Archive for month: May, 2024

Over 500,000 surgeries are performed every year in the US to repair rotator cuff injuries, but a significant number of these procedures do not achieve the desired outcomes. A recent research published in the Science Translational Medicine journal suggests that a reevaluation of surgical practices like the routine removal of the subacromial bursa may be required.

The subacromial bursa is a synovial-like tissue located between the rotator cuff and the acromion. Traditionally, it has been removed during rotator cuff surgeries due to its perceived role in contributing to shoulder pathologies. However, this study utilized proteomic profiling of bursa samples from patients with rotator cuff injuries provides compelling evidence that the bursa actually plays a beneficial role in the healing process.

The study analyzed the response of bursa to tendon injuries in both human patients and a rat model and found that the bursa not only helped to maintain the mechanical properties of the intact infraspinatus tendon which lies next to the injured supraspinatus tendon, but also protected the underlying humeral head by preserving bone morphometry. This protective mechanism suggests that the bursa has a more complex and constructive role than previously understood.

Further experiments in the rat model revealed that the bursa stimulated an inflammatory response that is pivotal for wound healing in the injured tendon. This was marked by the initiation of genes associated with healing processes like the Cox2 and Il6. The positive influence of the bursa was also observed in rat bursa organ cultures by reinforcing the findings from live animal models.

This study involved the use of polymer microspheres loaded with dexamethasone which were delivered to intact bursae of rats after a tendon injury. The release of dexamethasone from the microspheres effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory markers like Il1b in the injured tendon. This research highlights the potential of the subacromial bursa as a novel target for drug delivery systems to enhance the healing process by modulating inflammation directly at the injury site. Overall, the study suggest that preserving the subacromial bursa during rotator cuff repairs could improve patient outcomes by utilizing the natural protective and healing properties of bursa. 

Reference:

Marshall, B. P., Ashinsky, B. G., Ferrer, X. E., Kunes, J. A., Innis, A. C., Luzzi, A. J., Forrester, L. A., Burt, K. G., Lee, A. J., Song, L., Lisiewski, L. E., Soni, R. K., Hung, C. T., Levine, W. N., Kovacevic, D., & Thomopoulos, S. (2024). The subacromial bursa modulates tendon healing after rotator cuff injury in rats. In Science Translational Medicine (Vol. 16, Issue 744). American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.add8273

New Delhi: With the last-minute changes to the NEET PG 2024 exam pattern, the doctors are concerned over the National Board of Examination (NBE) decision. 

Announcing modifications in the exam patterns in all MCQ-based examinations, such as NEET-PG, NEET-MDS, NEET-SS, FMGE, DNB-PDCET, GPAT, DPEE, FDST, and FET, the NBE recently introduced mandatory time-bound sections. However, doctors under the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) have expressed concern over these last-minute revisions in the NEET-PG 2024 exam pattern opining that such significant changes require adequate time for adaptation and preparation, which the current timeline does not afford.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that through a notice dated 04.05.2024, NBE had announced that it introduced time-bound sections as a measure to enhance the security and sanctity of the exams in light of emerging threats during the examination process. Releasing details of the mandatory timed sections in MCQ-based examinations, NBE mentioned that the question papers in the examinations mentioned above including NEET PG would be divided into multiple time-bound sections.

“For example, in NEET-PG 2024, if there are five time-bound sections (A, B, C, D & E) in the question paper, each section will have 40 questions and 42 minutes of time allotted. Candidates will be restricted from proceeding to the next section until they complete the allotted time for the previous section. Additionally, candidates will not be allowed to review the questions or modify their responses for a section after the completion of its allotted time. The questions for the next section will start automatically after the completion of the allotted time for the previous section,” NBE mentioned in the notice.

The natboard further informed that the candidates would be given the option to mark any question, whether attempted or not, for review. This means that the candidates can go through these marked questions in a section again before the allotted time for that section ends.  As per the NBE notice, the questions marked for review will be evaluated according to the marking scheme as mentioned in the Information Bulletin of the respective examination and the actual number of time-restricted sections in an examination may vary based on the total number of questions in the question paper and operational feasibility in creating such sections.

However, expressing displeasure with the last-minute changes in the NEET PG 2024 exam pattern, FAIMA recently wrote to the NBE Executive Director. While the association acknowledged the importance of maintaining the security and sanctity of examinations and also appreciated the measures implemented to address the emerging threats, it also expressed concerns regarding the recent decision to introduce mandatory time-bound sections in NEET PG examinations.

“As you are aware, NEET PG aspirants already face Immense pressure and time constraints during the exam period. The sudden Introduction of mandatory time-bound sections adds an additional layer of stress and uncertainty, affecting the performance and well-being of the aspirants,” FAIMA mentioned in the letter.

“We believe that such significant changes require adequate time for adaptation and preparation, which the current timeline does not afford. Therefore, we respectfully request reconsideration of the decision to implement mandatory time-bound sections In the upcoming NEET PG examinations. Instead, we propose that these changes be implemented gradually, allowing aspirants sufficient time to adapt and prepare effectively. We trust that you will give due consideration to our concerns and take necessary steps to address them. Your prompt action in this matter is highly appreciated and will contribute to the welfare and success of NEET PG aspirants across the country,” it further added.

Meanwhile, sharing the NBE notice on X (formerly Twitter), the National Chairman of FAIMA, Dr. Rohan Krishnan also urged the authorities to cancel these changes. He wrote in an X post, “We are always against any kind of changes which are last minute. @NbeIndia should refrain from treating young aspirants who are graduates doctors like lab rats. @FAIMA_INDIA_ stands against this last minute modifications in exam/exam patterns. Requesting @NbeIndia to cancel this.”

Commenting on the matter, Dr. Rohan Krishnan told Medical Dialogues, “It is a very last-minute step. The examinees are already very stressed and we are always very particular about this because this is an exam which has 40,000 to 60,000 seats and more than 3-4 lakh doctors who are appearing for this exam. This exam happens only once a year, so it is a very important day and it is going to happen pan-India. So, obviously, it is a very important examination.”

“For any examination, the pattern should be declared before 6 months and after that, there should not be any changes. Now, the exam is going to happen in June itself and at present these changes are only going to create a lot of panic among the students and it is going to create more stress in the already stressful state of the NEET PG aspirants,” he further added.

Also Read: NEET PG 2024 exam pattern revised! NBE introduces time-bound sections in all its computer-based tests- NEET SS, NEET MDS, FMGE and more

The issue of non-payment of stipends to MBBS interns and resident doctors at medical colleges across the country will be considered by the Supreme Court today i.e. on May 6, 2024.

Kozhikode: The survivor of the sexual assault case at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) has expressed her dissatisfaction with the police investigation report regarding her allegations against the gynaecologist which ruled no negligence on the doctor’s part. She decided to seek re-investigation into the matter.

The report submitted by the police denied the allegations against the doctor regarding the failure to collect scientific evidence and properly document the survivor’s statement. It stated that the doctor had indeed relayed the survivor’s statement to the investigating officers. Additionally, it contended that the investigation team could not find any motive for Dr *** and her junior doctor to help anyone involved in the case.

“Dr ** has written in the case sheet the same things that the complainant said during the examination. The same things have been told to the investigating officers as well. Therefore, no negligence on the part of the doctor was found and no further action is required in the complaint,” said the report.

Also read- Kozhikode MCH Sexual Assault Case: Survivor Resumes Stir Seeking Probe Report

Questioning the authenticity of the report, the survivor stated no junior doctor came along with the gynaecologist during her examination. Claiming several parts of the reports untrue, the survivor plans to meet the Inspector General and demand a re-investigation into the existing probe report.

As per TNIE reports, the police shared the investigation report with the complainant two days ago following a two-week-long protest in front of the police commissioner’s office which ended recently after she received the report. 

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that the survivor held a sit-in protest in front of the city police commissioner’s office after the North Zone Inspector General of Police K Sethuraman IPS failed to keep his promise to provide the police investigation report within three days to the survivor despite the Chief Minister’s Office intervention.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Daily, the survivor said, “The name and statement of a doctor, a second-year PG student, have been included in the police report now. No junior doctor came along with Dr Preethi when she examined me. That junior doctor was not a witness in any of the chargesheets filed by the police in court. I will demand a re-investigation,” 

“My statement to the gynaecologist has not been used as evidence in this investigation report, nor those of my relatives. The report is solely based on the statements of the doctor and her associates. I suspect that is the reason why the police were hesitant to share it with me,” she told The Hindu. 

In March 2023, a woman patient admitted to the post-surgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital was allegedly raped by a 55-year-old employee at the hospital on March 18. The victim claimed that the employee exploited her while she was in a semi-conscious state after undergoing thyroid surgery at the medical college hospital.

Following this, five hospital staff were suspended for attempting to influence the accused and Chief Nursing Officer and Nursing Superintendent were transferred for failing to address a complaint filed by a Senior Nursing Officer who stood by the rape survivor in the case.

Also read- Kozhikode MCH Sexual Assault Case: Complaint Filed Against Gynaecologist

New Delhi: Developer of Covaxin, Bharat Biotech, said in a statement that Covaxin was developed with a “single-minded focus on safety first” amid the recents reports about the possible side effects of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine.