Acupuncture improves sleep quality and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s: JAMA

A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association revealed that acupuncture, when used along with standard anti-Parkinson medications, significantly improves sleep quality and overall quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that often comes with a host of worsening symptoms including poor sleep quality. This sleep disruption severely impacts the quality of life of patients and can accelerate the deterioration associated with PD. While current treatments for sleep issues in PD patients are limited, recent updates on acupuncture is observed to be a promising complementary therapy.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of real acupuncture (RA) when compared to sham acupuncture (SA) in enhancing sleep quality among PD patients. The study by Mingyue Yan and team provided robust clinical evidence on whether acupuncture could be a potential addition to conventional PD treatments.

This single-center randomized clinical trial was carried out from February 18, 2022 to February 18, 2023 by involving patients at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. The participants who had PD and reported sleep complaints were randomly assigned to receive either real acupuncture or sham acupuncture for a duration of four weeks. A total of 83 patients were enrolled with 78 completing the intervention and being included in the final analysis. The primary measure of effectiveness was the change in Parkinson Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) scores. These scores were recorded at three key points, at baseline, after four weeks of treatment and at an eight-week follow-up.

The study found that both real and sham acupuncture treatments led to an increase in PDSS scores which indicated improved sleep quality. This improvement was significantly greater in the group receiving real acupuncture. Also, the patients in the RA group underwent an average increase of 29.65 points in their PDSS scores from baseline when compared to an increase of 10.47 points in the SA group. This significant difference was observed both at the end of the four-week treatment period and at the eight-week follow-up, suggesting that the benefits of acupuncture are not only immediate but also lasting. Overall, the findings of this study provide strong evidence that acupuncture can be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for improving sleep quality and the quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease. 

Source:

Yan, M., Fan, J., Liu, X., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Tan, W., Chen, Y., He, J., & Zhuang, L. (2024). Acupuncture and Sleep Quality Among Patients With Parkinson Disease. In JAMA Network Open (Vol. 7, Issue 6, p. e2417862). American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.17862

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Study evaluates Two Techniques Ultrasound- Guided Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation

IJV cannulation is a routine procedure in operating rooms, critical care units, and perioperative settings. Recent research paper compared the success rates of two different ultrasound-guided techniques for internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation: the “short-axis out-of-plane method with dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP)” and the “long-axis in-plane (LAIP)” approach.

The study included 100 patients between 18 and 70 years undergoing elective surgery requiring IJV cannulation. Patients were randomly assigned to either the DNTP group (n=50) or the LAIP group (n=50). The primary outcome was the first-pass success rate of IJV cannulation. Secondary outcomes included the number of skin punctures, time to guidewire insertion, total cannulation time, overall success rate within 5 minutes, and any complications like pneumothorax or hematoma.

The results showed that the first-pass success rate was significantly higher in the DNTP group (96%) compared to the LAIP group (76%). The cannulation time was also shorter in the DNTP group (116.98 ± 22.90 seconds) compared to the LAIP group (213.04 ± 52.08 seconds). There were fewer patients requiring more than one skin puncture in the DNTP group compared to the LAIP group. No complications like pneumothorax or hematoma were observed in either group.

The authors concluded that the ultrasound-guided DNTP technique for IJV cannulation, compared to the LAIP technique, can significantly improve the first-pass success rate, reduce the number of attempts, and shorten the cannulation time. This is likely due to the better visualization of the needle tip with the modified short-axis out-of-plane DNTP technique compared to the long-axis in-plane approach. The study suggests that the DNTP technique may be a preferred method for ultrasound-guided IJV cannulation.

Key Points –

The 3 key points of the research paper are:

1. The study compared the success rates of two different ultrasound-guided techniques for internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation: the “short-axis out-of-plane method with dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP)” and the “long-axis in-plane (LAIP)” approach.

2. The results showed that the first-pass success rate was significantly higher in the DNTP group (96%) compared to the LAIP group (76%). The cannulation time was also shorter in the DNTP group (116.98 ± 22.90 seconds) compared to the LAIP group (213.04 ± 52.08 seconds). There were fewer patients requiring more than one skin puncture in the DNTP group compared to the LAIP group.

3. The authors concluded that the ultrasound-guided DNTP technique for IJV cannulation, compared to the LAIP technique, can significantly improve the first-pass success rate, reduce the number of attempts, and shorten the cannulation time. This is likely due to the better visualization of the needle tip with the modified short-axis out-of-plane DNTP technique compared to the long-axis in-plane approach.

Reference –

Baidya M, Sinha M, Kumar M, et al. (June 23, 2024) A Randomized Study Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation Using Two Techniques: Short-Axis Out-of-Plane With Dynamic Needle Tip Positioning Versus Long-Axis In-Plane. Cureus 16(6): e63004. DOI 10.7759/cureus.63004

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Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale may Revolutionize Prurigo Nodularis Treatment Evaluation: JAMA

USA: Prurigo Nodularis (PN), a debilitating skin condition characterized by intensely itchy nodules, poses a significant challenge to patients and healthcare providers. While treatments have been explored, measuring the severity of itch, a hallmark symptom, has remained subjective. However, a recent secondary analysis of two randomized clinical trials has shed light on a potential breakthrough in assessing itch severity: the Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale (WI-NRS).

The secondary analysis of pooled data from the PRIME and PRIME2 clinical trials revealed that the Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale may be a valid instrument for pruritus assessment in future clinical trials of prurigo nodularis.

“WI-NRS was a fit-for-purpose and valid instrument to support the efficacy endpoints of clinical trials in prurigo nodularis patients,” the researchers reported. “WI-NRS demonstrated good evidence of reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change. The clinically meaningful within-patient improvement threshold was 4 points.” The findings were published online in JAMA Dermatology on June 12, 2024.

The Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale, a simple yet powerful tool, allows patients to rate the intensity of their worst itch on a numerical scale. By providing a standardized measure of itch severity, this scale enables clinicians to more accurately assess the effectiveness of treatments and tailor interventions to individual patient needs.

Shawn G. Kwatra, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, and colleagues aimed to validate the psychometric properties and determine the clinically meaningful improvement threshold for WI-NRS in patients with moderate to severe PN.

In the analysis, the researchers assessed the content validity of WI-NRS through in-depth patient interviews. Psychometric assessments used pooled data from masked, intention-to-treat (ITT) PN patients from randomized, double-masked, and placebo-controlled studies.

Psychometric assessments included known-groups validity, construct validity, test-retest reliability, and sensitivity to change in adult moderate-to-severe PN patients. Thresholds for meaningful within-patient WI-NRS score improvement were determined using anchor and distribution-based approaches.

The patients were given dupilumab (300 mg) or placebo subcutaneously every two weeks for 24 weeks. The study’s main outcome was WI-NRS score at specified time points for 24 weeks after randomization.

The following were the key findings of the study:

  • Twenty patients were included across the 2 studies (mean age, 49.3 years; 55% females); 311 patients were included in the pooled intention-to-treat analysis (mean age, 49.5 years; 65.3% females).
  • The WI-NRS questions (20 of 20 patients), response scale (20 of 20 patients), and recall period (19 of 20 patients) were easy to understand and relevant for patients with PN.
  • Adequate test-retest reliability was observed between screening and baseline (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.72, using Patient Global Impression of Severity [PGIS] to define stable patients).
  • Convergent and discriminant validity was supported by moderate to strong correlations with other conceptually related measures and weaker correlations with less related measures, respectively.
  • WI-NRS was sensitive to change, as shown by differences in change from baseline among groups (per PGIS change and PGI of Change [PGIC]).
  • Using an anchor-based approach with PGIS and PGIC, the clinically meaningful improvement threshold was 4 points, also supported by distribution-based methods.

“The study found that WI-NRS may be a fit-for-purpose instrument to support efficacy endpoints measuring itching intensity in adults with Prurigo Nodularis,” the researchers wrote.

Reference:

Kwatra SG, Yosipovitch G, Kim B, et al. Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale for Prurigo Nodularis: A Secondary Analysis of 2 Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Dermatol. Published online June 12, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.1634

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Higher haemoglobin levels are associated with impaired periodontal status: Study

Higher haemoglobin levels are associated with impaired periodontal status suggests a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

Cellular oxygen sensing mechanisms have been linked to periodontal conditions, and levels of haemoglobin (Hb) (the main carrier of oxygen) can be used as a surrogate measure for hypoxia. We aimed to examine relations between Hb levels and key periodontal health parameters in a general population. The population comprised 1711 (47% male) subjects from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, for whom an oral health examination was carried out at 46 years of age and whose Hb levels were within the Finnish reference values. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Results: The low-Hb tertile (mean Hb 133 g/L) had healthier anthropometric, metabolic and periodontal health parameters than the high-Hb tertile (mean Hb 151 g/L). Multivariable regression models adjusted for risk factors showed Hb levels to be positively associated with alveolar bone loss (ABL) and periodontal pocket depth (PPD). However, the associations were weaker after adjustment for key metabolic parameters and were strongly influenced by smoking status. Hb levels within the normal variation are positively associated with PPD and ABL. The association between Hb levels and periodontal condition appeared more complex than anticipated.

Reference:

Tapiola A, Tapio J, Vähänikkilä H, Tegelberg P, Ylöstalo P, Koivunen P. Higher haemoglobin levels are associated with impaired periodontal status. J Clin Periodontol. 2024 Jun 14. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.14030. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38872488

Keywords:

Higher, haemoglobin levels, associated, impaired, periodontal status,Journal of Clinical Periodontology, haemoglobin; hypoxia; periodontal health; periodontitis,Tapiola A, Tapio J, Vähänikkilä H, Tegelberg P, Ylöstalo P, Koivunen P

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New risk stratification tool helps predict blood transfusion needs in women with uterine fibroids: Study

A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology developed a novel risk stratification tool to predict the need for blood transfusions in women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy. Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors affecting females and often necessitates surgical intervention. Laparoscopic myomectomy is the standard surgical treatment for women wishing to retain their uterus. But, one of the most prevalent complications of this surgery is excessive bleeding.

And so, this study by Kacey Hamilton and team set out to identify the risk factors for intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusions during laparoscopic myomectomies and to develop a risk stratification tool for determining the risk of requiring a blood transfusion. This retrospective cohort research utilized data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database by covering the period from 2012 to 2020.

The women who underwent conventional or robotic laparoscopic myomectomy were included in the study. The individuals who received one or more blood transfusions within 72 hours after the surgery were compared with the women who did not require transfusions. Of the 11,498 women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy during the study period, 331 (2.9%) required a blood transfusion. The multivariable regression analysis revealed several significant preoperative risk factors like, Black or African American and Asian races, Hispanic ethnicity, bleeding disorders, a high classification in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III or IV, and a preoperative hematocrit value of ≤35.0%. Also, intraoperative factors contributing to the risk of transfusion included specimen weight exceeding 250 grams, the presence of five or more intramural myomas and an operation time of 197 minutes or more.

The newly developed risk stratification tool assigns points based on the identified risk factors. By summing these points, physicians can calculate the mean probability of a patient requiring a transfusion. This tool holds significant potential for enhancing preoperative planning and patient counseling, ultimately improving surgical outcomes and patient safety.

Overall, the identification of independent risk factors for blood transfusion in women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy represents a significant advancement in gynecological surgery. Future studies are imperative to validate this tool across diverse populations and surgical settings to ensure its broad applicability and reliability. 

Source:

Hamilton, K. M., Liao, C., Levin, G., Barnajian, M., Nasseri, Y., Bresee, C., Truong, M. D., Wright, K. N., Siedhoff, M. T., & Meyer, R. (2024). Characteristics associated with blood transfusion among women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study. In American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Vol. 231, Issue 1, p. 109.e1-109.e9). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.010

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AHA Study: Alcohol Consumption Linked to Increase Risk of Hypertension

A recent comprehensive study published in the Hypertension journal established a clear link between alcohol consumption and an elevated risk of hypertension. The findings offer significant insights into public health guidelines and recommendations concerning alcohol consumption.

This research evaluated the dose-response relationship between usual alcohol intake and the incidence of hypertension. The team conducted a systematic literature review, identifying 23 eligible studies by February 20, 2024. They employed a nonlinear meta-analytic model using restricted cubic splines to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for varying levels of alcohol consumption.

The analysis revealed a positive and nearly linear relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of developing hypertension. When compared to the reference value of 12 grams of alcohol per day (roughly one drink), the risk ratios for hypertension increased significantly with higher levels of alcohol consumption:

  • 0 grams/day: Risk ratio of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.94)
  • 24 grams/day: Risk ratio of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.07–1.15)
  • 36 grams/day: Risk ratio of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.14–1.30)
  • 48 grams/day: Risk ratio of 1.33 (95% CI: 1.18–1.49)

The study highlighted marked differences between men and women regarding the impact of alcohol on hypertension risk. For men, the association between alcohol intake and hypertension was almost linear across all levels of consumption. However, in women, this association became evident only above 12 grams per day, with a sharp increase in risk at higher levels of consumption when compared to men.

The increased risk of hypertension above 12 to 24 grams of alcohol per day was consistent across Western and Asian populations. This study found considerable differences when comparing Whites and Blacks. Also, White women expressed a significantly higher risk at moderate to high levels of alcohol intake.

The findings support the likelihood of a causal relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of hypertension. This study suggests that even moderate alcohol intake (above 12 grams per day) can elevate hypertension risk and to reinforce public health advice to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. The study also emphasizes the role of sex and ethnicity as significant modifiers in this association by highlighting the need for tailored health recommendations. This meta-analysis offers robust evidence that alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of hypertension at levels above 12 grams per day. 

Source:

Cecchini, M., Filippini, T., Whelton, P. K., Iamandii, I., Di Federico, S., Boriani, G., & Vinceti, M. (2024). Alcohol Intake and Risk of Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Nonexperimental Cohort Studies. In Hypertension. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.124.22703

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Spot urinary sodium testing in night sample correlates with 24h sodium excretion in CKD patients: Study

Spot urinary sodium testing in night samples correlates with 24h sodium excretion in CKD patients suggests a study published in the BMC Nephrology.

Salt intake in CKD patients can affect cardiovascular risk and kidney disease progression. Twenty-four hour (24h) urine collections are often used to investigate salt metabolism but are cumbersome to perform. We assessed urinary sodium (U-Na) concentration in spot urine samples and investigated the correlation with 24h U-Na excretion and concentration in CKD patients under nephrological care. Further, we studied the role of CKD stage and diuretics and evaluated the performance of commonly used formulas for the prediction of 24h U-Na excretion from spot urine samples. One hundred eight patients of the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study were included. Each participant collected a 24h urine and two spot urine samples within the same period. The first spot urine sample (AM) was part of the second morning urine. The second urine sample was collected before dinner (PM). Patients were advised to take their medication as usual without changing dietary habits. U-Na concentrations in the two spot urine samples and their average ((AM + PM)/2) were correlated with U-Na concentration and total Na excretion in the 24h urine collections. Correlations were subsequently studied after stratification by CKD stage and diuretic intake. The usefulness of three commonly applied equations to estimate 24h U-Na excretion from spot urine samples (Kawasaki, Tanaka and Intersalt) was determined using Bland–Altman plots, analyses of sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV). Results: Participants (42 women, 66 men) were on average (± SD) 62.2 (± 11.9) years old, with a mean serum creatinine of 1.6 (± 0.5) mg/dl. 95% had arterial hypertension, 37% diabetes mellitus and 55% were on diuretics. The best correlation with 24h U-Na total excretion was found for the PM spot U-Na sample. We also found strong correlations when comparing spot and 24h urine U-Na concentration. Correction of spot U-Na for U-creatinine did not improve strength of correlations. Neither CKD stage, nor intake of diuretics had significant impact on these correlations. All examined formulas revealed a significant mean bias. The lowest mean bias and the strongest correlation between estimated and measured U-Na excretion in 24h were obtained using the Tanaka-formula. Also, application of the Tanaka-formula with PM U-Na provided best sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV to estimate U-Na excretion > 4g/d corresponding to a salt consumption > 10g/d. U-Na concentration of spot urine samples correlated with 24h U-Na excretion especially when PM spot U-Na was used. However, correlation coefficients were relatively low. Neither CKD stage nor intake of diuretics appeared to have an influence on these correlations. There was a significant bias for all tested formulas with the Tanaka-formula providing the strongest correlation with measured 24h U-Na excretion. In summary, using spot urine samples together with the Tanaka-formula in epidemiological studies appears feasible to determine associations between approximate salt intake and outcomes in CKD patients. However, the usefulness of spot-urine samples to guide and monitor salt consumption in individual patients remains limited.

Reference:

Kurzhagen, J.T., Titze, S., Büschges-Seraphin, B. et al. Spot urinary sodium in CKD patients: correlation with 24h-excretion and evaluation of commonly used prediction equations. BMC Nephrol 25, 210 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-024-03639-2

Keywords:

Spot, urinary, sodium, testing, night, sample, correlates, 24h, sodium, excretion, CKD, patients, study, BMC Nephrology, Kurzhagen, J.T., Titze, S., Büschges-Seraphin, B, 24h urine collection, Spot urine, Electrolytes, Sodium, Chronic kidney disease, Diuretics, Salt

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Could Dad’s diet influence his offsprings’ health?

Chicago: A study performed in mice has uncovered a potential new tool to combat the escalating issue of childhood obesity.

The research suggests that a simple dietary change, in the form of a fish oil supplement taken by fathers, might help address this pressing health concern.

The number of young people ages 5 to 19 who are obese has risen from 31 million in 1990 to 160 million in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. This extra weight can increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and may also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.

To find out whether paternal diet could influence offspring health, researchers gave male mice a high-fat diet with or without added fish oil. They found that the offspring of the males that consumed fish oil had a lower body weight and showed better metabolic health than the offspring of fathers not supplemented with fish oil.

“While further human studies are needed, this discovery opens a new frontier in our understanding of how parents, beyond just genetics, influence their offspring’s well-being,” said Latha Ramalingam, PhD, assistant professor in nutrition at Syracuse University. “Fish oil, a readily available and safe supplement, could become a powerful weapon in our fight for a healthier next generation.”

Sarah Dellet, a graduate student in Ramalingam’s lab, will present the findings at NUTRITION 2024, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held June 29–July 2 in Chicago.

The researchers say this is the first study to examine inheritance patterns exclusively in the paternal line. It builds on their previous work, which demonstrated the benefits of fish oil supplementation in mothers for reducing childhood obesity risk.

In the new study, which involved almost 150 mice, the researchers fed male mice a high-fat diet either with or without added fish oil. They were then mated with female mice that consumed a regular healthy low-fat diet.

The researchers found that offspring that were fed a low-fat healthy diet and fathered by males receiving fish oil weighed less at 7 and 21 days than offspring of the males not receiving fish oil. Female offspring from males receiving fish oil also had improved metabolic health as measured by glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity.

“This concept offers a significant potential to reshape our strategies in combating childhood obesity,” said Ramalingam. “Picture a future where pre-conception dietary guidance isn’t solely directed at mothers, but also involves fathers, enabling them to play a more active role in promoting their children’s well-being right from the start.”

The researchers are now studying the potential mechanisms through which dietary changes affect sperm, aiming to better understand how this information transfer influences the subsequent generation. They are also investigating muscle and liver gene expression to gain deeper insights into the genetic foundation of the enhanced insulin sensitivity in females.

References: Could Dad’s diet influence his offsprings’ health? AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR NUTRITION MEETING NUTRITION 2024

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Laser Hair Removal Proves Effective for Hidradenitis Suppurativa, reveals research

Researchers have found that laser hair removal (LHR) significantly improves the severity of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition. A recent systematic review highlights the potential of various laser modalities in treating HS with minimal adverse effects. The study was published in the journal Lasers in Surgery and Medicine by William D. and colleagues.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating condition marked by painful nodules, draining tunnels, and scarring in areas where skin rubs together. The disease stems from follicular occlusion and rupture, leading to uncontrolled inflammation. Traditional treatments often lack efficacy and consistency. Laser hair removal (LHR) has emerged as a promising treatment, but its effectiveness and the best laser types for HS remain uncertain.

A thorough literature search was conducted across Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and The Cochrane Library (Wiley) up to September 2023. The review included studies that met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed on selected studies to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of LHR in HS.

  • Study Population: 227 patients across ten studies.

  • Laser Modalities: Long-pulsed Nd

  • (n=115), intense pulsed light (n=18), Alexandrite (n=54), intralesional 1064 nm diode (n=20), combined fractional CO2 and long-pulsed Nd

  • (n=20).

  • Efficacy: Significant improvement in HS severity with all laser types.

  • Meta-Analysis: Standardized mean difference in disease severity with long-pulsed Nd

  • laser of -1.68 (95% CI: -2.99; -0.37).

  • Adverse Effects: Minimal, primarily mild pain and erythema.

The findings indicate that LHR is an effective treatment for HS, attributable to the destruction of hair follicle units, which play a critical role in HS pathogenesis. Despite the heterogeneity of the condition and the use of various disease scoring methods, LHR consistently improved HS severity. Laser hair removal, employing various laser techniques, significantly improves hidradenitis suppurativa severity with minimal adverse effects. This treatment modality offers a promising option for managing this challenging condition. Further research is necessary to standardize scoring methods and optimize laser protocols for broader clinical application.

Reference:

Shipman, W. D., III, Williams, M. N., Suozzi, K. C., Eisenstein, A. S., & Dover, J. S. (2024). Efficacy of laser hair removal in hidradenitis suppurativa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23796

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NEET 2024: Plea in SC Seeks Re-evaluation of OMR Sheets instead of Cancelling Exam

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing controversy concerning the National Eligibility-and-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 examination, a plea has been filed calling for a re-evaluation of the OMR sheets instead of cancellation of the exam held on May 5th, 2024.

The petitioners, who appeared in the MBBS entrance exam this year, have contended that cancelling the exam would amount to “severe injustice” and will have serious repercussions on the candidates who have worked hard for the examination.

They have stated that cancellation of the NEET UG 2024 will be an “arbitrary decision” and it would also violate their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India. According to the petitioners, such cancellation will cause prejudice to the deserving candidates and benefit only a few.

Therefore, suggesting a re-evaluation as an alternative, the petitioners have submitted that revaluation can address issues including rank inflation and a substantial increase in the number of toppers.

Also Read: NEET 2024 Controversy: Can’t Hold Re-test for Solitary Candidate, says SC on aspirant’s plea

As per the latest media report by Live Law, filed by five candidates, the plea stated, “The alleged cancellation of examination, at this stage will have serious repercussions on the candidates who have thoroughly worked hard for the examination. The Petitioners propose to suggest that in view of the rank inflation this year, which is clear from the chart below, it is advisable to have revaluation of the scores rather than having a re-neet for all the candidates.”

The petitioners also pointed out that unlike in the previous years, NTA opened a window for 24,000 candidates to register for the examination after the initial deadline had passed. 

In this regard, the plea stated, “There may be an apprehension of some tampering with respect to these 24000 newly added candidates, who registered as per notice dated 08.04.2024. Therefore, revaluation for the 24000 candidates is also paramount.”

The petitioners have prayed to the Apex Court to issue an order directing the National Testing Agency (NTA) to not pass any order for cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 exam. It also prayed for directions upon NTA to pass an order for revaluation of the OMR sheets of all the candidates to ensure transparency of the examination process and in order to address the concerns regarding alleged tampering, rank inflation and soaring rise in the number of toppers (to 67) in NEET-UG 2024.

Further, the plea sought a direction on NTA to scrutinize the OMR sheets of 24,000 candidates who registered for NEET-UG 2024 while the registration window was reopened vide notice dated 08.04.2024.

This year’s NEET UG 2024 exam was mired in controversies after a paper leak scam came to light. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that around 13 people, including four examinees and their family members, were arrested in Bihar for their alleged involvement in the paper leak of the NEET-UG exam. Patna police sources had previously claimed that the NEET-UG question papers along with their answers were provided to around 20 aspirants a day before the date of the exam i.e. May 5, 2024.

Then, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police, which took over the investigation, revealed that the brokers involved in the NEET paper leak scam took between Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh from each of the medical aspirants in exchange for giving them the question paper of the NEET UG 2024 question paper ahead of the examination.

Multiple pleas have been filed before the High Courts and the Supreme Court seeking an investigation into the alleged paper leak scam. Some of the pleas demanded the scrapping of the NEET UG 2024 exam and holding a retest. Meanwhile, during the case proceedings, NTA earlier decided to withdraw the grace marks awarded to 1563 candidates and hold an optional retest for those candidates. Those who did not opt for the retest were allowed to retain their original marks, without the grace marks.

The matter is now being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Central Government on June 22, 2024, handed over the charge of investigating in the alleged irregularities in the NEET UG 2024 examination to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“Certain cases of alleged irregularities / cheating / impersonation / malpractices have been reported. For transparency on the conduct of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India after a review has decided to entrust the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive investigation,” the Ministry of Education stated in a release.

Earlier, while considering the NEET-related pleas, the Supreme Court had refused to defer the counselling/seat allotment process scheduled to commence on July 6. However, the bench had orally observed that the admissions would be subject to the final outcome of the petitions and if the exams were set aside, the counselling would get invalidated consequentially.

The Top Court had also expressed its concern over the alleged discrepancies in the NEET UG 2024 exam. The Court had noted that even ‘0.001& negligence’ in conducting the NEET-UG 2024 exams would be looked into with all seriousness considering the immense labor put in by the candidates for the prestigious examination.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that recently two candidates Kritika Garg and Priyanjali Garg approached the Apex Court opposing the proposal to cancel the NEET exam and hold a retest. Hailing from Meerut, these candidates secured Rs 705 and 690 marks respectively.

Approaching the Apex Court bench, they argued that students who have prepared for years should not be put to the trouble of appearing in the exam again. These applicants further contended that holding a retest for the NEET UG 2024 exam would not only be “unfair” to most students but would also cause hardship to their families.

Also Read: Scrapping NEET 2024 for Mischief of a Few would be Unjust: 2 Candidates File Application before Supreme Court

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