Health Bulletin 13/February/2024

Here are the Top health stories for the day:

NEET 2024 eligibility criteria released

Inviting applications from the aspirants seeking admission to MBBS, BDS courses, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the information bulletin for the NEET 2024.

For more details, check out the link given below:

NEET 2024: Here Is Eligibility Criteria For MBBS Entrance Exam


AIIMS Delhi introduces Mohs Micrographic Surgery for skin cancer

Our skin serves as the body’s protective barrier, yet without proper care, it can become susceptible to serious conditions like cancer.

The global incidence of cancer, including skin cancer, is on the rise. Every month, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi treats 5 to 6 patients with skin cancer.

To address this growing concern, AIIMS Delhi has introduced a new surgery for skin cancer treatment. Inaugurated by Professor M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Hospital on Saturday, this new facility ensures that patients no longer need to seek treatment abroad.

For the full story, check out the link given below:

Delhi AIIMS Introduces Mohs Micrographic Surgery For Skin Cancer Treatment

Registration mandated for doctors in Bengal; deadline set by Medical Council

The medical practitioners who are employed in any capacity in West Bengal, those involved in private practice, or the Postgraduate students in any medical college in the State will now mandatorily require registration with the West Bengal Medical Council. This includes the doctors who have registrations in other states and are currently working in the state.

Issuing a notification in this regard on 09.02.2024, the Council further clarified that those who do not have registration with the West Bengal Medical Council will have to obtain the same within the coming three months.

For the full story, check out the link given below:

Registration Mandatory For All Doctors Practising, Studying In Bengal, Medical Council Gives Deadline

AIIMS Implements Cashless System

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has launched the AIIMS SBI Smart Payment Card. The AIIMS SBI Smart Payment Card will ensure hassle-free payments for treatment in AIIMS New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Health Minister highlighted that the “AIIMS Smart Payment Card will resolve the long pending issue of patients from far-flung areas carrying cash with them to the hospital.” He added that patients or their caretakers can get the card easily from the facilitation centres across AIIMS, New Delhi and thereafter use it for payment at various counters.

For the full story, check out the link given below:

One AIIMS, One Card: Union Health Minister Launches AIIMS-SBI Smart Card For Cashless Payments


Atlantic diet linked to reduced belly fat and cholesterol

The European diet scene is abuzz with attention, but this time it’s not the Mediterranean regimen stealing the spotlight. Instead, focus has shifted to the Atlantic diet, also recognized as the Southern European Atlantic diet, which draws inspiration from the culinary customs of northern Portugal and northwestern Spain. Numerous studies have highlighted its health advantages, with recent research indicating a notable reduction in the incidence of metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with heightened risks of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, adhering to the Atlantic diet has shown promise in diminishing the likelihood of depression and overall mortality rates, while simultaneously enhancing cholesterol levels and reducing abdominal fat.

So, what exactly does this diet entail? Well, it begins with a foundation of fresh produce and a touch of wine, resembling the renowned Mediterranean diet in its emphasis on minimally processed, fresh foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. However, the Atlantic diet distinguishes itself by placing greater emphasis on fish, seafood, potatoes, and dairy products. Moderate consumption of both red and lean meats, alongside eggs and wine, is also integrated into the regimen.

Reference: Cristina Cambeses-Franco, MSc; Francisco Gude, PhD; Alfonso J. Benítez-Estévez, PhD; et al Traditional Atlantic Diet and Its Effect on Health and the Environment, JAMA Netw Open. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.54473

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New study finds roughly 1 in 10 pregnant people will develop long COVID

While there is a growing body of research about the long-term effects of COVID in the general adult population, little research has been done on the long-term impacts on those who get COVID while pregnant.

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Data-driven app results in 25% fewer emergency hospital admissions from care homes

The use of a digital remote monitoring technology in care homes has been found to reduce hospital A&E attendances by 11% and emergency admissions by 25% in a new study from the Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) Better Care program, published today in Age and Ageing.

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Plant-based diet tied to improved sexual health in men treated for prostate cancer

A diet that limits meat and dairy but is rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts is linked to less erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and other common side effects seen in prostate cancer patients, a new study shows.

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Quality of care for patients who call 911 varies greatly across the US, study finds

Emergency medical service (EMS) systems are not consistently providing optimal care based on new national standards of quality to patients who call 911, according to a new study from the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai.

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Interferon-gamma drives brain pathology in a mouse model of multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease, where insoluble inclusions of the protein alpha-synuclein appear in oligodendrocyte cells of the brain. The resulting pathogenesis features neuroinflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration. Oligodendrocytes produce myelin, an insulating sheath on the axons of nerves.

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Intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage control device controls bleeding for vaginal and cesarean deliveries

PPH causes 70,000 maternal deaths annually and 12% of U.S. maternal deaths (2017-2019). Obstetric hemorrhage affects physical, reproductive, and mental health.

The application of an intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage control device resulted in rapid and effective bleeding control for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, as demonstrated by a real-world study’s findings published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. The FDA cleared the JADA system in August 2020 for managing abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding.

A team of researchers led by Dr Goffman and colleagues assessed the real-world effectiveness and safety of a U.S. FDA-cleared intrauterine vacuum-induced-hemorrhage control device for managing PPH (postpartum hemorrhage).

This study was conducted at 16 American centres between October 2020 and March 2022. The primary outcome was evaluated based on treatment success, which was defined as controlling bleeding without additional treatment or recurrence. The study also examined other outcomes, such as blood loss, time to device insertion, indwelling time, bleeding recurrence, and time to bleeding control. The study evaluated treatment success and severe maternal morbidity by assessing blood loss before treatment and collected data on serious adverse events and adverse device effects to assess safety. The study summarized all outcomes by mode of delivery and treatment success by bleeding cause.

Key findings from the study are:

· 800 individuals were treated with the device ( (530 vaginal births, 270 cesarean births)

· 94.3% had uterine atony (alone or in combination with other causes).

· Median total blood loss at device insertion in vaginal and cesarean births was 1,050 mL and 1,600 mL, respectively.

· Across all bleeding causes, the treatment success rate vaginal and cesarean births was 92.5% and 83.7%, respectively. The Median indwelling time was 3.1 hours and 4.6 hours, respectively.

· In vaginal births and cesarean births, 14 SAEs (13 individuals) and 22 SAEs (21 individuals) were reported.

· Three SAEs were deemed possibly device or procedure-related.

· No uterine perforations or deaths were reported.

The FDA-cleared intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage-control device effectively controlled bleeding in real-world settings for both vaginal and cesarean births. The safety profile was consistent with the registrational trial (NCT02883673), and no severe adverse device effects or SAEs were observed. This device serves as a crucial tool for managing life-threatening obstetric hemorrhage and may improve outcomes with timely utilization.

Reference:

Goffman et al. Real-World Utilization of an Intrauterine, Vacuum-Induced, Hemorrhage-Control Device. Obstetrics & Gynecology 142(5):p 1006-1016, November 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005366

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Aurobindo Pharma bags USFDA okay for Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug Deflazacort

Hyderabad: Aurobindo Pharma Limited has announced that the Company has received final approval from the US Food & Drug
Administration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Deflazacort Tablets, 6 mg, 18 mg, 30 mg, and 36 mg, which
is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug (RLD), EMFLAZA tablets 6 mg, 18
mg, 30 mg and 36 mg of PTC Therapeutics Inc.

The product will be launched in February 2024.
The approved product has an estimated market size of US$ 67 million for the three months ending September
2023, according to PTC Therapeutics Inc.

Aurobindo now has a total of 502 ANDA approvals (482 Final approvals
and 20 tentative approvals) from USFDA.

Deflazacort Tablets, 6 mg, 18 mg, 30 mg, and 36 mg is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular
dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe type of muscular dystrophy mainly impacting males. Onset of muscle weakness typically begins around age four and progresses rapidly. Initial muscle deterioration often affects the thighs and pelvis before spreading to the arms, leading to difficulties in standing up. By around age 12, most individuals affected by DMD lose the ability to walk. Affected muscles may appear enlarged due to increased fat content, and scoliosis is a common complication. Some individuals may also experience intellectual disabilities.

Aurobindo Pharma Limited is an integrated global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Hyderabad, India. The
Company develops, manufactures, and commercializes a wide range of generic pharmaceuticals, branded
specialty pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients globally in over 150 countries.
The company has 25 manufacturing and packaging facilities that are approved by leading regulatory agencies
including USFDA, UK MHRA, EDQM, Japan PMDA, WHO, Health Canada, South Africa MCC, Brazil ANVISA.

The
company’s product portfolio is spread over 7 major therapeutic/product areas encompassing CNS, AntiRetroviral, CVS, Antibiotics, Gastroenterological, Anti-Diabetics and Anti-Allergic, supported by a strong R&D
set-up.

Read also: Aurobindo Pharma arm bags CDSCO panel recommendation for grant of marketing authorization of biosimilar trastuzumab

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Diabetes and Tiredness: Fact or Fiction? – Dr Kirti Samudra

Maintaining HbA1c levels below 7% is crucial for individuals with diabetes to ensure optimal blood sugar control and minimize the risk of complications.HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, reflects average blood sugar levels over several months. Keeping it within the recommended range helps reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular issues, nerve damage, and kidney problems. By actively managing HbA1c, individuals can mitigate these risks and lead a healthier life. Regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence contribute to achieving the target HbA1c, promoting overall well-being for people with diabetes.

Contrary to the misconception that diabetes inevitably leads to constant fatigue, proper management, including medication adherence, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise, can significantly enhance energy levels and overall quality of life. Fatigue in diabetes may be linked to uncontrolled blood sugar, emphasizing the importance of HbA1c monitoring. By keeping HbA1c below 7%, individuals can proactively manage their condition, reduce fatigue, and foster a healthier, more energetic lifestyle, debunking the notion that diabetes inevitably results in persistent tiredness.

In this video, Dr Kirti Samudra, a Diabetologist from Maharashtra, discusses the importance of maintaining HbA1C levels within the recommended range while clarifying whether diabetes causes constant fatigue.

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Amrita Hospital Faridabad, IIT Hyderabad join hands to develop robot-assisted ultrasound system for cancer patients

Kochi: Dr Bhaskar Viswanathan, HoD, Department of Radiation Oncology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, has been recently selected for a research grant, meant to develop an indigenous robotic ultrasound for tumor motion and radiation hyperthermia for cancer treatment.

The technology would be developed in association with Dr. Avinash Eranki, Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Medical Ultrasound Research Laboratory of Indian Institute of Technology – Hyderabad, Eranki Labs Private Limited, and Amrita Centre for Advanced Robotics.

Also Read: Amrita Hospital doctors perform hand transplantation on 64-year-old man with kidney transplant

Dr. Bhaskar Viswanathan, Head of the Radiation Oncology Department at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “It is a matter of immense pleasure and pride for us that we have been selected for this grant to indigenously develop a robot-assisted ultrasound system for image-guided therapies and hyperthermia for cancer patients. It is a non-invasive technique that uses focused ultrasound waves and has a huge potential in cancer treatment like tumor ablation, mild hyperthermia for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and motion management during radiation delivery.”

“This cutting-edge technology will allow precise localization of lesions, enabling targeted and effective delivery of therapeutic radiation and avoiding damage to the surrounding tissue and organs. Robotic ultrasound plays an important role in guiding the delivery of hyperthermia by accurately locating the tumor and monitoring its motion during treatment. Real-time tracking can be crucial in ensuring that hyperthermia is delivered precisely to the intended target,” the doctor said.

He explained that tumors in the body can move due to factors like breathing and organ motion. Tracking this motion is crucial for accurately delivering radiation therapy. Robotic ultrasound systems can be used to track the movement of tumors in real-time. They use robotic arms equipped with ultrasound transducers to continuously monitor the tumor position during treatment, thus improving targeting accuracy.

Hyperthermia involves raising the temperature of the tumor region to make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. It also improves blood flow to the tumor, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and chemotherapy. Combining hyperthermia with radiation therapy can significantly enhance the therapeutic effects and theoretically allow for theoretic lower radiation doses, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Dr. Avinash Eranki, Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and CEO of Eranki Labs Pvt. Ltd. said, “The need for spatially precise and efficacious delivery of radiation and ultrasound energy is possibly key to improved outcomes in patients with debilitating cancer disease.”

“The collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and Eranki Labs Private Limited enhances the project’s scope, leveraging the expertise of both medical and engineering domains. This interdisciplinary partnership is crucial for advancing technology in cancer care, emphasizing a holistic approach to treatment innovation. We expect to complete the project in 3 years, the grant for which was provided to us by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),” added Dr. Viswanathan

Also Read: Amrita Hospital Kochi launches Interstitial Lung Disease and Sarcoidosis Clinics

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