Eating avocados during pregnancy associated with lower food allergy risk in baby: Study

An observational study among 2,272 mother-child pairs in Finland found that infants had 44% lower odds of developing food allergies at 12 months if their mother consumed fresh avocado during pregnancy, after adjusting for other lifestyle, delivery, and maternal health factors.

Decades of research have explored the relationship between maternal diet and allergic outcomes in infants, but this is the first published study to link avocados in the maternal diet to a lower risk of infant food allergies-a growing public health concern that affects nearly one in 13 children, or roughly two in every classroom, according to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE).

Given food allergy has reached epidemic levels, the Avocado Nutrition Center supported this research to grow the world’s understanding of how avocado, a food with nutrients that support fetal and infant development, may further benefit children.

“As a caregiver, the growing prevalence of food allergy feels very scary and out of my control,” says Sari Hantunen, study author and Senior University Lecturer at the University of Eastern Finland. “There is no cure for food allergy, but promising prevention and therapeutic strategies are in development as well as emerging research such as this. Based on these findings, it’s encouraging to know that eating avocados may provide even more value to maternal and children’s health, beyond the benefits that have already been established through scientific research.”

Researchers analyzed data collected from 2013 to 2022 as part of the Kuopio Birth Cohort (KuBiCo). Avocado intake was assessed using an online food frequency questionnaire during the first and third trimesters. Participants who reported eating any avocado (>0 grams) in either trimester were defined as avocado consumers, and non-consumers were those who did not report consuming any avocado in either trimester.

Infant allergic outcomes, including rhinitis, paroxysmal wheezing, eczema, and food allergy, were evaluated at 12-months of age. After adjusting for factors such as maternal and gestational age at delivery, education, diet quality, smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI in the first trimester, and breastfeeding, food allergy was found to be significantly higher in infants of non-avocado consumers (4.2%) versus avocado consumers (2.4%). No associations were found for other allergic conditions when all other factors were considered.

Mothers who consumed avocado during pregnancy tended to be older at delivery, be less likely to undergo a caesarean delivery, be a non-smoker, breastfeed for a longer duration, have higher diet quality scores, and have lower BMI levels in the first trimester.

Findings from this study cannot establish causation or be applied to all audiences, and while more research is needed to understand the exact mechanism, they underscore the value of avocados which provide the following nutrients per serving (1/3 medium avocado):

  • A good source of fiber, a nutrient most Americans under-consume
  • A good source of folate, essential for fetal neural and heart development
  • Lutein (136 mcg), critical for proper eye development in utero
  • Naturally good fats (mono- and polyunsaturated fats), vital for early structural and functional brain development

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends pregnant women eat 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups of vegetables a day and toddlers aged 12-23 months eat 2/3 – 1 cup per day. One avocado counts as a cup.

Reference:

Cheng, F.W., Bauer, E., Ford, N.A. et al. Avocado consumption during pregnancy linked to lower child food allergy risk: prospective KuBiCo study. Pediatr Res (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-025-03968-4.

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Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Linked to Minor, Temporary Menstrual Cycle Changes: Study Offers Reassurance

USA: A recent cohort study published in JAMA Network Open has shed light on the potential impact of influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations on menstrual cycle patterns. The study revealed that while minor changes may occur, they are short-lived and not a cause for medical concern.

“The study found that people with regular menstrual cycles experienced a slight, temporary change in cycle length after getting the flu vaccine, either alone or with a COVID-19 shot. The findings can help doctors reassure patients worried about menstrual side effects from vaccines,” the researchers reported.

Several studies have reported a link between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual disturbances, raising concerns among individuals about potential effects on menstrual health. However, limited data exist on how other vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine, might influence the menstrual cycle. Understanding these effects is important for guiding individuals on what to expect and addressing vaccine-related hesitancy. To explore this, Emily R. Boniface, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, and colleagues conducted a study to assess whether receiving the influenza vaccine, either alone or along with a COVID-19 vaccine, is associated with changes in the length of the menstrual cycle.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a global retrospective cohort study using data from English-speaking users of a digital birth control app, collected between April 25, 2023, and February 27, 2024. The study included individuals aged 18 to 45 years who were not on hormonal contraception and had consistent cycle lengths of 24 to 38 days across three consecutive cycles before vaccination. They assessed changes in menstrual cycle length following seasonal influenza vaccination, with or without a COVID-19 vaccine.

The primary outcome measured within-individual changes in cycle length, while the secondary analysis examined the menstrual phase at vaccination.

The study led to the following findings:

  • A total of 1501 individuals were included in the study: 791 received only the influenza vaccine, while 710 received both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Most participants were under 35 years old (82%), had at least a college degree (74.8%), and were from the US or Canada (62.5%).
  • Racial and ethnic data were missing for 72.2% of participants. Among the reported, 24.5% were White, 1.3% identified as other, and small percentages identified as Asian, Hispanic or Latina, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Middle Eastern/North African.
  • Those who received only the flu vaccine had a small increase in menstrual cycle length by 0.40 days, while those who got both vaccines had an increase of 0.49 days. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.
  • A change in cycle length of 8 days or more was observed in 4.7% of flu-only recipients and 5.9% of those who received both vaccines.
  • In both groups, cycle lengths returned to normal in the cycle following vaccination.
  • Changes in cycle length occurred only when vaccination took place during the follicular phase, not the luteal phase.

The study found that receiving the influenza vaccine alone or along with a COVID-19 vaccine was linked to a small, temporary change in menstrual cycle length, typically less than one day, especially when vaccination occurred during the follicular phase. There was no significant difference between vaccine groups in the number of individuals experiencing a meaningful cycle change of eight days or more.

“These findings offer reassurance that vaccination is not associated with major menstrual disruptions and may help clinicians address concerns about menstrual side effects while supporting vaccine confidence,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Boniface ER, Darney BG, van Lamsweerde A, Benhar E, Alvergne A, Edelman A. Menstrual Cycle Length Changes Following Vaccination Against Influenza Alone or With COVID-19. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(4):e257871. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.7871

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How important is it to Manage ETT Cuff Pressure During TEE Probe Use in CABG Patients?

Recent prospective randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion on cuff pressures of endotracheal tubes (ETT) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The study targeted the potential elevation of cuff pressures during TEE procedures, which can compromise tracheal mucosa perfusion, leading to postoperative complications like sore throat, hoarseness, cough, and subglottic edema.

Patient Recruitment and Study Design

Forty patients aged 18-70, categorized under ASA physical status 1, 2, and 3, were recruited from a tertiary care center and randomly divided into a control group (Group C) and a test group (Group T), each containing 20 patients. Group C had cuff pressures monitored without adjustments, while in Group T, cuff pressures exceeding 30 cmH2O were adjusted to maintain a target pressure between 20-30 cmH2O using an Airway Cuff Pressure Gauge. Both groups underwent standardized anesthetic induction and were ventilated according to specific parameters.

Measurement and Assessment Techniques

Cuff pressures were documented at four stages: pre-TEE insertion (T1), during manipulation of the TEE probe (T2), immediately after the procedure (T3), and post-recovery (T4). Parameters were assessed for demographic equivalency and to ensure no notable differences in factors such as age, sex, or ETT size would bias results. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA for cuff pressures, with Chi-square tests for comparing postoperative complications.

Findings on Cuff Pressure Management

Findings indicated that the mean cuff pressure was significantly lower in Group T at all measured intervals compared to Group C, evidencing the effect of the cuff management intervention (T1: 19.40 mmHg in Group T vs. 21.70 mmHg in Group C; T2: 25.10 mmHg vs. 27.30 mmHg; T3: 33.30 mmHg vs. 41.00 mmHg; T4: 25.60 mmHg vs. 32.10 mmHg).

Postoperative Airway Complications Analysis

Postoperative airway complications were notably less severe in Group T, with a lower proportion of patients reporting moderate to severe sore throat (25% in Group C vs. data from Group T), hoarseness of voice (30% of Group T having no hoarseness vs. 30% of Group C having moderate/severe hoarseness), and cough severity (50% of Group T reporting mild vs. 50% of Group C reporting moderate/severe). Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences with p-values less than 0.001 across all assessed complications.

Correlation and Logistic Regression Findings

Moreover, a moderate to strong positive correlation between elevated cuff pressures and the severity of complications was noted (Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.5 to 0.7). Logistic regression further reinforced the positive effect of cuff pressure management, with Group T demonstrating a significantly reduced risk for severe complications, indicating an odds ratio likely less than 0.2.

Conclusion and Implications for Practice

These results underline the critical role of managing ETT cuff pressures during the insertion and manipulation of TEE probes. They advocate for proactive cuff deflation techniques to mitigate the risk of increased cuff pressure and consequently lower the incidence of postoperative airway complications among cardiac surgical patients. The study solidifies the premise that cuff management strategies are essential for improving patient outcomes in the context of surgeries incorporating TEE. Overall, findings are congruent with existing literature, suggesting that enhanced awareness and procedural modifications related to cuff pressures can yield significant improvements in patient care within surgical environments.

Key Points

– A randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion on endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressures during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, highlighting the risks of compromised tracheal mucosa perfusion leading to complications such as sore throat and hoarseness.

– Forty patients aged 18-70 with ASA physical status 1, 2, and 3 were enrolled and divided into a control group (Group C) and a test group (Group T). While Group C had cuff pressures monitored without adjustments, Group T adjusted cuff pressures exceeding 30 cmH2O to a target range of 20-30 cmH2O.

– Cuff pressures were measured at four key intervals: before TEE insertion, during TEE probe manipulation, immediately after the procedure, and upon recovery, ensuring demographic equivalency among participants with no significant differences that could bias results.

– Results indicated that mean cuff pressures were significantly lower in Group T across all measured intervals (T1: 19.40 mmHg vs. 21.70 mmHg; T2: 25.10 mmHg vs. 27.30 mmHg; T3: 33.30 mmHg vs. 41.00 mmHg; T4: 25.60 mmHg vs. 32.10 mmHg).

– Group T experienced fewer postoperative airway complications, with a lower percentage of patients reporting moderate to severe sore throat (25% vs. Group T), no hoarseness of voice in 30% of Group T compared to 30% experiencing moderate/severe in Group C, and reduced cough severity (50% reporting mild in Group T vs. moderate/severe in Group C). Statistically significant differences were noted with p-values less than 0.001.

– A moderate to strong positive correlation was observed between higher cuff pressures and the severity of complications, with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.5 to 0.7. Logistic regression analysis indicated a significantly reduced risk for severe complications in Group T, with an odds ratio of less than 0.2, underscoring the necessity of cuff management in surgical contexts involving TEE.

Reference –

A. Kireeti et al. (2025). Effect Of Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe Insertion On Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure In Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery. A Prospective Randomized Control Trial.. *Annals Of Cardiac Anaesthesia*, 28 2, 143-148 . https://doi.org/10.4103/aca.aca_175_24.

The findings highlight the crucial need to monitor and manage endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressures during the insertion and adjustment of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes. Proactive cuff deflation strategies are recommended to prevent pressure spikes and reduce the risk of postoperative airway complications in cardiac surgery patients.

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Study: Using pilocarpine drops post goniotomy may reduce long-term glaucoma medication needs

Using pilocarpine eye drops following Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy surgery may improve clinical outcomes for patients with glaucoma and reduce the need for future medications, according to new research published by faculty members and trainees in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

“The KDB goniotomy is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery that we do a lot here at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, and there was some variability in the post-operative eye drop regimen among different providers,” says Julia Xia, MD, a uveitis fellow in the department and lead author of the study.

“Some of our providers prescribe pilocarpine drops and some do not,” she continues. “There currently is not a clear evidence-based consensus on whether the drops are beneficial in use after the surgery, so this research sought to address whether those drops made a difference.”

The study analyzed 532 KDB goniotomy procedures at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center between September 2015 and March 2020, with and without pilocarpine use, and measured surgical success, which the researchers defined as intraocular pressure less than 21 mmHg in addition to either a more than 20% reduction in intraocular pressure or the reduction of one or more topical glaucoma medications.

The group using pilocarpine drops had a significantly higher success rate in the first and third month after surgery as well as one year after surgery. They also required significantly less medications than the group that did not use pilocarpine.

The role of pilocarpine drops

Researchers estimate that more than 4.2 million adults in the U.S. have glaucoma, an eye disease that gradually damages the optic nerve when there’s a build-up of fluid. There is no cure for glaucoma, so ophthalmologists are tasked with helping their patients manage the disease and the excessive intraocular pressure (IOP) that leads to vision problems.

Management often includes eye drops and surgeries that aim to reduce IOP. Goniotomy is a minimally invasive surgery that opens the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s drainage system, and allows fluid to flow out of the eye, thus reducing pressure.

“If you think of the eye as a sink, we are essentially trying to augment the drain,” Xia says. “We’re making an incision to open up the natural drainage pathway.”

There are several ways ophthalmologists can perform a goniotomy, but researchers of the study focused their efforts on the Kahook Dual Blade method, which was developed by Malik Y. Kahook, MD, professor of ophthalmology and the Slater Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, over a decade ago on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

“Pilocarpine historically has been used to lower eye pressure, but it also shrinks the pupil and creates tension in key areas of the drainage pathway,” Xia explains. “This theoretically helps ensure that the pathway remains open after someone has healed from surgery which allows fluid to better flow out of the eye.”

Patients in the study who used the drops typically did so for about a month following the procedure.

After that, they tended to need fewer glaucoma medications to manage the disease.

Looking to the long term

The findings are an important clinical tool for ophthalmologists who perform KDB goniotomy.

“The exciting part about this research is that it can be directly applicable to patients,” Xia says. “Surgeons can use this evidence as one piece of the decision-making process when thinking about what’s best for their patients.”

While the results from the study are promising, ophthalmologists, including Xia, say pilocarpine drops do often come with some nuances. For many patients, side effects include headache, blurred vision, heightened risk for retinal detachment, and temporary burning or stinging in the eye.

Cara Capitena Young, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology and medical director of the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center operating room, says there are patients who may not be a good fit for the drops, but the research has convinced her to add pilocarpine drops back into her toolbox and discuss them with her patients.

Capitena-Young also co-authored the study.

“Drop adherence is a massive barrier to treating glaucoma, so if we can add a drop in the short term that helps reduce the number of drops needed long term, it can be a great option for some patients,” she says. “We know from this research that it can extend the success of the surgery well beyond a year, so while the drops might be an additional annoyance for a little bit, it can be worth it.”

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DCGI Told to Act Against Unapproved Antibiotic FDCs

New Delhi: The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), India’s apex drug advisory body, has taken a firm stance on curbing the irrational use of antibiotic fixed dose combinations (FDCs) by directing the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to initiate license withdrawal procedures for unapproved formulations. This move comes in response to continued non-submission of critical data by State Licensing Authorities (SLAs), despite repeated reminders.

The matter was discussed during DTAB’s 92nd meeting held on April 24, 2025, under Agenda No. 15, which reviewed the status report on proposals to regulate FDC antibiotics. According to the official meeting minutes:

“The non-submission of the desired information by the SLAs is not justified. DTAB opined that the DCG(I) may take up the matter with SLAs for withdrawal of the product license of such FDCs for appropriate action as per the provisions.”

The DTAB’s position follows a series of communications sent by the DCGI since 2024, urging state regulators to submit comprehensive lists of antibiotic combinations licensed by them and to flag any unapproved products currently circulating in their jurisdictions. These requests were rooted in growing concern over the widespread and unchecked availability of irrational antibiotic combinations, which contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The push to regulate antibiotic FDCs gained momentum after a key meeting at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on April 25, 2023, where experts recommended immediate steps to ban inappropriate combinations already in the market and to prevent new irrational combinations from entering the system.

Further, during a meeting chaired by Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) on October 16, 2023, it was agreed that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) would conduct six-monthly reviews of antibiotic FDCs approved and marketed across different states.

To operationalize this, DTAB in its 90th meeting on January 25, 2024, constituted a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Dr. D.S. Arya, Professor of Pharmacology at AIIMS, to thoroughly examine the issue and recommend action. The Board also decided that the sub-committee would include experts such as a pharmacologist, a medical specialist, and a microbiologist for a well-rounded evaluation.

Read Also: CDSCO Asks SLAs To Provide List Of Antibiotic Combinations Licensed For Manufacturing And Marketing

Despite these institutional efforts, the lack of response from state regulators has prompted the DTAB to recommend immediate administrative intervention. The Board has now formally empowered the DCGI to coordinate with SLAs to revoke licenses for antibiotic FDCs that are found to be irrational or lacking approval under central regulations.

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Delhi Govt moves to dissolve Medical Council amid allegations

Amid the allegations of mismanagement and irregularities in the functioning of the Delhi Medical Council (DMC), which regulates medical practice in the Capital, the Delhi Government has moved a proposal to dissolve the council, Hindustan Times has reported.

If the proposal gets approval from the lieutenant governor (LG), this will be the first time that the Council would be dissolved since 1998, when the Council came into existence.

For more information, click on the link below:

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Serve till Superannuation or Pay Rs 50 lakh Penalty: TN Bond Policy for NEET SS in-service admissions 2024

Chennai: In-service candidates taking admission to the super-speciality courses in Tamil Nadu will have to serve the Government till superannuation or pay Rs 50,00,000 as bond penalty.

As per the latest prospectus, issued by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Chennai, at the time of admission to the super-speciality courses in the government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, the doctors will have to execute a bond for Rs 50 lakh as a security amount with an undertaking specifying their commitment to work for the Government till their retirement.

They will also have to submit three sureties along with the bond. Among these, two sureties should be from permanent Government employees in the same or higher rank than the candidate, and one surety should be from the spouse/parent of the candidate.

However, the DMER specified that the bond will become infructuous if the in-service candidates serve the Government of Tamil Nadu after the completion of the course until superannuation.

Also Read: Leaving bond service midway: Rs 40 lakh penalty set for MD, MS, MDS doctors, Rs 20 lakh for PG Diploma in Tamil Nadu

“All Service Candidates of Tamil Nadu shall execute a bond for a sum of ₹50,00,000/- (Rupees fifty lakh only) as security amount with the under taking that they will serve the Government of Tamil Nadu till Superannuation with three sureties. Two sureties should be from permanent Government employees in the same or higher rank than the candidate. One surety should be from the spouse / parent of the candidate. PAN numbers of the sureties should be furnished…. The bond will become infructuous if the service candidates serve the Government of Tamil Nadu after the completion of the Course until superannuation,” read the prospectus.

In the prospectus, the DMER further mentioned that the Government of Tamil Nadu is offering Super Speciality courses through its Medical Colleges/Hospitals and the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University/Specialised institutes and stated:

“The Government spends a large amount of money to impart Medical Education including Super Speciality Medical Education. It levies nominal fees and at the same time provides stipend to Private candidates and salary to Service candidates. It is natural that the Government desires to ensure that these seats are not wasted. Further, the Government looks forward to these Doctors who have undergone Post-Graduate training to serve the poor and the needy of this country at large and this State in particular. The public have the right to expect the Specialists to utilize the skills they acquired during their training for the benefit of the sick, the poor and the needy. To ensure that the services of trained Post Graduate Doctors are made available, an Undertaking is obtained from them at the time of their admission. It is sincerely believed that this will discourage an attitude of not paying attention to those poor people at whose expense they have been educated,” the prospectus stated.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that recently Tamil Nadu (TN Health) invited online applications from eligible candidates for admission into the Super Speciality courses in TN Government Medical Colleges only for in-service candidates for the 2024 session. In this regard, TN Health released a prospectus detailing the important details such as eligibility criteria, procedure for filling & submission of application, counselling procedure, tuition fee, method of selection, admission, etc.

Also Read: TN Health invites Applications from In-Service Candidates for Super Speciality Courses, Check all admission details here

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Physical activity and organized sports participation may ward off childhood mental ill health

Physical activity in early childhood, especially taking part in organized sports, may ward off several mental health disorders in later childhood and adolescence, suggests research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

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Long working hours may alter brain structure, preliminary findings suggest

Long working hours may alter the structure of the brain, particularly the areas associated with emotional regulation and executive function, such as working memory and problem solving, suggest the findings of preliminary research, published online in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.

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Back into the closet: Is aged care failing LGBTI+ people?

Many older LGBTI+ people feel pressure to “straighten up” and “blend in,” concealing their identities to feel safe in aged care facilities, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

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