Protein linked to airway obstruction in asthma provides a potential treatment target

Researchers at National Jewish Health and colleagues have identified a mechanism involved in the formation of mucus plugs in asthma. Mucus plugs are thick, sticky accumulations of mucus that can form in asthma patients resulting in the blockage of airways. The researchers identified a protein involved in the generation of pathologic mucus present in plugs, which is a prominent feature of the disease in patients with type 2 inflammatory asthma.

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Neuropathic pain drugs linked to higher hip fracture risk in seniors

A new study by Monash University medicine safety experts found the use of gabapentinoids—medicines widely used to treat neuropathic pain—increased the risk of hip fractures, especially in older patients who were frail or had kidney disease.

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Self-reported screening can reduce distressing symptoms for pediatric patients with cancer

Regular, self-reported symptom screening was associated with reduced symptom burden when compared with usual care for pediatric patients with cancer, according to new research led by scientists at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

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Light-based therapy reduces pain associated with peripheral diabetic neuropathy, study concludes

A study conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil has concluded that the use of monochromatic infrared light in conjunction with conventional physical therapy is a promising alternative for the treatment of peripheral diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that most often affects the legs and feet, and one of the most frequent, insidious and incapacitating complications of diabetes.

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Cipla gets 8 USFDA observations for Virgonagar facility

Mumbai: Cipla has announced that the United States Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA) has concluded an inspection
at the Company’s manufacturing facility in Virgonagar, Bengaluru with eight observations.

The inspection was held from 7th – 13th November 2024.
“On conclusion of the inspection, the Company received 8 (eight) observations in Form 483,” the Company stated in a BSE filing.

An FDA Form 483 is issued to firm management at the conclusion of an inspection when an investigator(s) has observed any conditions that in their judgment may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts. 

“The Company will
work closely with the USFDA and remains committed to address these observations comprehensively within
stipulated time,” it added.

Established in 1935, Cipla is a global pharmaceutical company focused on agile and sustainable growth, complex generics, and deepening portfolio in its home markets of India, South Africa, North America, and key regulated and emerging markets. It has strengths in the respiratory, anti-retroviral, urology, cardiology, anti-infective, and CNS segments. It has 47 manufacturing sites around the world which produces 50+ dosage forms and 1,500+ products using cutting-edge technology platforms to cater to its 80+ markets.

Read also: Cipla Vice Chairman M K Hamied resigns after 47 years of service

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AYUSH Ministry launches Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences

New Delhi: A special issue of the research publication of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, the Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (JDRAS), was released recently by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush in the presence of Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, and senior officials and researchers of the Council.

This special edition of JDRAS is dedicated to the emerging field of Ayurveda Aahara. It represents a significant step forward in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to bridge traditional Ayurvedic dietary wisdom with modern scientific understanding.

Highlighting the significance of scientific research in food science and nutrition, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, remarked, “Addressing today’s food-related challenges requires innovative, science-backed solutions rooted in tradition.

Also Read:Ayurveda Day 2024: Ancient medicine system useful for health of entire humanity, says PM Modi

Our research on Ayurveda Aahara offers valuable insights for preventive health, linking ancient dietary wisdom with modern science to foster sustainable and nutritious practices for contemporary society.”

Ayurveda Aahar Logo

It is noted that in alignment with India’s age-old traditions of Ayurveda, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, introduced the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022. These regulations, officially notified on May 5, 2022, formally define “Ayurveda Aahara” as food prepared according to the recipes, ingredients, or processes described in authoritative Ayurveda texts. The regulations aim to safeguard the identity and authenticity of Ayurveda-based dietary practices, preserving the original principles of Ayurveda food preparation. As part of these efforts, FSSAI has also launched a unique logo for Ayurveda Aahara, unveiled on June 7, 2022.

JDRAS

As India’s leading institution in Ayurveda research, CCRAS has been pivotal in advancing Ayurveda Aahara through various scientific initiatives and validation projects. This special issue of JDRAS showcases the latest research activities, focusing on Ayurveda’s holistic dietary principles and their scientific underpinnings. CCRAS is actively documenting and validating traditional food recipes, studying the health impacts of specific medicinal plants used in ethnic diets, and standardising recipes to establish protocols that align with modern dietary practices.

While talking about the research activity of CCRAS on Ayurveda Aahara, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, said, “Our research on Ayurveda Aahara has gained international recognition, highlighting the value of Ayurveda’s dietary practices in modern food science. With FSSAI now recognising Ayurveda Aahara, CCRAS is at the forefront, aligning traditional wisdom with global health priorities to offer sustainable, science-backed nutritional solutions for today’s challenges.”

Through comprehensive research, CCRAS aims to bridge traditional knowledge and modern health practices. The Council has conducted survey studies across regions to document traditional dietary practices and recipes handed down through generations. Additionally, scientific validation efforts are being carried out to verify these foods’ nutritional and therapeutic benefits.

At the same time, the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Ayurveda-based recipes ensures quality and consistency in their preparation. These initiatives contribute to creating evidence-based dietary guidelines relevant to contemporary society, making Ayurveda Aahara accessible and acceptable to a global audience.

The traditional wisdom of Ayurveda recognises food as a foundation for health and wellness. This understanding, which has long guided communities in making healthy dietary choices, is now supported by the Ministry of Ayush and FSSAI’s regulatory framework. CCRAS’s extensive research initiatives highlight how Ayurveda Ahara can meet modern public health demands. With projects focusing on validating recipes and ingredients, CCRAS aims to bring scientifically proven benefits of Ayurveda Aahara into mainstream dietary practices, helping individuals make healthier, informed choices.

With the launch of this special JDRAS issue, CCRAS reiterates its commitment to further exploring and validating Ayurveda’s dietary heritage. The studies featured in this special issue emphasize how integration with scientific methods enriches the Ayurvedic perspective on nutrition, offering a unique blend of tradition and evidence-based health solutions. By advancing research in this domain, CCRAS ensures that Ayurveda Ahara remains relevant and widely applicable, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern nutritional science.

Also Read:Ayurveda Process Handbook Workshop Concludes at National Commission for Indian System of Medicine

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SHRC seeks report on Staff shortage, equipment at Phagwara Civil Hospital

Hoshiarpur: In response to the ongoing shortage of doctors and medical equipment at the Civil Hospital Phagwara, The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has requested a report from the Civil Surgeon to address these persistent deficiencies.

This has reportedly been affecting the patient care facility of the hospital for several months.

Also Read:Odisha: Doctors, staff shortage plagues healthcare services at SCB Medical College

Following the complaint filed on October 16th, the SHRC has taken cognizance of the matter. Former BJP Rajya Sabha MP Avinash Rai Khanna recently raised this matter with the SHRC to resolve the problems faced by patients. He noted that 50 per cent of staff posts are vacant at the Civil Hospital in Phagwara, severely affecting patient care. Khanna further complained that 60 medical and paramedical staff posts are vacant, hampering the hospital’s ability to provide adequate healthcare services to residents.  

The lack of essential medical equipment and the staffing shortage at the hospital are leaving patients with inadequate care and treatment options.  

Also Read: RIMS Ranchi struggles with shortage of staff

As per the recent media report by The Tribune, Chairperson of the SHRC Justice Sant Prakash has asked the Civil Surgeon to look into the matter and submit his report one week before the next date of hearing which is February 24.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS), a key medical institution in Jharkhand that serves approximately 2,500 patients daily, is grappling with severe staffing issues, Dr Ram Kumar, the hospital’s director, revealed. During a press conference, Dr Kumar highlighted the critical shortfall in manpower, noting that the current staff strength is far below the required levels.  

Dr Kumar has been in continuous dialogue with the state’s health minister, Banna Gupta, and senior officials to address the crisis.

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SC directs AIIMS to examine PFI Ex-Chief Abubacker for bail on medical grounds

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to form a medical team to conduct a thorough examination of E Abubacker, the former Chief of the Popular Front of India (PFI), to assess whether he can be granted bail on medical grounds.

According to a UNI report, a bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Aravind Kumar directed that Abubacker be taken to AIIMS within two days and be admitted as an in-patient for the medical examination.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that he is being treated at AIIMS as per the trial court order.

Justice Sundresh asked, “Is he being treated there?

SG Mehta replied, “He has been taken there 40 times.

Also Read:Delhi AIIMS hosts workshop on AI in healthcare to empower medicos

Counsel for Backer said, “ If a man is being taken to hospital 40 times, then can he not get medical bail?” He has cancer, and 80 percent of his digestive tract has been removed. He has severe Parkinson’s disease.

He will be taken to hospital for 8 hours without any helper or food. If he doesn’t co-operate then, they have a problem. This is his medical condition, Counsel for Backer said.

Counsel for Backer said, “All the diseases suffered by my client are chronic.

Justice Sundresh asked, “ According to you he requires medical attention which cannot be done in jail or if he is placed in custody, but SG has submitted that all adequate treatment is given.”

Justice Sundresh then said, “What we suggest is that your client will be treated in AIIMS for two to three days and then the AIIMS director will file a report on whether he is required to stay there for more time.

Do you have any objections? Justice Sundresh asked.”We cannot pass any unilateral direction. It is upon the doctor,” he said.

Justice Sundresh then directed, “ The petitioner shall be taken to AIIMS within 2 days from today and the detailed examination will have to be conducted as an in-patient after due admission within a further period of 4 days thereafter.

The court directed that the report should be filed by the director, AIIMS within 3 days after the completion of the said examination.”

The Top Court directed that he should be accompanied by police escort.

The Apex Court also accepted the request made by the petitioner that his son be allowed to assist him during the examination period.

The Court adjourned the hearing by two weeks for the report of the AIIMS team to be submitted and clarified that it would consider the bail only on medical grounds and no other merits in the matter would be considered.

The matter pertains to a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Abubacker in the Apex Court challenging the Delhi High Court order passed in May 2024 which denied him bail.

He is booked for offences under Section 120-B (Criminal Conspiracy ) & 153-A IPC and under Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

He was arrested on September 22, 2022, a few days before the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs declaring the PFI a terrorist organization and banning it as per the UAPA.

Also Read:Delhi AIIMS launches Facial Recognition Access Control System to enhance patient safety

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Elevated Blood Sugar Tied to Higher Death Risk in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Study

South Korea: A new study published in the Journal of Diabetes has highlighted the significant impact of fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels on mortality risk among patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

The study found that the risk of all-cause mortality increased when fasting blood glucose levels surpassed 125 mg/dL in peritoneal dialysis patients with diabetes. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between elevated FBG levels and cardiovascular death compared to other causes of death.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a common treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease, but managing complications and improving survival rates remain key challenges. This study specifically focused on the role of fasting blood glucose, a marker commonly associated with diabetes, in predicting mortality risks for PD patients.

Glycemic control is essential for PD patients with diabetes. While FBG is widely used to monitor blood glucose levels, there is currently no established evidence linking FBG levels to mortality risk in this patient population. Therefore, Hyeon Seok Hwang, Kyung Hee University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea, and colleagues examined the connection between fasting blood glucose levels and the risk of all-cause mortality in diabetic peritoneal dialysis patients. Additionally, the study aimed to assess how FBG levels are associated with the risk of specific causes of death to determine which mortality causes are most influenced by glucose levels.

For this purpose, the researchers enrolled 3,548 diabetic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients from the National Health Insurance Service database of Korea, covering the period from 2002 to 2018. They investigated the association between fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk.

Based on the study, the researchers revealed the following findings:

  • Patients with FBG levels 80–99 mg/dL exhibited the highest survival rates, whereas those with FBG levels ≥180 mg/dL had the lowest survival rates.
  • Compared with FBG levels 80–99 mg/dL, the adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality significantly increased as follows: 1.02, 1.41, 1.44, and 2.05 for patients with FBG 100–124 mg/dL, FBG 125–149 mg/dL, FBG 150–179 mg/dL, and FBG ≥180 mg/dL, respectively.
  • The risk for all-cause mortality also showed an increasing pattern in patients with FBG levels <80 mg/L.
  • The risk of cardiovascular death significantly increased as FBG levels exceeded 125 mg/dL.
  • The risk of infection-related and malignancy-related deaths did not show a significant increase with increasing FBG levels.

The study found a notable rise in the risk of all-cause mortality when fasting blood glucose levels exceeded 125 mg/dL in peritoneal dialysis patients with diabetes. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between elevated FBG levels and cardiovascular mortality compared to other causes of death.

“These findings offer crucial insights for clinicians in managing blood glucose levels in diabetic PD patients,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Lim, S. J., Moon, J. Y., Jeong, K. H., Ko, G. J., Choi, Y. J., & Hwang, H. S. (2024). Fasting blood glucose level and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients. Journal of Diabetes, 16(9), e13601. https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-0407.13601

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New Trial Challenges High-Normal Potassium Levels for Post-Surgery AF Prevention, Suggests Cost-Effective Alternative

UK: A recent study published in JAMA has challenged current practices for potassium supplementation in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) following cardiac surgery. The TIGHT K randomized clinical trial has revealed that maintaining a lower threshold for potassium levels may be just as effective as the widely adopted higher threshold approach, potentially leading to significant changes in post-surgical care.

The researchers revealed that for atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery (AFACS) prophylaxis, supplementing potassium only when serum levels dropped below 3.6 mEq/L is as effective as the current standard practice of maintaining levels above 4.5 mEq/L. The lower threshold for supplementation did not result in a higher incidence of dysrhythmias or adverse clinical outcomes.

Maintaining high-normal serum potassium levels through supplementation is a common strategy to prevent atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. However, this approach lacks strong evidence, poses potential risks, and incurs significant costs. Benjamin O’Brien, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom, and colleagues aimed to determine whether a lower serum potassium concentration trigger for supplementation is noninferior to a high-normal trigger.

This open-label, noninferiority randomized clinical trial was conducted across 23 cardiac surgical centers in the United Kingdom and Germany. Enrolled between October 20, 2020, and November 16, 2023, were patients scheduled for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery who had no history of atrial dysrhythmias. The final patient was discharged from the hospital on December 11, 2023.

Participants were randomly assigned to either a tight or relaxed potassium control strategy: the tight control group received supplementation if serum potassium fell below 4.5 mEq/L, while the relaxed control group was supplemented only if levels fell below 3.6 mEq/L. Patients wore ambulatory heart rhythm monitors, and the data were analyzed by a core laboratory blinded to the treatment assignment.

The primary outcome was the incidence of new-onset AFACS, either clinically detected or confirmed by electrocardiography, within the first 120 hours post-surgery or until hospital discharge, whichever came first. Noninferiority of the relaxed potassium control strategy was defined as a risk difference for new-onset AFACS with the upper bound of a 1-sided 97.5% confidence interval of less than 10%. Secondary outcomes assessed included other heart rhythm-related events, clinical outcomes, and intervention-related costs.

The researchers reported the following findings:

  • 1690 patients (mean age, 65 years; 15% females) were randomized.
  • The primary endpoint occurred in 26.2% of patients (n = 219) in the tight group and 27.8% of patients (n = 231) in the relaxed group, which is a risk difference of 1.7%.
  • There was no difference between the groups in the incidence of at least 1 AFACS episode detected by any means or by ambulatory heart rhythm monitor alone, non-AFACS dysrhythmias, in-patient mortality, or length of stay.
  • Per-patient cost for purchasing and administering potassium was significantly lower in the relaxed group (mean difference, $111.89).

“The common practice of maintaining high-normal serum potassium levels after CABG surgery can be discontinued. This change will lower healthcare costs and minimize patient risks associated with an unnecessary intervention,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

O’Brien B, Campbell NG, Allen E, et al. Potassium Supplementation and Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: The TIGHT K Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. Published online August 31, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.17888

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