect-informed urine liquid biopsy for bladder cancer. Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.12.054. https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(25)01503-X

Scientists Discover Brain Mechanism That Signals the Body to Stop Eating

What if the key to feeling full isn’t just in your neurons—but in overlooked brain cells working behind the scenes?

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is reshaping how scientists understand appetite control, revealing that astrocytes—once thought to be mere support cells—play an active role in telling the brain when to stop eating.

The research, led by teams from the University of Concepción and the University of Maryland, uncovers a previously unknown communication pathway in the hypothalamus, the brain’s hunger-regulating center.

Traditionally, neurons were considered the main players in signaling hunger and fullness. However, this study shows a more complex chain of events involving multiple cell types. After a meal, rising glucose levels are detected by specialized cells called tanycytes. These cells convert glucose into lactate, which then acts as a signaling molecule.

Instead of communicating directly with neurons, lactate first activates nearby astrocytes through a receptor known as HCAR1. Once activated, astrocytes release glutamate, a neurotransmitter that signals appetite-suppressing neurons, ultimately creating the sensation of fullness. In simple terms, tanycytes “talk” to astrocytes, and astrocytes “talk” to neurons.

Researchers also found that this signaling can spread across networks of astrocytes, amplifying the brain’s response to food intake. Interestingly, lactate may have a dual role—indirectly activating fullness signals while also potentially suppressing hunger signals through other pathways.

Scientists are now exploring whether manipulating the HCAR1 receptor could influence eating behavior. If successful, this pathway could complement existing treatments like Ozempic, offering a new frontier in metabolic health.

REFERENCE: S. López,R. Elizondo-Vega,V. Azócar,V. Sepúlveda,V. Opazo-Mellado,W. Vásquez,J.C. Sáez,R.C. Araneda, & M.D.L.Á. García-Robles, Tanycyte-derived lactate activates astrocytic HCAR1 to modulate glutamatergic signaling and POMC neuron excitability, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 123 (15) e2537810123, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2537810123 (2026).

Chennai: Amid a shortage of X-ray films, Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) Hospital has reportedly advised patients to take photos of their X-rays on mobile phones and show them to doctors for consultation.

Bhubaneswar: A shocking incident of violence has left the medical community in Bhubaneswar deeply disturbed after the president of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Bhubaneswar) Nursing Association was critically injured in a brutal attack on Friday.  

According to news reports, the attack took place near the Patrapada bus stop in Bhubaneswar, where approximately six individuals reportedly assaulted a nursing leader. The motive behind the violent act remains unknown, and authorities have yet to identify those responsible.    

Also Read:Woman doctor, staff assaulted by patient attendants at Chamba Hospital

The victim sustained severe injuries in what is being described as a life-threatening assault. He was immediately rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where he is currently undergoing treatment in the critical care unit.

Following the attack, members of the Nursing Association filed a formal complaint at the Khandagiri police station, demanding swift action against those responsible. Police have launched an investigation and are working to identify and apprehend the attackers.   

The incident triggered strong reactions across the hospital campus, with nursing staff and association members organizing a candlelight rally to express solidarity and to condemn the act of violence.  

Speaking to Odisha TV, a nursing staff member said, "We are not aware of the individuals involved in the attack at this stage. The details will become clear only after a thorough police investigation. It is essential that the police conduct a proper inquiry. Additionally, ensuring the safety and protection of all our nursing staff is of utmost importance."  

The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that, demanding that the management fulfil their long-pending demands, the nursing officers at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, staged a protest on Monday by organising a one-hour rally on the hospital premises.   

Also Read:NIMS nursing officers protest over long pending demands

Gurugram: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini recently directed that 33 percent of the MBBS seats and hospital beds at the upcoming Shri Sheetla Mata Devi Medical College and Hospital in Gurugram be reserved for residents of Haryana.

Gwalior: In a concerning development, a former student of Gajra Raja Medical College has alleged that MBBS degrees were issued to some candidates in exchange for Rs 16 lakh, despite them not appearing for examinations, not meeting academic criteria, and being previously expelled in connection with the Vyapam scam.

In a written complaint to the Governor and the college dean, the former student alleged that several expelled students were granted degrees without reinstatement, attendance or examinations, as per Bhaskar.

He stated that around 150 students were booked in the Vyapam case, out of which more than 30 MBBS students were expelled, including himself. According to him, none of these students has been formally reinstated or granted relief by any committee so far; yet he claimed degrees have allegedly been issued to some, which amounts to fraud and corruption.

Also read- MP HC seeks Govt response on Vyapam whistleblower's allegations

As per the latest media report by Bhaskar, the complainant accused the UG branch in charge and his assistant of issuing degrees without due process. He has also alleged involvement of officials from Jiwaji University and the college’s confidential branch.

The matter reportedly came to light through an audio clip of a conversation between the former student and the assistant. The complainant claimed to have additional audio and video evidence to expose the scam.

When contacted, Dr RKS Dhakad, Dean of the Gwalior Medical College, told Bhaskar that many complaints were received and that he was not specifically aware of this one. However, he confirmed that the matter has been assigned for investigation to Dr Chhabania.

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has stepped into the ongoing dispute involving Vyapam whistleblower and the Gwalior police, seeking responses from the state government and senior officials regarding serious allegations of police misconduct and medical irregularities. The whistleblower and key witness in several Vyapam cases, has accused the police of abuse of power. He made allegations against the police, like collusion with a specific hospital, fake medical records and procedural violations.

Also read- Gwalior's medical college suspends 34 students after hostel clash

Patients with rheumatic heart disease who took the heart failure drug digoxin were 18% less likely to die or experience new-onset or worsening heart failure during a two-year follow-up compared with those who received a placebo, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26).

Rheumatic heart disease, which results from heart valve damage caused by rheumatic fever, affects an estimated 55 million people worldwide, and about 360,000 people die from it each year, most in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. Rheumatic fever is triggered by an abnormal immune response to strep throat, usually in childhood, and the resulting heart disease often appears in early adulthood, where it can lead to heart failure and early death.

While valve damage caused by rheumatic heart disease can be surgically repaired, such procedures are unavailable or inaccessible in many poorer countries where the disease is most common, leaving millions of patients with limited options. This study is the first randomized trial to show that digoxin, which is often given to slow the heart rate of patients with severe rheumatic heart disease symptoms, can benefit patients with the disease.

“Our findings suggest that these patients have a reduction in new-onset or worsening heart failure and relatively few events of digoxin toxicity,” said Ganesan Karthikeyan, MD, professor of cardiology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and the study’s senior author. “It shows that digoxin is probably safe to use in young patients with rheumatic heart disease and provides some benefit in terms of improvement in heart failure symptoms.”

The trial included 1,769 patients treated for symptomatic rheumatic heart disease at 12 sites in India between 2022-2025. The trial’s all-comer enrollment excluded only patients in whom digoxin would not normally be given; 34% were already taking digoxin before enrolling in the study. Participants were young adults—with an average age of 46 years—and 72% were women, consistent with the typical patient population affected by this disease.

Half of the participants were prescribed digoxin, and half were given a placebo, with the dosing and administration strategy left to the discretion of the treating clinician. At a median of 2.1 years of follow-up, those taking digoxin showed an 18% lower rate of the trial’s combined primary endpoint of death from any cause or new-onset or worsening heart failure, a significant benefit in favor of digoxin. Analyzing the components of the primary endpoint separately, researchers found that the difference in outcomes was driven by a reduction in new-onset or worsening heart failure, with no significant difference in mortality between groups. The study also showed an 18% reduction in the composite secondary endpoint of death related to heart failure and new-onset or worsening heart failure.

Digoxin can cause side effects including gastrointestinal problems, vision changes and irregular heartbeat, including some severe reactions that can be life-threatening. Overall, the trial reported a low rate of such effects with 1% of participants experiencing toxicities. Most side effects were minor, and there were no toxicity-related hospitalizations or deaths.

The study findings offer reassurance that digoxin is a generally safe and effective treatment for rheumatic heart disease, researchers said. The results showed no differences in outcomes by sex or body mass index. Patients with atrial fibrillation appeared to benefit from digoxin to a greater degree than those without atrial fibrillation, although the study was not powered to definitively assess this association.

“Digoxin is used in about 30%-40% of rheumatic heart disease cases currently, but it’s based on the physician’s gut feeling and there’s always a concern that it will worsen things,” Karthikeyan said. “With the publication of this trial, I think people will be a little more confident about using digoxin. We have few other drugs to benefit these patients-and this is the first drug which has evidence of benefit from a randomized trial—so I think its use will increase.”

Although the trial was conducted only in India, researchers said that it should be generalizable to patients in many developing low- and middle-income countries since its pragmatic design and all-comer population reflects the patients who typically come to the hospital for rheumatic heart disease in such regions. Karthikeyan said the metric used in the trial to assess worsening heart failure, which included adding or increasing diuretic treatment or the administration of intravenous diuretics with or without hospitalization, is different from the metric that is conventionally used in developed countries, heart failure hospitalization, since it is rare for patients in developing countries to be admitted to the hospital for heart failure symptoms. 

New Delhi: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), has announced an extension of the choice filling process and addition of more seats for Round 2 of the National Eligibility and Entrance Test Super Speciality (NEET SS) Counselling for the academic year 2025.

Ludhiana: In response to a petition filed by a Ludhiana-based doctor, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed passport authorities to examine whether travel documents issued to individuals facing multiple criminal cases should be cancelled. The court has asked the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) in Chandigarh to issue a “reasoned order” within a month.  

The plea alleges that the doctor’s legal rivals secured valid passports by concealing their involvement in multiple FIRs registered across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The dispute is linked to a 22-year-old property conflict in Ludhiana’s Threeke village.

Also Read:Punjab and Haryana HC dismisses orthopaedic surgeon's plea; no absolute right to appear in person

According to TOI, the petitioner claimed that the group managed to bypass mandatory background checks despite facing FIRs (First Information Reports) in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The petitioner claim the accused face charges including financial crimes (forgery, cheating, and impersonation), violent offences (multiple criminal cases related to the long-standing property feud), and legal violations (alleged breach of Section 6(2)(f) of the Passport Act, which restricts the issuance of passports to those facing active criminal proceedings without explicit court permission).

The petitioner further alleged that the accused, whom he described as politically influential, managed to obtain the documents through forged affidavits and false declarations. He also claimed that one of the individuals has already fled to Canada, while others may be preparing to leave the country to avoid prosecution.

In his plea, the doctor sought immediate cancellation of the passports and demanded action not only against the accused but also against any officials who may have facilitated the issuance.

Dismissing the petition at the initial stage, the high court refrained from ruling on the merits of the allegations but placed a strict timeline on the RPO. "The competent authority must consider the petitioner's representation dated Oct 10, 2025, and pass a reasoned order within four weeks, strictly in accordance with the law," the court observed, reports TOI.

By issuing this directive, the court ensured that the Regional Passport Office in Chandigarh is legally bound to examine the claims and determine whether the passports were obtained fraudulently.

The case revolves around provisions of the Passport Act, 1967. Section 6(2)(f) prohibits issuing a passport to individuals with pending criminal cases unless permitted by a court, while Section 12(1)(b) prescribes penalties for providing false information or suppressing material facts to obtain a passport.

Also Read:Punjab and Haryana HC stays Human Rights panel's summons to doctors in body-withholding case

Netherlands: A study in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (vFFR) is an effective alternative for assessing intermediate coronary lesions. vFFR-guided revascularization was noninferior to standard FFR-guided treatment in terms of death, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization at 1 year.

Patients with rheumatic heart disease who took the heart failure drug digoxin were 18% less likely to die or experience new-onset or worsening heart failure during a two-year follow-up compared with those who received a placebo, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26).

Rheumatic heart disease, which results from heart valve damage caused by rheumatic fever, affects an estimated 55 million people worldwide, and about 360,000 people die from it each year, most in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. Rheumatic fever is triggered by an abnormal immune response to strep throat, usually in childhood, and the resulting heart disease often appears in early adulthood, where it can lead to heart failure and early death.

While valve damage caused by rheumatic heart disease can be surgically repaired, such procedures are unavailable or inaccessible in many poorer countries where the disease is most common, leaving millions of patients with limited options. This study is the first randomized trial to show that digoxin, which is often given to slow the heart rate of patients with severe rheumatic heart disease symptoms, can benefit patients with the disease.

“Our findings suggest that these patients have a reduction in new-onset or worsening heart failure and relatively few events of digoxin toxicity,” said Ganesan Karthikeyan, MD, professor of cardiology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and the study’s senior author. “It shows that digoxin is probably safe to use in young patients with rheumatic heart disease and provides some benefit in terms of improvement in heart failure symptoms.”

The trial included 1,769 patients treated for symptomatic rheumatic heart disease at 12 sites in India between 2022-2025. The trial’s all-comer enrollment excluded only patients in whom digoxin would not normally be given; 34% were already taking digoxin before enrolling in the study. Participants were young adults—with an average age of 46 years—and 72% were women, consistent with the typical patient population affected by this disease.

Half of the participants were prescribed digoxin, and half were given a placebo, with the dosing and administration strategy left to the discretion of the treating clinician. At a median of 2.1 years of follow-up, those taking digoxin showed an 18% lower rate of the trial’s combined primary endpoint of death from any cause or new-onset or worsening heart failure, a significant benefit in favor of digoxin. Analyzing the components of the primary endpoint separately, researchers found that the difference in outcomes was driven by a reduction in new-onset or worsening heart failure, with no significant difference in mortality between groups. The study also showed an 18% reduction in the composite secondary endpoint of death related to heart failure and new-onset or worsening heart failure.

Digoxin can cause side effects including gastrointestinal problems, vision changes and irregular heartbeat, including some severe reactions that can be life-threatening. Overall, the trial reported a low rate of such effects with 1% of participants experiencing toxicities. Most side effects were minor, and there were no toxicity-related hospitalizations or deaths.

The study findings offer reassurance that digoxin is a generally safe and effective treatment for rheumatic heart disease, researchers said. The results showed no differences in outcomes by sex or body mass index. Patients with atrial fibrillation appeared to benefit from digoxin to a greater degree than those without atrial fibrillation, although the study was not powered to definitively assess this association.

“Digoxin is used in about 30%-40% of rheumatic heart disease cases currently, but it’s based on the physician’s gut feeling and there’s always a concern that it will worsen things,” Karthikeyan said. “With the publication of this trial, I think people will be a little more confident about using digoxin. We have few other drugs to benefit these patients-and this is the first drug which has evidence of benefit from a randomized trial—so I think its use will increase.”

Although the trial was conducted only in India, researchers said that it should be generalizable to patients in many developing low- and middle-income countries since its pragmatic design and all-comer population reflects the patients who typically come to the hospital for rheumatic heart disease in such regions. Karthikeyan said the metric used in the trial to assess worsening heart failure, which included adding or increasing diuretic treatment or the administration of intravenous diuretics with or without hospitalization, is different from the metric that is conventionally used in developed countries, heart failure hospitalization, since it is rare for patients in developing countries to be admitted to the hospital for heart failure symptoms. 

A remarkable clinical response was achieved in 79% of patients battling drug-resistant, true extramedullary myeloma (EMM) through an innovative dual-antigen targeting approach, as a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in December 2025 has shown.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have remarkably transitioned from specialized diabetes treatments to versatile therapeutic agents capable of achieving a 55% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and promoting a 14.9% mean weight loss in non-diabetic populations, as shown in a recent study published in the Current Atherosclerosis Reports in January 2025.

A web-based tool, Psychosis Metabolic Risk Calculator 2.0 (PsyMetRiC2), can help predict cardiometabolic risks in young adults with psychosis. Using data from over 25,000 individuals aged 16–35, it accurately forecasted one-year weight gain, six-year metabolic syndrome risk, and 10-year risk of type 2 diabetes. The study was published in The Lancet Psychiatry by Benjamin P. and colleagues.

Why Cerebral Hemodynamics Matter in Spine Surgery

In spine surgeries, the prone (face-down) position is commonly used to give surgeons optimal access. However, this position, along with anesthesia and ventilation strategies, is thought to potentially affect cardiovascular and brain blood flow dynamics. Concerns especially arise about whether prone positioning might elevate intracranial pressure (ICP) or disturb cerebral perfusion, possibly resulting in neurological complications. A recent prospective observational study published in BMC Anesthesiology investigates this by using the non-invasive transcranial Doppler (TCD) technique to monitor cerebral hemodynamics during spine operations.

Study Design: Tracking Brain Blood Flow in Real Time

The research involved 33 adult patients (aged 18–65) undergoing thoracolumbar or lumbosacral spine surgeries under general anesthesia in the prone position. Baseline readings were taken in the supine (lying on back) position before and after anesthesia, then at multiple intervals (up to 60 minutes) after patients were turned prone. Key parameters recorded included heart rate, blood pressure, TCD measurements (peak systolic velocity, mean flow velocity, pulsatility index, and resistivity index), and a calculated non-invasive ICP (nICP).

Key Findings: Prone Position Does Not Significantly Alter Cerebral Hemodynamics

While the study did observe statistically significant decreases in heart rate and blood pressure during the prone position, these changes were not clinically significant (all within 20% of baseline). Importantly, the core cerebral hemodynamic parameters—peak systolic velocity, mean flow velocity, pulsatility index, resistivity index, and nICP—remained stable throughout all time points in the prone position.

This suggests that, for patients without significant comorbidities and with well-managed anesthesia and fluid balance, the prone position does not adversely impact cerebral blood flow or increase intracranial pressure.

What Sets This Study Apart?

The findings align with some previous research but differ from studies reporting mild increases in pulsatility index or ICP—differences that may be due to patient age or higher levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) used elsewhere. This study’s younger average patient age and consistent use of physiological (modest) PEEP may explain the lack of significant hemodynamic shifts. Adequate fluid management, careful positioning, and maintaining normothermia and ventilation targets were critical to these results.

Limitations and Clinical Implications

The study’s main limitations include a modest sample size and exclusion of higher-risk (ASA 3–5) patients, so results may not extend to older or more medically complex populations. Nonetheless, the research suggests that with proper perioperative care, prone positioning for spine surgery is unlikely to compromise brain perfusion or pressure in most adult patients.

Key Takeaways:

Prone positioning during spine surgery did not alter key cerebral hemodynamic variables or non-invasive ICP.

Modest decreases in heart rate and blood pressure were observed but were not clinically significant.

Careful anesthesia, fluid, and ventilation management are essential for maintaining cerebral stability.

Findings support the safety of the prone position for most healthy adult patients undergoing spine surgery.

Further research is needed in older or higher-risk populations.

Citation:

Taj Y, Samagh N, Paliwal SU, Ganesh V, Dey A, Aggarwal V. Effect of prone position on cerebral hemodynamics and noninvasive intracranial pressure assessed using transcranial Doppler in patients undergoing spine surgeries: a prospective observational study. BMC Anesthesiology. 2025;25:242. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-03116-9

USA: A new large-scale proteomics study has discovered several new plasma protein biomarkers associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE), with evidence suggesting that some may play a causal role in disease development. These findings enhance understanding of VTE biology and may improve risk prediction. Additionally, they open new avenues for preventive strategies and targeted therapeutic interventions.       

New Delhi: Observing that failure to conduct a pre-anaesthetic check-up amounts to gross negligence, the Kerala High Court recently denied relief to an anaesthetist booked under Section 304 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Referring to the findings of the post-mortem report and the expert panel, the HC bench comprising Justice G. Girish observed, "...the findings in the postmortem report, as well as the report of the expert panel, are to the effect that the surgery of the deceased lady was conducted without pre-anesthetic check-up which the petitioner was bound to conduct before proceeding with the application of anesthesia upon her. If it is found that no pre-anesthetic check-up was done upon the deceased lady, it would definitely point to gross negligence on the part of the petitioner."

The accused doctor filed the plea before the HC bench, challenging the order dated 21.03.2019 of the Additional Assistant Sessions Court, Palakkad, framing charges against him under Section 304A I.P.C, and forwarding the case to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-III, Palakkad, under Section 228 Cr.P.C for trial.

The petitioner doctor is an Anaesthetist in a private hospital. A 23-year-old patient, who delivered a baby on 11.09.2014, had undergone Post-Partum Sterilization (PPS) surgery in that hospital on 13.09.2014. The petitioner was the Anesthetist who attended her during that time.

After the surgery was performed, the concerned patient died due to peripartum cardiomyopathy caused by primary pulmonary hypertension. Initially, an F.I.R was registered under Section 174 Cr.P.C in connection with the aforesaid death.

Later, the treating gynaecologist and anaesthetist were booked under Section 304 IPC. After considering the report of the District Level Expert Committee of Doctors, the Investigating Officer laid the final report against the petitioner alone, for the commission of offence under Section 304 I.P.C., in connection with the aforesaid death of that lady after PPS surgery. It was alleged that the petitioner had failed to conduct pre-anaesthetic check-up and it resulted in the complications leading to the death of the patient.

The petitioner filed plea before the learned Additional Assistant Sessions Judge, seeking discharge from criminal prosecution. After hearing both sides, the learned Additional Assistant Sessions Judge concluded that the offence under Section 304 I.P.C was not attracted, in the facts and circumstances of the case. However, it was found that there were prima facie materials to proceed against the petitioner for the commission of offence under Section 304 A I.P.C. Accordingly, the learned Additional Assistant Sessions Judge framed charges under the aforesaid Section, and passed the order under Section 228 Cr.P.C forwarding the case to the Judicial First Class Magistrate concerned for proceeding with the trial. This order was challenged by the accused doctor before the High Court.

While considering the matter, the HC bench noted that gross negligence in administering treatment was attributed to the petitioner, stating the reason that he gave anesthesia to the deceased lady, without conducting pre-anesthetic check-up, prior to her PPS surgery. According to the prosecution, the said omission was the cause of death of that 23-year-old lady, who delivered a female child without any medical complications, two days prior to her death. 

The prosecution relied on the report of the District Level Expert Committee consisting of five Senior Medical Officers including Specialists in Gynaecology and Paediatrics and the D.M.O. Further, the prosecution also referred to the findings in the postmortem report to contend that the petitioner displayed gross negligence by his failure to conduct pre-anaesthetic check-up upon the deceased lady before proceeding with the process of anaesthesia.

Strongly disputing the allegation about his failure to conduct a pre-anaesthetic check-up upon the lady, who lost her life due to peripartum cardiomyopathy after the PPS procedures, the petitioner submitted that the hospital records would reveal that he had conducted the aforesaid check-up. 

Taking note of the submissions, the HC bench observed that the matter mainly concerned a dispute of fact as to whether the petitioner had conducted pre-anaesthetic check-up upon the deceased, before proceeding with the process of giving anaesthesia to her.

The Court also took note of the report of the expert panel consisting of the District Medical Officer and four other Specialist Doctors of Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Surgery and Forensic Medicine. In the aforesaid report, it has been stated in unequivocal terms that the hospital case records and the postmortem report would disclose that pre-anesthesia check-up, which is the essential part before a surgery, was not done upon the deceased lady. For this reason, the panel of expert doctors unanimously found that the Anesthetist was negligent in that respect. 

At this outset, the HC bench observed,

"As matters stand now, the findings in the postmortem report, as well as the report of the expert panel, are to the effect that the surgery of the deceased lady was conducted without pre-anesthetic check-up which the petitioner was bound to conduct before proceeding with the application of anesthesia upon her. If it is found that no pre-anesthetic check-up was done upon the deceased lady, it would definitely point to gross negligence on the part of the petitioner."

"The question whether the complaints of primary pulmonary hypertension leading to peripartum cardiomyopathy could have been detected in a pre-anesthetic check-up, is a different aspect. What could be understood from authoritative medical text books is that a pre-anesthesia check-up can raise suspicion or detect it if symptoms or signs of the aforesaid complaints were present in the patient. If such a medical condition could have been detected from any symptoms or signs of the patient, then definitely adequate precautionary measures could have been taken to save the life of the patient. When viewed in the above perspective, the failure to conduct pre-anesthetic check-up would definitely amount to gross negligence, even though such a check-up could have averted casualty only in such cases where the primary pulmonary hypertension and peripartum cardiomyopathy were symptomatic in the patient. The question whether the deceased lady had any such symptoms indicative of the aforesaid ailments could be ascertained only after the examination of the medical officers concerned who had the occasion to observe that lady prior to the delivery and also immediately after delivery. Thus, the aforesaid factual aspect is also a matter to be looked into by the Trial Court at the stage of evidence," it further noted.

Accordingly, the Court denied relief to the accused doctor and refused to discharge him from the criminal prosecution. It noted,

"At any rate, it is not possible for this Court to invoke the revisional powers to terminate the prosecution proceedings against the petitioner, since the documents on record point to the failure of the petitioner to conduct pre-anesthetic check-up upon the deceased lady before giving anesthesia. As a conclusion to the above discussion, I find that the prayer of the petitioner to discharge him from the criminal prosecution for the commission of offence under Section 304A I.P.C, cannot be allowed."

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/10/kerala-hc-section-304a-340875.pdf

Also Read: How to deal with medical negligence complaints received against doctors under IPC 304A: TN DGP issues guidelines, check out details

Researchers have found in a new study that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was significantly associated with an increased risk of clinical weakness in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, it showed no significant association with malnutrition. The study was published in BMC Nephrology by Ramazan M. and colleagues.

According to a new research,Topical epinephrine and oxymetazoline demonstrate similar safety and risk profiles in pediatric functional endoscopic sinus surgery. However further prospective studies are needed to better evaluate the efficacy of topical epinephrine and confirm its safety.

The FDA has approved the subdermal implant Radiesse for treating wrinkles and adding volume in the décolleté area (neck and upper chest) in adults aged 22 and above. While effective, the filler contains hydroxylapatite microspheres that can appear on X-rays and CT scans, potentially interfering with breast imaging-an issue that prompted prior FDA advisory review.

RADIESSE® is a regenerative biostimulator designed to firm and tighten the skin by addressing the visible signs of aging at their source. Using an ingredient that is also naturally found in the body, RADIESSE® helps stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and other essential proteins-supporting healthier looking skin with results that can last up to two years. Backed by two decades of scientific research and clinical experience, RADIESSE® is the #1 most researched biostimulator in regenerative aesthetics, with more than 250 scientific publications, 20+ million syringes shipped globally, and availability in over 85 countries. It also boasts a 98% patient satisfaction rate, highlighting consumer trust and demand.

“The décolleté is one of the most visible-and earliest-areas to show signs of aging,” says Samantha Kerr, Chief Scientific Officer at Merz Aesthetics. “Because it’s often overlooked in skincare routines and aesthetic care, this delicate area can benefit from RADIESSE® to help improve the appearance of wrinkles.”

“Collagen and elastin decline is a major driver of aging skin,” says board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Green, who was part of clinical studies conducted by Merz Aesthetics. “Patients love RADIESSE® because it jump-starts the skin’s regenerative process, giving them firmer, smoother, more radiant-looking results without surgery.”

In the last few years, there has been an increase in consumers wanting to improve the look of both the face and body. According to data referencing the ISAPS Global Survey, there has been a 39% increase in demand for non-invasive skin lifting treatments (in the face and body).16 Data supporting the décolleté approval demonstrated significant evidence of RADIESSE®’s effectiveness:

• More than 80% of RADIESSE® patients felt satisfied with skin tightness.

• 83% of patients reported they were likely to get RADIESSE® treatment again, over a year after their initial treatment.

• 90% of healthcare providers reported RADIESSE® patients with visible improvements by 4 months.

• 93% of patients were interested in other RADIESSE® treatments.

“The new décolleté indication helps address increasing patient demand as today’s aesthetics market evolves towards regenerative biostimulation, or ‘reversing visible signs of aging from within’,” says Patrick Urban, President, North America, Merz Aesthetics.

Asthma can lead to childhood hospitalizations, missed school days, missed workdays for caregivers, and a lower quality of life for both children and their caregivers. The global prevalence of asthma has increased over the past fifty years. A study published April 9th in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Annelise Blomberg at Lund University, Lund, Sweden and colleagues suggests that high prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with a higher incidence of asthma in childhood.

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl substances) are widespread synthetic chemicals that impact the immune system and may play a role in the development of asthma. Previous epidemiological studies of PFAS and asthma only investigated low exposure levels and had inconclusive results. Due to decades-long contamination of a municipal waterworks in Ronneby, Sweden, researchers were able to study the impacts of high PFAS exposure. They accessed a register-based open cohort of all children born in Blekinge County between 2006 and 2013, including Ronneby. The researchers then linked maternal addresses during the exposure period to water distribution records to estimate prenatal exposure, and used asthma diagnosis data from the National Patient Register to assess individual asthma outcomes and prenatal exposure levels.

The researchers found that very high prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with a higher incidence of asthma in childhood. Future studies are needed to better understand exposure-response relationships and to address potential confounding variables, such as exposure beyond the prenatal period into early-childhood, exposure to other environmental contaminants or smoking among household members.

According to the authors, “PFAS contamination is a major source of high environmental exposure globally, and evidence from Ronneby offers important insights into the potential health effects of such contamination in affected communities. These results point to a substantial and previously unrecognized public health consequence of PFAS contamination.”

Blomberg adds, “We found that children whose mothers were exposed to very high levels of PFAS during pregnancy had a substantially higher incidence of clinically diagnosed asthma. The association was not observed at lower exposure levels, which may help explain why previous studies in general populations have reported mixed results.”

“Most previous research has examined populations exposed only to background levels of PFAS. In Ronneby, drinking water contamination resulted in exposure levels hundreds of times higher than the general population. This allowed us to evaluate potential health effects across a much broader exposure range.”

“Communities around the world have been affected by PFAS contamination from aqueous film-forming foams and other industrial sources. Our findings suggest that very high prenatal exposure may have lasting consequences for children’s respiratory health. At the same time, replication in other highly exposed populations will be important to confirm these results.”

Reference:

Annelise J. Blomberg ,Christel Nielsen,Beata Borgström Bolmsjö,Marie-Abèle Bind,Linda Hartman,Anna Saxne Jöud, Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and incidence of asthma and wheeze in childhood: A register-based cohort study in Ronneby, Sweden, PLOS Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004659

Sauna bathing releases white blood cells into the bloodstream, a new study from Finland shows. Circulating white blood cells play a key role in the body’s defence against various pathogens and diseases.

A 30-minute sauna session, with a brief cooling period under a cold shower midway through, increased the number of all circulating white blood cells. Neutrophils and lymphocytes, which are central to immune defence, returned to baseline within half an hour.

“This may indicate that sauna bathing mobilises additional white blood cells into the bloodstream from tissues, where they are then redeposited after the session. This kind of periodic release of white blood cells into the bloodstream is beneficial, as once they leave their storage sites, they are better able to patrol the body and respond to pathogens,” says Ilkka Heinonen, an Academy Research Fellow at the University of Turku.

The release of white blood cells into the bloodstream, which also occurs, for example, during physical exercise, is the body’s way of enhancing immune surveillance by white blood cells throughout the body, and boosting its immune defence.

In addition to immune cells, the researchers also measured the levels of numerous cytokines, which act as mediators in immune defence. On average, sauna bathing had little effect on circulating cytokine levels.

“Interestingly, however, the levels of several cytokines changed in relation to how much body temperature rose during sauna bathing. No similar association was observed between white blood cell counts and changes in body temperature,” says Professor Jari Laukkanen, who led the study at the University of Eastern Finland.

Regular sauna bathing has been associated with several beneficial health effects, and the new findings may, in part, help explain how these effects develop in the body. However, the researchers emphasise that the study was limited to a single sauna session and its immediate effects. Therefore, no definite conclusions can be drawn about the development of longer-term health effects.

The study involved 51 adults with a mean age of 50 years. The results were published in the scientific journal Temperature, which focuses on the medical physiology of body temperature regulation.

Reference:

Heinonen, I. H. A., Koivula, T., Hollmén, M., Immonen, J., Kunutsor, S. K., Jalkanen, S., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2026). Acute Finnish sauna heat exposure induces stronger immune cell than cytokine responses. Temperature, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2026.2645467

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that extended-release buprenorphine given as a weekly injection led to higher rates of illicit opioid abstinence in pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) when compared to daily sublingual buprenorphine. The rates of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and maternal adverse events were similar between the injectable and sublingual treatments, indicating comparable safety for both mothers and newborns. 

Treating OUD during pregnancy is critical for both maternal and infant health. Sublingual buprenorphine, taken daily under the tongue, is currently considered an evidence-based standard treatment. However, daily dosing can present challenges, including adherence issues, medication diversion risks, and the need for frequent clinic visits. 

This clinical trial from July 2020 to October 2024, enrolled 140 pregnant adults with OUD across 13 outpatient cross-disciplinary peripartum treatment sites. Participants were between 6 and 30 weeks pregnant at enrollment and were randomly assigned to receive either sublingual buprenorphine or an extended-release version administered weekly during pregnancy. After delivery, participants in the extended-release group had the option to switch to a monthly formulation if they were not breastfeeding.

This study primarily evaluated illicit opioid abstinence during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Abstinence was measured using weekly urine samples tested for illicit opioids. Secondary outcomes included infant health measures like the need for treatment of NOWS and the duration of such treatment.

The results showed elevated rates of illicit opioid abstinence during pregnancy among participants receiving extended-release buprenorphine. Approximately 82.5% of their weekly urine samples tested negative for illicit opioids when compared to 72.6% in the sublingual group, which represented a statistically significant improvement.

When compared to those taking sublingual buprenorphine, the participants receiving the long-acting medication experienced fewer serious adverse events during pregnancy and after delivery. While nonserious adverse events occurred at similar rates overall, medication-related side effects were reported more often among extended-release users during pregnancy.

About 30% of infants exposed to extended-release buprenorphine required opioid treatment for NOWS, similar to the 26.5% rate among infants exposed to sublingual buprenorphine. The average duration of treatment for withdrawal symptoms also did not significantly differ.

Infants exposed to the extended-release medication had slightly larger average head circumferences, though the clinical significance of this finding remains uncertain. Overall, the study supports weekly extended-release buprenorphine as an effective and safe treatment option for OUD during pregnancy.

Reference:

Winhusen, T. J., Lofwall, M. R., Kropp, F., Lewis, D., Smid, M. C., Young, J. L., Hodgkins, C., Krans, E. E., Hansen, Z., Wachman, E. M., Schiff, D. M., Guille, C., Rudolf, V., Chowdhury, T., Leeman, L., Lewis, M., Matthews, A. G., Cochran, G., King, J., … Rosa, C. (2026). Extended-release vs sublingual buprenorphine in pregnancy through 12 months post partum: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2026.0057

Surgery in patients with hip fracture on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is frequently delayed because of concerns about bleeding risk. However, evidence supporting such delays remains limited, and institutional practices vary widely.

Schiepers et al conducted a study to determine whether early surgery within 24 hours is associated with a greater perioperative hemoglobin decrease compared with delayed surgery after 24 hours or more in patients with hip fracture on DOACs. The article has been published in ‘JBJS open access.’

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients with hip fracture aged more than70 years on DOACs at admission across 5 hospitals. Patients were stratified by time to surgery: <24 hours (early surgery) versus >24 hours (delayed surgery). The primary outcome was hemoglobin decrease in mmol/L. Secondary outcomes included a hemoglobin decrease of more than 2 mmol/L, preoperative and postoperative blood transfusion, packed red blood cells administered, postoperative anemia, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Multiple linear regression and multiple imputation were applied.

The key findings of the study were:

• Among the 875 patients included, 504 underwent early surgery and 371 underwent delayed surgery.

• Early surgery was associated with a lower median decrease in hemoglobin levels (0.6 vs. 0.9 mmol/L, p < 0.001); with an adjusted mean difference of -0.25 mmol/L (95% CI, 20.37 to 20.13, p < 0.001).

• No significant differences were observed in a hemoglobin decrease of more than 2 mmol/L, blood transfusion rates, postoperative anemia, or in-hospital and 30-day mortality.

• Early surgery was associated with a shorter hospital length of stay median 2 days (95% CI, 2-3; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Early surgery within 24 hours was associated with a modestly smaller hemoglobin decrease and a shorter hospital length of stay, without an increased blood transfusion rate or mortality rates compared with delayed surgery. These findings suggest that early surgery in patients with hip fracture on DOACs may be safe and potentially beneficial in reducing hospital length of stay.

Level of Evidence: Level III. 

For further details on the article refer to:

Impact of Early (<24 Hours) vs. Delayed (>24 Hours) Surgery on Hemoglobin Decrease in Patients with Hip Fracture on Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Schiepers et al

JBJS Open Access 2026:e25.00334.

http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.OA.25.00334

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has issued a notice to the state government in a case involving five MBBS students of AIIMS Rajkot who have been booked for abetment to suicide after a fellow student's suicide case.

The matter came up after the accused students approached the High Court seeking the quashing of the FIR registered against them. They were earlier arrested under provisions of the BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and later released on bail.

The case is related to the death of a final-year MBBS student who died by suicide on March 14. Medical Dialogues had reported that the 25-year-old MBBS medico committed suicide after allegedly being assaulted and harassed by classmates, leaving behind a 17-page note. 

His body was found on a railway track between Ghanteshwar and Para Pipaliya. He was struck by a train, and his laptop, mobile phones, medical files and ID card were found near the tracks along with a 17-page note that accused his classmates of assaulting him.

Also read- 5 accused classmates in AIIMS Rajkot MBBS medico's suicide case get bail

In the note, he mentioned that the accused students allegedly assaulted him inside a hostel room and recorded his video and audio. He mentioned that his classmates had been repeatedly harassing him since January this year, over suspicion regarding his relationship with a girl.

Weeks later, when the matter came up before the Rajkot Sessions Court, the court granted bail to the five accused students on the grounds that keeping them in judicial custody until the trial concludes would amount to "pre-trial punishment."

During the hearing before the Gujarat High Court as reported by TOI, senior advocate Mitesh Amin, appearing for the students, informed the court that the deceased had written three separate suicide notes on different dates.

He said the first was circulated on social media on Jan 27 when he first attempted suicide. This note was addressed to the institute's faculty members. The second note, also to the faculty members, came after he was taken home. The third was found from a bag lying near his body at a railway track on March 14. It was submitted to the court that the accused had stopped talking to the student since his first suicide attempt.

It was also submitted that the deceased student was undergoing treatment for schizophrenia, and one of the notes mentioned a girl. His earlier statement to police reportedly indicated that he had not been in contact with the five students for about a month.

Opposing the plea, the state government argued that the FIR is based on the first suicide note, in which he had alleged that he was assaulted by the accused a day before his initial attempt.

After hearing both sides, Justice M R Mengdey issued notice to the state government as well as the deceased student's father, who had filed the complaint. 

The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 22.

Also read- AIIMS Rajkot MBBS student suicide: Probe continues 2 weeks on amid harassment allegations

Amaravati: A pharmacy student was found dead in her hostel room in Andhra Pradesh, triggering a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, with initial findings pointing toward a suspected suicide while authorities continue to examine all possible angles.

New Delhi: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Progesterone Vaginal Inserts, 100 mg, which are therapeutically and bioequivalent to the reference listed drug Endometrin, 100 mg, with the product set to be marketed in the United States through Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA, targeting a market with annual sales of about USD 59.2 million.

Researchers have found in a new study that higher levels of optimism in older adults were associated with a 15% reduced risk of developing dementia. This relationship was consistent across both White and Black participants and remained significant after adjusting for health factors, supporting the role of a positive outlook in healthy aging. The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society by Sade S. and colleagues.

New Delhi: Lupin Limited has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Dapagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets in multiple strengths, strengthening its portfolio in the anti-diabetic segment.

New Delhi: CuraTeQ Biologics Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma Limited, has announced positive top-line results from its Phase 3 clinical study of BP11, an investigational biosimilar to Xolair (omalizumab). The Phase 3 study successfully met all primary endpoints, demonstrating high comparability with the reference product in patients suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) at the 300 mg dose.

New Delhi: India's pharmaceutical sector is likely to witness steady domestic growth but continued pressure in the US market in the fourth quarter of FY26, according to a report by Nuvama Institutional Equities.

Researchers have found in a new study that, despite concerns, kissing appears to carry a very low risk of gluten transfer for people with celiac disease. Only a small number of exposures showed detectable gluten levels, and none exceeded safety limits when the non-celiac partner drank water beforehand. This suggests kissing is generally safe with simple precautions. The study was published in the Gastroenterology journal by Anne R. and colleagues.

A new study published in the journal of Imaging Science in Dentistry revealed that 5T dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (ddMRI) is a feasible imaging modality for 2D orthodontic landmark identification, which demonstrates high intra- and inter-rater reliability. This offers a dependable, radiation-free alternative for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

Lateral cephalograms have long been the standard imaging method for identifying anatomical landmarks and conducting cephalometric analysis in orthodontics. However, their reliance on ionizing radiation raises ongoing concerns in younger patients and those requiring repeated imaging. Thus, studies have been exploring MRI as a safer alternative capable of visualizing both hard and soft tissues without radiation exposure.

This study evaluated whether ddMRI could reliably replicate the landmark identification typically performed on cephalograms. 13 adult volunteers (7 men and 6 women) with an average age of 33 years underwent ddMRI scans. Using specialized imaging software, 3 independent raters were tasked with identifying and annotating key orthodontic landmarks on two separate occasions.

The analysis focused on both intra-rater consistency (how consistent each rater was with themselves over time) and inter-rater agreement (how closely different raters aligned with one another). These results were highly promising, where intra-rater reliability scores ranged from 0.909 to 0.999, and inter-rater scores ranged from 0.988 to 0.999. These findings indicate that ddMRI can produce highly consistent and reproducible landmark identifications.

This research measured the differences in annotated landmark positions using linear distances in millimeters which helps further in assessing accuracy. Bland-Altman plots were employed to visualize agreement and detect any systematic bias between measurements. The results showed minimal variation, which reinforced the reliability of this method.

Overall, this study demonstrates that ddMRI can reliably identify cephalometric landmarks in two dimensions and this opens options to safer imaging protocols in orthodontics. This is certainly relevant for patients who require multiple imaging sessions over time, like adolescents who undergo long-term treatment. Future research will be imperative to confirm these findings across more diverse populations and explore how ddMRI performs in routine clinical workflows.

Source:

Srivastav, S., Stoustrup, P. B., Liu, J., Federici, M. I., Christensen, J., & Spin-Neto, R. (2026). Reliability of dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging for 2-dimensional orthodontic diagnosis: A pilot study of landmark identification. Imaging Science in Dentistry, 56(1), 36–44. https://doi.org/10.5624/isd.20250201

Mumbai: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is preparing to submit a binding offer of around USD 12 billion to acquire Organon & Co., in what could become the largest overseas acquisition by an Indian pharmaceutical company, as it completes due diligence, arranges financing with global banks, and moves toward finalising an all-cash bid amid competition from other investors, according to a recent media report in The Economic Times.

Here are the top medical news for today:

Breakthrough Male Contraceptive May Temporarily Stop Sperm Production

A birth control breakthrough for men may finally be on the horizon.

Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in the search for a safe, reversible, and long-acting nonhormonal male contraceptive—an innovation long considered the “holy grail” of reproductive health. In a proof-of-principle study conducted in mice and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists demonstrated that temporarily interrupting a critical step in sperm production can effectively halt fertility without causing permanent damage.

The team focused on meiosis, the specialized cell division process that produces sperm. Using a small molecule called JQ1 inhibitor, originally developed for cancer research, they disrupted a key stage known as prophase 1. This intervention caused developing sperm cells to stop maturing, effectively shutting down sperm production during treatment.

Importantly, the effect was reversible. Male mice received JQ1 for three weeks, after which sperm production ceased entirely. However, within six weeks of stopping the treatment, normal sperm development resumed. The mice were able to reproduce successfully, and their offspring were healthy, indicating no lasting genetic or reproductive harm.

Unlike hormonal approaches, which can carry side effects and affect broader physiological systems, this method targets the testis directly while preserving spermatogonial stem cells—the foundation of long-term fertility. This ensures that fertility can be restored once treatment stops, addressing a major concern in male contraception research.

Currently, male contraceptive options are limited to condoms and vasectomy, the latter often seen as permanent despite possible reversals. A nonhormonal, reversible method could dramatically expand choices and shift the burden of contraception more evenly.

While JQ1 itself is not suitable for human use due to potential neurological side effects, the study provides a crucial roadmap for developing safer alternatives. Future versions could be delivered as periodic injections or patches, offering men a reliable and convenient contraceptive option.

REFERENCE: Stephanie Tanis, Leah E. Simon, Adriana K. Alexander, Tegan S. Horan, Maria de las Mercedes Carro, Samantha Jane Bonnett, Audrey Xie, Roni Ben-Shlomo, Connor E. Owens, Charles G. Danko, Jelena Lujic, Paula E. Cohen. Meiotic prophase I disruption as a strategy for nonhormonal male contraception using small-molecule inhibitor JQ1. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2026; 123 (15) DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2517498123

Study Explores Whether Midlife Vitamin D Levels May Protect Against Early Alzheimer’s Risk

Could your vitamin D levels in your 30s shape your brain health decades later?

A new study published in Neurology journal suggests that vitamin D levels in early midlife may play a role in shaping future brain health and dementia risk. While previous research has linked low vitamin D in older adults to cognitive decline, this study shifts the focus earlier in life—when preventive strategies may be more effective.

Researchers analyzed data from 793 dementia-free participants in the Framingham Heart Study Generation 3 cohort. Vitamin D levels were measured at an average age of 39, and participants later underwent advanced brain scans (PET imaging) roughly 16 years afterward to detect early markers of Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid and tau protein buildup.

The findings revealed that individuals with higher circulating vitamin D levels in early midlife had lower levels of tau deposition in the brain. Tau accumulation is considered a key early marker of Alzheimer’s disease and is closely linked to cognitive decline. Interestingly, no association was found between vitamin D levels and amyloid buildup, another hallmark of the disease.

The relationship remained significant even after adjusting for multiple factors such as age, lifestyle, and vascular health. Exploratory analyses also hinted at a dose-response effect, with the highest vitamin D levels linked to the lowest tau burden, though these results require further confirmation.

Biologically, vitamin D supports brain health through several mechanisms. It helps regulate inflammation, enhances antioxidant defenses, and supports neuronal function. It may also reduce abnormal tau phosphorylation, a process that contributes to toxic protein buildup in the brain.

Despite these promising findings, the study is observational and does not prove causation. Limitations include a largely homogeneous population and lack of repeated vitamin D measurements over time.

Overall, the research highlights vitamin D as a potentially modifiable factor in early dementia prevention. Maintaining adequate levels in midlife—through safe sun exposure, diet, or supplementation—could support long-term brain health, though further clinical trials are needed to confirm its protective role.

REFERENCE: Mulligan, M. D., Scott, M. R., Yang, Q., et al. (2026). Association of Circulating Vitamin D in Midlife With Increased Tau-PET Burden in Dementia-Free Adults. Neurology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WN9.0000000000000057. https://www.neurology.org/doi/pdf/10.1212/WN9.0000000000000057

Even Occasional Binge Drinking Linked to Higher Risk of Liver Damage: Study

That occasional “weekend binge” may be doing far more harm to your liver than you think.

A new study from Keck Medicine of USC, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, challenges a common belief about alcohol consumption: that occasional binge drinking is harmless if overall intake is moderate. The findings show that even infrequent episodes of heavy drinking can significantly increase the risk of serious liver damage—especially in people with underlying metabolic conditions.

The research focused on individuals with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition affecting roughly one in three adults and commonly linked to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Using data from over 8,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2023), researchers examined how drinking patterns—not just total alcohol intake—affect liver health.

Episodic heavy drinking, defined as consuming four or more drinks for women or five or more for men in a single day at least once a month, was associated with a nearly threefold increase in the risk of advanced liver fibrosis. Fibrosis refers to the buildup of scar tissue in the liver, which can impair function and lead to long-term complications.

Importantly, this elevated risk was observed even when total weekly alcohol consumption was similar. In other words, spreading alcohol intake across multiple days appeared far less harmful than consuming the same amount in a single session. Younger adults and men were more likely to engage in such binge patterns, and higher quantities per occasion were linked to more severe liver damage.

The findings suggest that the liver may be overwhelmed by large, concentrated doses of alcohol, triggering inflammation and accelerating scarring. For individuals with MASLD, whose livers are already vulnerable, this effect can be particularly damaging.

Overall, the study highlights the need to rethink how alcohol-related risks are assessed. It is not just how much you drink, but how you drink that matters. Avoiding binge patterns may be a crucial step in protecting long-term liver health.

REFERENCE: Yinan Su, Jennifer L. Dodge, Brian P. Lee. Episodic Heavy Drinking and Implications for Steatotic Liver Disease Nomenclature: A National Cross-Sectional Study. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2026; DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2026.03.004

New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has brought together engineers and clinicians from leading global institutions, including IIT Delhi and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to jointly develop innovative solutions for pressing healthcare challenges. 

The initiative also brings together researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the University of Oslo, the University of Southampton, and SINTEF, reflecting a growing international push to combine medical expertise with cutting-edge engineering research for improved patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.

Also Read:Doctors, faculty call for immediate rollout of NExT exam for MBBS students

Speaking to Tribune India, Dr Vivek Tandon from AIIMS’s Department of Neurosurgery said, “The aim of organising this workshop is to bring engineers and doctors together and create engineering innovations that would actually help the doctors.” He emphasised that clinical needs must guide technological design. “If I want a specific camera to perform a neurosurgery, then it should be a doctor who sits with an engineer to explain what sort of need the camera must fulfil,” Dr Tandon said. He added that such an approach allows both sides to identify and build targeted healthcare technologies.

The workshop is being organised under the chairmanship of IIT Delhi’s DS Mehta, while Dr Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia from UiT The Arctic University of Norway is co-chairing the programme. From MIT, Professor Peter So, an expert in biological engineering and multiphoton microscopy, is among the key international participants.

The discussions opened with a fundamental concern in clinical care. Dr Dipak Sapkota, a researcher from the University of Oslo, highlighted that the most important question patients ask is not what disease they have, but how long they are going to survive, pointing to a gap that continues to challenge modern medicine.

He highlighted challenges in managing oral leukoplakia, a potentially cancerous condition that is difficult to predict and often requires repeated biopsies. “We don’t know what to do; at times in oral cancer, we just wait until the patient dies,” he said, underscoring the urgent need for better predictive tools.

Dr Sapkota stressed that no single technology could solve such complex problems. Instead, he advocated combining clinical data with optical spectral analysis, AI-based imaging, and advanced approaches like single-cell and spatial omics to better identify high-risk patients.

Similar gaps are being addressed through AI in dermatology. Dr Somesh Gupta from AIIMS’s dermatology department said skin diseases generate the highest number of health-related queries globally, yet nearly three billion people lack access to specialists. “There are countries with only two or three specialists,” he said. He pointed out that most datasets used to train AI models are skewed towards lighter skin tones, while a larger share of the global population has darker or Asian skin, reports Tribune India.

To address this, his team is developing India-specific AI models in collaboration with partners, including Google Health, aimed at helping frontline healthcare workers identify and triage skin diseases more effectively.

The ophthalmology department at AIIMS showcased an AI-powered system called MadhuNetraAI, designed to detect and grade diabetic retinopathy. The tool can be deployed in community settings and used by trained health workers to identify patients needing urgent referral.

With a reported sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 96%, the system helps reduce unnecessary hospital visits while ensuring timely treatment for high-risk patients.

Experts also discussed public health issues, noting that tobacco warning labels have limited behavioural impact, while indirect advertising continues to influence consumption patterns in subtle ways.

The discussions are part of the ongoing ‘Photonics 4 Clinics’ workshop at AIIMS, which focuses on the use of light-based technologies combined with artificial intelligence to detect biological changes and improve clinical decision-making.

Also Read:World's Best Hospitals 2026: Medanta, AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, CMC Vellore in global top 250, 97 Indian hospitals ranked

In a major fraud case in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, police have booked 12 health department employees for allegedly issuing fake disability certificates to 14 people without any medical examination. According to officials, the scam came to light after a complaint by a local resident, which led to an inquiry. The investigation revealed that individuals who were neither disabled nor examined were given certificates and identity cards through the official portal, allowing them to wrongly avail government benefits meant for persons with disabilities.

Based on a complaint by the Chief Medical Officer’s office, an FIR has been registered under charges of cheating and the Prevention of Corruption Act, according to a PTI report.

In a separate case, another FIR has been filed against 12 retired health department employees for allegedly siphoning off around ₹30 lakh using fake hospital bills for medical reimbursements. Police have started investigations in both cases and are working to identify the full extent of the fraud and those involved.

Here are the top health stories for the day:

Karnataka High Court Rules Compulsory MBBS Bond Service Does Not Amount to Forced Labour

In the matter of MBBS bond service, the Karnataka High Court recently observed that the medicos cannot be permitted to challenge the obligation after completion of the entire course and after having availed the corresponding benefit of education at subsidised costs, which may not have been available to them, if they had not furnished the service bond.

Fake Disability Certificates Row: 12 Booked in Shahjahanpur

In a major fraud case in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, police have booked 12 health department employees for allegedly issuing fake disability certificates to 14 people without any medical examination. According to officials, the scam came to light after a complaint by a local resident, which led to an inquiry. The investigation revealed that individuals who were neither disabled nor examined were given certificates and identity cards through the official portal, allowing them to wrongly avail government benefits meant for persons with disabilities.

Based on a complaint by the Chief Medical Officer’s office, an FIR has been registered under charges of cheating and the Prevention of Corruption Act, according to a PTI report.

In a separate case, another FIR has been filed against 12 retired health department employees for allegedly siphoning off around ₹30 lakh using fake hospital bills for medical reimbursements. Police have started investigations in both cases and are working to identify the full extent of the fraud and those involved.

Cyber Fraud Case: Delhi Court Rejects Bail Plea of NEET Aspirant

Kanpur: As authorities dig deeper into a major illegal kidney transplant racket, shocking details have emerged from a Private Hospital, revealing a well-organised network that allegedly operated across nine hospitals in four cities of Uttar Pradesh. Investigators said that more than 50 illegal kidney transplants were conducted, with patients charged between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 2.5 crore per procedure. 

The case came to light after a Bihar-based victim complained that he was underpaid after donating his kidney. Acting on the complaint, police launched a detailed investigation, which soon exposed a wider interstate network involving agents, doctors, technicians, and hospital administrators.

Also Read:Kanpur Kidney Racket: Recovered audio reveals operations across UP

Investigators allege that the network targeted poor and vulnerable individuals through social media and messaging platforms, offering Rs 5–10 lakh for kidney donations. The surgeries were reportedly carried out in extreme secrecy, often between 3 am and 4 am, with hospital staff kept away and CCTV cameras switched off to avoid detection. 

According to police sources, teams associated with the racket travelled by air to Kanpur, performed the surgeries, collected payments, and left immediately using different routes to avoid identification. The operations were described as highly coordinated and clinically precise.

Police sources further stated that the probe has expanded across multiple cities, including Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Meerut, to trace absconding suspects. Authorities are examining financial records, hospital documentation, and communication data linked to the network.

Investigators have also reportedly recovered a crucial audio recording from the mobile phone of the alleged mastermind, which is believed to provide insight into the gang’s operations.

Medical dialogues had previously reported that following a breakthrough in the Kanpur kidney transplant scam, police have recovered a crucial audio recording from the mobile phone of the alleged mastermind, shedding light on the gang’s operations and its network across multiple cities in Uttar Pradesh.

“Of the total 15 accused, nine have been arrested so far. This includes doctors, hospital owners, and administrative personnel," said a police officer. Six suspects, among them several doctors, are still on the run, reports TNIE.

The case has raised serious concerns about regulatory failures in monitoring private healthcare institutions and the alleged involvement of trained medical professionals in illegal organ trade.

Police are continuing raids to arrest absconding accused and trace financial links. Authorities are also examining whether more hospitals and medical professionals were involved, reports Bhaskar English.

Also Read:Meerut Hospital under probe for alleged links to kidney transplant racket

Pre-pregnancy parental overweight and obesity is linked to the next generation's heightened risk of developing fatty liver disease, a potential precursor to cirrhosis and liver failure, suggests research published online in the journal Gut.

If both parents are overweight or obese before they conceive, that child’s subsequent odds of developing MASLD by the age of 24 are more than 3 times higher, most of which is influenced by cumulative excess weight (BMI) during childhood, the findings indicate.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, recently renamed metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD for short, is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting an estimated 15% of children and more than 30% of adults, note the researchers.

Previously published research has emphasised the role of maternal obesity in future generations’ MASLD risk, but it’s not clear what role paternal obesity might have and if childhood overweight might also influence this risk.

To find out, the researchers assessed the associations between parental weight (BMI) before pregnancy and the odds of developing MASLD by the age of 24 in 1933 children from the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

MASLD was defined as high levels of fat in the liver and at least 1 cardiometabolic risk factor, such as high cholesterol or high fasting glucose.

Both parents provided information on height, weight, calculated BMI and waist circumference, and they completed regular questionnaires on potentially influential health and lifestyle factors throughout pregnancy and after the birth.

These included information on age at delivery, smoking during the first 3 months of pregnancy, typical weekly alcohol consumption before pregnancy, employment status, and educational attainment.

The mums also reported their physical activity levels and whether they had ever been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure at the time of study enrolment.

Information on the children included early life factors: sex; mode of delivery; gestational age and birthweight; antibiotic exposure within the first 6 months of life; and length of breastfeeding.

And it included repeated measures of BMI and waist circumference when they were aged 7–9, 10–12, and 13–17, plus alcohol and tobacco use as a young adult.

By the age of 24, one in 10 of these children (201) had MASLD; the other 1732 had a normal liver. Those with MASLD were more likely to be male and to have a higher BMI.

Maternal and paternal overweight and obesity were independently associated with increased odds of their children subsequently developing MASLD, after accounting for potentially influential factors.

Each additional kg of maternal BMI increased the odds of MASLD by 10%, while the equivalent increase in paternal BMI raised the odds by 9%.

Overweight or obesity in both parents was associated with more than 3 times the odds of their child developing MASLD as a young adult compared with those whose parents had a normal pre-pregnancy BMI.

Two thirds (67%) of this association was influenced by cumulative excess BMI between the ages of 7 and 17.

Further analysis, accounting for mothers’ and children’s sugar consumption, plus genetic predisposition to MASLD, generated similar findings.

This is an observational study, and as such, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, added to which the researchers acknowledge various limitations to their findings.

References: Tica, Stefani and Luo, Chongliang and Ren, Duo and Zong, Xiaoyu and Thompson, Michael D and Stoll, Janis and DeBosch, Brian Jesse and Tarr, Phillip I and Cao, Yin, Parental obesity and risk of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease in adult offspring: UK birth cohort study Gut Published Online First: 24 February 2026. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2025-336165

That occasional "weekend binge" may be doing far more harm to your liver than you think.

A new study from Keck Medicine of USC, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, challenges a common belief about alcohol consumption: that occasional binge drinking is harmless if overall intake is moderate. The findings show that even infrequent episodes of heavy drinking can significantly increase the risk of serious liver damage—especially in people with underlying metabolic conditions.

The research focused on individuals with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition affecting roughly one in three adults and commonly linked to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Using data from over 8,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2023), researchers examined how drinking patterns—not just total alcohol intake—affect liver health.

Episodic heavy drinking, defined as consuming four or more drinks for women or five or more for men in a single day at least once a month, was associated with a nearly threefold increase in the risk of advanced liver fibrosis. Fibrosis refers to the buildup of scar tissue in the liver, which can impair function and lead to long-term complications.

Importantly, this elevated risk was observed even when total weekly alcohol consumption was similar. In other words, spreading alcohol intake across multiple days appeared far less harmful than consuming the same amount in a single session. Younger adults and men were more likely to engage in such binge patterns, and higher quantities per occasion were linked to more severe liver damage.

The findings suggest that the liver may be overwhelmed by large, concentrated doses of alcohol, triggering inflammation and accelerating scarring. For individuals with MASLD, whose livers are already vulnerable, this effect can be particularly damaging.

Overall, the study highlights the need to rethink how alcohol-related risks are assessed. It is not just how much you drink, but how you drink that matters. Avoiding binge patterns may be a crucial step in protecting long-term liver health.

REFERENCE: Yinan Su, Jennifer L. Dodge, Brian P. Lee. Episodic Heavy Drinking and Implications for Steatotic Liver Disease Nomenclature: A National Cross-Sectional Study. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2026; DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2026.03.004

Could your vitamin D levels in your 30s shape your brain health decades later?

A new study published in the Neurology journal suggests that vitamin D levels in early midlife may play a role in shaping future brain health and dementia risk. While previous research has linked low vitamin D in older adults to cognitive decline, this study shifts the focus earlier in life—when preventive strategies may be more effective. 

Researchers analyzed data from 793 dementia-free participants in the Framingham Heart Study Generation 3 cohort. Vitamin D levels were measured at an average age of 39, and participants later underwent advanced brain scans (PET imaging) roughly 16 years afterward to detect early markers of Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid and tau protein buildup.

The findings revealed that individuals with higher circulating vitamin D levels in early midlife had lower levels of tau deposition in the brain. Tau accumulation is considered a key early marker of Alzheimer’s disease and is closely linked to cognitive decline. Interestingly, no association was found between vitamin D levels and amyloid buildup, another hallmark of the disease.

The relationship remained significant even after adjusting for multiple factors such as age, lifestyle, and vascular health. Exploratory analyses also hinted at a dose-response effect, with the highest vitamin D levels linked to the lowest tau burden, though these results require further confirmation.

Biologically, vitamin D supports brain health through several mechanisms. It helps regulate inflammation, enhances antioxidant defenses, and supports neuronal function. It may also reduce abnormal tau phosphorylation, a process that contributes to toxic protein buildup in the brain.

Despite these promising findings, the study is observational and does not prove causation. Limitations include a largely homogeneous population and lack of repeated vitamin D measurements over time.

Overall, the research highlights vitamin D as a potentially modifiable factor in early dementia prevention. Maintaining adequate levels in midlife—through safe sun exposure, diet, or supplementation—could support long-term brain health, though further clinical trials are needed to confirm its protective role.

REFERENCE: Mulligan, M. D., Scott, M. R., Yang, Q., et al. (2026). Association of Circulating Vitamin D in Midlife With Increased Tau-PET Burden in Dementia-Free Adults. Neurology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WN9.0000000000000057. https://www.neurology.org/doi/pdf/10.1212/WN9.0000000000000057

A birth control breakthrough for men may finally be on the horizon.

Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in the search for a safe, reversible, and long-acting nonhormonal male contraceptive—an innovation long considered the “holy grail” of reproductive health. In a proof-of-principle study conducted in mice and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists demonstrated that temporarily interrupting a critical step in sperm production can effectively halt fertility without causing permanent damage.

The team focused on meiosis, the specialized cell division process that produces sperm. Using a small molecule called JQ1 inhibitor, originally developed for cancer research, they disrupted a key stage known as prophase 1. This intervention caused developing sperm cells to stop maturing, effectively shutting down sperm production during treatment.

Importantly, the effect was reversible. Male mice received JQ1 for three weeks, after which sperm production ceased entirely. However, within six weeks of stopping the treatment, normal sperm development resumed. The mice were able to reproduce successfully, and their offspring were healthy, indicating no lasting genetic or reproductive harm.

Unlike hormonal approaches, which can carry side effects and affect broader physiological systems, this method targets the testis directly while preserving spermatogonial stem cells—the foundation of long-term fertility. This ensures that fertility can be restored once treatment stops, addressing a major concern in male contraception research.

Currently, male contraceptive options are limited to condoms and vasectomy, the latter often seen as permanent despite possible reversals. A nonhormonal, reversible method could dramatically expand choices and shift the burden of contraception more evenly.

While JQ1 itself is not suitable for human use due to potential neurological side effects, the study provides a crucial roadmap for developing safer alternatives. Future versions could be delivered as periodic injections or patches, offering men a reliable and convenient contraceptive option.

REFERENCE: Stephanie Tanis, Leah E. Simon, Adriana K. Alexander, Tegan S. Horan, Maria de las Mercedes Carro, Samantha Jane Bonnett, Audrey Xie, Roni Ben-Shlomo, Connor E. Owens, Charles G. Danko, Jelena Lujic, Paula E. Cohen. Meiotic prophase I disruption as a strategy for nonhormonal male contraception using small-molecule inhibitor JQ1. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2026; 123 (15) DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2517498123

Hyderabad: Taking note of alleged unethical practices, professional misconduct, use of fake medical qualifications, and expired registration certificates, the Telangana Medical Council has removed the name of a doctor from its medical register for two years and censured another for their alleged illegal practices at a diagnostic centre in Suryapet.

The Council found that Dr Soma, a registered sonologist, was practising as a Consultant Radiologist with a fake MD degree and with an expired registration since March 26, 2022. He has been directed to surrender his Permanent Registration Certificate and Renewal Certificate within ten days, failing which his name will be permanently removed from the Medical Register.

On the other hand, Dr Ali was found to have been practising without a valid Telangana Medical Council registration.

An order issued by the council mentioned that the case surfaced after the Chairman took suo motu cognisance and constituted an inspection team comprising Dr. V. Naresh Kumar (TGMC Member), Dr. Rajeev Naik, and Dr. Arundathi (Co-opted members) to examine alleged unethical practices in clinics and diagnostic centres across Suryapet and Nalgonda districts, including involvement of unqualified practitioners and non-modern system doctors prescribing allopathic drugs. Acting on credible inputs, the team inspected Apple Scan Centre, Suryapet, on April 24, 2025.

Also read- Telangana Medical Council cracks down on 8 eye clinics, technicians performing surgeries

Fake Qualification, Expired Registration

During the inspection, the doctor was found practising as a Consultant Radiologist without holding a recognised postgraduate qualification in Radiodiagnosis and with an expired registration, which had lapsed on March 26, 2022 at the Suryapet diagnosis centre. 

As per the order, the Council noted that he had been using the title “MD (Radio Diagnosis)” and presenting himself as a Consultant Radiologist in hospital signage, name boards, and reports, despite not possessing a recognised qualification approved by the National Medical Commission.

It was also found that his registration with the Telangana Medical Council had expired on March 26, 2022, and had not been renewed. A photocopy of the registration certificate allegedly in his name was submitted during inspection, which was found to be fabricated upon verification.

Based on this, the Council issued show-cause notices dated 26.04.2025 to him seeking explanations. In response to the notice, the doctor submitted his explanation. 

He admitted that he was practising as a Consultant Sonologist under the provisions of PCPNDT Rule 3(3)(1)(b), that he had applied for renewal of registration on 10.10.2023, and that he was not aware of any fabricated certificate allegedly submitted during inspection.

After considering his explanations, notices were issued to the doctor directing him to appear before the Ethics Committee on 12.07.2025, 27.09.2025, and 29.11.2025. He was charged with violation of Regulation 7.20 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, submission of a fabricated certificate and for alleged infamous conduct in a professional respect

During proceedings, the doctor admitted that he had displayed "MD (Radio Diagnosis)" and falsely described himself as a Consultant Radiologist on the name board, hospital signage and scanning reports issued to patients. He further admitted that he does not possess a recognised MD (Radio Diagnosis) qualification and that the qualification relied upon by him is not recognised by the National Medical Commission.

When confronted with the forged registration certificate purportedly issued by the Maharashtra Medical Council, he stated that although the signature appeared to be his, the certificate might have been submitted by hospital staff. He reportedly failed to submit documents as directed by the Committee.

Practising without valid registration

Meanwhile, a doctor was found working as a Consultant Radiologist without valid registration with the Telangana Medical Council at the Suryapet diagnosis centre. He later admitted that he was unaware of the requirement for separate registration with the Telangana Medical Council and sought leniency, stating that he had obtained a No Objection Certificate from his parent State Medical Council.

He was charged of violation of Regulation 1.1.3 of the said Regulations, for practicing without valid medical council registration, submission of fabricated certificate, and for alleged infamous conduct in a professional respect.

Appearing before the Ethics Committee after being issued notice, he admitted violation of Regulation 1.1.3 and further admitted that he submitted the fabricated registration certificate of concerned sonologist to the inspection team on 24.04.2025.

Final decision

After examining the oral submissions, documentary evidence, and relevant provisions of the Telangana Medical Practitioners Registration Act, 1968 and the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, the Ethics Committee recommended removal of the name of the sonologist from the Medical Register of the Council for a period of two (2) years under Sections 15(4) and 17 of the Telangana Medical Practitioners Registration Act, 1968 and Regulation 8.2 of the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002 and recommended that the other doctor be censured under the aforesaid statutory provisions.

"The recommendations of the Ethics Committee were placed before the General Body of the Council. After detailed deliberation, the General Body unanimously approved the recommendations. Accordingly, in exercise of powers under Section 17(2) r/w Section 15(4) of the Telangana Medical Practitioners Registration Act, 1968 and Regulation 8.2 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, the name of Dr Soma (Reg. No. ***) is hereby removed from the Medical Register of the Telangana Medical Council for a period of two (2) years with effect from the date of receipt of this order.  Dr Soma is directed to surrender his Permanent Registration Certificate and Renewal Certificate within ten (10) days from the date of receipt of this order, failing which his name shall be permanently removed from the Medical Register of the Council. Dr Ali (Reg. No. ***) is hereby censured," mentioned the order. 

It further mentioned, "Both practitioners are informed that they may prefer an appeal before the National Medical Commission within sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of this order under Regulation 8.8 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 and Section 30(3) of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019."

Also read- Doctors seek medical council action against Telangana pathologist for signing lab reports in Maharashtra sans registration

New Delhi: Highlighting the non-uniform implementation of the Foreign Medical Graduates Licentiate (FMGL) 2021 Regulations across States, the medical graduates from abroad have requested the National Medical Commission (NMC) to grant a one-time exemption from its strict applicability.

In the representation submitted before the Apex Medical Commission, the FMGs have requested NMC to ensure that the 2021 Regulations are implemented prospectively and uniformly from the 2022 batch onwards.

Referring to different issues faced by the medical graduates from abroad, representatives from the All FMGs Association (AFA) and All India Medical Students' Association Foreign Medical Students' Wing (AIMSA-FMSW) met with the National Medical Commission's officials yesterday.

The medical graduates from abroad also highlighted the issue of State Medical Councils not following the NMC guidelines and the notice dated 18 March 2026. Other matters, such as the shortage of Preventive and Social Medicine seats and the three-year internship issue, were also raised before the Apex Medical Commission.

"Today, AFA (@official_afa_)along with AIMSA-FMSW(@aimsa_fmsw) representatives met with NMC (@NMC_BHARAT) officials regarding the non‑uniformity in the FMGL‑21 regulation affecting the 2021 batch of the 2021‑22 session. We further discussed the issue of state medical councils not following the NMC guidelines and the notice dated 18 March 2026. Other matters raised included the shortage of PSM seats in Delhi and the three‑year internship issue faced by FMGs. We are truly thankful to the @NMC_BHARAT officials who patiently heard our concerns and assured us of prompt action on these matters. We are truly grateful to our representatives — Dr. Kanishka, Dr. Shubham, Dr. Gaurav and National convenor Dr Apurv & National Vice president Dr Samar for doing such a commendable job," All FMGs Association mentioned in an X post.

In its representation, submitted to NMC, AIMSA-FMSW referred to the meeting held on 17 March 2026 regarding the grievances arising out of the implementation of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL)- 2021 Regulations.

"At the outset it is respectfully submitted that the batch of students admitted during the academic cycle of 2021-2022 was subjected to extraordinary and unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably. NEST-UG 2021 was conducted in September 1021 instead of its usual schedule in May. leading to substantial delays in the counselling and admission process. Consequently. a large number of students were unable to join their respective foreign medical institutions within the prescribed timelines," the letter addressed to NMC Secretary mentioned.

"It is further submitted that. despite belonging to the same academic batch. certain students were able to commence their courses earlier. while others--due to circumstances entirely beyond their control-faced delayed admissions and travel restrictions. The rigid application of the FAAGL -2021 Regulations in such a scenario has resulted in an arbitrary and discriminatory outcome within the same cohort. Such differential treatment among similarly placed students is contrary to the principles of equality and fairness enshrined under Article 14 of the Constitution of India. which mandates equal treatment under the law. The present situation, therefore, warrants urgent reconsideration to prevent manifest injustice to the affected student," AIMSA FMSW further mentioned in the letter.

The association, on behalf of the aggrieved FMGs, has urged the Apex Medical Commission to grant a one-time exemption from the strict applicability of the FMGL-2021 Regulations for the affected 2021 batch of the 2021-2022 session, ensure that the said regulations are implemented prospectively and uniformly from the academic year 2022 onwards, to maintain consistency, fairness, and legal certainty.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Kaushal from AFA said, "Representatives of the All FMGs Association (AFA) and AIMSA-FMSW held an important meeting with officials of the National Medical Commission (NMC) today to discuss pressing issues affecting Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), particularly the 2021 batch. The delegation highlighted the non-uniform implementation of the FMGL-21 regulations, which has created significant hardships for students from the 2021-22 academic session. They pointed out inconsistencies in how different states and medical councils are interpreting and applying the guidelines, leading to uncertainty and delays in licensing and practice for many FMGs."

"During the meeting, the representatives also raised concerns over several state medical councils failing to adhere to NMC guidelines and the official notice issued on 18 March 2026. This non-compliance has reportedly exacerbated difficulties for FMG students seeking permanent registration. Other critical issues discussed included an acute shortage of PSM (Preventive and Social Medicine) seats in Delhi, affecting FMGs who require these compulsory postings, and the three-year internship mandate being faced by many Foreign Medical Graduates, which has become a major bottleneck in their professional journey. According to the representative, NMC officials listened patiently to all the concerns raised and assured prompt, positive action to resolve the issues at the earliest," he added

The team of foreign medical graduates who led the delegation included Dr. Kanishka Kalra, Dr. Shubham Singh, Dr. Gaurav, AIMSA FMSW National Convenor Dr. Apurv Dalvi, and National Vice President Dr. Samar Kumar.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in a notice dated March 06, 2026, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC had stated that FMGs who took admission on or before Nov 18, 2021 and have already compensated for online classes and completed internship abroad will be governed by the old rules (Screening Test Regulations). Those admitted after Nov 18, 2021, will follow FMGL 2021 and must do a 1-year mandatory internship in India (CRMI).

This triggered protests and opposition from FMGs, who argued that the notice was unfair, as they had attended online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and should not be required to undergo additional training again in India. Several representations from associations like AIMSA, AFA, and Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association's Foreign Medical Graduates Wing, Democratic Medical Association (DMA India) were submitted to the NMC for a rollback.

In response, NMC withdrew its earlier notice dated March 6, 2026, and the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the Commission issued a fresh clarification on physical onsite compensation for online studies undertaken by FMGs on 18.03.2026.

Issuing the new notice, the National Medical Commission (NMC) clarified that the medicos will not be required to undergo additional training in India if they have already completed the required compensation abroad.

Faridkot: In a tragic incident, two final-year MBBS students of Guru Gobind Singh (GGS) Medical College sustained severe injuries after a speeding car rammed into their two-wheeler near the college campus.

According to Tribune report, the accident not only left the two students with multiple compound fractures in their thighs and legs, with one also suffering a severely broken jaw, but also claimed the life of an unidentified elderly man.

The injured students were riding an Activa on Sadiq Road when a speeding car hit them from behind near the medical college gate on Wednesday evening. ​Now, both students are currently receiving medical care at GGS Medical College and Hospital.

Also read- Govt Siddhartha medical college 1st year MBBS student dies in bike accident

The Tribune reported that the driver of the car first slammed into the students, according to eyewitnesses.  After hitting the students, the car driver allegedly tried to flee the scene. In the process, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another motorcycle a short distance away. The second victim, an unidentified elderly man, was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

​The rampage only ended when a tyre on the car burst, rendering the vehicle immovable. Bystanders quickly surrounded the car, apprehended the driver, and handed him over to the local police.

DSP Tarlochan Singh told The Tribune, "This is a grave incident involving extreme recklessness. We have seized the vehicle and are investigating the circumstances of the multiple hits. Legal action is being initiated against the driver."

Medical Dialogues had reported that a tragic car accident claimed the life of a 24-year-old MBBS intern at a Government Medical College in Chennai and injured three of her friends after the car they were travelling in overturned near Villupuram.

Also read- MBBS intern dies after car overturns in Villupuram, 3 injured

Bijnor: A ragging incident at Mahatma Vidur Autonomous State Medical College (MVASMC) has led to the suspension of 11 second-year MBBS students with fines following a complaint by a first year student to the anti-ragging helpline of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

In his complaint, the student claimed that he was humiliated and beaten by the second-year students. The complaint led to an internal inquiry, following which strict action was taken against 11 second-year students.

After an investigation by the anti-ragging committee, 11 students were found guilty. Among them, one student has been fined Rs 10,000 and suspended for six weeks, another fined Rs 10,000 with a four-week suspension, and one student fined Rs 5,000 with a two-week suspension. The remaining eight students have been suspended for two weeks without fine.

Also read- MAMC Doctors Decry Meal Payment Tradition for Seniors, Post Goes Viral

As per latest TOI media report, the incident took place six weeks ago. Initially, the college administration tried to handle the issue internally. However, the situation changed after the first year student lodged a complaint with the NMC helpline, forcing the college to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

The student is reportedly still struggling with the mental impact of the incident and is in the recovery stage, an official told TOI. He said "Counselling sessions were held to maintain a safe campus."

Meanwhile, some students, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that a few of those punished were not directly involved in the ragging and were merely present at the spot.

College principal, Dr Tuhin Vashisht, said "The institution follows a zero tolerance policy towards ragging. Action has been taken after our internal inquiry process was complete. Parents of all the students were summoned. The college is now working to ensure a safe environment on campus for first-year students."

Also read- Hassan Institute of medical sciences surgery medico alleges ragging, harassment

Mirzapur: In a shocking incident, a case from Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh has once again raised concerns over the dangers posed by unqualified practitioners, after an 18-year-old woman was allegedly left in a critical condition due to treatment by a quack.   

According to the news reports, the woman, a resident of a village in the district, had been suffering from a minor illness for a few days. Her family took her to a nearby private clinic run by an unlicensed practitioner. The family alleged that the so-called doctor prescribed medication without conducting any medical examination or diagnostic tests, and that the medicines given were typically used for psychiatric patients.  

Also Read:Crackdown on fake doctors in Ballari, Illegal clinics sealed

Soon after taking the medication, the woman reportedly began to feel dizzy, lost her ability to speak properly, and her condition deteriorated rapidly.

Alarmed by her deteriorating health, the family rushed her to a nearby hospital. Doctors there, during their initial assessment, indicated that consuming incorrect medication can severely impact the body and may lead to critical complications. As her condition continued to worsen, she was referred to a hospital in another city for advanced treatment, where she remains under close observation.

The incident has sparked outrage among local residents. The victim’s father has lodged a formal complaint with the authorities, alleging that the individual responsible was practising medicine without a valid degree and endangering lives. He has called for a thorough investigation and strict legal action.

Speaking to Asia Net, local residents say that many quack doctors are running clinics openly in rural areas. They claim the health department doesn't pay attention to them, which is why people are forced to go to them for treatment.

In the wake of the incident, residents have called for an urgent crackdown on illegal clinics and stricter enforcement of healthcare regulations to prevent similar cases in the future.  

Also Read:Fake doctor busted in Surat; illegal clinic exposed

Hyderabad: Altogether seven third-year MBBS students of Kakatiya Medical College at Warangal have been suspended for six months after being found guilty of allegedly ragging some second-year students.

According to media reports, the accused senior students allegedly forced the juniors to kneel on a boys' hostel terrace, and verbally abused them.

As a result, the students have now been permanently expelled from the hostel till the completion of their course and suspended from academic activities for six months.

Also read- SMS medical college suspends 6 MBBS students over ragging complaint, probe later flags dispute: Report

The incident took place on March 29, but it came to the notice of the college authorities on April 7 after the affected juniors filed a complaint. As per TNIE media reports, the seniors were unhappy with the behaviour of the juniors and therefore cautioned them.

Later, the seniors called them to the terrace of the hostel building, where they were allegedly asked to kneel down as punishment. A PTI report mentioned that the senior students also allegedly abused them. 

Following this, the juniors filed an online complaint against the seniors with the Union Home Minister, National Medical Commission (NMC), the State University, Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), Warangal commissioner of police, legal services authority and other medical council authorities and the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) anti-ragging helpline. 

Acting on the complaint, the college’s anti-ragging committee subsequently initiated a detailed inquiry into the allegations. During the inquiry, the Committee found the seven students, all from the 2023 admission batch guillty of their actions.

Speaking to The Hindu, KMC principal Dr Sandhya Sunkaraneni said, "The accused senior students were summoned before the committee and asked to explain the charges levelled against them. A detailed inquiry was conducted, and the accused were found guilty."

Based on the findings, the committee recommended the suspension of the seven third-year MBBS students for six months.

Dr Sunkaraneni said, "Following the inquiry, the college imposed strict penalties. The students have been permanently expelled from the hostel and suspended from academic activities for six months."

Also raed- Ragging: 3 MBBS students expelled, suspended at Guwahati medical college

Chamba: In a disturbing incident at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba late Wednesday night, a woman doctor, security guards, and technical staff were allegedly assaulted by attendants after a patient died during treatment, triggering outrage among the medical community.

According to Medical College Faculty Association president Dr Manik Sehgal, the incident took place when a heart attack patient was brought to the emergency ward around midnight in a critical condition.

“He had no vitals when he was brought in. The doctor on emergency duty made every possible effort to revive him, but he could not be saved,” Sehgal stated. 

Also Read:4 arrested in Telangana Paediatrician assault case

Soon after the patient was declared dead, his attendants allegedly became aggressive. They reportedly verbally abused the woman doctor and physically assaulted her. In an attempt to escape, she moved towards the minor operation theatre, but the attackers allegedly followed her and tried to assault her again. Security guards and technical staff who intervened were also beaten during the incident. The entire episode was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the hospital. 

Condemning the incident, the faculty association termed it “deplorable” and demanded strict legal action against those involved. It also called for stronger security measures to ensure a safe working environment for healthcare professionals.

As per the news reports by Tribune India, Principal Dr Pankaj Gupta said the issue was serious, noting that incidents of violence and misbehaviour against doctors and staff have occurred earlier as well. “It is essential that the accused are arrested and strict action is taken to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

In response to the incident, outsourced employees, along with other hospital staff, staged a sit-in protest outside the medical college campus. Protesters blocked the road, demanding immediate action against the culprits and stronger safety measures. The protest was later called off after the administration assured prompt action and improved security arrangements. 

Police said an FIR was registered after examination of CCTV footage, and a case was lodged under Sections 132 and 121(3) of the BNS. Hospital staff said they had long been demanding a police post and stronger security arrangements at the medical college, reports TOI. 

Speaking to Tribune India, Chamba SP Vijay Kumar Saklani said four persons have been detained for questioning, and the investigation is on. “CCTV footage is being examined, and efforts are being made to nab the accused. They will be arrested soon,” he added.

Also Read:Paediatrician attacked by patient attendant at Adilabad hospital, doctors demand action

New Delhi: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has further extended the choice filling process for Round 2 of the National Eligibility and Entrance Test Super Speciality (NEET SS) counselling for the academic year 2025.

The MCC has notified "all candidates participating in Round-2 of SS Counselling 2025 that the Choice Filling for Round 2 of NEET SS Counselling 2025 has been extended till further orders."

"As per the schedule, the academic session for the year 2025 for Super Specialty courses was to start from 10th April, 2026. In this regard, it is informed that those candidates who do not wish to participate in Round-2 for upgradation may join their respective departments at the allotted institutes. Candidates who want to avail upgradation facility in Round-2 may join their duty at the time of reporting itself, once the result of Round-2 is declared," the MCC stated.

To view the official notice, click the link mentioned below- 

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/10/mcc-neet-ss-notice-for-start-of-ss-academic-session-2025-340813.pdf

Tamil Nadu: In a tragic suicide case of an MBBS student, the police have recently arrested four students accused of assault.

Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has continued to depend on contractual employees and manual billing systems at its civic hospitals, even as at least four major instances of financial irregularities have been reported in hospital billing sections over the past three years.

Also Read:Four Pimpri-Chinchwad Hospital staff accused of siphoning Rs 9.25 lakh

Also Read:Woman Duped of Rs 23 Lakh in Fake Hospital Pharmacy Deal, Three Booked

Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced that the retirement age for professors in government medical colleges will be increased to 65 years for the next three years, in a bid to address the ongoing shortage of faculty across Himachal Pradesh. 

The decision is aimed at strengthening medical education, particularly in newer institutions and in addressing the shortage of super-specialists at Tanda Medical College. The Chief Minister also clarified that the move would not impact promotional opportunities for other faculty members.

Also Read:CM Sukhu inaugurates nuclear medicine block at IGMC Shimla

To further strengthen the system, the government will designate assistant and associate professors wherever required. In addition, postgraduate (PG) seats are being significantly increased across medical colleges, including 57 in Tanda, 29 in Mandi, 32 in Nahan, 33 in Chamba, 67 in Hamirpur, and 96 in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. This expansion is expected to improve institutional efficiency, enhance training capacity, and ultimately lead to better patient care.

While chairing a review meeting of the medical education department, Sukhu directed officials to ensure efficient healthcare services across all government medical colleges. He emphasised that strengthening healthcare infrastructure, especially diagnostic services, remains a top priority for the government.

The CM also announced that all vacant nursing posts would be filled by November this year, along with the recruitment of adequate technical staff. The govt has earmarked Rs 192 crore for Phase II of Chamba Medical College and Rs 500 crore for Nahan Medical College, he added. Also, Rs 3,000 crore will be invested in modern medical equipment, alongside efforts to promote health tourism in the state, said Sukhu, reports TOI.

Highlighting the government’s priorities, the Chief Minister emphasised that health and education remain top priorities, assuring that there is no shortage of funds for these sectors.

As per Tribune India, the meeting was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Secretary Health M Sudha Devi, and Director Health Education Dr Rakesh Sharma. Principals of all medical colleges joined the meeting virtually.

Also Read:Himachal Govt strengthens healthcare infrastructure in Una district

New Delhi: Welcoming the Parliamentary Health Committee's recommendations for 'Pilot-like Duty Hours' for resident doctors, a medical association has recently written to the Union Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda, seeking urgent implementation of the same.

"We welcome the recommendation of the committee and urge to introduce working hours regulations as per other safety-critical professions like civil aviation to prevent fatigue-induced accidents," the Chairperson of UDF, Dr. Lakshya Mittal, mentioned in the letter addressed to Minister Nadda.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, headed by MP Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav, has submitted its report on 18.03.2026. Taking note of the huge vacancies in the posts of faculty members and residents at the central government medical institutes, the Parliamentary Health Committee expressed concern about the excessive workload of doctors.

In this 172nd report, the panel highlighted the possibility of clinical errors and burnout resulting in compromised patient safety and recommended formulated and strictly enforcing a "Clinical Duty Hours Regulation" policy with mandatory rest periods and monitored rosters.

"The Committee is concerned about excessive continuous duty hours for Junior and Senior Residents and the risk of clinical errors and burnout, thereby compromising patient safety. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department formulate and strictly enforce a 'Clinical Duty Hours Regulation' policy with mandatory rest periods, and monitored rosters, drawing a direct analogy from other safety-critical professions like civil aviation to prevent fatigue-induced accidents," the Committee mentioned in its report.

Referring to the Panel's recommendations, United Doctors Front (UDF) mentioned in the letter addressed to Minister Nadda that as per Civil Aviation duty rules in India, Pilots can't fly excessive hours. Airlines must ensure proper rest for them.

"These rules aim to reduce pilot fatigue and improve flight safety. Resident doctors are also responsible for safeguarding their patients, and prevention of fatigue-induced errors will be in the larger interest of society," mentioned the letter.

The association also referred to the Uniform Residency Scheme 1992 by MoHFW, which caps duty hours at 48 hours per week. Referring to this, the association pointed out how many medical colleges do not comply to these rules and mentioned, "The Uniform Residency Scheme 1992 by MoHFW caps 48 hours a week and not more than 12 hours at a stretch duty. But most medical colleges are not implementing the same as violation of the rules and maintaining forged duty data is also not categorized as any irregularity or crime and no accounatility is fixed."

UDF has requested the immediate implementation of the Uniform Residency Scheme of 1992. It has also requested the Minister to form a high-level committee to further examine appropriate steps to formulate other regulations to improve it as per civil aviation duty hour rules.

"Therefore, we request issuance of firm instructions to implement the Uniform Residency Scheme 1992 and to form a high-level committee to further examine appropriate steps to formulate other regulations to improve it as per civil aviation duty hours rules," the letter stated.

Further referring to the report of the National Task Force 2024 on mental health issues of medical students, the letter added, "We also refer to the National Task Force 2024 report on mental health issues of medical students, which is very alarming. The report highlights the urgent need for appropriate measures to address the mental health concerns of medical students."

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, UDF Chairperson Dr. Lakshya Mittal welcomed the recommendations given by the Parliamentary Committee. He said, "We welcome the recommendation of Parliamentary Standing Committee suggesting pilot like duty hour regulations for resident doctors. Both these professions are responsible for saving lives. It cannot be ignored in the Healthcare system. There is already a Uniform Residency Scheme 1992, which mandates 48-hours a week and 12 hours a shift. Unfortunately, it is not followed in most of the institutions. That's why we have written to the Honourable Union Health Minister for immediate enforcement, strict monitoring and accountability."

"A fatigued doctor is a risk to the patient safety. This is not only about the doctors' wellfare, but also about the lives. That's why we are urging the Government to act immediately without any further delay," he added.

Also Read: Doctors' burnout due to 24-36 hour shifts! Parliamentary panel calls for Clinical Duty hour regulation policy with mandatory rest, monitored rosters

Pre-pregnancy parental overweight and obesity is linked to the next generation’s heightened risk of developing fatty liver disease, a potential precursor to cirrhosis and liver failure, suggests research published online in the journal Gut.

If both parents are overweight or obese before they conceive, that child’s subsequent odds of developing MASLD by the age of 24 are more than 3 times higher, most of which is influenced by cumulative excess weight (BMI) during childhood, the findings indicate.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, recently renamed metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD for short, is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting an estimated 15% of children and more than 30% of adults, note the researchers.

Previously published research has emphasised the role of maternal obesity in future generations’ MASLD risk, but it’s not clear what role paternal obesity might have and if childhood overweight might also influence this risk.

To find out, the researchers assessed the associations between parental weight (BMI) before pregnancy and the odds of developing MASLD by the age of 24 in 1933 children from the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

MASLD was defined as high levels of fat in the liver and at least 1 cardiometabolic risk factor, such as high cholesterol or high fasting glucose.

Both parents provided information on height, weight, calculated BMI and waist circumference, and they completed regular questionnaires on potentially influential health and lifestyle factors throughout pregnancy and after the birth.

These included information on age at delivery, smoking during the first 3 months of pregnancy, typical weekly alcohol consumption before pregnancy, employment status, and educational attainment.

The mums also reported their physical activity levels and whether they had ever been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure at the time of study enrolment.

Information on the children included early life factors: sex; mode of delivery; gestational age and birthweight; antibiotic exposure within the first 6 months of life; and length of breastfeeding.

And it included repeated measures of BMI and waist circumference when they were aged 7–9, 10–12, and 13–17, plus alcohol and tobacco use as a young adult.

By the age of 24, one in 10 of these children (201) had MASLD; the other 1732 had a normal liver. Those with MASLD were more likely to be male and to have a higher BMI.

Maternal and paternal overweight and obesity were independently associated with increased odds of their children subsequently developing MASLD, after accounting for potentially influential factors.

Each additional kg of maternal BMI increased the odds of MASLD by 10%, while the equivalent increase in paternal BMI raised the odds by 9%.

Overweight or obesity in both parents was associated with more than 3 times the odds of their child developing MASLD as a young adult compared with those whose parents had a normal pre-pregnancy BMI.

Two thirds (67%) of this association was influenced by cumulative excess BMI between the ages of 7 and 17.

Further analysis, accounting for mothers’ and children’s sugar consumption, plus genetic predisposition to MASLD, generated similar findings.

This is an observational study, and as such, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, added to which the researchers acknowledge various limitations to their findings.

References: Tica, Stefani and Luo, Chongliang and Ren, Duo and Zong, Xiaoyu and Thompson, Michael D and Stoll, Janis and DeBosch, Brian Jesse and Tarr, Phillip I and Cao, Yin, Parental obesity and risk of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease in adult offspring: UK birth cohort study Gut Published Online First: 24 February 2026. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2025-336165

Mumbai: The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Maharashtra, has released the provisional list of Super Speciality candidates selected for bonded posts for the Winter 2025 batch.

As per a notification dated April 7, 2026, the list includes candidates who have completed their super-specialty courses and are now required to serve under the mandatory bond service as per state government norms.

These candidates have been allotted postings across various government medical institutions in Maharashtra.

To check out the, Provisional selection list for super speciality candidates for bonded posts for winter-2025 batch date 07.04.2026 (2nd list); click the link below-

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/09/super-speciality-candidates-for-bonded-posts-for-winter-2025-batch-date-07042026-340633.pdf

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Maharashtra, issued notices detailing the instructions, vacancies and schedule for online application and allotment of Government Bond Service for Super-Speciality degree holders for the Winter-2025 batch.

India’s health profile is undergoing a silent but significant shift, with lifestyle-related risks emerging earlier and often going unnoticed. A recent nationwide ‘Health of the Nation 2026’ report by Apollo Hospitals, based on over three million preventive assessments in 2025 highlights that one in five individuals under 30 is already prediabetic, though the condition remains reversible at this stage, according to The Hindu.

More than half the population studied was found to be obese and had abnormal cholesterol levels, while nearly 70% were deficient in Vitamin D and almost half had low Vitamin B12 levels.

The findings also reveal that younger individuals show declining physical fitness, with two-thirds lacking adequate strength, flexibility, or balance. Among working adults, a majority were overweight, with high rates of prediabetes and hypertension. Women showed distinct risks such as anaemia and earlier onset of breast cancer. Alarmingly, many serious conditions like fatty liver and early atherosclerosis were detected despite normal routine test results, underlining the need for early, preventive, and more comprehensive health screening approaches.

Researchers have found in a new study that among postmenopausal women, a higher Oxidative Balance Score (OBS)—reflecting a healthy diet and lifestyle—is associated with better periodontal health. Conversely, a low Oxidative Balance Score may serve as a potential risk indicator for periodontitis.

Unlocking a Maternal Biomarker for Neonatal Health

A new study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth points to a promising connection between a mother's late-pregnancy albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio and the risk of her newborn being admitted for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHB)—a condition commonly known as severe neonatal jaundice. NHB is prevalent among both term and preterm infants and can sometimes lead to serious health complications, including neurological damage.

Study Overview: Tracking A/G Ratios and Jaundice Risk

Researchers at Nanjing Lishui People’s Hospital in China analyzed data from 1,432 mother-newborn pairs, focusing on the mother’s A/G ratio measured late in pregnancy. The goal: to see whether this easily obtained blood measurement could help flag pregnancies at higher risk of newborns requiring admission for NHB.

Key Findings: A U-Shaped Relationship

Prevalence: 15.7% of newborns in the study were admitted for NHB.

U-Shaped Risk Curve: The study found a U-shaped association between maternal A/G ratio and NHB admission.

When the A/G ratio was below 1.29, each 0.1 increase was linked to a 33% lower risk of NHB admission.

When the A/G ratio was 1.29 or higher, each 0.1 increase was linked to a 16% higher risk.

Risk at Extremes: Both very low (<1.15) and very high (>1.40) A/G ratios were associated with increased risk, especially for mothers aged 30 and above.

Why Does This Matter?

The A/G ratio reflects not only nutritional status but also inflammation and liver function—all important factors for pregnancy and fetal development. This study suggests that routine monitoring of a mother's A/G ratio could serve as a simple, cost-effective way to identify pregnancies that may need closer neonatal monitoring for jaundice, especially in women over 30.

Clinical Implications and Next Steps

While much remains to be learned about the underlying mechanisms, this research highlights the A/G ratio as an early warning biomarker. The authors recommend further research to refine risk thresholds and to understand how nutritional or medical interventions might optimize outcomes for mothers and babies.

5 Key Takeaways:

The late-pregnancy A/G ratio is closely linked to the risk of neonatal jaundice admissions.

Both low and high extremes of the A/G ratio increase risk, with an optimal range around 1.15–1.40.

The association is especially strong in mothers aged 30 and above.

Monitoring the A/G ratio could help flag pregnancies needing increased neonatal jaundice surveillance.

Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore intervention strategies.

Citation:

Wei H, Chang X, Ji R, Tang Y. Association between late pregnancy A/G ratio and the risk of neonatal admission for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2025;25:563. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07706-w

Sweden: Findings of a new study suggest that consuming more meat than typically recommended could provide health benefits for a specific genetically defined group, which makes up about 25% of the global population.

Researchers have found in a new study that patients with transient vision loss have a markedly higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events—including stroke, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and early hospitalization—within 14 days of symptom onset, with this increased risk persisting for up to 10 years.

A study was done to evaluate short- and long-term cardiovascular risk following a first diagnosis of transient vision loss (TVL) compared with matched controls using the TriNetX research network. Patients with an incident diagnosis of Transient vision loss were retrospectively identified and 1:1 propensity score-matched to controls with dry eye syndrome. Primary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), ventricular arrhythmias, venous thromboembolism (VTE), hospitalisation and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) from 14 days to 10 years. Subgroup analyses evaluated patients free of events at 90 days and 1 year.

Results After matching, 37 750 patients were included in each cohort. Mean (SD) age was 56.8 (16.8) years in the TVL cohort (59.7% female) and 56.6 (16.3) years in the control cohort (58.9% female). Within 14 days, stroke risk increased over 21-fold (HR 21.7; 95% CI 13.4 to 37.4), major adverse cardiovascular events nearly 10-fold (HR 9.80; 95% CI 7.19 to 13.34), arrhythmia over fourfold (HR 4.01; 95% CI 2.72 to 5.90), MI fivefold (HR 5.00; 95% CI 1.92 to 12.06) and hospitalisation nearly fourfold (HR 3.83; 95% CI, 3.52 to 4.17) compared with controls. Venous thromboembolism risk was modest and transient, with no elevation beyond 5 years, and all-cause mortality was not elevated at any time point. Among patients’ event-free at 90 days or 1 year, elevated long-term risk persisted up to 10 years for major adverse cardiovascular events, stroke, arrhythmiaand hospitalisation. Transient vision loss is associated with increased short- and long-term risks of major adverse cardiovascular events, stroke, MI, arrhythmia and hospitalisation, warranting prompt systemic evaluation and long-term monitoring.

A new study published in the BMC Surgery revealed that elevated preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are significantly associated with greater surgical complexity and a higher risk of conversion in acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC). CRP can therefore serve as a useful predictor for anticipating technical challenges and improving surgical planning and resource utilization, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) is one of the most common surgical emergencies globally where the standard treatment is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. However, in complicated cases surgeons may need to switch to the more invasive Open Cholecystectomy, which can prolong surgery and recovery. Thus, this observational study at Shree Birendra Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, examined whether preoperative levels of CRP could predict surgical complexity in ACC cases.

The study from April 2024 to March 2025, included 108 patients who underwent emergency laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Patients with other medical conditions known to influence CRP levels were excluded to ensure accurate results. This research defined a “difficult” laparoscopic procedure as one lasting longer than 60 minutes.

The results showed a clear relationship between elevated CRP levels and surgical difficulty. Of the 108 patients studied, 71 underwent straightforward laparoscopic procedures, 28 experienced difficult operations, and 9 required conversion to open surgery.

Patients who had uncomplicated procedures had a mean CRP level of 18.2 mg/L. In comparison, those who experienced difficult laparoscopic surgeries had an average CRP level of 36 mg/L. The highest levels were observed in patients whose surgeries were converted to open procedures, averaging 50.1 mg/L.

Statistical analysis confirmed a significant association between high CRP levels and surgical complexity. The findings also revealed that both the duration of surgery and the length of hospital stay increased as the complexity of the operation rose.

Also, demographic factors like age and gender did not show any significant link with surgical difficulty. The study population had a mean age of 49.8 years and a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:3.5, which reflected higher prevalence of gallbladder disease among women.

The research suggest that these findings could have practical implications for surgical teams, particularly in hospitals with limited resources. Overall, the study points that CRP testing is inexpensive and widely available, and it could serve as a useful preoperative indicator for anticipating technical challenges.

Source:

Rayamajhi, B. B., Shrivastav, A., Karki, G., Ayer, D. B., & Pradhan, S. K. (2026). C-reactive protein as a predicting factor for difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy or its conversion to open cholecystectomy in acute calculous cholecystitis: an observational study. BMC Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-026-03650-4

Povetacicept, a dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor, significantly lowered proteinuria in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), as demonstrated in the RAINIER trial.

The trial met its primary objective. In the interim analysis population, patients treated with povetacicept achieved a 52.0% reduction from baseline in urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) at Week 36, with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 49.8% UPCR reduction compared to placebo (P<0.0001). The reduction in proteinuria was consistent across all pre-specified subgroups.

The trial also met its secondary objective. For the first secondary endpoint, patients treated with povetacicept demonstrated a 77.4% reduction from baseline in serum galactose deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) compared to an increase of +9.1% in the placebo group, yielding a reduction of 79.3% compared to placebo (P<0.0001). For the second secondary endpoint, in patients with baseline hematuria, 85.1% achieved hematuria resolution in the povetacicept treatment group compared to 23.4% in the placebo group, resulting in hematuria resolution of 61.7% compared to placebo (P<0.0001).

Povetacicept was generally safe and well tolerated. The majority of adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) related to povetacicept and no deaths in the trial. There were no opportunistic infections, and no discontinuations due to infections. As expected, anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) were observed; these ADAs had no impact on efficacy or the risk profile.

Treatment discontinuations (for any reason) were 8.8% in the placebo group and 3.8% in the povetacicept group, and trial discontinuations (for any reason) were 1.5% in the placebo group and 0.8% in the povetacicept group in this interim analysis population.

“The Phase 3 RAINIER 36-week interim analysis results in IgAN are remarkable. With its clinical profile, dosing and administration advantage, and breadth of potential indications, povetacicept demonstrates best-in-class potential and establishes renal medicine as Vertex’s fourth franchise alongside cystic fibrosis, hematology and acute pain,” said Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., FASN, Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex. “As a nephrologist, I am struck by the rapid, deep and sustained response to povetacicept, as well as the consistency of benefit across all subgroups. These results are important for patients with IgAN and also bring us one step closer to realizing povetacicept’s pipeline-in-a-product promise. We thank the patients and trial investigators for their trust and for making RAINIER the largest and fastest enrolling of any contemporary IgAN trial.”

Trial Design, Population Characteristics and Efficacy Results

RAINIER is a global Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal trial of povetacicept 80 mg administered subcutaneously every four weeks versus placebo on top of standard of care.

A total of 605 patients were randomized in the trial, N=557 are in the main cohort, of which N=199 are in the interim analysis population, and N=48 patients are in an exploratory cohort. These patients are representative of real world IgAN patients at risk of kidney disease progression. The median time from diagnosis of IgAN to randomization in the main cohort was approximately 3.8 years and the trial patients had high rates of background supportive care, with 97.8% of patients on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs), and 67.7% of patients on sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, the latter representing the highest percentage in recently completed IgAN trials.

For the interim analysis, the trial’s primary endpoint is percent change from baseline in 24-hour UPCR, and the two alpha-controlled secondary endpoints are percent change from baseline in serum Gd-IgA1 and the proportion of patients to achieve hematuria resolution, all at Week 36. Exploratory endpoints for this interim analysis included the proportion of patients with 24-hour UPCR <0.5 g/g, in line with the most recent Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines.