taVNS Reduces Postpartum Uterine Contraction Pain After Cesarean Delivery: JAMA

China: Researchers have found in a new study that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) appears to be a safe and effective therapy for reducing uterine contraction pain in women following cesarean delivery.

The trial, published in JAMA Network Open by Xingyu Xiong and colleagues from the Department of Anesthesiology at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University in China, evaluated whether this non-invasive nerve stimulation technique could alleviate discomfort commonly experienced in the days after cesarean delivery. 
The randomized clinical trial enrolled 156 women aged 18 years or older who were scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. Participants were assigned to either active taVNS or sham stimulation in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups received 30-minute sessions once daily on the day of surgery and on the first two postoperative days. The primary outcome measured was the rate of moderate to severe uterine contraction pain by the third day after surgery. Researchers also assessed incision pain, mood symptoms such as anxiety and depression, overall recovery quality, and sleep outcomes.
The findings of the study were as follows:
  • Only 5.1% of women in the taVNS group reported moderate to severe contraction pain on day three, compared with 28.2% in the sham group.
  • This represented an 82% relative risk reduction (relative risk, 0.18).
  • Participants in the taVNS group experienced less incision-related pain.
  • Women receiving taVNS reported lower levels of anxiety and depression.
  • Sleep quality was significantly better in the taVNS group compared to the sham group.
  • Overall recovery improvements were greater among taVNS participants.
  • The median depression score was 3 in the taVNS group compared with 5 in the sham group.
Postpartum uterine contraction pain is a common and often severe source of discomfort following cesarean delivery. Traditional pain management strategies frequently rely on medications, which may come with side effects or concerns about breastfeeding safety. The findings of this study suggest that taVNS, a non-pharmacological approach, could provide meaningful relief while also enhancing emotional well-being and recovery. “taVNS represents a novel, safe, and effective strategy for managing postpartum uterine contraction pain, with additional benefits for mood and recovery,” the authors concluded.
While the results are promising, the study had several limitations. Conducted at a single center and limited to women undergoing elective cesarean delivery, the findings may not be broadly generalizable. The trial also did not include objective biological measures, such as inflammatory markers, nor did it evaluate whether participants could correctly guess their treatment assignment, raising questions about potential bias. Furthermore, the optimal frequency and duration of taVNS sessions remain unclear and may vary between individuals.
“The randomized clinical trial provides encouraging evidence that taVNS can substantially reduce postpartum contraction pain and improve recovery in women after cesarean delivery. If validated in larger, multi-center studies, taVNS may become an important adjunctive option for postoperative pain management in obstetric care,” the authors wrote.
Reference:
Xiong X, Tao M, Zhao W, et al. Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Postpartum Contraction Pain During Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(8):e2529127. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.29127

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Millions of men could benefit from faster scan to diagnose prostate cancer: JAMA

A quicker, cheaper MRI scan was just as accurate at diagnosing prostate cancer as the current 30-40 minute scan and should be rolled out to make MRI scans more accessible to men who need one, according to clinical trial results led by UCL, UCLH and the University of Birmingham.

The PRIME trial, funded by the John Black Charitable Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK, and published in JAMA, confirms that a two-part MRI scan is just as effective at diagnosing prostate cancer, whilst cutting scan time to just 15-20 minutes and reducing the need for a doctor to be present.

The investigators say the results are likely to lead to changes in clinical practice, making MRI accessible to more men in the UK and beyond.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with around 56,000 diagnoses and 12,000 deaths each year in the UK1. The introduction of MRI scans over the last decade, following work by UCL researchers, has been the biggest change in how prostate cancer is diagnosed for the past 30 years.

Abnormalities seen on the MRI scan allow targeted tissue biopsies to be taken that can improve cancer detection. A normal MRI result, which occurs in around a third of patients, is reassuring and allows men to avoid an unnecessary biopsy.

Despite the clear benefits of the MRI scan, in many healthcare settings around the world, men who need a scan still do not get one. For example, previous research has estimated that 35% of US prostate cancer patients received an MRI in 2022. In England and Wales, only 62% of men who needed a prostate MRI received one in 2019 (the most recent year for when data is available).

Associate Professor Veeru Kasivisvanathan, lead researcher and Chief Investigator on the trial from UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and UCLH, said: “Currently around four million MRI scans are needed each year globally to diagnose prostate cancer. This demand is set to rise rapidly with a predicted surge in prostate cancer cases over the next 20 years.

“Time, cost and staff availability are all limiting factors in how many scans can be offered, which makes the results of the PRIME trial particularly important. If we can do the scan in up to half the time, with fewer staff and at lower cost, that will make a huge difference in allowing every man who needs a scan to be able to get one in a timely fashion.”

In the study, cancer specialists from 22 hospitals in 12 countries across the world recruited 555 patients aged 59-70 to see whether a streamlined two-part ‘biparametric’ MRI could detect cancer at the same rate as a full three-part ‘multiparametric’ MRI, which is currently standard of care in the UK and includes a third stage where a dye is injected into the patient.

All patients underwent the full three-part scan. Radiologists then assessed the two-part scan without the dye, and separately assessed the three-part scan with the dye, for every patient. A prostate biopsy was done when required to confirm whether or not the diagnosis was correct.

Researchers from UCL and UCLH confirmed that the two-part scan was just as effective at diagnosing prostate cancer. In total, 29% of the patients had important prostate cancer diagnosed by the shorter two-part scan, the same percentage as the longer three-part scan.

Associate Professor Francesco Giganti, a lead radiologist on the trial from UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and UCLH, said: “The three-part multiparametric MRI scan has been a game-changer for the diagnosis of prostate cancer, sparing thousands of patients unnecessary biopsies and improving cancer detection.

“Currently we inject a dye into the patient that highlights the presence of cancer on the MRI scan, but this step requires time and the presence of a clinician, and can on rare occasion cause mild side effects.

“Being able to make accurate diagnoses without the contrast stage will reduce scan time meaning we can offer scans to more men using the same number of scanners and operators. However, it is vital that the scans are of optimal diagnostic quality and that they are interpreted by a radiologist with dedicated expertise in prostate MRI.”

As well as making the procedure more efficient in terms of time and personnel, a two-stage MRI would generate significant cost savings per scan. In the NHS currently, a three-phase MRI scan costs £273 on average3. At £145, a two-phase scan is 47% cheaper. In countries like the US where healthcare costs tend to be much higher, the savings are likely to be even greater.

Prostate Cancer UK’s TRANSFORM trial, the biggest prostate cancer screening trial for 20 years that will include MRI, is due to begin later this year. It will be jointly led by UCL researchers alongside collaborators from Imperial College London, The Institute of Cancer Research and Queen Mary University of London. The trial will find the best way to screen men for prostate cancer, achieving the evidence needed for the introduction of a national screening programme. The results of the PRIME trial are an important step towards realising this ambition.

Dr Matthew Hobbs, Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “The results from the PRIME trial, showing that a faster, cheaper, type of prostate MRI is just as good as the current standard MRI at detecting prostate cancer, are a hugely important step in the right direction for making MRIs more efficient.

“Another trial is already happening in the UK and the results of the two trials together should provide the complete evidence package we need to change practice across the country. We encourage NICE to prepare to review their guidelines as soon as that evidence base is complete, so that we can make MRI quicker, cheaper and less onerous for men.

“Our funding for PRIME, alongside the John Black Charitable Foundation, also provided recommendations of a few simple ways for hospitals to improve scan quality. So, while we await a review by NICE, hospitals should use guidelines from UCL’s GLIMPSE trial, so that they are ready for the implementation of biparametric MRI if it’s recommended, and so that the men having MRI scans right now get the most accurate scan possible.”

Reference:

Ng AB, Asif A, Agarwal R, et al. Biparametric vs Multiparametric MRI for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: The PRIME Diagnostic Clinical Trial. JAMA. Published online September 10, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.13722

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Elevated CAR on POD3 Predicts Prolonged Hospital Stay After Advanced hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that an elevated C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) on postoperative day 3 was identified as an early independent predictor of prolonged postoperative length of stay (PPLOS). These findings underscore the importance of early monitoring and timely intervention using CAR to reduce PPLOS and minimize complication severity after advanced HBPS. This study was published in BMC Surgery by Masahiro F. and colleagues.

This single-center retrospective analysis included 737 patients who received highly sophisticated HBPS at Gifu University Hospital, Japan, from January 2010 through December 2023. Of these, 181 patients had severe postoperative complications within 30 days, which were graded as Clavien–Dindo grade III or IV. Predictive factors for PPLOS were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. The 75th percentile of postoperative length of stay was found to be 53 days, and patients with hospital stay greater than this were identified as having PPLOS.

Results

  • 45 patients developed PPLOS.

  • Univariate analysis showed intra-abdominal abscess, pancreatic fistula, postoperative bleeding, hepatic failure, unplanned intubation, CAR on POD3, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on POD3 as being significantly related to longer stay in hospital.

  • Multivariate analysis, however, disclosed that CAR on POD3 > 5.0 was an independent predictor of PPLOS with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–10.17; p = 0.03).

This research concluded that patients who had undergone highly complex HBPS with serious postoperative complications were at high risk for extended hospital stay. Of all perioperative factors under investigation, CAR on POD3 > 5.0 was the sole independent predictor of PPLOS. Researchers emphasized that early detection and targeted treatment on the basis of CAR could potentially lower extended hospital stays and counteract the adverse effects of critical complications on patient outcomes.

Reference:

Fukada, M., Mitsui, N., Horaguchi, T. et al. Postoperative C-reactive protein to albumin ratio as early predictive factors for prolonged postoperative hospital stay after highly advanced hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery: a single-center retrospective study. BMC Surg 25, 387 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-025-03112-3

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Oral vs. Topical TXA: Comparable Effectiveness and Safety in treatment of Melasma

Melasma is a chronic pigmentary disorder characterized by symmetric, hyperpigmented macules and patches on sun-exposed areas, most commonly the face. It disproportionately affects women and is associated with significant psychosocial distress. Among emerging therapies, tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent with anti-melanogenic properties, has gained attention as both an oral and topical treatment option. However, comparative data on route-specific efficacy and safety have remained limited.

A recent prospective study compared the effectiveness and safety profiles of oral and topical TXA in patients with moderate-to-severe melasma. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either oral TXA tablets or topical TXA formulations over a defined treatment period. Clinical improvement was evaluated using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), standardized digital imaging, and patient-reported outcomes. Safety was assessed through monitoring of adverse events and laboratory parameters. Results demonstrated that both oral and topical TXA significantly reduced MASI scores from baseline, with improvements visible within the first 8 weeks and sustained throughout the study duration. Patient satisfaction scores were similarly high in both groups, indicating clinically meaningful benefit regardless of administration route. Importantly, the incidence of adverse effects was low across both arms. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort was occasionally reported in the oral TXA group, while transient local irritation was observed in the topical TXA group. No serious adverse events or thromboembolic complications were reported, reinforcing the safety profile of both approaches. The findings suggest that oral and topical TXA offer comparable efficacy in melasma treatment, with similarly favorable safety outcomes. This provides clinicians with flexibility in tailoring treatment to patient preference, tolerability, and convenience. For patients reluctant to take systemic therapy, topical TXA represents a viable alternative, while oral TXA may be preferable for those seeking systemic benefits or with extensive involvement. Overall, this study supports the role of TXA as a versatile therapeutic agent in melasma management. Long-term studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm durability of response and further evaluate relapse rates post-treatment.

Keywords
melasma, tranexamic acid, TXA, oral TXA, topical TXA, pigmentation disorders, dermatology, MASI score, safety, efficacy

Reference
Lee, H. C., Rho, Y. K., Kim, Y. J., et al. (2025). Oral versus topical tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma: A comparative clinical study. Journal o

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Cataract surgery on both eyes can be carried out safely and effectively in one go, reveals study

The results of two new studies show that it can be safe, effective and practical for most patients to have cataract surgery on both eyes in one day. Both studies will be presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).

The first study, by Danish researchers, shows that the majority of patients can manage at home on their own after cataract surgery on both eyes, and carry out essential tasks such as preparing food and using their mobile phone.

The second study, by UK researchers, shows that patients receiving same-day cataract surgery on both eyes achieved visual outcomes as good as, or even better than those receiving treatment in two separate surgical procedures.

Cataract is a very common condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and loss of sight. It can affect people at any age, but it becomes more common in older age. Cataract surgery, where the cloudy natural lens is replaced by an artificial lens, is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide.

Cataracts often affect both eyes. Traditionally, when both eyes require cataract surgery, they are operated on separately, often weeks or months apart, a practice called delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery. Increasingly, surgeons are offering immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery, where both eyes are operated on during the same surgical session. But questions remain about whether this is as accurate and effective as delayed surgery, and how patients cope with day-to-day life immediately after surgery.

The Danish researchers, from Silkeborg Regional Hospital and Aarhus University Hospital, asked 157 patients who had undergone cataract surgery on both eyes on the same day to complete a questionnaire about their need for assistance immediately after they arrived home from surgery and again 24 hours later. A total of 72% of patients responded.

This showed that 88% of patients could find their way around the home independently, 79% managed to prepare food and 51% did not need help using their mobile phone, when they arrived home following surgery. On the other hand, 51% still needed help to use their eye drops. Sixty-two percent said they did not need a caregiver at all in the first 24 hours.

Speaking ahead of the Congress, ophthalmic nurse Mia Vestergaard Bendixen from Silkeborg Regional Hospital said: “There is very little research on patients’ self-sufficiency immediately after cataract surgery on both eyes in one day. Our results show that many people can expect to manage well soon after surgery, which may ease anxiety about needing support. However, some still benefit from a caregiver during the first day. For clinicians, these findings support offering same-day cataract surgery, while emphasizing patient education and planning for temporary help if needed. If surgery can be carried out in one go, this could reduce clinic visits and caregiver burden, as well as improving efficiency in healthcare delivery.”

The UK study, one of the largest of its kind, was carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London. It included almost all patients having cataract surgery on both eyes at the hospital between December 2023 and December 2024, 10,192 in total.

Most were having delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS), others were having immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS). Some patients were having monofocal lenses, which provide sharp vision at one distance, others were having multifocal lenses, which split light to allow focus at multiple distances, aiming to reduce the need for reading or distance glasses.

The researchers analysed several different measures of vision in the patients following surgery, including whether they achieved excellent results, defined as 20/20 vision or better and a glasses prescription at or very near the intended target.

Patients receiving multifocal lenses with same-day surgery achieved the best overall visual outcomes, with 85% achieving 20/20 vision or better. In patients who received monofocal lenses, around 70% achieved 20/20 vision, regardless of whether they had surgery in both eyes on the same day or on different days. For patients having surgery on different days with multifocal lenses, the figure was 77%.

In terms of prescription accuracy, 88% of multifocal same-day patients were very near the target (within ±0.5 dioptres), while 67% of patients achieved this in the monofocal delayed group and 71% in the monofocal same-day group. One hundred percent of multifocal patients were near the target (within ±1.0 dioptre) regardless of whether they had surgery in both eyes on the same day or on different days.

The improved outcomes for multifocal same-day surgery remained even when researchers adjusted for patient age, gender, and the surgeon’s level of experience.

Speaking ahead of the Congress, Dr Gabriele Gallo Afflitto from Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “For patients, these findings are encouraging. They suggest that having cataract surgery performed in both eyes on the same day, particularly when combined with multifocal lens implantation, can deliver excellent vision, reduce dependence on glasses, and allow faster recovery.”

Mr Vincenzo Maurino, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, added: “For the patients and the hospital, this approach offers potential efficiency gains, including reduced waiting time, faster visual rehabilitation and fewer clinic appointments, as well as reduced waiting time and lower overall costs, all without compromising patient outcomes.”

Dr Joaquín Fernández, ESCRS Secretary, CEO of Qvision and Medical Director of Andalusian Ophthalmology Institute at Vithas Hospitals, Almería, Spain, who was not involved in the research, said: “There are many potential advantages to treating cataracts in both eyes in one go. Not only does it reduce hospital visits for patients, it also saves time for hospital staff, potentially allowing them to see more patients. However, we need to be sure that offering this approach maintains the highest standards of safety and does not increase the risk of surgical or postoperative complications.

“Taken together, these two studies show that cataract surgery to both eyes in one session can be performed safely, with patients recovering well at home and, crucially, achieving visual outcomes as good as or better than when surgery is performed in two steps. This should reassure patients, their families, and their surgeons that safety is not compromised.”

Reference:

Cataract surgery on both eyes can be carried out safely and effectively in one go, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Meeting: 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

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15 Percent of COPD Exacerbation Patients Develop Arrhythmias, Tripling In-Hospital Death Risk: Meta-Analysis

China: Cardiac arrhythmias are frequent among patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and are strongly linked to higher short-term mortality, a new systematic review and meta-analysis has reported. The findings suggest that nearly one in six patients admitted with AECOPD develops abnormal heart rhythms, with atrial fibrillation posing the greatest threat to survival.

Arrhythmias affect around 15% of patients admitted with AECOPD and are linked to a substantially increased risk of short-term mortality, especially in those with atrial fibrillation,” the authors wrote.
The analysis was conducted by Nan Ding and colleagues from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The team synthesized data from 28 studies to better understand the prevalence of arrhythmias in this high-risk group and the factors contributing to their occurrence.
From the combined analysis of more than two dozen studies, the researchers observed the following:
  • Around 15% of patients hospitalized with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) developed arrhythmias.
  • The presence of arrhythmias was linked to a threefold higher risk of in-hospital mortality (RR 3.33).
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) carried an even greater risk, raising mortality more than threefold (RR 3.70).
  • Older age was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of developing arrhythmias.
  • Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), reflecting systemic inflammation, further increased arrhythmia risk.
  • The use of long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) was tied to a lower risk of arrhythmias (OR 0.42).
While this suggests a possible protective effect, the researchers cautioned that the relationship requires careful interpretation and further investigation.
The study highlights the importance of vigilant cardiac monitoring in patients hospitalized with AECOPD. According to the authors, arrhythmias often remain underrecognized in this setting but carry significant implications for patient prognosis. Integrating routine ECG surveillance and adopting individualized risk stratification strategies could help clinicians detect arrhythmias early and intervene promptly.
Despite robust methodology and sensitivity analyses confirming the consistency of findings, the authors acknowledged some limitations. Most of the included studies originated from Europe, North America, and East Asia, with sparse data from regions such as South Asia, Central, and South America. This geographical imbalance could affect the global applicability of the results. Additionally, heterogeneity across studies was considerable, largely due to differences in populations, monitoring methods, and definitions of arrhythmia.
Nonetheless, the meta-analysis adds valuable evidence to the growing recognition of cardiovascular complications in COPD. It highlights the intertwined nature of pulmonary and cardiac health, particularly during acute disease flares. The authors emphasized the need for future prospective studies and standardized definitions of arrhythmia outcomes to refine risk prediction and improve management strategies.
“Aging and systemic inflammation are major drivers of this risk, while LABA therapy may offer some protection. Early detection, continuous monitoring, and personalized treatment approaches are key to improving outcomes for this vulnerable patient population, the authors concluded.
Reference:
Ding N, Qiu W, Chen J, Wang K, Chen Z, Cai R, Chen A. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Arrhythmias in Patients with Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2025;20:3059-3072. https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S545658

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Teriparatide Shows Strong Osteoanabolic Effects in Preclinical Guided Bone Regeneration Models: Review

Brazil: Researchers have found, in a new systematic review, that there is strong preclinical evidence that teriparatide (TP) enhances bone regeneration by promoting bone formation, osteoblast differentiation, angiogenesis, and graft integration, especially when combined with various biomaterials. Intermediate systemic and local doses were most effective, with greater benefits in mandibular, calvarial, and extraction socket models compared to sinus augmentation.

A systematic review, published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology by Jessika Dethlefs Canto and colleagues from the Department of Oral Surgery at Fluminense Federal University, evaluated the effectiveness of teriparatide in guided bone regeneration (GBR). Researchers analyzed 24 preclinical studies involving diverse craniofacial models such as mandibular, calvarial, sinus augmentation, extraction sockets, distraction osteogenesis, and segmental defects.
The following were the key findings of the study:
  • Teriparatide consistently promoted osteogenesis, graft integration, angiogenesis, and mineralization across various preclinical models.
  • The effects of teriparatide were amplified when combined with biomaterials such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP), biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), octacalcium phosphate collagen (OCP/Col), enamel matrix derivatives, autografts, allografts, xenografts (Bio-Oss), strontium ranelate, and bioactive glass.
  • Intermediate systemic doses of approximately 2 µg/kg/day and local doses between 20–40 µg produced the most favorable outcomes, whereas higher doses did not consistently offer additional benefits.
  • Anatomical differences influenced treatment effectiveness, with stronger responses observed in mandibular and calvarial models compared to sinus augmentation cases.
The authors note that despite these promising findings, the review highlighted critical methodological limitations. Most studies exhibited a moderate-to-high risk of bias, particularly in areas like randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding. The lack of adherence to established preclinical reporting standards, such as ARRIVE or PREPARE guidelines, further limited reproducibility and comparability. Variations in animal models, administration regimens, defect sizes, and follow-up periods also hindered the development of standardized protocols.
“While preclinical data strongly support teriparatide’s osteoanabolic effects, translating these results into clinical practice requires rigorously designed human trials,” the authors emphasized. They emphasized the importance of dose-escalation studies, investigations into combination therapies, and evaluations in clinically relevant scenarios, such as trauma-induced bone loss, reconstruction after tumor resection, osteoporotic conditions, and peri-implant bone regeneration.
The review concludes that teriparatide holds significant promise as an adjunctive therapy for guided bone regeneration in oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, its clinical application remains dependent on future high-quality randomized controlled trials to establish optimal dosing strategies, delivery methods, and long-term safety profiles.
“Robust, well-structured randomized clinical trials are essential to determine the ideal dosing strategies, effective delivery methods, and long-term safety of teriparatide for use in oral and maxillofacial bone regeneration,” the authors wrote.
Reference:
Canto, J. D., Mourão, C. F., Moraschini, V., Sartoretto, S. C., Diuana, M., Granjeiro, J. M., & Louro, R. S. (2025). Teriparatide for Guided Bone Regeneration in Craniomaxillofacial Defects: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 47(8), 582. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080582

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NTRUHS invites applications for BAMS, BHMS admissions 2025, check complete details

Andhra Pradesh- Dr NTR University of Health Sciences (Dr NTRUHS) is inviting online applications from candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria from the National Eligibility and Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) exam for the academic year 2025.

The applications have been invited for admission into BAMS and BHMS Courses under Management Quota and AIQ (All India Quota) seats in Private Unaided Non-Minority Ayurveda (BAMS) & Homoeopathy (BHMS) Colleges Affiliated to Dr. NTR UHS for the academic year 2025-26.

In this regard, Dr NTRUHS has released a notification detailing the Minimum cutoff score in NEET UG – 2025, schedule, number of seats and other important details. As per the notification, the Application is available on the official website of Dr NTRUHS from today, i.e. 12 September 2025, 10:00 AM to 17 September 2025, 09:00 PM. The processing fee is Rs 3540/- (Rs 3000/- + Rs 540/- (GST @ 18 %).

MINIMUM AGE

1 Candidates should have completed the age of 17 years as on the 31st December 2025.

2 Candidates who do not complete 17 years as on 31.12.2025 are not eligible.

3 Age shall be calculated on the basis of the date of birth as indicated in the Board of Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSC) or Equivalent Examination.

4 No upper age limit.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION UNDER MANAGEMENT QUOTA

FOR AYURVEDA (BAMS)

The candidates shall have passed 10+2 or its equivalent with subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Bio-Technology. The candidates securing a minimum qualifying percentile in NEET 2025 are compulsory.

FOR HOMEOPATHY (BHMS)

The candidates shall have passed 10+2 or its equivalent with subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Bio-Technology. The candidates securing a minimum qualifying percentile in NEET 2025 are compulsory.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION UNDER AIQ QUOTA

FOR AYURVEDA (BAMS)

The candidates shall have passed 10+2 or its equivalent examination from any recognised board with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Biotechnology.

FOR HOMEOPATHY (BHMS)

The candidates shall have passed 10+2 or its equivalent examination from any recognised board with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Biotechnology.

PROCEDURE OF FILLING THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM AND PAYMENT OF THE FEE THROUGH ONLINE

1 The fee can be paid through a Debit card / Credit card, or Net Banking.

2 The fee paid by the applicants is not refundable under any circumstances.

3 Read the Notification, Prospectus / Regulations carefully regarding eligibility under local and non-local.

4 Visit the website through Internet Explorer 11 version only to fill the application form.

5 The Registration number, which will be sent to the registered mobile after entering the basic details, should be noted for further use. The Registration number should be kept confidential and should not be disclosed to others.

6 Fill in all the correct details in the online application form and upload all the documents, including the mandatory certificates.

7 The following Certificates are required to complete the online application process. The certificates are to be scanned and kept ready to upload. The application fee has to be paid online.

DOCUMENTS

The following Certificates are required to complete the application process. The certificates are to be scanned and kept ready to upload. The application fee has to be paid online.

1 NEET UG – 25 Rank Card (Mandatory). pdf 500KB.

2 Date of Birth Certificate (SSC Marks Memo) (Mandatory).

3 Qualifying Exam Certificate (Intermediate Marks Memo OR Equivalent – Grade Certificate not Accepted) (Mandatory).

4 Caste Certificate (If applicable).

5 Aadhaar Card (If applicable).

6 PWD certificate issued by the Competent authority (If applicable).

7 Candidate’s Latest passport-size Photo with name and date (Mandatory).

8 Specimen Signature of the Candidate (Mandatory).

NUMBER OF SEATS

List of Private Unaided Non-Minority AYUSH colleges with the number of seats available under Management Quota for the academic year 2024-25

BHMS COLLEGES

S.NO

NAME OF THE COLLEGE

NO OF MQ SEATS

1

Maharaja Institute of Homoeo Medical College, Vizianagaram.

43

2

KKC Homoeopathy Medical College, Parameswara Mangalam, Puttur, Chittoor District.

43

3

ASR Homoeopathic Medical College, Prathipadu, Tadepalligudem, West Godavari Dist.

43

4

Sri Adi Shiva Sadguru Ali Saheb Shivaaryula Homoeopathic Medical College, Guntakal.

43

TOTAL

172

BAMS COLLEGES

S.NO

NAME OF THE COLLEGE

NO OF MQ SEATS

1

Sri Adi Siva Sadguru Ali Saheb Sivaaryula Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Centre, Guntakal.

43

List of Private Unaided Non-Minority AYUSH colleges with the number of seats available under All India Quota for the academic year 2024-25

BHMS COLLEGES

S.NO

NAME OF THE COLLEGE

NO OF MQ SEATS

1

Maharaja Institute of Homoeo Medical College, Vizianagaram.

15

2

KKC Homoeopathy Medical College, Parameswara Mangalam, Puttur, Chittoor District.

15

3

ASR Homoeopathic Medical College, Prathipadu, Tadepalligudem, West Godavari Dist.

15

4

Sri Adi Shiva Sadguru Ali Saheb Shivaaryula Homoeopathic Medical College, Guntakal.

15

TOTAL

60

BAMS COLLEGES

S.NO

NAME OF THE COLLEGE

NO OF MQ SEATS

1

Sri Adi Siva Sadguru Ali Saheb Sivaaryula Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Centre, Guntakal.

15

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Tragic: Jabalpur Army doctor dies of cardiac arrest inside parked car

Jabalpur: In an unfortunate and tragic incident, Major Dr Vijay Kumar, posted at Jabalpur Military Hospital, was found dead inside his parked car on the driver’s seat after reportedly suffering a massive cardiac arrest. 

Originally from Bengaluru, Dr Kumar had travelled to the city for some personal work when his health suddenly deteriorated. Locals passing by noticed that he had been sitting in the car with the door open for too long, and the vehicle was not moving. 

On moving closer, they found him unconscious and immediately alerted the police. Upon reaching the spot, the police carried out a preliminary investigation and identified the vehicle as an army car.

Also read- Fifth Tragic Loss: Orthopaedician dies of heart attack at 45

Soon after, the army officials were informed, and Major Kumar was rushed to the Military Hospital in an ambulance, where doctors declared him dead.

According to a Free Press Journal report, the doctor’s car was parked near the Indian Coffee House in Sadar Bazaar, and the incident occurred around 11 AM.

While the police suggested the death was caused by a cardiovascular health issue, they are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area to understand how the situation unfolded. 

His body was sent for post-mortem late Wednesday night, and his family arrived from Bangalore on Thursday morning. After completing the necessary formalities, the body was handed over to his family.

The doctor’s untimely demise has left the medical fraternity in shock, underscoring the urgent need to prioritise the mental and physical well-being of healthcare professionals, who often exhaust themselves while working tirelessly to serve others.

Sharing the news on ‘X’, a doctor said, “Another Doctor Lost to Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Wake-Up Call for the Medical Fraternity. The medical community has once again been struck with grief. Dr. Major Vijay Kumar, posted at Jabalpur Army Hospital, Madhya Pradesh, lost his life after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. He collapsed in his car in the market area, unable to receive timely help.”  

He further pointed out that this tragic incident highlights a larger, ongoing concern that doctors themselves are becoming increasingly vulnerable to lifestyle-related diseases.  

In recent times, there has been a worrying rise in reports of doctors dying young due to cardiac arrest and heart attacks. Long working hours, stress, and irregular lifestyles are taking a serious toll on their health, reminding us that even those who save lives are not spared from these silent killers. 

Medical Dialogues reported a series of tragic incidents involving the sudden deaths of five doctors over the past two weeks. Dr Gradlin Roy, a 39-year-old consultant cardiac surgeon at Saveetha Medical College, died of a massive cardiac arrest while on duty rounds. Similarly, 40-year-old Dr. Prakash Gupta, an anaesthesia specialist at Goyal Hospitals in Jodhpur, also succumbed to cardiac arrest.

Dr Gaurav Mittal, a 39-year-old critical care specialist; Dr Devan, a 42-year-old associate professor from the cardiology department at Manakula Vinayaga Medical College, and Dr. Sangram Sabat, a 45-year-old associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, all of them passed away from massive heart attacks.

Also read- 39-year-old Cardiac Surgeon dies of cardiac arrest while on duty

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Ozonated Water Shows Modest Benefits in Periodontal Therapy: Study

Periodontal disease remains one of the most prevalent oral health conditions worldwide, often managed through nonsurgical periodontal therapy such as scaling and root planing. Adjunctive agents, including antimicrobial rinses and irrigants, are frequently investigated to enhance treatment outcomes. One such option is ozonated water, which has been studied for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

A new clinical study published in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research evaluated the effects of ozonated water compared to tap water as adjuncts during nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

The randomized controlled trial measured probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival index (GI) to assess treatment outcomes. Both the ozonated water and control (tap water) groups demonstrated significant improvements across all clinical parameters after therapy, confirming the effectiveness of nonsurgical periodontal treatment in general.

However, the group receiving ozonated water irrigation exhibited slightly greater short-term reductions in CAL and GI compared to the control group. This suggests that while ozonated water may offer modest benefits, the differences were not large enough to indicate a substantial clinical advantage over conventional therapy using tap water. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported in the ozonated water group, supporting its safety as an adjunctive treatment option.

Researchers concluded that ozonated water could serve as a supportive strategy in periodontal management, particularly for patients seeking non-antibiotic-based adjuncts. Still, the modest effect size highlights the need for cautious interpretation. Long-term studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to better establish the clinical relevance and durability of these benefits.

The findings align with previous research suggesting that ozone therapy may reduce microbial load and inflammation, yet its superiority over conventional treatments remains uncertain. Clinicians may consider ozonated water as part of a comprehensive periodontal care plan but should not view it as a replacement for established therapies.

Reference

Alkan, B. A., Yıldırım, A., & Demir, T. (2025). Adjunctive use of ozonated water in nonsurgical periodontal therapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, 11(5), 70216. https://doi.org/10.1002/cre2.70216

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