Mungeli District Hospital earns NQAS certification

Mungeli: Chhattisgarh’s Mungeli District Hospital has been awarded the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification after securing a total of 92.33 per cent marks on all 15 prescribed health service parameters.  

The NQAS certification is given by the National Health Mission of the Ministry of Family and Health Welfare.

Mungeli District Magistrate Kundan Kumar said that this achievement is not only a matter of pride for the district but also a milestone towards better health services. He congratulated all the health workers and officials for this success and encouraged them to maintain the quality of services in the same way.

Also Read:8 Mizoram Govt Health facilities receive NQAS Certification

Dr M.K. Roy, Civil Surgeon of District Hospital Mungeli, said, “We have been preparing for the last six months. A team from Delhi had arrived for investigation grading. We have achieved this success due to teamwork. We will continue to strive for even better service in the future”, news agency IANS reported.

RMO Sandeep Kumar Patil, posted in the Health Department, Mungeli, said that the National Quality Assurance Standards of the Ministry of Health is an initiative, which aims to improve the quality of services being provided in government health institutions across the country and to recognise the institutions providing quality services.

“District Hospital Mungeli has done remarkable work on all important parameters like infection control, patient care, clinical services, record management, trained human resources, cleanliness and patient satisfaction. The team of the Ministry of Health expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and services of the district hospital during the inspection. Under NQAS certification, now the district hospital will receive money as an incentive every year for the next three years at the rate of Rs 10,000 per bed on the basis of 240 beds,” he added.

He also informed that after continuous training and evaluation in the last six months, District Hospital Mungeli has become the hospital to receive NQAS certification with the highest marks. Civil Surgeon Dr M.K. Rai, RMO Dr Sandeep Patil, Hospital Manager Surabhi Kesharwani, Matron Divya Masih, and the entire staff had a special contribution in this achievement.

Divya Masih said that every day, eight to ten pregnant women are being successfully delivered in the district hospital, where better treatment is given along with proper monitoring and patient care, due to which the hospital has been awarded at the national level after the team’s inspection. Special attention is paid to cleanliness in the district hospital. The Ayushman card operator said that common patients are taking advantage of the Ayushman card.

Himesh Kumar Khandekar, a relative of a patient admitted for treatment in the district hospital, said that he has come to the district hospital to get his father, suffering from a urinary infection, treated. Khandekar said that regular treatment is being done here and he is satisfied with the treatment, cleanliness and health facilities of the hospital.

Also Read:200 Govt Hospitals in Kerala achieve NQAS Accreditation

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Obesity, Not Liver Fat, Drives Link Between Depression and Fatty Liver Disease: UK Biobank Study

UK: A new study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism sheds light on the complex connection between liver fat accumulation and depression. The research, led by Qi Feng from The George Institute for Global Health (UK) and Imperial College London, suggests that obesity—not liver fat itself—is the key factor linking steatotic liver disease (SLD) and depression.

Using data from the UK Biobank, the study included over 36,500 participants with a mean age of 64.5 years, of whom more than half were female. Liver fat was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived proton density fat fraction, and SLD was defined as liver fat content equal to or above 5%. Depression was determined based on self-reported diagnoses and hospital records.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • In the cross-sectional analysis, individuals with steatotic liver disease (SLD) had a higher prevalence of depression compared to those without SLD (9.1% vs 7.3%).
  • After adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status, SLD was associated with a 40% higher odds of depression.
  • This association reduced significantly to a 12% increase in odds after accounting for body mass index (BMI), suggesting obesity may be a key confounding factor.
  • In the prospective analysis involving over 33,700 individuals followed for a median of 4.5 years, 414 new cases of depression were identified.
  • Initially, SLD was linked to a 27% increased risk of developing depression.
  • After adjusting for BMI, this association was no longer statistically significant.
  • Incremental increases in liver fat (per 5%) were not linked to future risk of depression.
  • The study found no significant differences in these associations between men and women.

“These findings carry significant implications for clinical care and public health,” the authors noted. The data suggests that targeting obesity through lifestyle changes or weight reduction strategies may be a more effective approach to reducing depression risk in individuals with fatty liver disease, rather than focusing on liver fat alone.

The researchers emphasized that while liver fat and depression appear connected, the relationship may be driven by reverse causation and shared risk factors such as obesity. They called for future investigations into how weight management and other lifestyle interventions could impact both metabolic and mental health outcomes.

The authors concluded, “While SLD is associated with an increased likelihood of depression, the link seems to be largely explained by excess weight. The study highlights obesity as a critical modifiable factor in the interplay between liver health and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of holistic care strategies that address both physical and psychological health.”

Reference:

Feng Q, Izzi-Engbeaya CN, Manousou P, Woodward M. Obesity drives the link between liver fat and depression: Cross-sectional and prospective investigations. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025 Jun 24. doi: 10.1111/dom.16562. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40555708.

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Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Linked to Hypertension Risk in Menopausal Women, reveals AHA study

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension in menopausal women.

For diseases including peptic ulcer disease and esophagitis, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the preferred course of treatment. Between 2002 and 2009, PPI usage more than doubled (from 4% to 9%, respectively). In the US, one of the PPIs was prescribed over 70 million times in 2016. Bone fractures, pneumonia, and kidney damage are among the adverse effects that have been related to inappropriate PPI usage, particularly in older adults, whether as a result of extended use or a lack of a suitable rationale.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between incident hypertension and PPI usage in menopausal women who were participated in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study, or WHI-OS. Examining the relationship between PPI usage and changes in blood pressure recorded in a clinical environment over a three-year period was the secondary goal.

This research included 64,720 menopausal women who were enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study (1993–1998) and were free of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Medication inventories were used to assess the baseline PPI usage and duration. According to self-report on yearly questionnaires, the outcome was incident hypertension diagnosed or treated by a physician.

Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for incident hypertension based on baseline PPI usage (yes/no) and duration (less than a year, one to three years, and more than three years). Using linear regression, the relationship between PPI usage and changes in recorded blood pressure over a 3-year period was investigated.

The mean follow-up period was 8.7 years, and there were 28951 instances of incident hypertension. In the fully adjusted model, PPI use was linked to a 17% increased risk of hypertension when compared to nonuse (HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.08–1.27]). An incrementally greater risk of hypertension was substantially linked to longer PPI usage durations (HR, 1.13, 1.17, 1.28, respectively; trend P<0.001).

PPI new users had a substantially higher 3-year change in multivariable-adjusted mean systolic blood pressure (+3.39 mm Hg, P=0.049) than those who had never used a PPI. Overall, menopausal women who used PPIs had a greater chance of being diagnosed with hypertension, and the risk increased significantly with longer usage duration. 

Source:

Soliman, A. I., Wactawski-Wende, J., Millen, A. E., Gray, S. L., Eaton, C. B., Hovey, K. M., Donneyong, M., Saquib, N., Mouton, C. P., Laddu, D., Liu, S., Shimbo, D., Wassertheil-Smoller, S., & LaMonte, M. J. (2025). Proton pump inhibitor use and incident hypertension in menopausal women. Journal of the American Heart Association, 14(13), e040009. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.124.040009

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Creatine is safe, effective and important for everyone, longtime researcher says

Creatine, the supplement popular with athletes for its ability to help build strength and power, is increasingly being recognized for its broad health benefits.

The compound’s usefulness extends well beyond the gym, according to Dr. Richard Kreider, professor and director of the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab at Texas A&M University. Kreider has spent more than 30 years investigating the effects of creatine, a naturally occurring compound stored in the muscle that combines with phosphate to form creatine phosphate, which is needed for cellular energy.

“When the body is stressed, like in exercise or under metabolic conditions like some diseases, creatine phosphate is needed to maintain energy in the cell, and therefore has a lot of protective and health benefits, in addition to the exercise performance effects that have been seen,” Kreider said.

How Much Creatine Do We Need?

Our bodies create about a gram per day, but it’s recommended to get two to four grams of creatine per day, depending on muscle mass and activity levels. According to Kreider, most people fall short of getting enough creatine from diet alone. The best sources of creatine in the diet are meat and fish.

“You only get about a gram of creatine per pound of red meat or fish, like salmon, so it’s expensive and takes a lot of calories to get a gram,” Kreider said. This is why supplementation matters, especially for vegetarians or vegans who do not consume enough creatine in their diet.

For athletes with performance-related goals, Kreider said it’s recommended to supplement 5 grams, four times a day for a week. Supplementation “helps load the muscle up with more energy,” which makes for improved high-intensity exercise, recovery and even cognitive function. After that, consuming 5 to 10 grams per day will maintain creatine stores and provide enough creatine for the brain.

Beyond boosting athletic performance, creatine is important for everyone as they age throughout their lives, Kreider said. It can help older adults who lose muscle mass and cognitive function as they age, he said, and in adolescents, low dietary creatine intake is associated with slower growth, less muscle mass and higher body fat.

Is Creatine Safe?

In a comprehensive review published in February in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Kreider and colleagues analyzed 685 clinical trials on creatine supplementation to assess its safety and the frequency of reported side effects. The analysis showed there were no significant differences in the rate of side effects for participants taking a placebo and those taking creatine.

As for anecdotal concerns like bloating or cramping, Kreider says those claims don’t hold up under scrutiny, and studies have shown creatine can actually prevent cramping because it helps the body retain more fluid.

Despite the strong evidence base, Kreider said creatine has long been the subject of misconceptions and misinformation. He’s among the members of the International Society of Sports Nutrition who recently issued a letter affirming the safety and efficacy of creatine, urging lobbyists and policymakers not to restrict access to it.

“There’s absolutely no data supporting any negative side effect anecdotally reported about creatine on the internet and in the media,” he said. “Creatine is safe, and it’s important for everybody, not just bodybuilders and athletes.”

Reference:

Kreider, R. B., Gonzalez, D. E., Hines, K., Gil, A., & Bonilla, D. A. (2025). Safety of creatine supplementation: analysis of the prevalence of reported side effects in clinical trials and adverse event reports. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 22(sup1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2025.2488937

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SGLT-2 inhibitors effective in treating cirrhosis patients under diuretic therapy: JAMA

A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that the usage of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors was linked to a decreased risk of severe liver outcomes.

There are currently few effective treatment options available to lessen the consequences of cirrhosis. Inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2), which are mostly used to treat diabetes and heart failure, may also have advantages for the liver. Thus, this study assessed the relationship between the usage of SGLT-2 inhibitors and the risk of severe liver events in cirrhosis patients on spironolactone and furosemide.

Data from more than 120 healthcare institutions on the TriNetX platform were used in this cohort research. Included were the adult cirrhosis patients treated with furosemide and spironolactone between January 2013 and July 2021. Using 1:1 propensity matching, patients taking SGLT-2 inhibitors in addition to furosemide and spironolactone were matched with a control group of patients receiving furosemide and spironolactone alone based on comorbidities, age, and demographics. The 3-year follow-up period for these patient ended on July 11, 2024.

A composite of significant liver outcomes, such as the incidence of ascites, hyponatremia, variceal development, or all-cause death, was the main outcome. The incidence of variceal hemorrhage, paracentesis, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hypoglycemia, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatocellular cancer, and hospitalizations for all reasons were among the secondary outcomes. The Pearson χ2 test was used to compare categorical variables, while the independent-samples t test was used to analyze continuous variables.

SGLT-2 inhibitor-treated patients exhibited a lower incidence of major liver events than control patients among 10 660 propensity-matched individuals (mean [SD] age, 63.8 [10.7] years; 57.8% male) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.68 [95% CI, 0.66-0.71]; P <.001).

Hepatorenal syndrome (HR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.40-0.56]), paracentesis (HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.50-0.60]), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.46-0.65]), hypoglycemia (HR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.62-0.91]), variceal bleeding (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.73-0.84]), and all-cause hospitalizations (HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.63-0.71]) were secondary outcomes that were linked to a lower risk among those taking SGLT-2 inhibitors.

Overall, cirrhosis patients may benefit from SGLT-2 inhibitors in relation to their liver. To further assess their safety and effectiveness, prospective studies are required. Given that recurrent UTIs, euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, and changes in sodium levels after starting an SGLT-2 inhibitor are established side effects of this medication class, future research should explicitly look at these alterations. 

Reference:

Abu-Hammour, M.-N., Abdel-Razeq, R., Vignarajah, A., Khedraki, R., Sims, O. T., Vigneswaramoorthy, N., & Chiang, D. J. (2025). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and serious liver events in patients with cirrhosis. JAMA Network Open, 8(6), e2518470. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.18470

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New study shows link between childhood health and risk of disease in men in later life

New research has shown how boys being overweight in early childhood or having chickenpox or another infectious disease in infancy may increase their risk of having chronic disease in later life.

Scientists from the University of Nottingham’s School of Biosciences have analysed the level of the unique testis hormone biomarker insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in young men at 24 years of age and related this to a range of health and lifestyle factors during their childhood.

The team have previously shown that the biomarker INSL3 in younger men is predictive of chronic disease when they get older. In this new study they found that while most factors had little or no effect, being overweight as a child or young teenager, or having had chickenpox or other infectious disease in early infancy, were significantly associated with a reduction in adult INSL3 by 10 to 15%. This potentially increases the risk of later adult illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone weakness, or sexual dysfunction.

The study, published today in Andrology is the first to ever examine the impact of childhood diet, health and infections and their long term impact on health across the lifespan.

The research was led by Dr Ravinder Anand-Ivell, Associate Professor in Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology, who has previously shown how the unique biomarker INSL3, in ageing men is able to predict conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or bone weakness, and that low INSL3 in older men has its origins already in younger men.

Dr Anand-Ivell explains: “We know that INSL3 hormone levels in boys and men are a robust biomarker of the testicular capacity to produce the steroid hormone testosterone that is essential not only for reproduction but also for overall healthy well-being. In this new study we have found that there is a clear link between certain health factors in childhood at a time before puberty when the testes are still developing and later men’s health as they age.”

In this new study the researchers analysed data from participants in the “Children of the Nineties” cohort of children (the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents And Children) established by colleagues at the University of Bristol. These boys had been followed clinically from birth and are now in their twenties.

By correlating the levels of INSL3 in the young men from this cohort with a wide range of clinical and lifestyle parameters throughout their childhood and adolescence, the team identified the factors during childhood which could potentially affect mens health as they aged. Importantly, they also identified many other factors which were less important. The key findings showed that being overweight as a child or young teenager, or having had chickenpox or other infectious disease in early infancy both markedly increase the risk to mens health as they age and moreover emphasize the importance of early vaccination.

Dr Anand-Ivell adds: “By using this new biomarker INSL3 as well as having this childhood health information allows us now to be able to predict those men at risk and thus consider appropriate preventative measures before disease sets in. The next stage of this research is the development of a specialist high-throughput assay which would allow the measurement of INSL3 to be introduced as part of the routine clinical assessment for male healthy ageing.”

Reference:

Richard Ivell, Bilal Tilumcu, Waleed Alhujaili, Ravinder Anand-Ivell, Maternal, childhood and adolescent influences on Leydig cell functional capacity and circulating INSL3 concentration in young adults: Importance of childhood infections and body mass index, Andrology, https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.70091.

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Novel study uncovers the critical role of ADAM10 protein in development of retinal disorders

New research has found that the endothelial cell-specific A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) regulates abnormal blood vessel growth in the damaged retina, which can cause vision loss or impairment. The findings of the new study in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier, have significant implications for understanding the pathophysiology of neovascular disorders like retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy and provide a potential target for treatment.

ADAM10, a versatile protein involved in a wide range of cellular processes, particularly those related to the regulation of cell surface protein expression and intercellular communication, is known to have a physiological role in normal blood vessel formation. However, its role in proliferative retinopathies, in which abnormal blood vessel formation is the primary cause of vision loss and impairment, remains understudied.

The present study explored the role of endothelial cell-specific ADAM10 and its signaling on pathologic neovascularization within the retina. Using an endothelial-specific ADAM10 knockout mouse model (ADAM10i∆EC), its goal was to uncover the molecular mechanisms underpinning ADAM10 participation in retinal neovascularization to provide fresh insights into potential therapeutic targets for retinal neovascular disorders.

Lead investigator Nikhlesh K. Singh, DVM, PhD, Integrative Biosciences Center and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, says, “In this study, we discovered that ADAM10 activity was significantly elevated in the injured retina, and reducing ADAM10 levels or its activity notably slowed the growth, spread, movement, and tube formation of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Additionally, when we eliminated ADAM10 from the endothelial cells in mice, it substantially alleviated issues associated with retinal diseases, such as blood leakage from vessels, swelling, and the formation of new blood vessels.”

While investigating how ADAM10 influences abnormal blood vessel growth, the researchers found that ADAM10 regulates the levels of the protein Ephrin B2 in endothelial cells, and decreasing Ephrin B2 levels impacts the growth, movement, sprouting, and tube formation of human retinal endothelial cells. Furthermore, a significant increase in Ephrin B2 expression was observed in the damaged retina, and the removal of ADAM10 specifically from endothelial cells drastically reduced Ephrin B2 expression, indicating that ADAM10 plays a crucial role in the development of new blood vessels in the retina by regulating Ephrin B2 levels.

Pathologic retinal neovascularization is the primary cause of visual loss in diseases such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, central vein occlusion, and age-related macular degeneration. The extracellular matrix breakdown by metalloproteinase leads to vascular complications in various proliferative retinopathies. Most of the current therapeutic approaches for these diseases involve invasive and moderately effective surgical procedures, such as anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) treatment.

Co-investigators Shivantika Bisen, MSc, and Purnima Gogoi, PhD, MVSc, Integrative Biosciences Center and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, and Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin (PG), note, “Various clinical and experimental findings report that the use of anti-VEGF agents can result in neuronal damage, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, there are many patients who do not respond to anti-VEGF therapies. Our study shows that targeting ADAM10 or its downstream effectors, such as Ephrin B2, could offer novel strategies for managing or preventing retinal diseases characterized by pathologic neovascularization.”

Dr. Singh concludes, “The human body is a sophisticated and autonomous system, and we, as medical researchers, strive to comprehend the intricacies of its existence and functionality, continually fascinated by its self-sufficiency and resilience. Our study has significant implications for understanding the pathophysiology of hypoxic and/or ischemic retinal diseases and highlights potential therapeutic targets, paving the way for novel treatment strategies beyond current anti-VEGF therapies.”

Reference:

Bisen, Shivantika et al., A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 10 Regulates Ephrin B2–Mediated Endothelial Cell Sprouting and Ischemic Retinopathy, The American Journal of Pathology, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2025.03.007 

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Delhi HC Flags Off-Label Use of Diabetes Drugs for Weight Loss, Seeks CDSCO Report

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to examine a representation raising serious concerns over the approval and misuse of potent diabetes drugs being repurposed for weight loss. The court’s directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by fitness entrepreneur Jitendra Chouksey, founder of FITTR, seeking urgent regulatory action on drugs such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Victoza (liraglutide) and others, originally meant for Type 2 diabetes but now widely being used off-label to lose weight.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, expressed alarm at the uncontrolled promotion and use of these medications. “Drugs with such serious consequences must be regulated,” the bench remarked. Justice Gedela further commented during the hearing that “such instances should be reported to the police” when informed that in some cases gym trainers were recommending or even administering these medications to individuals seeking weight loss.

The petitioner’s counsel, senior advocate Diya Kapur, submitted that the drugs were originally meant for diabetes but were being sold as a “magic formula for weight loss,” with little awareness among users about possible adverse effects. The court was also informed that these drugs were being obtained and used in gyms and wellness clinics without medical supervision, and that they were “being promoted by influencers and wellness platforms that target younger populations without adequate risk disclosure.”

Also Read: Delhi HC Restrains Dr Reddy’s from Selling Semaglutide Drug in India Amid Novo Nordisk Row

Raising further alarm, the PIL contended that these drugs were granted approval “based largely on short-term efficacy trials” and without robust safety evaluations specific to Indian patients. It pointed out that “these drugs were originally developed for the regulation of glycemic levels. However, over time they were repurposed and approved by CDSCO for the treatment of weight loss and obesity in individuals without diabetes, based largely on short-term efficacy trials,” the plea stated as reported by PTI.

The court, noting recent incidents involving unregulated aesthetic or anti-aging treatments, including the death of television actor Shefali Jariwala, remarked, “See what happened two-three days back…it was in the news,” referring to the widespread media coverage of the death. The court said the issue of drug misuse needed to be addressed comprehensively.

Highlighting the potential dangers, the plea cited risks such as pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, cardiovascular and neurological side effects including optic neuropathy. It also referenced a UK report linking 82 deaths to the use of similar GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. The petition emphasized that despite widespread use, “there is currently no mandatory pharmacovigilance framework to monitor the safety of these drugs in the Indian population.”

The petitioner called for the immediate suspension of approval for non-diabetic use of such drugs and a prohibition on their marketing for weight loss. It also sought that all clinical trial and safety data be made publicly available and that “a public advisory warning should be issued, highlighting the associated risks,” reports LawChakra.

In response, the Delhi High Court disposed of the PIL, but directed the CDSCO to act on the petitioner’s representation. As per the Live Law report, the court said;

“We direct the respondents to take a decision on the petitioner’s representation after consulting experts and stakeholders including manufacturers within three months.” It also permitted the petitioner to “file an additional representation along with all documents relied upon in court within two weeks.”

The Economic Times reports that the PIL had further argued that GLP-1 drugs “should not be administered without adequate medical justification, long-term studies, or medical supervision.” It warned that off-label use had turned into a fitness fad and “must be checked before it becomes a public health hazard.”

The court’s order now places responsibility on the CDSCO and DCGI to review the approvals and safety mechanisms associated with these medications. Their decision is expected within three months, by early October 2025, following stakeholder consultation and submission of supporting data by the petitioner.

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Cervical HPV Linked to Increased Risk of Oral HPV in Women: Study

Researchers have discovered in a new study a strong association between cervical HPV infection and elevated risk of oral HPV. They found that Women with abnormal cervical cytology showed the highest rates of oral HPV presence. As many as 1 in 8 women with cervical HPV had oral HPV, suggesting the need to consider oral HPV screening in this high-risk group.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection of the 21st century, infecting an estimated 630 million people worldwide and contributing to approximately 4.5% to 5% of all cancers. The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is increasing. Yet, population screening for oral HPV infection is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration due to the low prevalence and lack of a universally accepted screening strategy or tool. The study aims to evaluate the link between cervical and oral HPV infection in women and identify high-risk groups. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023477695). The systematic search was performed in 3 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) on January 3, 2025. Forty-one analytical observational studies reporting on oral HPV status in women with and without cervical HPV positivity were included. Effect sizes, including proportions and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were analyzed using a random-effects model. Location, population characteristics, and sampling methods were used to perform the subgroup analyses. The meta-analysis revealed an odds ratio of 2.22 (CI: 1.52-3.25) for oral HPV in women with cervical HPV positivity compared with those without it. The prevalence of oral HPV was significantly higher in cervical HPV-positive women (13%, CI: 8%-20%) than in HPV-negative women (4%, CI: 2%-7%). In addition, the prevalence of oral HPV was even higher in cervical HPV-positive women with positive cytology (17%, CI: 6%-39%). Risk-of-bias assessment indicated low risk among all studies using Quality in Prognosis Studies and moderate to low risk among studies assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Our findings support the association between cervical HPV positivity and elevated risk for oral HPV infection. Moreover, the highest prevalence of oral HPV carriage was observed in women with positive cytology. As 1 in 8 women with cervical HPV carries oral HPV, screening should be considered for this at-risk population.

Reference:

Mózes AE, Olasz FH, Martineková P, Kiss-Dala S, Bródy A, Végh D, Zsembery Á, Hegyi P, Ács N, Rózsa NK. Cervical HPV Positivity Elevates the Risk for Oral HPV Infection: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. J Dent Res. 2025 Jun 23:220345251337071. doi: 10.1177/00220345251337071. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40551482.

Keywords:

Cervical, HPV, Linked, Increased, Risk, Oral, HPV, Women, Study, Mózes AE, Olasz FH, Martineková P, Kiss-Dala S, Bródy A, Végh D, Zsembery Á, Hegyi P, Ács N, Rózsa NK, Journal of Dental Research, human papillomavirus viruses; oncogenic virus; oropharyngeal neoplasms; uterine cervical neoplasms; viruses; women.

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Acupuncture significantly reduces stress, pain, and anxiety for patients undergoing IVF, suggests study

A recent study published by researchers at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine revealed that Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine (WS-TCM), when integrated with in vitro fertilization (IVF), significantly improves patient-reported levels of stress, pain, and anxiety within a single treatment session. The researchers are also among the first to describe the real-world integration of WS-TCM treatments such as acupuncture within a fertility clinic at a U.S. academic medical center.

The retrospective study, conducted at UH Connor Whole Health and the UH Fertility Center, analyzed 1896 WS-TCM treatments provided during 202 embryo transfers for 146 patients from 2019 to 2022. Patients undergoing IVF who received WS-TCM treatments, including acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary guidance, and herbal medicine, experienced measurable symptom relief. The study found clinically meaningful improvements following a single-treatment with average reductions of 2.2 units in anxiety, 2.1 in stress, and 1.4 in pain on a 10-unit numeric rating scale.

Findings support the use of WS-TCM for providing symptom relief for patients navigating the heavy emotional and physical challenges of IVF. Over 25 percent of patients in the study sample had documented mental health diagnoses, with anxiety being the most common. Thus, integrative treatments like WS-TCM may enhance patient experience during IVF treatment. This evidence adds to a growing body of research supporting the efficacy of acupuncture and other WS-TCM modalities for improving IVF success rates.

Researchers found that 88.6 percent of IVF cycles included WS-TCM treatment on the day of embryo transfer. Additionally, 64.9 percent of cycles featured treatments in the weeks leading up to embryo transfer. As WS-TCM practitioners continue to be integrated within U.S. fertility centers, this study provides comprehensive data on when treatments occurred, how many treatments were provided, and what specific acupuncture points were utilized to address the needs of women undergoing IVF.

The UH Fertility Center is among a growing number of academic medical centers nationwide implementing integrative therapies into reproductive health services. This collaborative care model enables personalized, whole-person support for every step throughout fertility treatment.

“During the IVF journey, patients seek the best possible clinical outcomes, but also comprehensive support to help manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany treatment. Our study demonstrates that acupuncture and whole-systems TCM can serve as a valuable tool to decrease pain, stress and anxiety – ultimately contributing to both improved outcomes and a more positive, holistic patient experience,” said Dr. Christine Kaiser, DACM, Lac, Principal Investigator of the Study and the Connor Endowed Director of Reproductive Well-being at UH Connor Whole Health.

“Our patients often ask how complementary therapies impact IVF outcomes, and this study is a critical step toward providing high-quality data to guide those decisions,” added Dr. Rebecca Flyckt, MD, co-author of the study and Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UH. “Collaborative research like this helps us to better support patients not only medically, but emotionally and physically throughout their fertility treatments.”

Reference:

Lu R, Rodgers-Melnick SN, Flyckt R, et al. Clinical Delivery of Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine and Impacts Upon Patient Reported Outcomes During IVF. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. 2025;14. doi:10.1177/27536130251349116

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