Bimiralisib Gel Shows Strong Efficacy for Early-Stage Actinic Keratosis in Phase 2 trial

In phase 2 results, bimiralisib gel 2% demonstrated high efficacy and tolerability in treating actinic keratosis, achieving a 92% response rate in Olsen grade 1 lesions. The gel targets the PI3K/mTOR pathway, offering a novel, mechanism-based approach for managing early-stage skin lesions.

The randomized, multi-center study evaluated topical bimiralisib gel as a field-directed treatment for AK on the face, scalp, and/or back of hands. Results demonstrated substantial efficacy and a favorable safety profile, supporting further clinical development:

  • Efficacy: 92% of complete or near complete response with Olsen grade 1 patients, and overall, 52% of patients in the 2-week period and 71% in the 4-week period achieved an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0–1 (complete or partial clearance). All patients experienced some degree of lesion clearance after the initial treatment period. Clearance was seen in Olsen grade 1 and grade 2 AK lesions. Subanalysis showed that patients with Olsen grade 2 also had significant clearance with 48% complete or near complete response.
  • Safety: Treatment was well tolerated, with related adverse events being generally local skin reactions with the vast majority being mild (only four grade 2 events), all resolving without intervention. Retreatment during the optional extension phase for up to 8 weeks was feasible without any significant or new safety concerns. Further improvements of lesions were noted with additional cases of complete clearance.
  • The Phase 2 study enrolled 46 patients across two leading Swiss dermatology centers: University Hospital Basel (Prof. A. Navarini) and Lausanne University Hospital (Prof. O. Gaide).

Dr. Vladimir Cmiljanovic, CEO of Torqur AG, said: “Presenting these Phase 2 results at Europe’s most prestigious dermatology congress is a tremendous milestone. The high rates of clearance and consistently favorable tolerability profile underscore bimiralisib’s potential to become a new standard for patients with actinic keratosis. We are now preparing for the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials and discussing with potential partners to bring this therapy closer to patients worldwide.”

Prof. Dr. Alexander Navarini, Chairman of Dermatology at University Hospital Basel and Lead Principal Investigator, commented: “These results show that bimiralisib gel 2% has both efficacy and safety across different grades of actinic keratosis. This represents a promising new non-invasive option for patients, addressing a significant unmet need in dermatology.”

Prof. Dr. Olivier Gaide, Head of the Center of Excellence for Skin Cancer and Melanoma at Lausanne University Hospital and Principal Investigator, added: “With actinic keratosis being the most common precancerous skin condition, these data highlight the great potential of this targeted topical therapy to counter progression to squamous cell carcinoma.”

Actinic keratosis affects more than 10% of Europeans and is considered the most common pre-cancerous dermatological condition driven by an overactive PI3K/mTOR pathway. Bimiralisib gel is a selective pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor and offers a new mechanism-based approach to treat early-stage skin lesions effectively and safely.

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Flavonoids Show Therapeutic Potential in NAFLD Management: Study

A new meta-analysis suggests that flavonoid supplementation offers promising benefits for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers reviewed 25 randomized controlled trials involving more than 1,600 participants to evaluate how different types of flavonoids—such as quercetin, anthocyanins, genistein, silymarin, and naringenin—affect liver health, blood lipids, and insulin sensitivity. The findings showed significant reductions in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, and body mass index. Participants also showed improved insulin sensitivity, suggesting that flavonoids may help manage early metabolic dysfunction linked to fatty liver.

Despite these improvements, the study found limited effects on inflammation and liver fibrosis, which are key indicators of disease progression. While flavonoids lowered markers of liver stress, they did not significantly improve γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), LDL or HDL cholesterol, or fibrosis scores. Researchers explained that this might be due to differences in study design, dosage, and the specific types of flavonoids used. They also noted that liver fibrosis develops slowly, and many trials were too short to capture meaningful structural changes. For that reason, longer studies using advanced imaging or biopsy assessments are needed to determine whether flavonoids can slow or reverse fibrosis.

In essence, flavonoids appear to be a helpful add-on rather than a replacement for standard NAFLD management. Their strongest benefits seem to be in improving liver enzyme levels, metabolic function, and lipid balance. Researchers emphasize the need for large-scale, long-term clinical trials to confirm the safety, ideal dosage, and potential synergistic effects when used alongside other therapies. For now, incorporating flavonoid-rich foods such as berries, citrus fruits, soy, and green tea could support liver and metabolic health while further research continues.

Keywords: flavonoids, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver enzymes, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, fibrosis, meta-analysis

Reference:
Liu Q, Luan H, Duan Z, Ai J, Wang Y, Chen P. Efficacy of flavonoids in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2025; doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1660065.

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Meta-Analysis Reveals 54 Percent Increased Risk of AAA in Patients With H. pylori Infection

India: A new meta-analysis published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders has highlighted a potential connection between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The findings suggest that H. pylori may significantly elevate the risk of AAA, pointing to an underexplored target for preventive strategies in vulnerable adults.

The study was conducted by Dr. Phanish Chandra Ravi, S.V.S. Medical College, Mahabubnagar, India, and colleagues.
AAA is a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly in older adults, as it often progresses silently until rupture. Identifying modifiable or preventable factors is therefore a critical priority in reducing disease burden. According to the authors, chronic H. pylori infection—well-known for its role in peptic ulcers and gastric cancer—may extend its influence beyond the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to systemic vascular inflammation that drives aneurysm development.
The study synthesized evidence from eight observational studies to evaluate whether H. pylori infection contributes to AAA risk. It led to the following findings:
The study revealed the following findings:
  • Individuals with Helicobacter pylori infection had a 54% higher likelihood of developing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), with a pooled risk ratio of 1.54.
  • The overall event rate of AAA among H. pylori-positive individuals was 41%, with notable variability across different populations and study designs.
  • Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed that the association between H. pylori and AAA persisted despite differences in geography, methodology, and patient characteristics.
  • Findings suggest that chronic infection may contribute to vascular alterations that increase susceptibility to aneurysm formation.
However, the study also acknowledged important limitations. Since the analysis was based on observational studies, the risk of confounding remains high. Differences in diagnostic approaches for H. pylori infection, inconsistent definitions of AAA, and variability in population demographics made data pooling challenging. Moreover, unmeasured factors such as dietary patterns, socioeconomic status, and coexisting inflammatory conditions may have influenced the reported associations. The authors also noted the possibility of publication bias, as studies showing no association could have been underrepresented.
Despite these caveats, the findings raise compelling questions about the role of chronic infection in cardiovascular disease. The authors emphasize the need for large-scale prospective cohort studies using standardized diagnostic tools and rigorous adjustment for confounders to strengthen the evidence base. In addition, mechanistic studies investigating how H. pylori, particularly virulent CagA-positive strains, may trigger vascular inflammation and structural weakening of the aortic wall could help establish causality.
If validated, the association between H. pylori and AAA could have significant clinical implications. Routine screening for H. pylori in older adults, alongside established cardiovascular risk assessments, might become an additional strategy to reduce aneurysm risk. Furthermore, eradication of the infection through antibiotic therapy could potentially serve as a preventive intervention in high-risk groups, though this approach requires further study.
“The meta-analysis emphasizes a noteworthy link between H. pylori infection and abdominal aortic aneurysm, providing fresh insights into vascular risk factors beyond traditional contributors. While the evidence calls for cautious interpretation, it highlights an avenue for future research aimed at prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes in AAA patients,” the authors concluded.
Reference:
Arain, M., Karnatapu, J., Moradi, I. et al. Association between helicobacter pylori infection and abdominal aortic aneurysm: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 25, 676 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-025-05148-y

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Pre-existing mental health conditions increase the risk of Vascular dementia post COVID-19 infection: Study

A new study published in the Nature Partner Journal Dementia showed that COVID-19 survivors 50 years of age and older were more likely to experience new-onset dementia (NOD) when compared to uninfected controls.

According to current research, persons 50 years of age and older who are recuperating from COVID-19 may be more susceptible to new-onset vascular dementia. Vascular cognitive loss may result from the infection’s prothrombotic effects, endothelial damage, and systemic inflammation, which can reduce cerebral blood flow.

This risk may also be increased by post-COVID metabolic abnormalities and pre-existing comorbidities. Early identification, prevention, and therapy of cognitive impairment in the elderly population after infection depend on an understanding of the pathways relating COVID-19 to vascular dementia. Thus, the purpose of this work was to use secondary data analysis of the UK Biobank (UKBB) public dataset to do a longitudinal cohort study.

The prevalences of both non-COVID respiratory illnesses (including both non-communicable respiratory conditions and non-COVID respiratory tract infections) and dementia (including all-cause dementia, AD, and VaD) in these individuals were compared to those in propensity-score-matched controls who did not have COVID-19.

The findings of this research discovered that, in comparison to uninfected controls, COVID-19 survivors were more likely to develop NOD. VaD was the main cause of this elevated risk rather than AD, although the risk was not higher than that seen in those with respiratory conditions other than COVID. Significantly greater odds of VaD after COVID-19 infection were observed in those with pre-existing mental health disorders, making them more vulnerable.

Overall, all things considered, this study added to the increasing amount of data that suggests COVID-19 infection may raise the risk of NOD, especially VaD, but not AD. A wider influence of respiratory disorders on cognitive health may be indicated by the fact that this additional risk did not seem to be much greater than that seen in those with non-COVID respiratory diseases, including non-COVID respiratory tract infections. Research on the long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 and ongoing surveillance are essential given the significant societal burden of dementia.

Reference:

Shan, D., Xu, Y., Yang, C., Crawford, T. J., & Holland, C. (2025). COVID-19 infection associated with increased risk of new-onset vascular dementia in adults ≥50 years. NPJ Dementia, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44400-025-00034-y

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Consumer Court clears Lucknow hospital, doctor of medical negligence in bedsore death case

New Delhi: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) recently exonerated a Lucknow-based hospital and doctor from charges of medical negligence during the treatment of a 75-year-old patient.

Earlier, the State Consumer Court had held the hospital and its management guilty for faulty nursing care resulting in the development of bedsores in the patient. However, while considering the hospital’s appeal against the State Commission’s order, the Apex Consumer Court observed that the patient, who had diabetes for the past several years and hypertension for 40 years, was in a critical health condition and was admitted after having suffered three strokes, cardiac problems.

“Thus, the bedsores were not the only antecedent or direct cause of death even though the bedsores might have added to the old age, anaemia, the paralytic attacks and the spinal injuries as well as the diabetes and hypertension of the patient. The main cause of death appears to be a account of his weak health conditions that might have initiated the bedsores or even aggravated it later on. These aspects have not been dealt with by the State Commission and the impugned Order to the extent, it indicts the Opposite Party Nos.1 & 2 (hospital and doctor) cannot be sustained,” concluded the NCDRC bench.

The history of the case goes back to 2014, when the 75-year-old patient was admitted to the treating hospital for treatment on account of multiple problems, including his advanced age. After being admitted on 30.09.2014, the patient was discharged on 09.10.2014.

It was alleged by the complainants that the treating hospital provided inappropriate treatment, resulting in the mismanagement of the bedsores treatment. Due to this, infections developed, and the condition of the patient worsened to an extent that his subsequent hospitalisation in other hospitals could not improve the situation, and ultimately, he collapsed.

Meanwhile, the hospital and the doctor claimed that despite clear instructions to come back within 5 days, the patient chose voluntarily to stay back home, resulting in aggravation of the infections. Allegedly, the patient went to a different hospital, namely Sushrat Institute of Plastic Surgery (SIPS), where he stayed for two days and thereafter left against medical advice. Later, he was admitted to Sahara Hospital on 20.10.2014, where he stayed for 21 days and expired on 09.11.2014.

Even though the complainants (legal heirs of the deceased) impleaded all three hospitals and their doctors, after contest, the complaint was partly allowed, holding only the first treating hospital liable for medical negligence on the ground that the bedsores that had developed during the admission of the patient in the said hospital had contributed towards the cause of death of the patient.

Accordingly, it was concluded that the nursing staff and the management of the treating hospital were liable to pay damages for such improper nursing care of the patient. It was held that the bedsores were so intense that they were found to be in stage-4, having reached the bones, and according to the State Consumer Court, they had developed during the period when the patient was admitted to the treating hospital between 30.08.2014 and 08.09.2014. The State Commission also concluded that even thereafter, a compounder of the same hospital had been deployed to carry out the dressing of the bedsores and therefore this negligence pertaining to the aggravated bedsores was attributable to the Appellant hospital.

Challenging this, the treating hospital approached the NCDRC bench, and the hospital’s counsel relied on the medical records to argue that the bedsores were clearly treated effectively and no material had been brought on record to indicate any deficiency or negligence either in the nursing or in the administration of medicines, as well as regular management of the bedsores. It was therefore submitted that the bedsores were treated, but the patient after discharge on 09.10.2014 did not return as advised.

Relying on the Nurses Daily Record, the counsel for the hospital urged that there was no shortfall in any care of the patient who had developed these problems on account of his extremely old age and his prolonged ailments as a diabetic patient for the past 25 years and with three attacks of paralysis and other ailments as a result of which the patient was a very weak outcome that was treated appropriately. The patient was also suffering from cervical compression for the last two years and chronic kidney disease for the past six months. The counsel for the hospital also submitted that no negligence was found when the matter was examined by the Uttar Pradesh Medical Council.

While considering the matter, the NCDRC bench noted that the treatment and the continuation sheet clearly indicated the administration of antibiotics and medicines, even though the bedsores had been noticed. 

“Thus, the bedsores upon being noticed for the first time on 06.10.2014, the treatment immediately seems to have commenced. The cervical problem of the patient is also evident and his movements appear to have been restricted and his general condition was very poor. Indications of pneumonia and other infections are also recorded in the doctor’s sheets. The situation continued till 03.10.2014 when he suffered a septic shock and was also ventilated. The continuous attendance by doctor on account of the acute status of the patient is also evident. The first indication of a bedsore is shown in the treatment sheet dated 06.10.2014 and the dressing for bedsores was also indicated. The treatment has been followed and stand supported with the nurses note sheets which is also on record. It is correct that the bedsores have been noted from 06.10.2014 onwards and the patient was discharged on 09.10.2014 which records that there is a bedsore and advice was given with regard to its management in the Discharge Summary dated 09.10.2014,” observed the Apex Consumer Court.

The Commission noted that, admittedly, after the discharge, the patient did not visit the hospital as advised after 5 days. Instead, he was admitted on 18.10.2014 in SIPS, where he stayed for two days till 20.10.2014 and got himself relieved against medical advice and then came to be admitted at the Sahara Hospital, where he stayed from 20.10.2014 till his death on 09.11.2014. In the admission sheet of Sahara Hospital, it was shown that there were bedsores, and the cause of death also indicated that, apart from septic shock and other symptoms, bedsores were also one of the reasons.

“What is noticeable is that the patient was in the Opposite Party No.1 Hospital upto 9th October only. It is correct that he had bedsores but we find from the note-sheets as well as the treatment-chart that from 6th October onwards the bedsores were being treated, turning the patient from one side to the other, carrying out dressings and also administering Faropenem and Linezolid medicines. The appropriate treatment was, therefore, being carried out but the patient went back home on 09.10.2014 and did not report back to the hospital within five days as advised. He stayed for over almost 9 days. During this period he is stated to have received home treatment where some compounder is also stated to have attended to him. There is no evidence to indicate that the compounder had been deputed by the Opposite Party No.1 hospital or the Opposite Party No.2 doctor nor is there any other evidence to indicate as to what form of dressing and care was being taken of the patient at home from 09.10.2014 to 18.10.2014. Consequently, this period was clearly spent as per the own choice of the patient and applying the principles of res ipsa loquitur it can be gathered that the bedsores might have worsened during this period. We may point out that there is no evidence that the bedsores had reached stage-IV by 09.10.2014 at the hospital,” the Commission observed at this outset.

“Apart from this, the patient did not return back to the Opposite Party No.1 hospital and instead went to SIPS where he was for two days from 18.10.2014 to 20.10.2014. As noted above, no negligence has been fixed against the said hospital even though it was arrayed as an Opposite Party in the Complaint. The Complainant has not filed any Appeal questioning the correctness of the impugned Order absolving the SIPS Hospital. In the circumstances, if the bedsores continued at SIPS Hospital as well, the same cannot be attributed towards the negligence of the Opposite Party Nos.1 & 2 or the worsening of the bedsores to StageIV,” it further noted.

“In this background, the finding recorded by the State Commission that the condition of bedsores had developed due to improper hygiene and lack of nursing care at *** (treating Hospital) leading to Stage-IV of the bedsores does not seem to be based on an appropriate estimation of the circumstances of the case as discussed above. The Opposite Party Nos.1 & 2 (treating hospital and doctor) cannot, therefore, be made a scapegoat for any liability for holding that the bedsores had worsened at the Opposite Party No.1 Hospital,” concluded the Commission.

Further taking note of the report by the UP Medical Council Ethics Committee, the Apex Consumer Court held,

“The Ethics Committee did not find Dr. *** or his hospital namely **** Hospital to be negligent in the nursing of the patient, but referred to the consent documents not being in Order for extending ventilator support of the patient. Apart from this, there is no other complaint referred to by the Medical Council. The warning of comprehensive treatment is to SIPS Hospital and not to the Appellant…The conclusion drawn by the State Commission, therefore, about the bedsores having taken a bad shape on account of deficient nursing at the Opposite Party No.1 Hospital is not exactly borne out from the record.” 

With this observation, the Apex Consumer Court exonerated the hospital.

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/ncdrc30092025-303433.pdf

Also Read: Consumer Court junks Rs 2 crore medical negligence claim against AIIMS New Delhi, Doctors

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13 Indian Forensic Medicine doctors, scientists get recognised in Stanford University Top 2% Scientists

New Delhi: A total of 13 renowned forensic medicine doctors and scientists from leading health and medical institutes have been recognised among the Stanford world’s top 2% of scientists in the prestigious database curated by Professor John P.A. Ioannidis of Stanford University, in collaboration with the Elsevier Data Repository. 

Inclusion in Stanford University’s top 2% list of scientists acknowledges the pioneering research, clinical achievements, and sustained contributions of these doctors and scientists to the field of forensic medicine.

Stanford University’s 2025 database of the top-cited scientists provides standardised information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted h-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator (c-score). The selection is based on the top 100,000 scientists, ranked by c-score (with and without self-citations), or a percentile rank of 2% or higher in the sub-field.

Below are the details of Forensic Medicine doctors and scientists featured in Stanford University’s list for 2025:

1. Dr Tanuj Kanchan

Dr. Tanuj Kanchan is a distinguished professional in the field of Forensic Medicine with over two decades of academic and clinical experience. He currently serves as the Vice President (Central Zone) of the Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, a position he has held since February 2025. Dr. Kanchan’s tenure at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, spans over nine years, where he has held key roles such as Dean of Research, Head of the Department, and Professor.

Prior to his current role at AIIMS, he served as the Editor-in-Chief for the Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, Dr. Kanchan has a long history of academic contributions, having been an Associate and Assistant Professor at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, for over a decade.

Dr. Tanuj Kanchan’s educational journey includes an MBBS degree from Ravindra Nath Tagore Medical College, Udaipur (1993-1998), followed by a Diploma in Forensic Medicine (DFM) from SMS Medical College, India (2000-2002). He then pursued a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Forensic Medicine from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (2003-2006). With this solid academic foundation in both general medicine and forensic science, Dr. Kanchan has developed a well-rounded and specialized expertise in the medical field.

As per Stanford University’s list of 2025, Dr. Tanuj Kanchan has been recognised as one of the top 2% scientists across the world. He holds a rank of 30,530 in the list based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index, excluding self-citations, stands at 27, with altogether 13,658 citations for 2024 (excluding self-citations).

2. Dr Vinod C Nayak

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Vinod Nayak is currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Kasturba Medical College (KMC).

He earned his MD in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, in 2005, following his MBBS from KMC Mangalore. He is currently pursuing an MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Facilities Administration from JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research.

Dr Vinod C Nayak has been recognised as one of the top 2% scientists across the world, as per Stanford University’s list of 2025. He holds a rank of 4,02,732 in the list based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index, excluding self-citations, stands at 22, with altogether 11,312 citations for 2024 (excluding self-citations).

3. Dr B R Sharma

Holding both MBBS and MD degrees, Dr B R Sharma built a distinguished career in medical education, hospital administration, and research. He has served as a Professor and Head of Faculty at Santosh Hospitals, contributing significantly to the academic and clinical development of the institution.

Dr. Sharma also served as Dean of Research at Santosh University between December 2011 and January 2015.

As per the Stanford Top 2% Scientists list for 2025, he has been ranked 4,80,573 based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index (excluding self-citations) stands at 5, with a total of 68 citations in 2024 alone, also excluding self-citations.

4. Dr. Prateek Rastogi

Dr. Prateek Rastogi is a distinguished academic and medico-legal expert serving as Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Mangalore.

A graduate of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Dr. Rastogi completed his MBBS in 2002 and earned his MD in Forensic Medicine from KMC Manipal in 2005. He also holds postgraduate diplomas in Medical Law & Ethics (NLSIU, Bangalore), Criminology & Forensic Science (Annamalai University), and Cyber Law (Asian School of Cyber Laws, Pune).

Dr. Rastogi plays a vital role in academic governance and quality assurance. He is a member of the Board of Studies for the Faculty of Medicine (Paraclinical BoS – UG & MD/MSc) at Kasturba Medical College since February 2014, and has been an Internal Quality Auditor at the Mangalore campus since August 2013. His contributions extend to institutional development as a core member of the Integrated Management System (IMS) and the Quality and Compliance Cell. Additionally, he has been actively involved in medical education as a faculty member of the Medical Education Unit since April 2011.

Dr. Rastogi has been recognised as one of the top 2% scientists across the world, as per Stanford University’s list of 2025. He holds a rank of 4,85,421 in the list based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index, excluding self-citations, stands at 11.

5. Dr. Shankar M. Bakkannavar

Dr. Shankar M. Bakkannavar, a senior faculty member at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, is a seasoned academician and practitioner in the field of Forensic Medicine, with over 19 years of experience.

He began his academic career as a Tutor in 2006, progressing to Assistant Professor in 2009, Associate Professor in 2013, and has been a Professor since November 2024. Prior to this, he worked as a Senior Resident in the Department of Medicine at SNMC, Bagalkot, from 2002 to 2006

Dr. Bakkannavar began his educational journey in Rabkavi, studying at KBMPS (Pre-High School) and MV Pattan High School, completing his SSLC in 1993. He pursued his medical degree at Al-Ameen Medical College, laying the foundation for his career in forensic medicine.

In 2020, Dr. Bakkannavar completed the Online Course on Research Ethics Committees offered by St. John’s University.

Dr. Shankar M. Bakkannavar has been ranked among the Top 2% Scientists in the World for 2025 by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. He holds a rank of 5,98,749 based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index, excluding self-citations, stands at 16, with altogether 6971 citations for 2024 (excluding self-citations).

6. Dr Ashith Acharya

Dr. Ashith B. Acharya is a pioneering figure in forensic odontology in India, with nearly two decades of dedicated service to the field. Currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Odontology at SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, he leads the country’s first exclusive department of forensic dentistry.

A graduate of SDM College of Dental Sciences, Dr. Acharya pursued advanced training in forensic odontology from the University of Adelaide, Australia, in 2001. He began his professional journey in Nepal at the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, where he established South Asia’s first dedicated forensic odontology department. Upon returning to India in 2005, he continued to shape and expand the field, becoming one of only two government-certified forensic odontologists in the country.

In January 2016, Dr Ashith Acharya was awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing by the editors of the journal Archives of Oral Biology, published by Elsevier (Amsterdam, Netherlands).

Dr Ashith Acharya has consistently featured among the top 2% of scientists globally, as identified by Stanford University, for five consecutive years (2020–2024). According to the 2025 edition of the Stanford Top 2% Scientists list, he is ranked 2,62,331 based on a composite citation score that excludes self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index, also excluding self-citations, stands at 6, with a total of 119 citations in 2024 alone.

7. Dr Tahir UL Gani Mir

Dr Tahir UL Gani Mir is currently serving as an Assistant Scientific Officer (Chemistry and Toxicology) at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (Jammu & Kashmir).

Dr Tahir UL Gani Mir has worked as an Assistant Scientific Officer in Chemistry and Toxicology at the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jammu & Kashmir. He holds certifications from the National Forensic Sciences University, including J&K FACT-2023 and FACT-2022, and has completed training in cybersecurity, document examination, and various forensic science courses through Coursera, demonstrating a strong commitment to professional development in forensic science.

For his research, Dr Tahir UL Gani Mir has been recognised as one of the top 2% scientists across the world, as per Stanford University’s list of 2025. He holds a rank of 7,50,145 in the list based on the composite score excluding self-citations.

8. Prof. (Dr.) Amarnath Mishra

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Amity University, Noida, Prof. (Dr.) Amarnath Mishra plays a pivotal role in academic leadership, research supervision, and quality assurance.

In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Mishra is a NABL Technical Assessor for ISO/IEC. He has served as a Senior Forensic Expert and Medico-legal Consultant to Indian courts under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023.

He holds a PhD in Forensic Science, specializing in Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology from Sam Higginbottom University, an M.Phil. in Forensic Biochemistry, and a Master of Laws (LLM) with a focus on Criminal Laws, IPR, Cyber Law, and Evidence Act from Kurukshetra University.

Recognized globally for his contributions, Dr. Mishra was ranked among the Top 2% Scientists in the World for 2025 by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. According to the list, he holds a rank of 7,73,050 based on the composite score excluding self-citations.

9. Dr Sweety Sharma

Dr. Sweety Sharma is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the National Forensic Sciences University, Delhi Campus.

Dr. Sweety Sharma possesses expertise in forensic body fluids analysis, ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance), chemometrics, applied microbiology, and FTIR analysis. She is skilled in haematological analysis, ELISA, blood banking, blood grouping and cross-matching, as well as various immunoassay techniques.

Dr Sweety Sharma has been ranked among the Top 2% Scientists in the World for 2025 by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. She holds a rank of 11,93,863 based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index, excluding self-citations, stands at 5, with altogether 68 citations for 2024 (excluding self-citations).

10. Dr. Gurvinder Singh Bumbrah

Dr. Gurvinder Singh Bumbrah is an accomplished forensic scientist and academician, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Amity University. Holding a PhD and M.Sc. in Forensic Science, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (PGDAC),

Dr. Gurvinder Singh Bumbrah holds expertise in forensic science with key skills in fingerprint analysis, forensic anthropology, and forensic chemistry. They are experienced in using instruments like HS-GC-MS for fire debris analysis and toxicology, as well as derivative UV-VIS spectrophotometry for substance identification. Their practical knowledge supports accurate and efficient forensic investigations.

Dr. Gurvinder Singh Bumbrah has been ranked among the Top 2% Scientists in the World for 2025 by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. He holds a rank of 3,39,541 based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index, excluding self-citations, stands at 5, with altogether 103 citations for 2024 (excluding self-citations).

11. Dr. Kewal Krishan

Dr. Kewal Krishan is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Biological and Forensic Anthropology. He holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D, and currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Panjab University. His research expertise spans a wide range of subjects, including human osteology, forensic anthropology, forensic podiatry, and anthropometry

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Krishan has also held significant administrative roles at Panjab University, serving as the Dean of International Students

Dr. Kewal Krishan has been ranked among the Top 2% Scientists in the World for 2025 by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. He holds a rank of 9,520 based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index, excluding self-citations, stands at 11, with altogether 18787 citations for 2024 (excluding self-citations).

12. Dr. Hirak Ranjan Dash

Currently serving as an Associate Professor of Forensic Science at Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Bhubaneswar, Dr. Dash brings over a decade of experience in forensic practice in India.

Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Dash made a substantial impact as a Forensic DNA expert at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Madhya Pradesh. In this role, he examined over 1000 cases using DNA fingerprinting techniques.

Notably, he is recognized as a pioneer in India for applying NGS technology to forensic DNA analysis.

With more than 50 research articles published in reputed peer-reviewed journals and 12 authored books across various areas of biotechnology, Dr. Dash has made substantial scholarly contributions to his field.

His excellence in research has not gone unnoticed globally; he has been named among the top 2% scientists in the world for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023) by Stanford University’s global rankings.

As per the Stanford Top 2% Scientists list for 2025, he has been ranked 159,330 based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, his h-index (excluding self-citations) stands at 11, with a total of 367 citations in 2024 alone, also excluding self-citations.

13. Gurleen Kaur

Gurleen Kaur is currently pursuing her PhD at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI).

She holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Guru Nanak Dev University, one of India’s leading institutions in life sciences education. Her expertise includes PCR, cell culture, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning, western blotting, and immunology of infectious diseases.

As per the Stanford top 2% scientists across the world, as per Stanford University’s list of 2025. She holds a rank of 4,60,708 in the list based on the composite score excluding self-citations. By the end of 2024, her h-index, excluding self-citations, stands at 6.

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Medical Negligence: Does Free Treatment Exempt Hospitals from Legal Liability?

The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC), Gujarat, recently held that even when the treating hospital has not charged any fees from the patient, the service provided by the hospital would fall within the definition of service and the patient would be considered as a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Such an observation was made by the Gujarat State Consumer Court while considering the appeal filed by the family of a patient, who died while receiving post-operative treatment at a hospital after undergoing kidney-stone surgery.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

Medical Negligence: Does Free Treatment Exempt Hospitals from Legal Liability?

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Human Rights panel seeks report on Ludhiana Hospital blood bank irregularities

Ludhiana: A complaint filed by a local activist over alleged irregularities at the Ludhiana Civil Hospital blood bank has prompted the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) to intervene, directing the civil surgeon to submit a detailed report on the matter.  

The complaint alleged that the facility has been operating without a valid license and does not have a designated Blood Transfusion Officer (BTO), both mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the Ludhiana Civil Hospital’s blood bank has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that it has been operating for the past three years without a valid licence and a designated Blood Transfusion Officer (BTO) — both mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The prolonged lapse has raised serious concerns about patient safety and administrative oversight.

Also Read:No Licence, No Transfusion officer at Ludhiana Civil Hospital Blood Bank

Speaking to Hindustan Times, the complainant Arvind Sharma said, “Without a blood transfusion officer, who is the competent authority to ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to, the blood bank is jeopardising the safety of people.”

The PSHRC, taking cognisance of the complaint, has instructed the Ludhiana Civil Surgeon to submit a status report a week before the next hearing, which is scheduled for December 17.

A senior doctor formerly associated with the hospital revealed that the license had not been renewed for several years due to the blood bank’s failure to meet regulatory standards.

In addition to these issues, Sharma’s complaint also points to operational discrepancies — notably, that one of the two mobile vans used for organizing blood donation camps has not been formally registered. He further alleged that the Civil Surgeon was aware of these irregularities but did not take corrective action.

Also Read:Punjab Health Minister Inspects Civil Hospital

Civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur said, “All our compliance is now fine. We have applied for the license. It has to come from Delhi. We are waiting for it,” reports Hindustan Times.

Regarding the appointment of a designated BTO, Dr. Kaur added that their pathologists are qualified to serve in that role.

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Himachal HC rules PG Diploma not equivalent to PG Degree for Assistant Professor

In a recent judgment, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ruled that a postgraduate diploma cannot be considered equivalent to a postgraduate degree for promotion to the post of Assistant Professor under the Himachal Pradesh Medical Education Services Rules, 1999.

After going through the provisions of the rules, the HC bench comprising Justice Vivek Singh & Justice Sushil Kukreja observed, “Bare reading of the provisions includes that prescribed essential qualification is Post Graduation Degree or its equivalent qualification with condition that such candidate must possesses 3 years teaching experience after doing Post Graduation. The word ‘after doing Post Graduation’ relates to the minimum essential qualification, i.e. Post Graduation Degree in concerned speciality or its equivalent. In case, there would have been intention to include teaching experience after doing Post Graduation Diploma, then it would have been mentioned specifically in the Rules that teaching experience can be gained after doing either Post Graduation Decree or Diploma. There is no reference of Post Graduation Diploma in the essential qualification, therefore, meaning of words ‘after doing Post Graduation’ has to be construed as “after doing Post Graduation Degree”.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below: 

Himachal HC Rules PG Diploma Not Equivalent to PG Degree For Assistant Professor

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8 patients killed after massive fire at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital ICU

Eight patients were killed and five remain critical after a massive fire broke out late Sunday night in the ICU of the Trauma Centre at Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur. In response, the Rajasthan government has ordered a probe into the incident, while relatives of the deceased patients have alleged negligence and a lack of firefighting equipment.

The fire reportedly started around 11.20 p.m. in the storeroom of the Neuro ICU ward, where paper, ICU equipment, and blood sampler tubes were stored.

According to an IANS report, a short circuit is suspected to be the cause, according to the Trauma Centre’s nodal officer and senior doctor.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

Fire at Jaipur Hospital Claims 8 Lives; Families Accuse Staff of Ignoring Safety Warnings

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