Novel shoulder arthroplasty Surgery Utilizing Groundbreaking Mixed Reality Technology unveiled in new study

Loyola Medicine, a leader in medical innovation and technology, is proud to announce a revolutionary step forward in orthopaedic surgery. Patrick Lacey, a 49-year-old patient with a 15-year history of shoulder pain underwent a pioneering shoulder arthroplasty procedure under the skilled care of Dane Salazar, MD, a renowned shoulder and elbow specialist at Loyola Medicine.

Lacey, who underwent a right shoulder arthroscopy for bone-on-bone arthritis in 2009, was referred to Dr. Salazar because of his persistent pain and reduced range of motion. “I was so sore that I’d come home from work and put an ice pack on every day,” said Lacey. “I couldn’t put dishes in the cabinet or put on a sweatshirt without pain and cracking sounds.”

Dr. Salazar recommended a CT scan to thoroughly assess the injury, then he created a targeted treatment plan that included shoulder arthroplasty. “Dr. Salazar saw that I wanted to continue working and being active,” said Lacey. “My kids are still young and I wanted to do activities with them… like golf, softball and volleyball.”

In June 2021, Loyola made headlines by becoming one of the first hospitals in Illinois to offer this specialized shoulder replacement surgery, which is uniquely assisted by mixed reality technology. This advanced technology platform has significantly enhanced the accuracy and personalization of shoulder joint procedures. Dr. Salazar has been at the forefront of integrating mixed reality into his surgical practice. This technology allows for the overlay of 3D holographic images onto real-life settings, giving surgeons real-time access to a holographic representation of their pre-operative plan during surgery, leading to better surgical outcomes for patients like Lacey.

The mixed reality platform is beneficial during the planning and execution of surgical procedures. Patients are provided with a detailed copy of their preoperative plan, which includes both 2D and 3D representations of their shoulder anatomy and the proposed implants, leading to overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients. “We are at an exciting juncture in medical technology, where innovation meets patient care in profound ways,” said Dr. Salazar. “Utilizing the mixed reality platform allows us to take shoulder replacement surgeries to the next level of precision and personalization, offering patients a hopeful outlook for recovery and functionality.”

Loyola’s adoption of advanced medical technologies underscores its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art care and improving patient outcomes. Lacey, who underwent surgery three years ago, has made a meaningful recovery. “He’s doing fantastic,” said Dr. Salazar. “He’s back to work, with a normal range of motion and no strength deficits or pain. It’s been very rewarding for me personally to see him get back his life and to have helped improve the quality of it.”

“It’s been three years,” said Lacey. “I feel good and I have no apprehension of doing anything. I’m back to my normal self, I don’t hear the crunching sound when I’m hanging up clothes anymore. I’m back to playing softball and I can put dishes away without pain. I have full mobility, which I didn’t have for many years. I am grateful that Dr. Salazar put Humpty Dumpty back together again.”

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Tiotropium Influences Eye Measurements in COPD Patients Without Causing Glaucoma: Study

Turkey: A recent study published in BMC Pulmonary Medicine has shed new light on the effects of Tiotropium, a commonly prescribed medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), on various eye parameters. This research, the first of its kind, focused on how Tiotropium influences anterior chamber characteristics, pupil diameters, and intraocular pressure in COPD patients.

The study revealed that patients with COPD treated with Tiotropium for three months experienced a narrowing of the anterior chamber angle, an increase in intraocular pressure, and changes in both photopic and mesopic pupil diameters. However, the study found that none of these patients developed drug-induced acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, inflammatory condition of the lungs characterized by persistent airflow obstruction. Tiotropium, an anticholinergic bronchodilator, is frequently used to manage COPD by helping to relax and open the airways. While it is known for its efficacy in respiratory health, its potential ocular side effects have not been thoroughly explored until now. Considering this, Hayriye Bektaş Aksoy and Hakan Koç from Giresun University Faculty of Medicine in Giresun, Turkey, aimed to investigate the effects of Tiotropium on anterior chamber parameters.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted an observational cross-sectional and prospective study from October 2023 to April 2024. They categorized patients into three groups: Group 1, comprising untreated COPD patients; Group 2, consisting of healthy volunteers matched for age and gender; and Group 3, which included patients undergoing treatment with Tiotropium 18 mcg via HandiHaler.

Measurements of anterior chamber parameters, intraocular pressure, and photopic-mesopic pupil diameters were taken during the initial visit for both Group 1 and Group 2 and again at the three-month mark for Group 3.

The study led to the following findings:

  • Thirty-six patients were included in each group in the study.
  • There were no significant differences in ocular findings between the patient and control groups.
  • In COPD patients receiving Tiotropium, narrowing of angle parameters, an increase in photopic-mesopic pupil diameters, and intraocular pressure were observed in the third month of treatment.

The researchers concluded that after three months of Tiotropium therapy via HandiHaler, patients exhibited a narrowing of angle parameters, an increase in intraocular pressure, and changes in photopic and mesopic pupil diameters. Despite these findings, there were no instances of drug-induced acute angle-closure glaucoma.

However, the observed changes in angle parameters suggest the need for cautious use of Tiotropium, particularly in patients with pre-existing narrow angles. The researchers recommend that future studies with larger patient populations and extended follow-up periods be conducted to further validate these findings and assess the long-term implications of Tiotropium therapy on ocular health.

Reference:

Aksoy, H.B., Koç, H. Effect of Tiotropium on eye findings in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. BMC Pulm Med 24, 418 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-024-03240-1

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Covered Stents Offer New Bypass Solution for Complex Central Venous Occlusion: Case Report

China: In a recent case report, researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of using covered stents as a bypass solution for treating central venous occlusion (CVO), particularly in challenging cases involving long, angled occlusions with or without calcification. This novel approach offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments and could significantly impact the management of central venous issues.

“Covered stents offer a novel solution for treating long, angled central venous occlusions, with or without calcification, by establishing an extravascular bypass between central veins,” the researchers wrote in BMC Nephrology.

Central venous occlusion is a severe condition that can occur when veins in the chest become blocked, often due to factors like thrombosis or external compression. Traditional treatments, such as angioplasty or thrombolysis, may not always be effective, especially in complex cases where the occlusion is extensive or involves calcified lesions. These limitations have prompted the exploration of new methods to restore venous patency and improve patient outcomes.

In the study, Xiaomeng Liu, Department of Dialysis, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Zhongshan Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, and colleagues devised a new method for establishing an extra-anatomic bypass between the right subclavian vein and the superior vena cava via a covered stent to treat whole-segment occlusion of the right brachiocephalic vein (BCV) with calcification.

The research team described the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented with persistent swelling in her right arm, ongoing for 1.5 years. The patient had been undergoing hemodialysis since developing end-stage renal disease due to chronic glomerulonephritis. Initially, a right internal jugular vein (IJV)-tunneled cuffed catheter was used for dialysis access, which was replaced once in the first three years. Subsequently, a left arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was created. Due to occlusion of the left AVF, a new fistula was established in the right upper arm 1.5 years before her current visit.

Angiography of the right upper extremity revealed complete occlusion of the right brachiocephalic vein (BCV) and IJV, accompanied by calcification. Unable to pass a guidewire through the lesion, an extra-anatomic bypass was created between the right subclavian vein and the superior vena cava using a covered stent. Follow-up angiography confirmed the patency of the entire vascular access system. Three months later, both the AVF function and the bypass remained satisfactory.

“We introduced an endovascular technique to create a bypass between central veins for restoring AVF blood flow. Angiography showed no leakage at the stent anastomosis. Three months post-operation, AVF function, dialysis adequacy, and anemia improved. This method offers a novel, effective approach for treating complex central venous occlusions, though long-term safety needs further evaluation,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Xu, Z., He, Y. & Liu, X. Utility of covered stents as a bypass for the treatment of central venous occlusion: a case report. BMC Nephrol 25, 271 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-024-03718-4

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In Parkinson’s, dementia may occur less often, or later, than thought, reports study

There’s some good news for people with Parkinson’s disease: The risk of developing dementia may be lower than previously thought, or dementia may occur later in the course of the disease than previously reported, according to a study published in the August 7, 2024, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“The development of dementia is feared by people with Parkinson’s, and the combination of both a movement disorder and a cognitive disorder can be devastating to them and their loved ones,” said study author Daniel Weintraub, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “These results provide more hopeful estimates of the long-term risk of dementia for people with Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that there is a longer window to intervene to prevent or delay cognitive decline.”

Previous studies had indicated that about 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease would develop dementia within 15-20 years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

“While these studies were important in highlighting the issue of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease, the studies were conducted many years ago, were relatively small and had other limitations, so we wanted to re-evaluate these findings,” Weintraub said.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from two large, prospective studies. An international study involved 417 participants with an average age of 62 who were newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had not yet received treatment for the disease at study enrollment. A study at the University of Pennsylvania involved 389 people with Parkinson’s with an average age of 69 who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s an average of six years before the start of the study. The participants were followed to see whether they developed dementia.

The international study showed an estimated probability of being diagnosed with dementia 10 years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease of 9%. For the Pennsylvania study, the probability of being diagnosed with dementia 10 years after the Parkinson’s diagnosis was 27%. For the latter study, researchers found an estimated risk of dementia at 50%, 15 years after a Parkinson’s diagnosis and 74%, 20 years after diagnosis.

Factors that increased the risk of dementia in the Pennsylvania study included being older when Parkinson’s was diagnosed, being male and having a lower level of education.

A limitation of both studies is that participants were highly educated, mainly white people and were recruited for participation in a research study, so they may not represent the general population.

The international study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, is a public-private partnership funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and numerous funding partners. The University of Pennsylvania study was supported by the National Institute on Aging.

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Suvorexant could benefit hyperactive and mixed delirium patients, reveals JAMA study

Delirium is a sudden onset and temporary state of disturbed consciousness or cognition, occurring due to underlying medical issues like fever or alcohol withdrawal. It is most common among older hospitalized adults aged 75 years or above, leading to increased risk of falls, dementia, low life expectancy, and high healthcare expenses.

Non-pharmacological approaches to prevent or reduce delirium are time-consuming, hard to implement, and partially effective. So, pharmacological interventions offer hope. Insomnia, a significant risk factor for delirium, could be alleviated with sleep-promoting medications. However, not all medications are suitable. Some may aggravate delirium. Interestingly, suvorexant (an orexin receptor antagonist) promotes sleep by blocking a neuropeptide called orexin that regulates wakefulness. This mechanism could prevent delirium, as shown by many studies.

Against this backdrop, a team of researchers involving Professor Kotaro Hatta from the Department of Psychiatry at Juntendo University Nerima Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, tested whether suvorexant can reduce delirium in older adults at high risk for delirium after hospitalization. The research team included Dr. Yasuhiro Kishi from Nippon Medical School Musashikosugi Hospital, Dr. Ken Wada from Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Dr. Takashi Takeuchi from Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, Dr. Toshihiro Taira from Fukuyama City Hospital, Dr. Keiichi Uemura from Tonan Hospital, Dr. Asao Ogawa from National Cancer Center Hospital East, Ms. Kanae Takahashi, Ms. Asako Sato, Mr. Masayoshi Shirakawa and Dr. Ichiro Arano from MSD K.K., Tokyo, Japan, and Dr. W. Joseph Herring from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA. Their study was published in JAMA Network Open.

Reflecting on the motivation behind the study, Prof. Hatta says, “While working as a psychiatric liaison at a general hospital, I was busy managing patients with delirium every day. So, when an orexin receptor antagonist became available, we decided to use this drug to target the sleep-wake cycle disturbances, a primary clinical manifestation of delirium.”

To this end, researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 randomized clinical trial across 50 Japanese hospitals from October 2020 to December 2022. The trial included 203 Japanese adults aged 65 to 90 years who were at high risk for delirium and hospitalized for sudden illness or scheduled surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups, with 101 receiving suvorexant (15 mg) and 102 receiving a placebo each night for five to seven days. They were assessed daily for delirium based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria. Subtypes of delirium—namely hyperactive (marked by agitation, hallucination, and impulsivity), hypoactive (marked by drowsiness and apathy), and mixed (shifts between hyperactive and hypoactive delirium)- were also recorded for those who exhibited delirium. Researchers then compared both groups to assess whether suvorexant made a difference.

Consistent with expectations, suvorexant showed a trend toward reducing delirium, with only 16.8% of participants exhibiting delirium compared to 26.5% in the placebo group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Both groups also experienced similar adverse events, such as constipation and vomiting.

The incidence of hypoactive delirium was similar between the suvorexant (5.9%) and placebo groups (4.9%). However, in the post-hoc exploratory analysis, the incidence of hyperactive and mixed delirium was lower in the suvorexant group (10.9%) compared to placebo (21.6%). Delirium with a hyperactive component was considered since it interferes with surgery or treatment, making it burdensome for hospital staff.

As the results suggest, suvorexant may not have preventive effects on hypoactive delirium but could benefit hyperactive and mixed delirium.

Explaining the results, Prof. Hatta emphasizes, “The lack of significant reduction of delirium after taking suvorexant was surprising since previous studies reported positive findings. However, these studies did not distinguish between delirium subtypes except for one study that excluded hypoactive delirium due to its irrelevance in postoperative management and another that defined the primary outcome as delirium of any type. So, we believe that previous studies have focused more on hyperactive or mixed delirium and overlooked hypoactive delirium.”

Prof. Hatta says, “Addressing this issue can increase the life expectancy of older adults and reduce the burden on healthcare providers.”

Let us hope these insights pave the way for discovering more effective pharmacological interventions for preventing delirium.

Reference:

Hatta K, Kishi Y, Wada K, et al. Suvorexant for Reduction of Delirium in Older Adults After Hospitalization: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(8):e2427691. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.27691.

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Delgocitinib cream effective in managing chronic hand dermatitis symptoms, finds research

A new study by Robert Bissonnette and team found that delgocitinib cream may be used as a monotherapy or adjunct to control the chronic hand dermatitis of a patient when topical corticosteroids fail. Chronic hand eczema is characterized by fluctuations, inflammation, pruritus, and discomfort. It significantly affects the quality of life and ability of the patients to do their jobs. In order to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of twice-daily administrations of the topical pan-Janus kinase inhibitor delgocitinib cream 20 mg/g against cream vehicle in people with moderate to severe chronic hand eczema, phase 3 DELTA 1 and DELTA 2 were carried out in this study.

DELTA 1 was carried out in 53 trial centers in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK, while DELTA 2 was carried out at 50 trial centers in Belgium, Denmark, Canada, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and Spain. For 16 weeks, a randomization process was used to allocate adults with moderate to severe chronic hand eczema to either a cream carrier or a twice-daily delgocitinib cream (20 mg/g). The Global Assessment for Chronic Hand Eczema (IGA-CHE) treatment success at week 16 was the main outcome measure. A score of 0 (clear) or 1 (nearly clear), which is defined as hardly visible erythema, indicated treatment success. Every patient who received experimental therapy had their efficacy and safety evaluated.

A total of 487 patients were enrolled in DELTA 1 from May 10, 2021 to October 31, 2022 and a total of 473 patients were enrolled in DELTA 2 between May 25, 2021 and January 6, 2023. Delgocitinib cream was given to 325 patients in DELTA 1 and 314 patients in DELTA 2, whereas cream vehicles were given to 162 patients in DELTA 1 and 159 patients in DELTA 2. 

IGA-CHE treatment success was seen in a higher percentage of patients treated with delgocitinib at week 16 when compared to the individuals who were receiving cream vehicles. Delgocitinib and the cream vehicle had comparable patient reporting rates for adverse events. The most common adverse effects in both therapy groups that affected at least 2% of patients were COVID-19 and nasopharyngitis. Overall, over a 16-week period, delgocitinib cream was well tolerated and had greater effectiveness when compared to cream vehicles.

Source:

Bissonnette, R., Warren, R. B., Pinter, A., Agner, T., Gooderham, M., Schuttelaar, M. L. A., Crépy, M.-N., Stingeni, L., Serra-Baldrich, E., Baranowski, K., Korn, S., Kurvits, M., Plohberger, U., Strange Vest, N., Schliemann, S., Lynde, C., Guenther, L., Sauder, M., Bissonnette, R., … Fernández-Orland, A. (2024). Efficacy and safety of delgocitinib cream in adults with moderate to severe chronic hand eczema (DELTA 1 and DELTA 2): results from multicentre, randomised, controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trials. In The Lancet (Vol. 404, Issue 10451, pp. 461–473). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(24)01027-4

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Interconnectivity of whole arterial system combining peripheral arterial and aortic diseases emphasized for first time in ESC guidelines

The 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of peripheral arterial and aortic diseases (PAAD) evaluate these vascular diseases together as part of same cardiovascular system, appreciating that patients with aortic diseases are at risk of having peripheral vascular diseases and vice versa. The Guidelines are aimed at cardiologists, but were coordinated for alignment with guidelines for surgeons by EACTS and endorsed by VASCERN and ESVM.

“These updated guidelines have been introduced now due to significant advancements and shifts in our understanding and management of aortic and peripheral artery diseases (PAD), including new treatment modalities, since the last guidelines were published in 2014 and 2017, respectively,” says ESC Guidelines co-chair Professor Jose Fernando Rodriguez Palomares, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.

“The decision to integrate these guidelines is based on several key factors. The aorta and peripheral arteries are integral components of the same arterial system. Disorders in one part of this system often have implications for the other,” adds co-chair Professor Lucia Mazzolai of Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland. “Combining the guidelines provides consistent and standardised recommendations for the management of arterial diseases as a whole. This ensures that patients receive cohesive and coordinated care across different vascular conditions, reducing fragmentation and improving overall treatment outcomes.”

PAAD is estimated to affect around 113 million people aged 40 and over globally, of whom nearly half (43%) are in low- and middle-income countries. The global prevalence is 1.5% and increases with age, affecting 15-20% of those aged 70 years and over and 20-30% of those aged 80 years and older. Prevalence increased by 72% from 1990 to 2019, despite the global population growing only 45%.

PAD is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, more frequently the legs. It is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on the artery walls. “This condition can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, significantly affecting both patients and their families,” explains Prof Mazzolai. “Disease manifests in patients with pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs during physical activity, which subsides with rest. This induces mobility issues affecting daily tasks and quality of life. If not well treated the disease can evolve to severe forms of PAD potentially leading to pain present at rest, non-healing ulcers and risk of amputation. Moreover, presence of PAD significantly increases the risk of cardiac and cerebral events.”

“The burden such diseases place on families is substantial, with patients requiring support in all sorts of ways including the activities of daily life. The whole family may need to adopt lifestyle changes to support the patient, such as healthier eating and exercise,” explains Professor Rodriguez Palomares.

The authors say the most important recommendations in the new 2024 Guidelines are those addressing the chronic nature of PAAD, the importance of screening, and the necessity of comprehensive treatment strategies – and awareness that this a chronic disease that needs lifetime follow-up.

“A significant proportion of patients are asymptomatic and therefore PAAD screening is crucial, based on age, the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, family history and/or presence of syndromic features. PAAD diagnosis can be easily achieved with a non-interventional vascular test/imaging,” says Professor Rodriguez Palomares. The guidelines highlight that optimal pharmacological treatment (antithrombotic, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic) and emphasis on exercise and lifestyle changes are mandatory and effective in reducing burden of disease. Patients with PAAD have a very high cardiovascular risk and require optimal management of risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes to prevent serious complications.

Finally, the authors emphasise gender aspects and that PAAD comprises chronic diseases requiring continued attention. They conclude: “PAAD is a chronic disease necessitating lifelong follow-up by vascular specialists, cardiologists, and a multidisciplinary team. Women often present with atypical or asymptomatic disease, warranting special attention during screening. Exercise and lifestyle changes are crucial before considering interventional management in chronic PAAD.” 

Reference:

Lucia Mazzolai, Gisela Teixido-Tura, Stefano Lanzi, Vinko Boc, Eduardo Bossone, Jose F Rodriguez-Palomares, ESC Scientific Document Group , 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of peripheral arterial and aortic diseases: Developed by the task force on the management of peripheral arterial and aortic diseases of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Endorsed by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), the European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases (VASCERN), and the European Society of Vascular Medicine (ESVM), European Heart Journal, 2024;, ehae179, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae179.

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NEET PG 2024: Hundreds of Candidates Score Same Percentile, NBE’s Transparency Questioned

New Delhi: Controversy is still following the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2024 examination as candidates have pointed out that hundreds of candidates scored the same percentile in the exam held on August 11, 2024.

Since the publication of the NEET PG 2024 results, candidates highlighted the discrepancies in the results as many claimed that they scored shockingly less than their expectations.

These allegations, coupled with the National Board of Examinations’ policy of not releasing the answer key for the postgraduate medical entrance test have posed a question regarding the transparency of the exam altogether.

After several controversies, the NEET PG 2024 examination was finally conducted on August 11, 2024, in two shifts i.e. from 9 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm for admission to MD, MS, DNB, and Diploma Courses of 2024-25 admission session. Consequently, the PG medical entrance exam results were published on August 24, 2024.

However, the exam results started a new controversy as the candidates who appeared in the second shift started questioning the normalisation of scores policy adopted by NBE.

Raising their doubts regarding the fairness of the NEET PG 2024 exam and also about the normalisation of scores policy adopted by the NBE, several candidates have urged the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to issue the answer key to the PG medical entrance test and disclose the details of the normalisation policy adopted by the authorities.

Also Read: NEET PG 2024 results spark controversy, Candidates allege discrepancy in Normalisation Formula, Demand Release of Answer Key

Same Percentile Score for Hundreds of Candidates: 

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) many candidates pointed out that several NEET PG 2024 candidates obtained the same percentile score in the exam. Questioning how it was possible, a candidate wrote, “What Kind of Normalization and Rank allotment is this ? Where Hundreds and thousands of people can get same percentile even after taking seven decimals..”

Sharing a screenshot of the percentiles and the number of candidates who secured the marks, an X user questioned, “How can percentiles be same for so many candidates? Here is the list of no of candidates with same percentiles. What’s going on?” 

As per the post, altogether 132 candidates secured 94.9756783 percentile, 92 candidates secured 94.9193675, 99 candidates received 94.7526376 percentile, 101 candidates received 94.8536076 percentile, 99 candidates received 94.7526376 etc.

Doubts regarding the Normalisation Formula: 

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that NEET PG 2024 candidates were expressing their doubts and concerns regarding the normalisation formula adopted by NBE for the two shifts of the examination.

Previously, a case was also filed before the Supreme Court seeking directions upon NBE to make the normalisation formula public.

Referring to the need for making the normalisation formula public, an X user wrote, “In high-stakes exams like NEET PG with multiple sets and normalization, transparency is crucial. NBE should release the answer keys, make the normalization process public, and display the raw scores of each student. This would ensure fairness and build trust in the system.”

“NBEMS Mental Harassment on NEET PG 2024 Aspirants, First with 3 Times Postponement & Preponement issue,Center relocation issue then with Double shift & Normalisation issue Now with Unexpected NEET PG Results. Doctors Demand for NEET PG Answer key,” wrote Sanjay Rajkumar, State Secretary of NSUI Karnataka.

Why Answer Keys cannot be released? 

Amidst these doubts and concerns regarding the NEET-PG 2024 results, NBE’s policy of not releasing the answer key has also been challenged. Addressing the issue, one X user wrote, “Dear @MoHFW_INDIA, Why can’t (a) Question Paper (b) Answer keys, and (c) attempted recorded responses of the candidates to the questions of #NEETPG2024 be displayed on the NBE’s website if the same can be done by NTA in respect of UGC-NET conducted in CBT mode?”

“Why are the answer-keys of #neetpg2024 exams not released? The exam is online, scoring is online, so why not keep it transparent and share the answers and the normalization applied? Anyone can conduct an exam and give scores/ranking without sharing the correct answers,” wrote another user.

Demands for Re-conduction of NEET PG 2024: 

Meanwhile, blaming NBE for failing to show any transparency in conducting the NEET-PG 2024 examination, demands are being raised before the Union Health Minister and the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda for reconducting the PG medical entrance test examination.

 “Requesting @MoHFW_INDIA Mr. @JPNadda ji, please cancel the #NEETPGResults and reconduct #NEETPG2024 in one shift. The #NBEMS hasn’t shown any transparency in #NEETPG, they failed to declared results, with it’s scores and ranks. We #Doctors & #MedicalStudents want justice,” an user wrote in an X post.

Previous Plea before Supreme Court: 

This is not the first time that the doctors are demanding the release of NEET PG answer keys. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that back in 2022, the doctors had filed pleas before the Supreme Court alleging serious discrepancies in the NEET-PG 2022 exam. In the plea, the MBBS graduates challenged the decision of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBE) of not releasing the answer keys and question paper for the exam.

The doctors had also requested the court to set up a High Power Committee to examine the instances of alleged discrepancies in the scores so that fairness and transparency in the evaluation mechanism could be ensured. Apart from this, the plea further requested the court to frame guidelines for publishing question papers and answer keys after the examination.

It had also sought direction upon NBE for uploading individual OMR answer sheets in login account along with the question paper and the corresponding answer key, immediately after the examination and provide the candidates with an answer key and question paper for the exam, especially when they file an RTI application.

However, earlier in June 2024, the Apex Court bench dismissed the plea after taking note of the passage of time since the conduction of the NEET PG 2022 examination.

Also Read: NEET PG 2024 2nd Shift Candidates Allege Normalisation formula ‘scam’

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Novo Nordisk Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To Study Etavopivat

New Delhi: The drug major Novo Nordisk has got approval from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to conduct the Phase III clinical trial of Etavopivat.

This came after the drug maker Novo Nordisk presented Phase III clinical trial protocol No. NN7535-7807 version No.1.0 dated 18.04.2024.

Etavopivat is an investigational, oral, small-molecule activator of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (PKR) in development for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) and other hemoglobinopathies.

PKR activation is proposed to ameliorate the sickling of SCD red blood cells (RBCs) through multiple mechanisms, including reduction of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), which consequently increases hemoglobin (Hb)-oxygen affinity; increased binding of oxygen reduces sickle hemoglobin polymerization and sickling. In addition, PKR activation increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) produced via glycolytic flux, which helps preserve membrane integrity and RBC deformability.

Etavopivat, a small molecule activator of the glycolytic enzyme erythrocyte pyruvate kinase, decreased 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in red blood cells (RBCs) from nonhuman primates and healthy subjects and significantly increased hemoglobin (Hb)-oxygen affinity in healthy subjects. Using ex vivo RBCs from donors with sickle cell disease (SCD) (homozygous hemoglobin S or hemoglobin S and C genotype), etavopivat increased Hb-oxygen affinity and reduced sickling under deoxygenation.

At the recent SEC meeting for Hematology held on 8th August 2024, the expert panel reviewed the Phase III clinical trial protocol No. NN7535-7807 version No.1.0 dated 18.04.2024.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended a grant of permission to conduct the trial as presented by the firm.

Also Read: Revise Phase III CT Protocol: CDSCO Panel Tells Windlass Biotech on FDC Tamsulosin Hydrochloride plus Mirabegron

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Fire breaks out at Koraput Medical College Hospital, 42 infants evacuated

Koraput: At least 42 infants were evacuated after a fire broke out at the special newborn care unit (SNCU) of SLN Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Koraput, causing widespread panic among patient families on Friday.

According to the PTI report, officials said, the fire was triggered by a short circuit in the special newborn care unit.

Also Read:Fire breaks out at Maulana Azad Medical College Hostel

No injury or loss of life was reported, officials said.

“At least 42 infants admitted at the SNCU were shifted to other wards and the situation was brought under control,” said Sushant Kumar Sahu, superintendent of the hospital, news agency PTI reported.

Also Read:Fire breaks out in store of Safdurjung Hospital, No injuries

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