Unhealthy Lifestyle, Chronic Illnesses, and Mental Health Issues Linked to Greater BPH Severity in Elderly Chinese Men: Study

China: A recent study published in Frontiers in Medicine highlights a significant relationship between the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and lifestyle choices, the presence of multiple chronic conditions, and mental health status among older Chinese men. Conducted by Yifan Wu and colleagues from the Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China, the research emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to managing LUTS/BPH.  

The study examined how various lifestyle and health-related factors affect the intensity of LUTS/BPH symptoms in elderly individuals and provided evidence-based insights for developing integrated intervention strategies. A total of 806 men aged 60 years and above, all diagnosed with LUTS/BPH, were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and categorized into mild and moderate-to-severe groups.

Participants provided comprehensive data on demographics, clinical parameters, lifestyle habits, existing chronic diseases, and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate how these variables influenced the severity of BPH symptoms.

The following were the key findings of the study:

  • Individuals with moderate-to-severe LUTS/BPH symptoms were more likely to smoke, follow unhealthy diets, and lead sedentary lifestyles.
  • They were also more commonly affected by multiple chronic illnesses and mental health issues, such as depression and poor sleep quality.
  • After adjusting for factors like age, disease duration, prostate volume, PSA levels, and other lab markers, lifestyle and health variables still showed strong links to symptom severity.
  • Current smoking nearly doubled the risk of severe LUTS/BPH (OR = 1.995).
  • Lack of regular physical activity also nearly doubled the risk (OR = 1.996).
  • Unhealthy dietary habits were significantly associated with increased symptom severity (OR = 1.590).
  • The absence of heart disease was linked to a lower risk of severe symptoms (OR = 0.435).
  • A normal lipid profile was associated with reduced severity (OR = 0.587).
  • Not having diabetes was linked to a decreased risk (OR = 0.523).
  • The absence of depressive symptoms was associated with less severe LUTS/BPH (OR = 0.447).
  • Good sleep quality was also linked to a lower risk of severe symptoms (OR = 0.494).

The authors emphasized that while their study offers valuable insights, it also has limitations. It was conducted at a single urban hospital, which may limit the broader applicability of the findings. Additionally, being observational, the study does not establish direct cause-and-effect relationships. Some participants with severe psychiatric conditions were excluded to avoid confounding effects from medications like antidepressants, which can influence urinary function.

The authors concluded that the findings underscore the importance of addressing not only the physical symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia but also the associated lifestyle and mental health factors.

They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach involving hospitals and community-based care systems to encourage healthy behaviors, manage coexisting chronic conditions, and develop personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, they recommended conducting future multicenter studies across diverse populations to validate the results and support the development of more comprehensive and inclusive care models.

Reference:

Wu, Y., Zhang, Y., Liu, X., Huang, Y., Hua, Y., & Feng, N. (2025). Association between lifestyle, multiple chronic conditions, mental health status and the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia in Chinese elderly. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1545344. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1545344

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NEET 2025: Check Expected MBBS Cutoffs for Govt Medical Colleges in Karnataka

New Delhi: With the NEET UG 2025 results announced and AIQ counselling to begin soon, thousands of medical aspirants across Karnataka are now turning their attention to the state’s MBBS counselling process. Among the top choices for many are the government medical colleges that offer quality education at subsidized fees.

Karnataka is home to a broad spectrum of government medical institutions, from top-tier colleges in Bengaluru and Mysuru to newer institutes in districts like Raichur, Karwar, and Koppal. For students aiming to secure a seat through the KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) counselling, understanding the cut-off trends is essential for strategic choice filling.

Below is a comprehensive look at the expected NEET 2025 closing ranks and scores for government medical colleges in Karnataka, across General, SC, and ST categories, based on previous years’ allotments.

NEET Cut off for Karnataka Government Medical Colleges

College
Name		 General SC ST
NEET Rank NEET
Scores		 NEET
Rank		 NEET
Scores
Bangalore Medical College and Research
Institute		 1566 666 13930
Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences 11059 622 69416
Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences 12755 617 74193
Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College
Research Institute		 9171 628 47588
Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences 12744 617 78043
ESI Post Graduate Institute of Medical
Sciences and Research, Bangalore		 8565 630 57095
ESIC Medical College, Gulbarga 12149 619 71754
Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadag 13424 615 78608
Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences,
Gulbarga		 13095 616 76245
Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan 10693 623 76647
Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences 9435 627 62027
Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar 12762 617 78874
Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Kodagu 11360 621 79289
Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences 13537 615 79870
Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya 9569 626 76634
Mysore Medical College and Research
Institute, Mysore		 4987 645 48903
Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences,
Raichur		 13302 616 78583
Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences,
Shimoga		 11414 621 76299
Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences,
Bellary		 12003 619 77172

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Study explores ‘social norms’ of distracted driving among teens

A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers offers a stark reminder of how pervasive cell phone use while driving is among young people. The study team developed and disseminated a questionnaire to over 1,100 participants and conducted 20 interviews for high school students to identify the factors influencing them to engage in distracted driving. They found an average of 21% of teen drivers drive distracted and share other insights behind the behavior. Their results are published in Traffic Injury Prevention.

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Study explores ‘social norms’ of distracted driving among teens

A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers offers a stark reminder of how pervasive cell phone use while driving is among young people. The study team developed and disseminated a questionnaire to over 1,100 participants and conducted 20 interviews for high school students to identify the factors influencing them to engage in distracted driving. They found an average of 21% of teen drivers drive distracted and share other insights behind the behavior. Their results are published in Traffic Injury Prevention.

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Bicycling? Orthopedic surgeon shares tips to protect your hands, wrists and head

Bicycling is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re a recreational rider or a daily commuter, it’s important to protect your hands and wrists. Dr. Sanj Kakar, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands and wrists, shares practical tips to prevent injuries while biking.

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Bicycling? Orthopedic surgeon shares tips to protect your hands, wrists and head

Bicycling is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re a recreational rider or a daily commuter, it’s important to protect your hands and wrists. Dr. Sanj Kakar, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands and wrists, shares practical tips to prevent injuries while biking.

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Study finds mental health disorders, malaria and heart disease were most affected by COVID pandemic

Disrupted care during the COVID-19 pandemic led to sharp increases in other non-COVID causes of illness and death, particularly mental health disorders, malaria in young children, and stroke and heart disease in older adults, finds a study published by The BMJ.

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Thresholds for preop serum calcitonin predict lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer

Updated threshold values of preoperative serum calcitonin predict different extents of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), according to a study published in the August issue of JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

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Beyond crime scenes: How forensic pathologists play a key role in tracking disease and supporting public health

Forensic pathologists play a unique role in monitoring and responding to public health threats and advancing our understanding of human disease and injury, according to a new review article published July 3 in The New England Journal of Medicine.

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Intravascular Insights: Study evaluates Overlooked Challenge of Volume Depletion in Colonoscopy Preparation

Fasting and bowel preparation before colonoscopy can lead to intravascular volume depletion, but rigorous assessment of its clinical implications is limited. Recent prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between intravascular volume status and hypotension during propofol sedation for elective colonoscopy. The cohort included adult patients undergoing colonoscopy following polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel preparation. Using a combination of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and ClearSight noninvasive monitoring, the study aimed to assess pre-procedural volume status and monitor intraprocedural hemodynamics.

Patient Analysis

Among the 99 patients analyzed, 32% exhibited signs of intravascular volume depletion based on TTE assessments following a passive leg-raising test. The study observed inadequate agreement between TTE and ClearSight measurements of stroke volume at baseline and post-leg raising, casting doubt on the reliability of the noninvasive monitor alone in determining volume status. Notably, significant intraprocedural hypotension, defined as a mean arterial pressure below 60 mm Hg, was more prevalent in patients identified as fluid-responsive compared to those who were normovolemic (48% vs. 21%, respectively).

Demographic Insights

The lack of significant association between demographic variables (age, ASA status, antihypertensive therapy) and fluid responsiveness suggests that other factors may be influencing intravascular depletion. Fasting durations for fluids and food averaged 9 hours and 25 hours, respectively, which aligns with established guidelines, yet the risks associated with fasting and required bowel preparation persist.

Monitoring Implications

The study emphasizes that while individuals undergoing colonoscopy may frequently display signs of fluid responsiveness, their hemodynamic stability remains questionable, especially under sedation’s influence. Propofol’s vasodilatory effects amplify this concern, suggesting a need for vigilant monitoring during procedures. Though current recommendations encourage intravenous fluid administration as a preventive strategy against hypotension, its efficacy continues to be debated.

Conclusions and Future Directions

Overall, the findings underscore a critical gap in understanding the clinical impacts of bowel preparation-induced volume depletion during colonoscopy. The study suggests a need for further investigation into the optimal management of intravascular volume status pre-procedurally and the overall necessity of advanced monitoring approaches in outpatient endoscopic settings to mitigate adverse outcomes.

Key Points

– A prospective cohort study assessed the impact of fasting and bowel preparation on intravascular volume status and hypotension during propofol sedation in elective colonoscopy, revealing that volume depletion may lead to significant hemodynamic instability.

– Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) indicated that 32% of the 99 patients studied exhibited signs of intravascular volume depletion after a passive leg-raising test; however, there was a notable lack of agreement between TTE and ClearSight noninvasive monitoring regarding stroke volume measurements, raising concerns about the latter’s reliability.

– Patients identified as fluid-responsive experienced a higher incidence of significant intraprocedural hypotension compared to those classified as normovolemic (48% vs. 21%), demonstrating the potential risks associated with inadequate volume status during sedation.

– Demographic factors such as age, ASA status, and antihypertensive medication use did not correlate with fluid responsiveness, indicating the involvement of other unidentified elements in intravascular depletion.

– The study highlighted the necessity of ongoing monitoring during colonoscopies, particularly under propofol sedation, due to the anesthetic’s vasodilatory effects which can exacerbate hypotensive episodes, despite existing guidelines recommending preventive intravenous fluid administration.

– Findings point to an urgent need for enhanced understanding and management strategies for intravascular volume status prior to procedures, advocating for the exploration of advanced monitoring techniques in outpatient endoscopic environments to minimize the risk of adverse events.

Reference –

Allen, M.L., Kluger, M., Schneider, F. et al. Fluid responsiveness and hypotension in patients undergoing propofol-based sedation for colonoscopy following bowel preparation: a prospective cohort study. Can J Anesth/J Can Anesth 72, 529–539 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-025-02939-x

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