Muzaffarnagar doctor arrested for allegedly sexually harassing patient

Muzaffarnagar: A doctor has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a 19-year-old woman patient during a medical check-up at his clinic in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, police said on Saturday. 

According to the PTI report, police said she was harassed and raped at the clinic and when the woman complained about it, the doctor who is also a former BJP mandal president was thrashed by locals. 

According to the complaint lodged by the victim, she visited the clinic with her younger brother due to illness.

Also Read:PG Trainee arrested for allegedly exploiting woman under pretext of marriage

She alleged she was taken alone into the clinic where the doctor allegedly sexually harassed her during a check-up and raped her.  

When she resisted, her 15-year-old younger brother protested but was beaten up by the doctor, police said, reports PTI.

Circle Officer (CO) Ravishankar informed reporters on Sunday that police registered a case against the doctor under relevant sections of the BNS, leading to his arrest.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that a Post Graduate Trainee (PGT) doctor from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital was arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a woman under the false promise of marriage, a police officer said. The accused has been identified as a resident of Malda, working at the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. 

The woman, a resident of North Bengal and working in the area, lodged her complaint with the Patuli police station, based on which the accused PGT doctor was picked up from the hospital premises, he said.  

Also Read:Pune Porsche case doctor now arrested in kidney transplant racket

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New Study Backs AHA PREVENT Equations, Highlights Added Value of Lipoprotein(a) in Predicting Heart Risk

USA: A new large-scale analysis has validated the effectiveness of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recently developed PREVENT equations in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, even among individuals with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology and led by Dr. Harpreet S. Bhatia from the University of California, San Diego, provides insights into how these equations perform and the added predictive value of Lp(a) in specific populations.     

“The analysis of two large cohort studies showed that the new PREVENT equations were reliable in predicting heart disease risk, even for people with high levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)],” the researchers noted. They added, “However, having elevated Lp(a) was still linked to a higher chance of heart-related problems. These results suggest that including Lp(a) in risk assessments could help improve predictions, especially for certain groups of people.”

The analysis combined data from two well-known population-based cohorts—the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and the UK Biobank (UKB)—comprising over 314,000 individuals without prior cardiovascular disease. Researchers aimed to assess whether incorporating Lp(a), a known independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), could further refine risk estimates offered by the new PREVENT equations.

The key findings include the following:

  • Individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels (≥125 nmol/L) had a 30% higher risk of ASCVD, CHD, heart failure, and total cardiovascular disease compared to those with lower levels.
  • This increased risk associated with elevated Lp(a) was consistent across both the MESA and UK Biobank cohorts.
  • Lp(a), though not included in the original PREVENT equations, contributed to modest improvements in cardiovascular risk prediction.
  • The benefit of adding Lp(a) was more noticeable among individuals classified as low or borderline risk using traditional methods.
  • Risk classification improved most significantly in those previously identified as borderline risk when Lp(a) was included.
  • The PREVENT equations accurately predicted 10-year cardiovascular event rates across all risk groups, regardless of Lp(a) status.
  • Individuals with high Lp(a) consistently showed worse cardiovascular outcomes, reinforcing its potential as a meaningful risk marker.
  • Net reclassification improvement (NRI) analysis showed a category-free NRI of 0.058 and a categorical NRI of 0.006 upon adding Lp(a).
  • These improvements, though modest, were statistically significant and most evident in low- and high-risk individuals for CHD.

These findings highlight the need to consider Lp(a) in personalized cardiovascular risk assessments. While the PREVENT equations are robust and reliable on their own, incorporating Lp(a) could fine-tune risk prediction in select groups, helping clinicians make more tailored treatment decisions.

The researchers concluded, “The study reinforces the predictive strength of the AHA PREVENT model and underscores Lp(a)’s independent role in cardiovascular risk. As precision medicine continues to evolve, such markers may increasingly inform individualized care strategies—especially in those whose risks might otherwise be underestimated.”

Reference:

Bhatia HS, Ambrosio M, Razavi AC, et al. AHA PREVENT Equations and Lipoprotein(a) for Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Insights From MESA and the UK Biobank. JAMA Cardiol. Published online June 04, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2025.1603

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Once Weekly Mazdutide effectvely reduced body weight in obese individuals: NEJM

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that once weekly mazdutide at a dosage of 4 mg or 6 mg for 32 weeks resulted in clinically significant weight loss in Chinese adults who were overweight or obese. 

This research randomly assigned adults aged 18 to 75 with a body-mass index (BMI) of at least 28 or 24 to less than 28 plus at least one weight-related coexisting condition to receive 4 mg of mazdutide, 6 mg of mazdutide, or placebo for 48 weeks in China.

According to a treatment-policy estimand analysis, which evaluated effects independent of early mazdutide or placebo discontinuation and the start of new anti-obesity therapies, the two main endpoints were the percentage change in body weight from baseline and a weight loss of at least 5% at week 32.

At baseline, the mean BMI was 31.1 and the mean body weight was 87.2 kg among 610 individuals. The 4-mg mazdutide group experienced a mean percentage change in body weight from baseline of –10.09% (95% CI), −11.15 to −9.04; the 6-mg mazdutide group experienced a mean percentage change of –12.55% (95% CI, −13.64 to −11.45); and the placebo group experienced a mean percentage change of 0.45% (95% CI, −0.61 to 1.52); 73.9%, 82.0%, and 10.5% of the participants, respectively, experienced a decrease in weight of at least 5%.

The 4-mg mazdutide group experienced a mean percentage change in body weight from baseline of -11.00% (95% CI, −12.27 to −9.73), the 6-mg mazdutide group experienced a mean percentage change of -14.01% (95% CI, −15.36 to −12.66), and the placebo group experienced a mean percentage change of 0.30% (95% CI, −0.98 to 1.58).

Of the participants, 35.7%, 49.5%, and 2.0%, respectively, experienced a weight reduction of at least 15%. Mazdutide showed positive results on all predetermined cardiometabolic measurements. Gastrointestinal side effects were the most commonly reported and were primarily mild to moderate in intensity.

The 4-mg mazdutide dose had a 1.5% incidence of adverse events that resulted in the trial regimen being discontinued, the 6-mg mazdutide dose had a 0.5% incidence, and the placebo had a 1.0% incidence. Overall, treatment with mazdutide at dosages of 4 mg and 6 mg resulted in clinically significant weight reductions at 32 weeks in this research, which included Chinese people who were obese or overweight.

Source:

Ji, L., Jiang, H., Bi, Y., Li, H., Tian, J., Liu, D., Zhao, Y., Qiu, W., Huang, C., Chen, L., Zhong, S., Han, J., Zhang, Y., Lian, Q., Yang, P., Lv, L., Gu, J., Liu, Z., Deng, H., … GLORY-1 Investigators. (2025). Once-weekly mazdutide in Chinese adults with obesity or overweight. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2411528

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Immune-Regulating Hydrogels Most Effective for Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Study Finds

China: A recent meta-analysis encompassing 23 studies found that among different functional hydrogel dressings used for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), immune-regulating hydrogels (IRHs) demonstrated the highest effectiveness (estimated effect: 2.2). This was followed by multi-functional and proliferation-promoting hydrogels (1.7), while antibacterial hydrogels showed the least efficacy (1.3). The incidence of adverse events associated with functional hydrogel dressings was low across all types.

The findings were published online in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism on 08 April 2025.

Functional hydrogel dressings represent a promising therapeutic option for managing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), with their effectiveness largely dependent on the specific formulation used. Recognizing the need to optimize treatment outcomes, Xiao Long, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, and colleagues systematically evaluated and compared the efficacy of various types of functional hydrogel dressings in promoting DFU healing.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of functional hydrogel dressings in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. They performed a comprehensive literature search across databases, including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CNKI, and Web of Science, from inception to June 2024. The analysis focused on comparing the relative efficacy of different hydrogel formulations, with complete wound closure as the primary outcome measure.

The following were the key findings:

  • The analysis included 23 studies involving 1,671 patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
  • Immuno-regulating hydrogels (IRHs) demonstrated the highest efficacy with an effect estimate of 2.2.
  • Anti-bacterial hydrogels (ABHs) showed the lowest effectiveness with an estimate of 1.3.
  • Multi-functional hydrogels (MFHs) and proliferation-promoting hydrogels (PPHs) showed moderate efficacy, each with an estimate of 1.7.
  • The overall ranking of relative efficacy was: IRH > MFH/PPH > ABH > placebo.
  • Functional hydrogel dressings were associated with a lower risk of adverse events than placebo (risk estimate 0.75).
  • Node-splitting analysis confirmed consistency between direct and indirect comparisons, particularly between IRH and ABH.
  • Funnel plot analysis indicated no major publication bias, supporting the strength and reliability of the results.

The study offers a detailed comparison of various functional hydrogel dressings used in treating diabetic foot ulcers. Among the different types analyzed, immune-regulating hydrogels emerged as the most effective in promoting wound healing.

“These findings provide valuable guidance for doctors and researchers working to improve DFU care. By identifying the most promising dressing options, the study lays the foundation for better treatment strategies and future research aimed at enhancing patient outcomes,” the authors concluded.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.16367

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HIV Drug Lamivudine Shows Early Vision Improvement in Diabetic Macular Edema: Study

A study published in Med has found that the HIV medication lamivudine significantly improved visual acuity in adults with diabetic macular edema by week 4, compared to a placebo. This finding may revolutionize treatment protocols for one of the most common causes of vision impairment in individuals with diabetes. The conventional treatment for DME is monthly intraocular injections of costly anti-VEGF drugs like bevacizumab, aflibercept, or ranibizumab. The study was conducted by Felipe P. and colleagues.

Diabetic macular edema is a disease affecting millions of people globally, resulting from chronic inflammation and fluid accumulation within the macula. While anti-VEGF injections are the treatment of choice at present, they are often associated with pain, burden to the patient, and cost. Lamivudine, an oral drug originally approved for HIV and hepatitis B, was repurposed in DME because it acts on inflammasomes, providing a non-surgical path for treatment. This first-in-human clinical trial was registered on the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-87b6r5s) and carried out between February 2022 and September 2023.

The study included 24 adult subjects with one or both eyes with center-involved DME and a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of less than 69 letters. Subjects were randomized 1:1 into two groups: 10 patients (16 eyes) were treated with lamivudine (150 mg twice a week), and 14 patients (21 eyes) were treated with a placebo. At week 4, all patients received an intravitreous bevacizumab injection (1.25 mg). Co-primary outcome was changed in BCVA at weeks 4 and 8. Comparisons were to synthetic controls from the DRCR.net Protocol T database. Secondary outcomes were alterations in retinal thickness and adverse event incidence.

Key Findings

  • The lamivudine group, at 4 weeks, had an improvement of 9.8 letters in BCVA, whereas the placebo group had a decrease in BCVA by 1.8 letters (p < 0.001).

  • At 8 weeks, the lamivudine plus bevacizumab group had a gain of 16.9 letters in BCVA, compared with a 5.3-letter increase in the placebo plus bevacizumab group (p < 0.001).

  • Lamivudine had more visual gain compared to bevacizumab and ranibizumab (p < 0.05), and its efficacy was on par with aflibercept (p = 0.5).

  • There were no significant retinal thickness differences between groups.

  • The intervention was well tolerated, and there were no significant differences in adverse events between groups.

This groundbreaking study demonstrates a stunning improvement in visual acuity in patients with DME involving the center of the macula with oral lamivudine, and further augmented with the effect when administered in combination with bevacizumab injections. Given its affordability, oral formulation, and promising efficacy, lamivudine can potentially transform the global treatment scenario of DME by providing a cheaper, less invasive alternative to millions of patients globally.

Reference:

Pereira, F., Magagnoli, J., Ambati, M., Fernandes de Oliveira, T., Estevão de Oliveira, J. A., Pesquero, V. O., Ribeiro, L. Z., Kondo Kuroiwa, D. A., Malerbi, F. K., Dib, S. A., Moraes, N. B., Farah, M. E., Rodrigues, E. B., & Ambati, J. (2025). Oral lamivudine in diabetic macular edema: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Med (New York, N.Y.), 100747. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medj.2025.100747

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PANDOME Study Supports Pancreatic Cancer Screening in Diabetics Over 50

USA: Preliminary results from the PANDOME study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, have spotlighted deteriorating diabetes (DD) as a significant early warning sign for pancreatic cancer (PC), especially in individuals over the age of 50. Conducted by Dr. Richard C. Frank and colleagues from the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology at Nuvance Health, Norwalk, Connecticut, the study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of screening for pancreatic cancer in high-risk diabetic subgroups.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies, primarily because it often goes undetected until advanced stages. However, earlier studies have shown that people over 50 who develop new-onset diabetes (NOD) have a six-to-eight-fold higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. In light of emerging data, researchers also considered worsening or deteriorating diabetes, a condition marked by rapid glycemic decline, as a potential predictor of pancreatic cancer.

Over a span of six years, the PANDOME team screened 625 individuals aged over 50, ultimately enrolling 109 participants. Among them, 97 were diagnosed with NOD and 12 with DD. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), alongside routine monitoring for psychological well-being, blood biobanking, and documentation of physician referrals and glycemic indicators.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • The DD cohort showed more severe clinical features compared to the NOD group.
  • Individuals with DD had significantly higher HbA1c levels.
  • There was a greater weight loss in the DD group.
  • Insulin dependency was more common among those with DD.
  • These signs point to a more aggressive pattern of metabolic deterioration in DD patients.
  • Endocrinologists were the main source of referrals for individuals in the DD cohort.
  • Out of 109 participants, four underwent pancreatic biopsies following suspicious imaging findings.
  • One person from the DD group was diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
  • This corresponded to a pancreatic cancer detection rate of 0.9%.
  • The imaging procedures did not raise any safety concerns.
  • Several benign or incidental pancreatic findings were identified without complications.

This marks the first instance of a screen-detected, early-stage pancreatic cancer case in a sporadic, high-risk cohort. The researchers emphasized that this finding supports including patients with deteriorating diabetes in future screening protocols. By identifying and closely monitoring this subgroup, healthcare providers may have a unique window to detect pancreatic malignancies at a curable stage.

The authors concluded, “The PANDOME study sheds light on a promising strategy for early pancreatic cancer detection by targeting individuals over 50 with newly emerging or worsening diabetes. As the study continues, these initial insights could pave the way for broader, more refined screening efforts aimed at improving survival rates for this deadly disease.”

Reference:

Frank, R. C., Shim, B., Lo, T., Pandya, D., Krebs, T. L., Ma, C., Labow, D., Denowitz, J., Anand, N., Krumholtz, P., Sullivan, K., Sanchez, M., Dong, X. E., Seshadri, R., Trinidad, A., & Jin, D. Pancreatic Cancer Screening in New-Onset and Deteriorating Diabetes: Preliminary Results from the PANDOME Study. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgaf319

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Elevated Triglyceride-Glucose Index Linked to 32 Percent Higher Overactive Bladder Risk: NHANES Study

China: A recent study analyzing data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005 to 2018 has uncovered a significant association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB).

The findings, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology by Baitong Chen from The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, and colleagues, suggest that the TyG index—a marker of insulin resistance—could serve as a useful early indicator of OAB risk, particularly in specific demographic groups.

OAB, characterized by a frequent and urgent need to urinate, is a condition that can significantly impair quality of life. While its association with metabolic factors has been suggested in earlier studies, the potential role of the TyG index in predicting OAB has remained largely unexplored until now.

The study evaluated 14,059 individuals from the NHANES dataset, of whom 3,325 were identified as having OAB. The researchers applied both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to examine the relationship between the TyG index and OAB risk. Additionally, restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were used to explore the dose-response relationship.

The key findings were as follows:

  • Each unit increase in the TyG index was linked to an 18% higher risk of overactive bladder (OR = 1.18).
  • Individuals in the highest TyG quartile had a 32% greater risk of developing OAB than those in the lowest quartile (OR = 1.32).
  • Dose-response analysis showed a clear linear and positive relationship between TyG index levels and OAB risk.
  • The association between the TyG index and OAB was more pronounced in females.
  • The link was also stronger among individuals younger than 60 years.
  • Significant interaction effects were observed in these subgroups, suggesting potential sex-specific and age-related variations in metabolic influence on bladder function.

Given the simplicity and affordability of calculating the TyG index, which involves readily available triglyceride and glucose measurements, this marker could offer a promising tool for identifying individuals at heightened risk of OAB, especially those with early metabolic irregularities not yet diagnosed as overt disease.

Highlighting the broader implications, the authors emphasized the value of integrating the TyG index into early screening protocols for OAB, particularly in metabolic syndrome-prone populations. However, they also acknowledged the need for future longitudinal studies to validate the observed associations and assess the predictive capability of the TyG index over time.

The authors concluded, “The study provides compelling evidence that the TyG index is not only a marker of insulin resistance but may also serve as a predictor for overactive bladder, offering new possibilities for early identification and prevention strategies.”

Reference:

Chen, B., Wang, J., Huang, Y., & Chen, N. (2025). Triglyceride-glucose index and overactive bladder syndrome: Evidence from the NHANES 2005-2018. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 16, 1610140. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1610140

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Sleep Disorders May Signal Neurodegenerative Risk Years Before Diagnosis, Study Finds

UK: Sleep disturbances could serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), with new research suggesting that such disorders may raise the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia years before diagnosis. The study, published in npj Dementia, was led by Emily Simmonds from the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI) at Cardiff University, along with collaborators from Wales and Finland.

Researchers analyzed over one million anonymized electronic health records spanning two decades (1999–2018) from national biobanks in Wales, the UK, and Finland. They examined the link between clinically diagnosed sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and other circadian rhythm disturbances, and later development of neurodegenerative diseases.

The study used ICD-10 codes to classify sleep and neurodegenerative diagnoses, ensuring that only clinically recognized conditions were included. It also employed statistical models adjusted for age, sex, and genetic risk scores to isolate the specific influence of sleep-related factors.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • Individuals with sleep disorders had a significantly higher likelihood of developing neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs).
  • Hazard ratios ranged from 1.3 for Parkinson’s disease to 5.11 for dementia, indicating up to a fivefold increase in neurodegeneration risk due to sleep issues.
  • These associations were observed 5 to 15 years before the onset of symptoms, suggesting sleep disturbances may serve as early warning signs.
  • The increased risk was evident even in individuals without a genetic predisposition to NDDs.
  • Sleep disorders raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease independently of genetic factors.
  • For Parkinson’s disease, an interaction between genetic susceptibility and sleep disturbances was noted.
  • Non-organic sleep disturbances, such as nightmares and substance-unrelated insomnia, were linked to a 67% higher risk of dementia and more than double the risk of vascular dementia.
  • Sleep apnea was associated with elevated risks of dementia (HR 1.34), vascular dementia (HR 1.44), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (HR 1.47), and Parkinson’s disease (HR 1.17).

These insights highlight the importance of addressing sleep health as part of strategies aimed at preventing or delaying neurodegeneration. Given that many sleep disorders are modifiable and treatable, early identification and intervention could offer a practical approach to protecting long-term cognitive health.

Although the data predominantly involved European populations and relied solely on electronic health records, the study provides robust evidence supporting the link between sleep and neurological decline. It highlights the potential for sleep evaluations to serve as accessible, non-invasive tools for identifying individuals at elevated risk for neurodegenerative diseases, especially those without strong genetic predispositions.

“Ultimately, the findings point toward a compelling case for integrating sleep disorder assessments into routine clinical care to promote healthier aging and possibly mitigate the burden of dementia and related conditions,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Simmonds, E., Levine, K. S., Han, J., Iwaki, H., Koretsky, M. J., Kuznetsov, N., Faghri, F., Solsberg, C. W., Schuh, A., Jones, L., Blauwendraat, C., Singleton, A., Leonard, H. L., & Nalls, M. A. (2025). Sleep disturbances are risk factors for neurodegeneration later in life. Npj Dementia, 1(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44400-025-00008-0

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Hydrogel innovation offers hope for dry mouth treatment, reveals study

Millions suffer from xerostomia, or dry mouth-a painful condition often caused by cancer treatments or autoimmune disease. Now, scientists have developed a smart hydrogel system that mimics the native salivary gland environment, enabling human salivary cells to grow and function in three-dimensional (3D) spheroids. Built from a blend of hyaluronic acid, alginate, and gelatin, the matrix supports the expansion and organization of acinar cells, the key fluid-producing units of the gland. These lab-grown spheroids not only remain viable and structurally intact over two weeks but also demonstrate real functional activity, responding to biochemical signals much like their natural counterparts. The innovation marks a leap forward in tissue modeling and potential regenerative therapies.

Salivary glands play an essential role in protecting oral health by secreting saliva to aid in digestion, speech, and immunity. When these glands are irreversibly damaged-by radiotherapy or autoimmune attacks-patients often face chronic discomfort, difficulty eating, and increased risk of infection. Yet recreating salivary function in the lab remains an elusive challenge due to the complexity of the gland’s specialized cells and microenvironment. Most existing culture systems rely on animal-derived scaffolds or chemically fixed matrices that fail to sustain human acinar cell identity over time. Due to these limitations, there is a pressing need for bioengineered three-dimensional (3D) environments that support long-term survival and function of salivary gland cells.

In a new study published on May 9, 2025, in the International Journal of Oral Science, researchers from McGill University unveiled a next-generation hydrogel that supports the regeneration of salivary gland-like tissue. The team tested three formulations and found that the version containing hyaluronic acid-referred to as AGHA-best supported the formation of large, viable spheroids that mimic native gland architecture. These 3D cell clusters maintained high expression of key salivary proteins and responded dynamically to chemical stimulation, offering a powerful tool for modeling diseases and testing potential therapies for xerostomia.

The researchers compared three hydrogel types: a basic alginate–gelatin (AG), a collagen-supplemented version (AGC), and hyaluronic acid-containing AG (AGHA), which incorporates hyaluronic acid. While all demonstrated mechanical properties similar to native tissue, AGHA emerged as the superior scaffold. In AGHA gels, salivary acinar cells formed large spheroids containing more than 100 cells with over 93% viability. These structures maintained metabolic activity and robust expression of functional markers including AQP5, ZO-1, NKCC1, and α-amylase-all essential for saliva secretion. When stimulated with isoprenaline, the spheroids increased their production of α-amylase-containing granules, confirming their functional responsiveness. The gel’s reversibility, achieved through simple ion removal, allowed for non-destructive retrieval of intact spheroids—an essential feature for downstream clinical or experimental use. The hydrogel also successfully supported the expansion of primary human salivary cells for up to 15 days, demonstrating its versatility as a culture platform.

“This study demonstrates that by fine-tuning hydrogel composition, we can closely replicate the native environment of salivary acinar cells,” said Dr. Simon D. Tran, senior author of the study. “Our AGHA-based platform not only supports long-term viability and function, but also enables easy recovery of spheroids without enzymatic damage. This is a significant step forward in developing in vitro models for salivary gland disorders and potential regenerative therapies for patients suffering from chronic dry mouth.”

The implications of this hydrogel system extend beyond xerostomia. By enabling the growth of functional salivary tissue in a lab-friendly, reversible matrix, this platform could accelerate the development of disease models, high-throughput drug screening tools, and even implantable grafts. Its compatibility with both immortalized cell lines and primary human cells makes it a versatile foundation for future regenerative applications. Moreover, eliminating animal-derived materials improves reproducibility and clinical relevance. With this innovation, researchers are one step closer to restoring natural salivary function for patients who need it most.

Reference:

Munguia-Lopez, J.G., Pillai, S., Zhang, Y. et al. Expansion of functional human salivary acinar cell spheroids with reversible thermo-ionically crosslinked 3D hydrogels. Int J Oral Sci 17, 39 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41368-025-00368-6.

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Meta-Analysis Reveals 20 Percent of Indian Children Use Antibiotics Without Prescription

India: A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Pediatrics has revealed the troubling prevalence of antibiotic self-medication (ASM) among children in India, suggesting a potentially significant contributor to increasing antibiotic resistance. The research, led by Tambe Daniel Atem from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Lovely Professional University, Punjab, examined the scale and factors linked to ASM across various regions of the country.

The study, which analyzed data from 17 studies encompassing 7,847 children, revealed that approximately 19.8% of Indian children had received antibiotics through self-medication. Notably, the northern region of India reported the highest prevalence at 30.7%, reflecting regional disparities in ASM practices.

Using a comprehensive literature search across databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar, the researchers identified studies published up to December 2024. Eligible studies included those reporting ASM prevalence in the pediatric population. The analysis applied a random-effects model using R software, and quality assessment was performed with the JBI tool for prevalence studies.

The review identified several underlying factors contributing to this trend. These included financial and time-related constraints that discouraged formal medical consultation, perceptions that the child’s illness was not serious, and inadequate access to healthcare services. Parents and caregivers often resorted to local pharmacies, previously prescribed antibiotics, leftover medications, or advice from friends and family for sourcing and administering antibiotics to children.

Information regarding antibiotic use primarily stemmed from prior prescriptions, suggestions from pharmacists, media exposure, and personal experiences. On average, antibiotics were administered for just 2.5 days, often too short a course to be clinically effective and potentially contributing to antimicrobial resistance.

Key findings include the following:

  • The analysis included 17 studies with data from 7,847 children.
  • The pooled prevalence of pediatric antibiotic self-medication (ASM) in India was 19.8%.
  • The northern region showed the highest ASM rate at 30.7%, indicating significant regional variation.
  • There was no notable difference in prevalence between hospital-based and community-based studies.
  • Financial and time constraints, perceived mildness of illness, and poor access to healthcare were key drivers of ASM.
  • Antibiotics were commonly sourced from local pharmacies, leftover medications, and advice from friends or family.
  • Information on antibiotic use often came from previous prescriptions, family or friends, media, personal experiences, and pharmacists.
  • The average duration of antibiotic use was 2.5 days.

“Self-medicating children with antibiotics poses considerable health risks and threatens long-term treatment efficacy,” the authors cautioned. They added that while the absolute prevalence may appear moderate, the implications are far-reaching, especially in terms of encouraging antibiotic resistance at a young age.

The study found no significant difference in ASM rates between community-based and hospital-based settings. However, the high heterogeneity among studies and reliance on self-reported data were highlighted as limitations. Some of the included research was found to have a moderate risk of bias, and limited database access may have constrained the breadth of analysis.

The researchers stressed the urgent need for public health interventions to address the issue. They called on government agencies and policymakers to strengthen antibiotic stewardship, raise awareness among parents and caregivers, and ensure strict regulation of over-the-counter antibiotic sales.

“Efforts to reduce antibiotic misuse must begin at the household level,” the authors emphasized, underlining the need for campaigns that highlight the risks of self-medication in children and promote timely consultation with qualified healthcare providers.

“As antibiotic resistance continues to grow as a global threat, such findings emphasize the critical role of responsible medication practices, particularly among vulnerable populations like children,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Atem, T.D., Singh, R., Newbury-Birch, D. et al. Prevalence and associated factors of self-medication with antibiotics among pediatric population in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pediatr 25, 451 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05676-8

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