Nasal sprays with exercise may reduce duration of respiratory infections: Lancet

A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that the recommendation to use nasal sprays at the first symptom of a respiratory tract infection had a significant impact on the duration of sickness and reduced work days missed, while the recommendation to utilize a physical activity and stress management website resulted in a mild reduction in the incidence of sickness.

Previous studies indicate that nasal sprays, exercise and stress reduction techniques may reduce the length of respiratory infections. Thereby, Paul Little and colleagues carried out this study to evaluate the impact of nasal sprays or a behavioral intervention encouraging physical activity and stress management on respiratory infections.

This randomized, open-label, controlled, parallel-group experiment was conducted at 332 primary care practices in the UK and involved eligible individuals who were above 18 years. The participants were randomly assigned to the standard treatment, gel-based spray, saline spray or a short behavioral intervention. The results were analyzed using monthly questionnaires and a 6-month survey which focused on the primary outcome of sickness caused by respiratory tract diseases. Potential hazards, such as headache or face discomfort, and antibiotic usage were investigated in all assigned at random patients.

A total of 13,799 people were randomly allocated from December 12, 2020 to April 7, 2023, to either usual care, gel-based nasal spray, saline nasal spray, or a digital intervention encouraging physical activity and stress management. Cloe to, 11,612 individuals provided full data for this primary outcome and were incorporated in the analysis.

The gel-based spray and saline spray groups expressed significantly lower days of sickness than the usual care group (8·2 days on average), but not the behavioral online group. Headache or sinus pain was the most common adverse event in the gel-based group, with 123 (4·8%) of 2556 individuals in the usual care group, 199 (7·8%) of 2498 individuals in the gel-based group, 101 (4·5%) of 2377 individuals in the saline group and 101 (4·5%) of 2091 individuals in the behavioral intervention group.

All treatments resulted in decreased antibiotic usage when compared to usual care with IRRs of 0.65 for gel-based spray, 0.69 for saline spray and 0.74 for behavioral website. Overall, the recommendation to use either nasal spray reduced sickness duration, and both sprays and the behavioral website reduced antibiotic use. 

Reference:

Little, P., Vennik, J., Rumsby, K., Stuart, B., Becque, T., Moore, M., Francis, N., Hay, A. D., Verheij, T., Bradbury, K., Greenwell, K., Dennison, L., Holt, S., Denison-Day, J., Ainsworth, B., Raftery, J., Thomas, T., Butler, C. C., Richards-Hall, S., … Geraghty, A. W. A. (2024). Nasal sprays and behavioural interventions compared with usual care for acute respiratory illness in primary care: a randomised, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial. In The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2213-2600(24)00140-1

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Pesticides potentially as bad as smoking for increased risk in certain cancers: Study

In modern day agriculture, pesticides are essential to ensure high enough crop yields and food security. These chemicals, however, can adversely affect plant and animal life as well as the people exposed to them.

Now, in a population-based, nation-wide study, researchers in the US have put increased cancer risk through agricultural pesticide use into context with smoking, a better understood cancer risk factor. The results were published in Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society.

“In our study we found that for some cancers, the effect of agricultural pesticide usage is comparable in magnitude to the effect of smoking,” said the study’s senior author, Dr Isain Zapata, associate professor at the Rocky Vista University, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado.

Contextualizing cancer risk

“We accept that a person who is not a farmer living in a community with heavy agricultural production is exposed to many of the pesticides used in their vicinity. It becomes part of their environment,” Zapata said.

The researchers found that in such an environment, the impact of pesticide use on cancer incidence rivaled that of smoking. They strongest association was among non-Hopkins lymphoma, leukemia, and bladder cancer. In these types of cancers, the effects of pesticide exposure were more pronounced than the effects of smoking.

“We present a list of major pesticide contributors for some specific cancers, but we highlight strongly that it is the combination of all of them and not just a single one that matters,” Zapata pointed out.

Pesticide cocktails

Because pesticides aren’t used one at a time, the researchers said it is unlikely that one alone is to blame. Although some pesticides are discussed more frequently than others, all – and mostly their combination – can have an impact. Accordingly, the researchers included 69 pesticides for which use data is available via the United States Geological Survey. “In the real world, it is not likely that people are exposed to a single pesticide, but more to a cocktail of pesticides within their region,” Zapata said.

The researchers said their study is the first comprehensive evaluation of cancer risk from a population-based perspective at a national level. So far, no large-scale study had examined the big picture and put pesticide use in context with a cancer risk factor that is no longer questioned, in this case smoking. “It is difficult to explain the magnitude of an issue without presenting any context, so we incorporated smoking data. We were surprised to see estimates in similar ranges,” Zapata said.

Seeing the bigger picture

The researchers said that while their study extends knowledge about pesticide use in the US, cancer risk factors are complicated and assessing the big picture may not reflect individual outcomes. For example, geography has a strong impact. In regions where more crops are grown, such as the Midwest, which is famous for its corn production, the associations between pesticides and cancer incidence were more striking.

Getting people, also those who are not exposed to pesticides frequently, to think about the problems pesticide use poses in a bigger context is one of the researchers’ goals.

“Every time I go to the supermarket to buy food, I think of a farmer who was part of making that product. These people often put themselves at risk for my convenience and that plays a role in my appreciation for that product. It definitely has had an impact on how I feel when that forgotten tomato in the fridge goes bad and I have to put it in the trash,” said Zapata.

Reference:

Jacob Gerken, Gear Thomas Vincent, Comprehensive assessment of pesticide use patterns and increased cancer risk, Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcacs.2024.1368086.

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CENTAC Begins registrations for MBBS, BDS, BAMS admissions 2024, know all application process, eligibility criteria, seat matrix details here

Puducherry- The Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC) is inviting online applications from UG NEET-2024 qualified candidates for admission to 1st year of MBBS, BDS and BAMS (Ayurveda) courses in Government and Self-financed Medical, Dental, Ayurveda and Veterinary Colleges of Union Territory of Puducherry.

The online application portal has been activated from 28 July 2024 and will remain valid till 06 August 2024. Application should be submitted online only through the official website of CENTAC.

In this regard, CENTAC has released an information brochure detailing eligibility, Application fee, seat matrix, etc.

Also Read: NEET MDS Admissions 2024: CENTAC Releases seat matrix, Revised Draft Merit List for candidates

STEPS FOR FILLING UP THE APPLICATION

1 As a first-time user, the candidate should create his / her login details as per the following steps-

i On the “New Registration” page, the candidate has to enter a valid Mobile Number and email. The candidate should take utmost care in providing the Mobile Number and email ID. Any changes/modifications will not be allowed.

ii Candidate should then create a new password (of a maximum of six characters) for online registration purposes.

2 After successful registration, the applicant should log in using his / her “Registered email-id” and “Password” to fill in the details in the online application form.

3 Candidate should upload scanned copies of recently renewed and self-attested documents obtained from the respective competent authorities (wherever necessary). Original certificates must be produced only at the time of admission to the respective colleges.

4 Applicant can change the details in the application form and upload files using the “Back Button” before making payment.

5 The candidate can then proceed with “Make Payment” and complete his / her application submission.

6 After payment is made, corrections, additions, deletions, etc., in any manner will not be allowed. The candidates are, therefore, advised to fill out their applications carefully.

7 Choices once exercised concerning community / rural/urban/special categories are final and cannot be changed once the Final Merit List is published.

8 The candidate should comply with all the instructions while filling in the application form. Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected.

9 The CENTAC disclaims any liability that may arise to a candidate(s) due to incorrect information provided by him/her in his/her online Application Form.

Also Read: CENTAC Invites Applications for BNYS Admissions 2024-25

DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED

1 List of documents (Self-attested copies) to be uploaded by ALL candidates-

i Passport size photograph of the applicant (20 to 50 KB).

ii Scanned signature of the applicant (20 to 50 KB).

iii Birth Certificate / High School / Higher Secondary School Certificate for verification of date of

birth (100 to 500 KB).

iv Mark sheets of the qualifying examination (100 to 500 KB).

v UG NEET – 2024 Score Card (100 to 500 KB).

vi Transfer Certificate from the school last studied in (100 to 500 KB).

2 Additional Documents for U.T. of Puducherry Candidates, as Applicable-

i Residence / Community / EWS, if applicable (100 to 500 KB).

ii Regional Claim for UG Professional Courses (100 to 500 KB).

iii Freedom Fighter / Ex-Servicemen / Person with Disabilities / Sports Certificates, if applicable (100 to 500 KB).

iv Transfer Certificate / Study Certificate issued by the Head of the Institution of the school last

studied for Government School 10% Quota.

v An affidavit should be uploaded in Rs.20, e-Stamp paper duly attested by the Notary for claiming Puducherry Residence.

3 Additional Documents for Other State Candidates, as Applicable-

i Residence / Community, if applicable (100 to 500 KB).

4 Additional Documents for NRI / NRI Sponsored / OCI / FN-

i Passport / VISA / Resident VISA / Green Card / Citizenship Card / OCI Card (obtained before 04/03/2021) of the Parent or Sponsor.

ii Embassy Certificate of the Parent / Sponsor (Certificate from the Consulate).

iii Affidavit from the NRI / NRI sponsor that he/ she will sponsor the entire course fee of the candidate duly notarized by the concerned country.

iv Relationship certificate in the form of an Affidavit from the parent, if the parent is not the sponsor.

APPLICATION FEE

Sl.

No.

Courses

Residents of Puducherry

Other States

SC / ST / PwD

Others

1

Government Quota

Rs. 500/-

Rs. 1000/-

NA

2

Management Quota (All)

Rs. 1000/-

Rs. 2000/-

Rs. 2000/-

3

NRI / NRI Sponsored / FN / OCI / Self-supporting

Rs. 5000 /-

REGISTRATION FEE FOR UG M.B.B.S. COURSES

Sl.

No.

Round

Registration Fee

Forfeiture of

Registration Fees

If Joined,

Exit before the NEXT Round

Eligible to Participate in the

NEXT

Round

1.

ROUND 1

NIL

No Forfeiture

Yes

Yes

2.

ROUND 2

Registration Fee:

Government Quota –

Rs. 10,000/- General / OBC / EBC / MBC / BCM / BT

Rs.5000/- : SC/ST/PwD

(Including Round 1 admitted SC/ST candidates)

Management Quota – Rs.2,00,000/- NRI Quota – Rs.2,00,000 /-

YES

i If NOT joined the allotted or Upgraded seat in Round 2.

ii Joined in Round1 and Exits in Round 2

Yes

Yes

3.

ROUND 3

Registration Fee:

Government Quota –

Rs. 1,00,000/- General/OBC / EBC / MBC / BCM / BT Rs. 25,000/- SC / ST / PwD (Including Round 1 OR Round 2 admitted SC/ST candidates)

Management Quota – Rs.2,00,000/- NRI Quota – Rs.2,00,000 /-

YES

If NOT joined the allotted or Upgraded seat in Round 3.

No

No, if

allotted in

ROUND 3

4.

STRAY

ROUND

Full Tuition Fee

(SC / ST candidates registering for Government Quota should pay 25% of the Tuition Fees)

Full Tuition Fee will be forfeited if allotted and NOT joined and will also NOT be eligible for next year’s admissions.

REGISTRATION FEE FOR B.D.S. / B.A.M.S. COURSES

Sl.

No.

Round

Registration Fee

Forfeiture of Registration Fees

If Joined,

Exit before the NEXT

Round

Eligible to

Participate in

the NEXT

Round

1.

ROUND 1

NIL

NIL

Yes

Yes

2.

ROUND 2

NIL

NIL

Yes

Yes

3.

ROUND 3

NIL

NIL

No

No, if allotted in ROUND 3

4.

STRAY

ROUND

Rs. 50000/-

Registration Fee will be forfeited if allotted and NOT joined and will also NOT be eligible for next year’s admissions.

ELIGIBILITY FOR MBBS AND BDS

Name

of the

Degree

Exam Eligibility

Subject

Eligibility

Mark

Eligibility

Remarks

M.B.B.S. &

B.D.S.

Passed 10+2 or

equivalent

examination

(Refer Section

2.3.1)

AND

Qualified

UG-NEET 2024

Physics,

Chemistry, and Biology or

Botany &

Zoology /

Biotechnology

&

English

Unreserved, General EWS & students who have received

education abroad :

Minimum of 50%

marks

AND

Qualified UG-NEET

•Government Quota Seats in Govt. Colleges. •Self-Supporting Seats in Govt. Colleges.

•Government Quota Seats in Private

Colleges.

•Management Quota Seats in Private

Colleges.

•Minority (Management) Quota Seats in Private (Minority) Colleges.

•NRI Quota Seats in Govt./ Private Colleges. •Foreign National Quota Seats in Govt. Colleges.

ELIGIBILITY FOR BAMS

Name of the Degree

Exam

Eligibility

Subject

Eligibility

Mark

Eligibility

Remarks

B.A.M.S.

Passed 10+2

or equivalent

Examination

AND

Qualified

UG-NEET

2024

Physics, Chemistry,

and Biology or Botany &

Zoology/Biotechnology

Unreserved, General EWS &students who have received education abroad: Minimum of 50% marks

AND

Qualified UG-NEET

•Government Quota Seats

in Govt.

Colleges.

Scheduled Castes /

Scheduled Tribes / or Other Backward Classes (NCL)PwD :

Minimum of 40% marks AND

Qualified UG -NEET

AGE ELIGIBILITY

Sl. No.

Course

Lower Age Limit

Upper Age Limit

1.

M.B.B.S.

&

B.D.S.

Born on or before 31.12.2007

No Upper Limit

2.

B.A.M.S.

&

B.V.Sc.&A.H.

Born on or before 31.12.2007

• Not more than 25 years on the 31st December of the year of admission in the first year.

• Relaxed by 5 years in the case of SC/ST/OBC and disabled candidates.

COLLEGE-WISE COURSES OFFERED WITH NUMBER OF SEATS

S.NO

INSTITUTIONS

SEATS

1

Indira Gandhi Medical College &Research Institute (IGMCRI), Pondicherry.

180

2

Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Pondicherry.

150

3

Sri ManakulaVinayagar Medical College & Hospital (SMVMCH), Pondicherry

250

4

Sri Venkateswara Medical College & Research Institute (SVMCH&RI), Pondicherry

250

5

Mahatma Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences (MGPGIDS), Pondicherry.

100

6

Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences (MINDS), Mahe (UT of Puducherry).

100

7

Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College (SVDC), Pondicherry.

100

8

Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (RGAMC), Mahe (UT of Puducherry).

63

To view the information brochure, click the link below

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/centac-opens-admission-for-mbbs-bds-bams-courses-all-details-here-245460.pdf

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Drug Safety Alert: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Flags ADR Linked To Vancomycin

New Delhi: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), through its recently issued drug safety alert for the month of July, has revealed that Vancomycin, a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic, is linked with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) named Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome.

In connection with the above, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has cautioned healthcare professionals to diligently monitor the potential occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) when administering vancomycin.

This came after a preliminary analysis of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database.

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat severe but susceptible bacterial infections such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections.

The alert noted that vancomycin is indicated for the treatment of serious infections due to Gram-positive cocci, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections, brain abscesses, staphylococcal meningitis, and septicaemia.

Following the preliminary analysis of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from the PvPI database, it is reported that vancomycin can lead to Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome.

The Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome presents clinically as an extensive mucocutaneous rash, accompanied by fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, hematologic abnormalities with eosinophilia, and atypical lymphocytes.

Now, as per the issued drug safety alert, the following suspected drug is associated with the ADR, as given below:

S. No.

Suspected Drug

Indication

Adverse Drug Reaction

1

Vancomycin

Treatment of serious infections due to Gram-positive cocci, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections, brain abscesses, staphylococcal meningitis, and saepticemia

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome.

In light of the above, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has advised healthcare professionals, patients, and consumers to closely monitor the possibility of the above ADRs associated with the use of the above-suspected drugs.

Further, the safety alert added, “If such reaction is encountered, please report to the NCC-PvPI, IPC by filling out Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Form/Medicines Side Effect Reporting Form for Consumer (http://www.ipc.gov.in), through Android Mobile App “ADR PvPI App” and PvPIHelpline No. 1800-180-3024 (Toll-Free).”

To view the official notice, click the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/drugsafetyalertjuly2024-245472.pdf
Also Read:Drug Safety Alert: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Flags ADR Linked To amlodipine and acetazolamide

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Hospital ordered to pay Rs 8 lakh compensation for negligence causing muscle damage

Coming down heavily on a private hospital in Sonarpur, located on the southern outskirts of the city, the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC) has instructed the facility to pay compensation worth Rs 8 lakh to the family of a three-year-old boy following allegations of negligent treatment, which reportedly resulted in significant muscle damage to the child’s hand.
The West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission, chaired by retired judge Ashim Banerjee, issued the compensation order on Thursday. Banerjee stated that the negligence has left the boy with persistent numbness in his fingers, with no assurance that his hand will ever return to normal.
For more information, click on the link below:

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Is free genetic testing really free?

Free genetic testing, offered partially or fully subsidized by industry, may have trade-offs, and health systems in Canada must carefully weigh potential clinical, ethical, and legal considerations to protect patient data, authors argue in a Canadian Medical Association Journal commentary.

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Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increasing in Canada, finds study

In Canada, rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have increased, but the good news is there has been a decline in some related health conditions, according to new research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

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Short-term vegan diet associated with reductions in biological age estimates

Eating a vegan diet for eight weeks is associated with reductions in biological age estimations based on levels of DNA methylation—a type of chemical modification of DNA (known as an epigenetic modification) that alters gene expression but not DNA itself.

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Evidence-based information combats misleading and false claims about the anti-Mullerian hormone test

Researchers in Australia have found that when women are given accurate information about a test that indicates the number of eggs in their ovaries, they have less interest in taking the test compared to women who viewed information available online.

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Helping our bodies beat the heat

Periods of extreme heat—even a single day when the thermometer hits 35°C—are associated with increased risk of injury, hospitalization and death. When the body gets too hot, the heart and kidneys don’t function properly. This physiological response to heat can have harmful health effects.

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