Severe sepsis-associated encephalopathy may worsen outcomes in ICU patients, suggests study

A recent study published in the Journal of Intensive Care highlighted that early systemic complications in critically ill patients with severe sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) can significantly worsen outcomes if not corrected within the first 3 days of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The data from the French OUTCOMEREA prospective multicenter database focused on the impact of persistent physiological abnormalities on 28-day mortality and neurological recovery.

Severe SAE is a life-threatening condition defined by altered consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤13), accompanied by severe sepsis or septic shock necessitating invasive ventilation. The study analyzed nearly 995 ICU patients who met these criteria and excluded those with primary brain injuries.

The findings revealed that nearly 89% of patients expressed at least one systemic insult like abnormal blood sugar levels, blood pressure, body temperature, anemia, or respiratory function during the first 48 hours of ICU stay. The survivors had fewer systemic complications when compared to non-survivors.

Mostly, unresolved issues in blood pressure, oxygenation, glycemia, and body temperature by day 3 were independently associated with increased mortality risks. Uncorrected hypotension raised mortality risk by 77% (aHR = 1.77). And, persistent abnormalities in oxygen levels increased mortality by 78% (aHR = 1.78).

Failure to normalize body temperature elevated the risk by 46% (aHR = 1.46). Persistent abnormal blood sugar levels heightened mortality risk by 41% (aHR = 1.41). Also, unresolved blood pressure, temperature, and glycemic abnormalities were associated with decreased chances of regaining neurological function, defined as achieving a GCS score >13.

This study underlines the critical importance of addressing physiological imbalances early in the ICU stay to improve survival and recovery prospects for patients with severe SAE. The findings advocate for increased vigilance and targeted interventions during the initial days of treatment to manage these potentially reversible complications.

Overall, the research illuminates into improving care for one of the most vulnerable patient populations by emphasizing the role of early systemic stabilization in reducing the consequences of severe sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

Reference:

Thy, M., Sonneville, R., Ruckly, S., Mourvillier, B., Schwebel, C., Cohen, Y., Garrouste-Orgeas, M., Siami, S., Bruel, C., Reignier, J., Azoulay, E., Argaud, L., Goldgran-Toledano, D., Laurent, V., Dupuis, C., Poujade, J., Bouadma, L., de Montmollin, E., Timsit, J.-F., & on the behalf of the OUTCOME R. E. A. network. (2025). Early systemic insults following severe sepsis-associated encephalopathy of critically ill patients: association with mortality and awakening—an analysis of the OUTCOMEREA database. Journal of Intensive Care, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40560-024-00773-9

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Irregular RBC antibody detection clinically important for pregnant women: Study

Irregular red blood cell (RBC) antibodies are antibodies
against blood group antigens other than ABO antigens and can cause difficulties
in blood typing and cross-matching, hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) of
varying severity, and hemolytic disease in the fetus and newborn (HDFN). It is
generally accepted that the irregular RBC antibodies produced by “natural
immunity” are mainly IgM antibodies, which are not clinically important; irregular
RBC antibodies that are clinically important are mainly IgG antibodies, which
are the less common type and are produced due to pregnancy, allogeneic blood
transfusion, allogeneic tissue and organ transplantation, and other forms of
allogeneic immunity. It was previously believed that fetomaternal hemorrhage
occurs mainly in late pregnancy or during delivery; clinically significant
alloimmune irregular RBC antibodies are rarely produced during the first
pregnancy without a history of other alloimmunizations; and clinically
significant irregular RBC IgG antibodies are produced after the second period
of alloimmunization. However, a recent study showed that fetal RBCs can be
detected in maternal blood samples at 6–22 weeks of gestation but there is a
lack of research data to guide the clinical management of maternal and fetal
blood and determine whether fetomaternal hemorrhage can lead to the production
of alloimmune irregular RBC antibodies in pregnant women during their current
pregnancy.

To understand the risk of the production of irregular RBC
antibodies during the current pregnancy as a result of gestational
alloimmunization, authors performed screens for irregular RBC antibodies in
4983 pregnant women during their late first pregnancy and 13,027 women patients
with a history of multiple (two or more) pregnancies, and compared the
differences in irregular RBC antibody positivity and specificity between the
two groups; these results will be important for guiding clinical practice in
maternal and fetal/neonatal blood management.

Using the microcolumn gel antiglobulin method, 18,010
Chinese women with a history of pregnancy and pregnant women were screened for
irregular RBC antibodies, and for those with positive test results, antibody specificity
was determined. The detection rate and specificity of irregular RBC antibodies
in women with a history of multiple pregnancies (two or more) and first-time
pregnant women were determined.

In addition to 25 patients who passively acquired anti-D
antibodies via an intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin injection, irregular RBC
antibodies were detected in 121 (0.67%) of the 18,010 women. Irregular RBC
antibodies were detected in 93 (0.71%) of the 13,027 women with a history of
multiple pregnancies, and antibody specificity was distributed mainly in the
Rh, MNSs, Lewis, and Kidd blood group systems; irregular RBC antibodies were
detected in 28 (0.56%) of the 4983 first-time pregnant women, and the antibody
specificity was distributed mainly in the MNSs, Rh, and Lewis blood group
systems.

The difference in the percentage of patients with irregular
RBC antibodies between the two groups was insignificant (χ2 = 1 248, P > 0
05).

Of the 121 women with irregular RBC antibodies, nine had
anti-Mur antibodies, and one had anti-Dia antibodies; these antibodies are
clinically important but easily missed because the antigenic profile of the
reagent RBCs that are commonly used in antibody screens does not include the
antigens that are recognized by these antibodies.

The results of this study, which included 18,010 obstetrics
and gynecology patients who might require transfusion therapy, showed that
except for those with the passive acquisition of anti-D antibodies through
intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin injections, the irregular RBC antibody
positivity rate among women with a history of multiple (two or more)
pregnancies and first-time pregnant women was 0.67%, which was lower than that
in previous reports. This is mainly because the prevention of alloimmune anti-D
antibody production in RhD-negative pregnant women has gradually been emphasized.
In recent years, anti-D immunoglobulin has been widely used in RhD-negative
pregnant women in areas such as the Pearl River Delta Region of China, reducing
the production of alloimmune anti-D antibodies in RhD-negative pregnant women
and thus lowering the irregular RBC antibody positivity rate in those with a
history of pregnancy.

In summary, this study showed that although the use of antiD
immunoglobulin has resulted in a decreasing trend of irregular RBC antibody
positivity in women, the irregular RBC antibody positivity rate in women with a
history of pregnancy is still 0.67%, and the specific distribution of
antibodies is still dominated by the Rh, MNSs, and Kidd blood group systems,
which include clinically important antibodies. During the first pregnancy,
irregular RBC antibodies of clinical significance, such as anti-E, anti-Mur,
and anti-c antibodies, can be produced, and it is necessary to detect irregular
RBC antibodies in first-time pregnant women. Mur and Dia should be included in
the antigenic profile of the antibody screening reagent RBCs applied to the
Chinese population to avoid the omission of anti-Mur and anti-Dia antibodies,
which are two clinically important antibodies.

Source: Shujie Wu, Yinglin Wu, Ganping Guo; Wiley Journal of
Pregnancy Volume 2024, Article ID 5539776, 6 pages

https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5539776

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Prior Esophageal Candida Infection Raises Esophageal Cancer Risk in Achalasia Patients: JAMA

Netherlands: A recent retrospective cohort study has shed light on the connection between esophageal Candida infection and an elevated risk of esophageal cancer (EC) in individuals diagnosed with achalasia. The researchers found that a history of esophageal Candida infection, older age at the time of diagnosis, and male sex were linked to a higher risk of esophageal cancer among patients with achalasia. Among 234 patients with achalasia, esophageal candidiasis was identified in 12%.

“The results emphasize the need to enhance monitoring strategies for individuals with achalasia,” the researchers wrote in JAMA Network Open. 

Achalasia, a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by difficulty in swallowing and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, has long been associated with a heightened susceptibility to complications such as esophageal infections and cancer. However, the role of specific factors, including fungal infections like Candida, in influencing cancer risk has remained unclear until now. To fill this knowledge gap, Xiaopei Guo, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and colleagues aimed to examine the prevalence of esophageal Candida infection in patients with achalasia and evaluate its association with the risk of developing esophageal cancer in this population.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients with achalasia diagnosed or referred to Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, between January 1, 1980, and May 31, 2024. Data analysis occurred from August 1 to October 31, 2024. The study examined the prevalence of esophageal Candida infection and its association with esophageal cancer risk using time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression models, with esophageal Candida infection as a time-varying covariate, adjusted for age at diagnosis and sex.

The following were the key findings of the study:

  • The study included 234 patients with achalasia (median age at diagnosis: 45 years; 50% male) and a median follow-up time of 13 years.
  • Esophageal Candida infection was identified in 12% of the patients.
  • Esophageal cancer was observed in 10% of the patients.
  • Risk analysis was conducted for 207 patients with two or more consecutive endoscopy follow-up visits (median age at diagnosis: 43 years; 50% male) and a median follow-up time of 16 years.
  • Esophageal Candida infection was independently associated with an increased risk of EC (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 8.24).
  • Age at diagnosis was linked to higher EC risk (AHR: 1.06).
  • Male sex was independently associated with greater EC risk (AHR: 3.34).

In conclusion, the authors highlight a notable prevalence of esophageal Candida infection among patients with achalasia and identify a significant association between prior Candida infection and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. These findings underscore the importance of enhanced documentation and monitoring of esophageal Candida infections during achalasia surveillance.

The authors recommend that patients diagnosed with esophageal Candida infection undergo regular surveillance endoscopy to facilitate the early detection of EC and improve clinical outcomes in this high-risk population.

Reference:

Guo X, Lam SY, Janmaat VT, et al. Esophageal Candida Infection and Esophageal Cancer Risk in Patients With Achalasia. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2454685. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.54685

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Guselkumab effective and safe treatment option for psoriasis patients, Study finds

A recent study reaffirmed the safety and effectiveness of guselkumab, in managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis over an extended period of 208 weeks (approximately 4 years). This real-world study published in the Clinical and experimental dermatology fills an important gap in long-term data for this treatment, previously validated through randomized clinical trials.

The study involved 202 patients diagnosed with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, each receiving at least one dose of guselkumab. Researchers tracked the patients’ progress, focusing on 3 key aspects which were drug survival (DS), clinical effectiveness, and safety. The effectiveness was evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), a standard measurement for assessing psoriasis severity and treatment response.

The patients experienced a marked improvement in their skin condition. The average PASI score dropped from 10.88 at the start of the treatment to an impressive 0.48 after 208 weeks, signifying substantial disease control.

At week 16, 30% of patients achieved PASI100 (Complete Skin Clearance), which increased to 64.71% by week 208. Similar trends were observed, with increasing numbers achieving this milestone over time in PASI90 (Near Total Skin Clearance). In the context of PASI ≤3 (Mild Disease), consistent improvements were seen, reflecting the sustained effectiveness of guselkumab.

At the end of the 208-week period, 68.5% of patients continued using guselkumab which indicated high long-term adherence and tolerability. Super responders (SRs) where patients achieving remarkable clinical improvement, were less likely to discontinue treatment, with cardiovascular comorbidities further reducing the risk of drug interruption. Also, none of the baseline characteristics of the patient population had a significant impact on effectiveness of guselkumab.

However, SRs showed better long-term responses, especially in achieving PASI100 and PASI90 scores. The study highlighted the favorable safety profile of guselkumab, with no unexpected adverse events reported during the extended treatment period. Overall, this real-world study provides strong evidence supporting guselkumab as a durable, effective, and safe treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis over 4 years.

Reference:

Mastorino, L., Dapavo, P., Ortoncelli, M., Stroppiana, E., Verrone, A., Astrua, C., Fiasconaro, C., Liao, Y., Gallo, G., Quaglino, P., & Ribero, S. (2025). Drug survival, effectiveness, and safety of guselkumab for moderate-to-severe psoriasis for up to 4 years. Clinical and experimental dermatology, llaf010. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/ced/llaf010

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Novel AI Model may measure Fetal Intracranial Markers During First Trimester for detecting CNS defects: Study

The progress made in first-trimester scanning has greatly broadened the ability to identify fetal structural abnormalities during early pregnancy. However, detecting central nervous system (CNS) defects such as open spinal bifida (OSB), agenesis of the corpus callosum, and posterior fossa malformations—particularly Dandy-Walker malformation—has traditionally posed challenges in the first trimester. Recent study focuses on establishing reference ranges for fetal intracranial markers during the first trimester and developing a novel artificial intelligence (AI) model to measure these markers automatically. This research addresses a critical gap, as prior to this study, no standardized reference ranges existed for these markers in the Chinese population, making early detection of fetal central nervous system (CNS) anomalies problematic.

Methodology

To achieve these objectives, the researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images from 4,233 singleton normal fetuses, scanned between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks of gestation. The study analyzed 10 key intracranial markers such as the brainstem, intracranial translucency, and the cisterna magna using standard ultrasound planes, thereby creating the first specific reference ranges for these markers. Measurements were then compared between the AI model and manual procedures to evaluate intra-observer consistency and time efficiency.

AI Model Development

The AI model was designed using advanced convolutional neural networks to interpret and measure the selected fetal markers from ultrasound images quickly and accurately. This model was trained on images manually annotated by experienced sonographers and underwent rigorous testing to validate its performance. According to the findings, the AI model demonstrated strong alignment with manual measurements, evidenced by high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs > 0.75) and Pearson correlation coefficients (> 0.75). Notably, the mean absolute errors were minimal, only ranging from 0.124 to 0.178 mm, indicating excellent precision. The AI was able to measure these markers in an average of 0.49 seconds, making the process over 65 times faster than traditional manual measurements, while also achieving a 100% detection rate for abnormal cases.

Significance and Implications

The significance of this study lies not only in the establishment of normal reference ranges for fetal intracranial markers, which enhances early screening for CNS malformations, but also in the successful integration of AI into routine prenatal care. The proposed AI model is expected to streamline the workflow for sonographers, reduce measurement errors, and heighten overall efficiency in fetal assessments during early pregnancy. Ultimately, this advancement could facilitate earlier diagnosis and clinical intervention, improving fetal outcomes. The research hence provides a substantial contribution to the field of obstetric ultrasound and paves the way for future AI applications in prenatal diagnostics.

Key Points

– The study aims to establish reference ranges for fetal intracranial markers during the first trimester, filling a gap in standardization for the Chinese population, which is crucial for early detection of fetal central nervous system (CNS) anomalies.

– Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 2D ultrasound images from 4,233 singleton normal fetuses, focusing on key intracranial markers such as brainstem and intracranial translucency, to create the first specific reference ranges for these markers.

– A novel AI model was developed utilizing advanced convolutional neural networks for the rapid and accurate measurement of selected fetal markers from ultrasound images, trained on manually annotated images by experienced sonographers.

– The AI model achieved high intraclass and Pearson correlation coefficients (> 0.75) relative to manual measurements, with mean absolute errors ranging from 0.124 to 0.178 mm, demonstrating exceptional precision and accuracy in measurements.

– The AI model significantly reduces the time for measuring markers, averaging only 0.49 seconds, being more than 65 times faster than traditional manual methods, while also achieving a 100% detection rate for abnormal cases.

– The study’s contributions enhance early screening for CNS malformations and pave the way for integrating AI in routine prenatal care, improving workflow efficiency, decreasing measurement errors, and potentially leading to better fetal outcomes through earlier diagnosis and clinical intervention.

Reference –

Lingling Sun et al. (2024). A Novel Artificial Intelligence Model For Measuring Fetal Intracranial Markers During The First Trimester Based On Two-Dimensional Ultrasound Image.. *International Journal Of Gynaecology And Obstetrics: The Official Organ Of The International Federation Of Gynaecology And Obstetrics*. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.15762

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Women with early menopause likely to have higher risk of heart failure, reveals study

Women with early menopause are likely to have a higher risk of heart failure, reveals a study published in the Menopause.

The mechanisms through which menopausal age influences heart failure (HF) development are controversial. Adiposity increases after menopause and could affect HF risk by influencing serum adipokine secretion. We investigated the associations of early menopause, and serum adipokines with incident HF in postmenopausal women. They included 746 postmenopausal women from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who reported their menopausal age and had data on adipokines and incident HF at the end of follow-up. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis. Results : The mean age was 65.1 years. Over a median follow-up period of 17.8 years, 45 HF events occurred. After adjusting for waist circumference, other cardiovascular disease risk factors and myocardial infarction, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of incident HF attributable to early menopause were 4.50 (1.41-14.3), 4.64 (1.46-14.7), and 5.16 (1.59-16.7) in models that additionally included adiponectin, leptin, and resistin, respectively. In adjusted analyses, adiponectin was independently associated with incident HF 2.20 (1.35-3.57), while leptin and resistin were not. The interaction terms of early menopause with adiponectin, leptin, and resistin for incident HF were not significant (Pint = 0.08-0.82). Early menopause was significantly associated with incident HF. This association did not differ by serum adipokine levels. Only adiponectin was independently associated with incident HF in postmenopausal women when waist circumference, body mass index, and waist-hip ratio were used as the adiposity metric.

Reference:

Ebong, Imo A. MD, MS1,2; Wilson, Machelle PhD1,2; Michos, Erin D. MD, MHS3; Appiah, Duke PhD4; Schreiner, Pamela J. PhD5; Racette, Susan B. PhD6; Allison, Matthew MD7; Watson, Karol MD, PhD8; Bertoni, Alain MD, MPH9. Menopausal age, adipokines, and heart failure incidence in postmenopausal women of Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Menopause ():10.1097/GME.0000000000002456, December 3, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002456

Keywords:

Women, early, menopause, higher, risk, heart failure, reveals, study, Menopause, Ebong, Imo A. MD, MS1,2; Wilson, Machelle PhD1,2; Michos, Erin D. MD, MHS3; Appiah, Duke PhD4; Schreiner, Pamela J. PhD5; Racette, Susan B. PhD6; Allison, Matthew MD7; Watson, Karol MD, PhD8; Bertoni, Alain

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Depression and Muscle Mass Affect Osteoporosis Risk in Hemodialysis Patients: Study

Researchers have established in a new study that depression and skeletal muscle mass significantly influence the risk of osteoporosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are common complications in HD patients, which often lead to severe health consequences. Depression is also highly prevalent in this population, but its association with osteoporosis remains unclear. This study was recently published in the journal of BMC Nephrology which was conducted by Xiaohua H. and fellow researchers in China.

Eight hundred and fifty-eight HD patients were enrolled across seven dialysis centers-including 524 men and 334 women. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated from body composition data obtained by multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength (HGS) with a dynamometer, and physical performance was measured by a 4-meter gait speed test. Depression was diagnosed based on scores from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

  • Osteoporosis prevalence: 39.2% of the HD patients had osteoporosis.

  • Sarcopenia prevalence: 18.9% of participants were diagnosed with sarcopenia.

  • Depression prevalence: 42.1% of HD patients exhibited depressive symptoms.

  • Muscle mass and osteoporosis: Higher SMI was associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis (OR = 0.638, 95% CI = 0.494-0.823, p=0.001).

  • Muscle strength and osteoporosis: HGS was not significantly associated with osteoporosis risk (OR = 0.990, 95% CI = 0.963-1.017, p=0.449).

  • Sarcopenia and osteoporosis: Patients with HD and sarcopenia had a 1.92 times higher risk of osteoporosis than those patients without sarcopenia.

  • Depression and osteoporosis: After adjusting for sarcopenia and SMI, depression emerged as an independent risk factor for osteoporosis. Risk was increased 1.45 times (OR = 1.452, 95% CI = 1.060-1.989, p=0.020).

Researchers concluded that the maintenance of muscle mass is more critical than muscle strength in preventing osteoporosis among HD patients. Depression also stands out as an independent risk factor, further complicating the management of bone health. These results indicate that optimization of osteoporosis prevention strategies for HD patients may require a comprehensive approach that addresses physical and mental health.

Reference:

Hu X, Ye X, Chen H, Wu B, Guo Q, Yu C, Ding W, Niu J, Zhao J, Qi H, Zhang S, Xue C, Zhang L. Depression as a risk factor for osteoporosis independent of sarcopenia in hemodialysis patients: findings from a multicenter cross-sectional study. BMC Nephrol. 2025 Jan 23;26(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s12882-025-03963-1. PMID: 39849392; PMCID: PMC11755883.

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Age related health decline may predict dementia risk, unravels research

An international study led by a University of Queensland researcher has found frailty increases a person’s risk of dementia, but early intervention may be the key to prevention.

Dr David Ward from the Centre for Health Services Research tracked the data of nearly 30,000 participants of 4 longitudinal studies in the United Kingdom and the United States, enabling researchers to detect changes in people’s health and function 20 years before they were diagnosed with dementia.

“The accumulation of age-related conditions is indicative of increasing frailty, which we found accelerates up to 9 years prior to a dementia diagnosis,” Dr Ward said.

“Our findings show with every 4-5 additional health problems there is on average a 40% higher risk of developing dementia, while for people who are fitter the risk is lower.

“This suggests frailty is not merely a consequence of undetected dementia but contributes to its onset.”

Frailty is a health state related to ageing where multiple organ systems lose their resilience, making individuals more likely to experience adverse health outcomes like falls, disability and hospitalisation.

“People age at different rates and the number of health problems that accumulate is captured by their degree of frailty,” Dr Ward said.

“By understanding the connection between ageing, frailty and dementia we can use targeted intervention strategies to reduce risk and improve quality of life.”

“This finding supports integrating frailty screening into routine check-ups and could be used to inform health programs which promote lifestyle interventions such as exercise and nutrition.”

According to the World Health Organization more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide, with 10 million new cases every year.

Study co-author, Professor David Llewellyn from the University of Exeter Medical School, said the research was one of the most comprehensive examinations of the link between frailty and dementia.

“This study is crucial because it identifies frailty as a significant predictor of dementia risk, offering a potential pathway for early intervention to improve health outcomes,” Professor Llewellyn said.

“The success of this research hinged on international collaboration, allowing us to investigate different populations and enhance the validity of our findings, which are likely to shape future clinical trials and prevention strategies.”

The study was a collaborative effort between researchers from The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Exeter, Alan Turing Institute, Nova Scotia Health, University of Colorado Boulder, Sapienza University of Rome, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm University, Italian National Institute of Health, Dalhousie University, and the Medical University of Graz.

The research was supported by the Deep Dementia Phenotyping (DEMON) Network, and the Australian Frailty Network (AFN).

The research paper has been published in JAMA Neurology.

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NBE begins registrations for DNB PDCET 2025, Know how to apply!

New Delhi- The National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has invited applications for the DNB – Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (PDCET) – 2025. For candidates appearing for DNB-PDCET, NBE has also released an information bulletin detailing the important dates, instructions on how to apply and important guidelines for the DNB – Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (PDCET) – 2025 

NBEMS shall conduct the DNB-PDCET 2025 examination as per the following schedule. The application process will commence on 30th January 2025 at 03:00 PM and remain open until 19th February 2025 (11:55 PM). Candidates who have successfully completed the payment can edit their applications, except for Name, Nationality, Email, Mobile Number, and Test City, during the Edit Window from 25th to 27th February 2025.

A Final Edit Window will be available from 7th to 10th March 2025 for rectifying deficient or incorrect images, including the photograph, signatures, and thumb impression, with no further opportunity for corrections beyond this period. The exam city information will be sent to candidates via email on 5th March 2025, while the admit card will be issued on 21st March 2025. The DNB-PDCET 2025 examination is scheduled to be conducted on 25th March 2025, and the results will be declared by 25th April 2025. Additionally, the cut-off date for qualifying the final PG Medical Diploma examination for eligibility in DNB-PDCET 2025 is 31st January 2025.

IMPORTANT DATES 

Processes 

Timelines 

Online Submission of Application Form

30th January 2025 (03:00PM Onwards) to

19th February 2025 (Till 11:55PM) 

Edit Window for All Payment Success Applications

Any information/documents can be edited

except Name, Nationality, Email, Mobile number and Test City)

25th – 27th February 2025 

Final and Selective Edit Window to rectify Deficient/Incorrect Images

(No further opportunity shall be given thereafter)

1. Photograph

2. Signatures

3. Thumb Impression

07th – 10th March 2025 

Issue of Admit Card 

21st March 2025

The city where the candidate will take the

exam will be informed to the candidate

through email on 05th March 2025. 

Examination Date 

25th March 2025 

Declaration of Result

By 25th April 2025 

Cut-off date for qualifying the final

examination of PG Medical Diploma

qualification towards eligibility for DNBPDCET 2025

31st January 2025

Information for Candidates

DNB-PDCET 2025 is the ranking examination for admission to various Post Diploma DNB courses of 2025 admission session.

DNB-PDCET 2025 will be conducted by NBEMS on a computer-based platform. Verification of documents of the candidates shall be undertaken at the time of counseling/admission process.

Candidate may kindly note that appearance in DNB-PDCET 2025 does not confer any automatic rights to secure a Post Diploma DNB seat in a NBEMS accredited hospital/institute.

Candidates are advised to read the Information Bulletin carefully and go through the instructions regarding submission of online application form given in the information bulletin as well as on DNB-PDCET 2025 index page on NBEMS website before starting online submission process for DNB-PDCET 2025.

Candidates are deemed to have read, agreed and accepted the Information Bulletin and the terms and conditions in the Information Bulletin for DNB-PDCET 2025 on completing the online submission of application form.

Candidate should ensure that all the information entered during the online submission of application form is correct and factual. Information provided by the candidates in the online application form shall be treated as correct and NBEMS will not entertain, under any circumstances, any request for change in the information provided by the candidates. The option of editing certain information entered in the application form shall be available to the candidates during the edit window. Please refer Chapter on Instructions to fill Application Form for details regarding Edit Window. 

NBEMS itself does not edit /modify/alter any information entered by the candidates at the time of online submission of application form under any circumstances. There is no provision of accessing the application form to make any changes in the information provided in the application form after closure of edit window. Such requests to make any changes shall not be entertained. Candidates, however, shall be able to rectify the deficiencies in their application (if so communicated by NBEMS) regarding images and/or documents uploaded, by the prescribed cut-off dates.

Please refer Chapter on Instructions to Fill DNB-PDCET 2025 Application Form. Candidates are advised to review their applications submitted and rectify the deficiencies, if found any, within the window as detailed below. Candidates may note that deficiency in the application form pertaining to images and documents uploaded may be communicated to them by NBEMS, however, it shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application submitted is complete in all aspects as per the information bulletin. If any deficiency in the application which was not communicated by NBEMS to the applicant before conduct of the examination, is noted at any later stage, this would not create any equity in favour of the candidate and confer any rights on to the candidates for grant of eligibility for the examination.

Edit Window: Candidates who have successfully submitted their payment for the application during Application Submission window shall only be allowed to edit their applications during 25th to 27th February 2025. No new application can be registered or payment can be made during edit window. Any information/document can be changed/corrected during the edit window except for Name, Test City, Nationality, Mobile Number and Email ID. Information can be edited any number of times before the closure of the window. The last submitted information will be saved in records.

Final and Selective Edit Window: Deficiency related to images uploaded (photograph, Signature, Thumb Impression) shall be intimated to the concerned candidates by NBEMS and same can be corrected during the final edit window i.e. 07th to 10th March 2025. No further opportunity shall be given to make corrections. Candidates are advised to submit the images in their application as per prescribed image upload guidelines. Failure to submit images as per guidelines and/or failure to rectify the images shall invite rejection of the application.

Deficiency related to documents uploaded (Proof of possessing PG Medical Diploma Qualification, Proof of recognition of PG Medical Diploma Qualification as per provisions of NMC Act etc) can be rectified by 13th March 2025.

 Application for DNB-PDCET 2025 can only be submitted online through NBEMS website There is no other methodology for application submission. Application submitted through any other mode shall be summarily rejected.

A candidate can submit DNB-PDCET 2025 application form only once. If a candidate is found to have submitted more than one application form for DNB-PDCET 2025, NBEMS may issue admit card to the application bearing higher order Application number (application ID) and cancel other application(s) forfeiting the fee for them. In an event any unfair practice is detected by NBEMS at any stage of examination/admission process, NBEMS may cancel the candidature of such candidates and debar them from appearing in any examinations conducted by NBEMS as per provisions of the Unfair Means Guidelines.

Candidates who fail to submit duly completed applications with requisite documents and/or fail to rectify the deficiencies in their applications by the last date prescribed for rectification shall be declared ineligible. Admit Card shall not be issued to candidates who are declared ineligible before conduct of examination. In such cases, the entire fees will be forfeited.

Applications of candidates producing false or fabricated records will not be considered and such candidates will be further debarred from appearing in the future examinations of NBEMS. Action as deemed appropriate by NBEMS will be taken if false or fabricated records/ information is submitted or any unfair means are used.

Candidates are advised to ensure that no mandatory column in the online application form is left blank. In the event of rejection of the application form, no correspondence/request for re-consideration will be entertained.

Candidates should ensure before applying for the examination that their PG Medical Diploma Qualification is recognized as per provisions of the NMC Act, 2019 and the Indian Medical Council Act. If it is found at any time that PG Medical Diploma Qualification is not recognized, the candidature / result of the candidate shall be cancelled/ deemed to be cancelled.

Candidates should go through this bulletin carefully for eligibility criteria before applying. Queries pertaining to eligibility and other issues will only be entertained if the information requested is not given in the bulletin of information or NBEMS website. No Queries of the Guardians/Parents will be entertained on telephone with regard to the eligibility and disclosure of the results.

Submission of incomplete online application form not in accordance with prescribed instructions shall invite rejection of the application. In such cases, the examination fee shall not be refunded.

Candidate found ineligible at any stage of DNB-PDCET 2025 Examination, will not be permitted to appear in the examination. In an unlikely event of any ineligible candidate appearing and/or passing the DNB-PDCET 2025 examination, the results/candidature of such candidate shall be cancelled and/or is deemed to be cancelled, even if result has been declared or score card has been issued. 

NBEMS reserves the right to withdraw permission, if any, granted inadvertently to any candidate who is not eligible to appear in the DNBPDCET 2025 Examinations even though the admit card/roll number has been issued or name/roll number is displayed on NBEMS website.

Fee shall neither be carried forward to a future exam nor refunded under any circumstances. Application once submitted can not be withdrawn.

Candidates’ eligibility is purely provisional & is subjected to the fulfilment of eligibility criteria as prescribed in this Information Bulletin.

Instructions in the Information Bulletin are liable to change based on decisions taken by the NBEMS /MoHFW/NMC from time to time. There is no equity or any rights that are /or deemed to be arising in favour of candidate. Candidates are required to refer to the latest bulletin or corrigendum that may be issued to incorporate these changes. Refer NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in for latest updates or corrigendum.

The existing schedule, pattern, policy and guidelines are for ready reference only but in no way, they are or are ought to be treated as representative or acknowledgment of fact that NBEMS is bound to follow the same in future. NBEMS reserves its absolute right to alter, amend, modify or apply any or some of the instructions/ guidelines contained in this information bulletin.

In case of any ambiguity in interpretation of any of the instructions/ terms/ rules/criteria regarding the determination of eligibility/conduct of examinations/ registration of candidates/information contained herein, the interpretation of the NBEMS shall be final and binding in nature. In case of any discrepancy in the information contained in English and Hindi version of the bulletin, the information mentioned in English language shall be considered final. 

Request shall not be entertained for change in date/center of examination under any circumstances. Candidates are advised not to canvass for such representation.

Admit Cards for DNB-PDCET 2025 shall be available to downloaded at NBEMS website  from 21st March 2025 onwards. Candidates found ineligible before conduct of the examination shall not be issued admit cards.

Result of DNB-PDCET 2025 shall be displayed on NBEMS websites

DNB-PDCET 2025 shall be conducted by NBEMS at various exam centres engaged for the purpose. Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the route and location of the exam centre. Please refer Chapter on details of Test Day Procedures.

The examination test centre staff on duty is authorized to verify the identity of candidates and may take steps to verify and record the identity of candidates. Candidates are required to extend requisite cooperation.

Possession/Use of mobile phones/Electronic devices is strictly prohibited in the premises of NBEMS test Centres. Candidates shall be liable for penal action for Possession/ Use of Mobile phones/ Electronic devices. Please go through guidelines detailed in Chapter on use of unfair means in the examination.

Demo Test: A demo test shall be available for the benefit of candidates to familiarise themselves with the Computer Based Test format at website Candidates will be able to access the Demo test tentatively from 13th March 2025.

The candidates should communicate with NBEMS regarding matters related to DNB-PDCET 2025 as per prescribed Protocols only, detailed under Chapter on Communication Protocols. 

Candidates are encouraged to communicate for DNB-PDCET 2025 through “helpdesk” tab which can be accessed after the applicant login to its application account. The correspondence through post should be addressed to the Executive Director, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, Medical Enclave, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029. Candidates are requested to superscribe the envelope with the subject matter of the correspondence for expeditious processing.

The Registration for DNB-PDCET 2025 at the time of Counseling to be conducted by designated counseling authority will be as per the details of candidates submitted in NBEMS DNB-PDCET 2025 Application Form and will be pre-populated in the Registration Form for counseling. Hence, candidates are advised to maintain their same Registration details e.g. mobile number, Email ID etc. as provided in the NBEMS DNB-PDCET 2025 application form.

The jurisdiction for court cases/disputes shall be at New Delhi only.

Instructions to Fill Online DNBPDCET 2025 Application Form

New User Registration: All candidates desirous of applying for DNBPDCET 2025 shall be required to create an online profile of themselves to generate a UserID and Password.

Applicant Login: This User ID and Password so created will allow the candidate to login as an applicant for DNB-PDCET 2025 session and register an online application. The “Go To Application” link will allow the applicant to continue with the application submission immediately after user creation.

If the Login password is lost, it can be retrieved by clicking “Forgot Your Password”.

Name of Candidate: Please mention your full name as in PG Medical Diploma Qualification Certificate. Name as entered by the candidate while creating his/her User ID shall be reflected in a non-editable format in his/her examination application form. No change in the name shall be permissible under any circumstances after submission of an application. The candidate shall be required to produce his/her Govt issued ID proof bearing same name at the test centre on the test day to seek entry. It is strongly advised not to submit an application with an error in the candidate’s name as it shall not be allowed to be edited after application submission. If the user has entered his/her name wrongly while registering the user, please create another user with correct name.

Gender and Date of Birth: Indicate your gender and Day, Month & Year of your birth. Please enter the correct date of birth carefully while registering the user.

Nationality: Please choose your nationality amongst the options given: Indian, Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)/PIO and Non OCI Foreign Nationals. Indian Citizens who are not NRI should choose Indian. An Indian Citizen should choose Non-Resident Indian, if he/she is an NRI. If you are a Foreign National but also an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), please choose OCI/PIO. Foreign Nationals who are not an OCI should choose Non OCI Foreign National.

Email ID: Email ID chosen by the candidate shall be verified through a system generated OTP for user creation. Same email ID can not be used for registration of any other user concurrently. Please note that all email correspondence with the candidate shall be done at this email ID only. Email chosen by the candidate shall be the primary means to communicate with the candidate for examination purposes. Information related to examinations shall be sent at this email ID. Candidates shall also be able to communicate with NBEMS through this registered email only. Correspondence received from any other email ID of the candidate shall not be entertained. Therefore, candidates are advised to choose the email ID carefully. Candidates are required to use same Email ID for counseling Registration Form of designated counseling authority as used in NBEMS DNB-PDCET 2025 Application Form.

Mobile No. : Please provide a unique mobile number for receiving Examinations related communications sent through SMS. Mobile number chosen by the candidate shall NOT be the primary means to communicate with the candidate for examination purposes. Same Mobile No. as used for NBEMS DNB-PDCET 2025 Registration will be used at the time of Registration for Counseling.

The UserID/Application ID and password so generated shall be sent to the registered email ID of the candidate for future records.

The index page of DNB-PDCET 2025 at NBEMS website provides a quick link, “Already Registered? To login”. The online application form for DNB-PDCET 2025 can be accessed through this quick link after successful creation of User ID.

The candidate can login using his/her User ID and Password.

The application submission process can be completed either in a single sitting or in multiple sittings, as per the candidate’s choice, during the application submission window. However, once an application is successfully completed & submitted, it shall be available for editing certain field only during the “edit window”.

Candidates are advised not to complete & submit their online application in a haste so as to avoid any errors in providing information. Request for making any changes in date of birth, name or any other information provided in the application shall be summarily rejected. NBEMS does not edit/modify/change any information provided by the candidates in their applications of its own. Candidates has the option to make corrections in any information except name, nationality, test city, mobile number and email ID during the edit window.

The candidate shall be required to provide information as asked under various heads. It is strongly recommended to keep the required information handy before start filling the application. Please read the User Manual available at the index page of DNB-PDCET 2025 for step wise details asked in the application form.

Upload of Prescribed Images (Photograph, Scanned Signatures and Thumb Impression): Please refer Image Upload Instructions available at NBEMS website and at the end of this information bulletin for details of specifications for uploading photograph, signatures and thumb impression. Images which are not as per prescribed specification shall not be considered and may lead to rejection of the application. Please ensure that uploaded photograph is a RECENT photograph and in any case should have not been taken more than 3 months before the date of application submission. Uploading a photograph which is not a recent one or which is not as per prescribed image upload guidelines as detailed in this information bulletin and/or failure to rectify the same in the final edit window shall invite rejection of the application.

The test city can be selected from available choices on first come first serve basis. While the city will be chosen by the candidate himself / herself at the time of online submission of application form, allotment of test centre/venue in the chosen city shall be done by NBEMS.

 After selection of test city, the candidate shall be required to pay the prescribed examination fee online. The fee can not be paid through any mode other than the payment gateway available in online application form. 

Candidates shall be prompted to preview the entire application before submission in order to make any corrections, if so required. They shall be required to submit the application after agreeing to the “declaration”. This shall complete the entire process of application submission.

Acknowledgement of Application Submission: An acknowledgement email shall be sent to the registered email ID confirming submission of an application by the candidate. Submission of application shall be completed only after successful payment of examination fee. Candidate should confirm the status of payment in the application form PDF where ’S’ would stand for “Successful” and “F” would stand for “Failed”.

Edit Window: Candidates who have successfully submitted their payment for the application during Application Submission window shall only be allowed to edit their applications during 25th to 27th February 2025. No new application can be registered or payment can be made during edit window. Any information/document can be changed/corrected during the edit window except for Name, Test City, Nationality, Mobile Number and Email ID. Information can be edited any number of times before the closure of the window. The last submitted information will be saved in records.

 All editable fields in the application form shall be open for the candidate to make any corrections, if so required. Details of field which can not be edited are mentioned below.

Information entered in the application form can be changed during the “Edit Window”. However, following fields in the application form shall remain non-editable:

 Name of the Candidate

 Email ID

 Mobile number

 Nationality

 Test City

No editing in information provided shall be permissible in the application form, once edit window is over. 

NBEMS disclaims any liability that may arise due to incorrect information provided by the candidate during online application form submission.

Subsequent to closure of edit window, deficiency, if any related to images/documents uploaded, in the application form shall be communicated to concerned candidates:

Final and Selective Edit Window: Deficiency related to images uploaded (photograph, Signature, Thumb Impression) shall be intimated to the concerned candidates and same can be corrected during the final edit window i.e. 07th to 10th March 2025. No further opportunity shall be given to make corrections. Candidates are advised to submit the images in their application as per prescribed image upload guidelines. Failure to submit images as per guidelines and/or failure to rectify the images shall invite rejection of the application.

Deficiency related to documents uploaded (Proof of possessing PG Medical Diploma Qualification, Proof of recognition of PG Medical Diploma Qualification as per provisions of NMC Act etc) can be rectified by 13th March 2025.

NBEMS does not edit /modify/alter any information entered by the candidates at the time of online submission of application form under any circumstances. Any requests for change in information by NBEMS shall not be entertained. Candidates are advised to carefully enter the information in the application form. The Category filled by the candidates while applying for DNB-PDCET 2025 will not be changed at the time of counseling. The details of the candidates will be pre-populated in Counseling Registration Form as provided by them while filling up the NBEMS Application form for DNB-PDCET 2025. Any representation in this regard will not be entertained.

Candidates who fail to submit duly completed applications with requisite documents and/or fail to rectify the deficiencies in their applications by the last date prescribed for rectification shall be declared ineligible. Admit Card shall not be issued to candidates who are declared ineligible. In such cases, the entire fees will be forfeited. 

The following sequence shall be observed while filing the online application form:

• Fill the user registration form to generate User ID/Application ID and Password.

• User ID and Password will be sent through SMS and Email.

• Complete the application form and upload your Photograph, Scanned signature, Thumb impression & Prescribed documents.

• Choose your Test City and pay Examination Fee

• Agree to the declaration and Submit Application

• Take a print out of the filled Application form with Transaction ID printed on it and payment status mentioned as “S” (Successful) for records.

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Andhra FMGs rally outside medical council office demanding permanent registration

Demanding solutions to the challenges faced by them, the foreign medical graduates in Andhra Pradesh held a peaceful and silent protest in front of the State Medical Council on Tuesday.

It is alleged that the students are being asked to undergo 2-3 years of internship even though they went back to their parent institutes and compensated for their online classes.

For more information, click on the link below:

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