Should non-MBBS graduates lead medical institutions or not? Appointment of RUHS VC Sparks Controversy

Jaipur: The appointment
of Dr. Pramod Yeole as the new Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) by Governor and Chancellor Haribhau Bagde has triggered
strong opposition from the state’s medical community. The decision has been met
with widespread criticism, as many doctors have expressed concerns about selecting a candidate with a doctoral degree in pharmaceuticals instead of a medical background.

Also Read:2 Hospital staff robbed of Rs 23 lakh in Jaipur, 3 arrested

The Rajasthan medical fraternity has strongly opposed the appointment, arguing that a
university primarily focused on medical education should be led by someone with
expertise in clinical medicine. Many doctors have voiced concerns that such a
decision could undermine the credibility of the institution and impact medical
education standards, reports the Times of India. In response to the controversial appointment, medical professionals have threatened to launch a statewide protest if the decision is not reconsidered. 

Dr. Yeole’s tenure will
commence once he formally takes charge and will continue for a period of five
years or until he reaches the age of 70, whichever occurs first. Before this
appointment, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Marathwada University (BAMU) in Aurangabad since 2019. Before that, he was Pro-Vice Chancellor at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), reports the Daily.

His selection was based
on the recommendations of a designated selection committee and was finalized in
consultation with the state government. Dr. Yeole, who has a PhD in
pharmaceutical sciences, has had an extensive academic career. Before becoming Pro-VC
at RTMNU in June 2015, he spent 15 years as a professor and principal at the Institute
of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Wardha.

The appointment of a
non-medical person as the new Vice-Chancellor of a health university has
disappointed the medical community. The state branch of the Indian Medical
Association (IMA) has addressed a letter to Governor Haribhau Bagde, asserting
that the appointment of Pramod Yeole as the head of the Rajasthan University of
Health Sciences (RUHS) contradicts the institution’s duty to uphold excellence
in medical education and enhance public healthcare services. The university
oversees 30 affiliated medical colleges.

Also Read:Over 5000 appointments fraudulently validated by NMC, doctors demand action

Another doctor took to social media and stated, “Would a law university appoint an engineer as its Vice Chancellor? Would an IIT accept a humanities graduate for the role? Can a CA become the head of ISRO? Then why is medical education being treated differently?

But the governor has appointed Pramod Yeole, a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences with no MBBS degree, as the Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences which is overseeing 30 medical colleges in Rajasthan.

Why is the government making a mockery of medical education? Is the government deliberately trying to collapse the medical education system? Why does the government seem so eager to ruin the future of doctors? How much more damage will the government do to medical education?

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NEET 2025 Registration Window Closes tomorrow, APPLY NOW!

New Delhi- The National Testing Agency (NTA) is going to close the National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET UG) exam registration window for the academic year 2025 tomorrow, i.e. March 7, 2025, at 11:50 pm. Therefore, candidates are advised to complete the process as early as possible to avoid any last-minute rush.

Meanwhile, the NEET UG exam 2025 application correction window will open on March 9, 2025, and will close on March 11. Following this, the city intimation slip will be released by April 26, 2025, and the admit card will be released by May 1. 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will be conducting the National Eligibility Entrance Test (UG) – 2025 on May 4, 2025 (Sunday), from 02:00 P.M. to 05:00 P.M. (Indian Standard Time). This examination will be conducted in Pen & Paper mode (offline) across various centres in India and abroad. The result is expected to be declared by June 14, 2025.

STEPS TO REGISTER FOR NEET UG 2025

STEP 1- Visit the official website of NTA.

STEP 2- On the homepage, click on the link that reads, ‘NEET (UG)-2025 registration and online application form’.

STEP 3- A new page will appear on the screen.

STEP 4- Register yourself and proceed to fill in the application form.

STEP 5- Pay the application fee and click on submit.

STEP 6- Take a printout of your application for future reference.

APPLICATION FEE

1 General Candidates: Rs 1,700.

2 General-EWS, OBC-NCL Candidates: Rs 1,600.

3 SC, ST, PwBD, and Third Gender Candidates (for exams within India): Rs 1,000.

4 Candidates Outside India: Rs 9,500.

DOCUMENTS

Candidates should keep the following documents ready before starting the NEET UG 2025 registration and application process-

1 Identification Numbers.

2 APAAR ID Number (if applicable).

3 Past academic records.

4 Documents and images to be uploaded.

5 Alternate or emergency contact details.

6 Parents’ or guardians’ educational qualification and professional information.

7 Annual family income.

8 Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking details.

Also Read: NEET 2025: NTA discontinues optional section, check revised exam pattern

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High-dose multivitamins alone or in conjunction with EDTA-based chelation fail to reduce CV events among diabetes patients after MI: JAMA

High-dose multivitamins alone or in conjunction with EDTA-based chelation fail to reduce CV events among diabetes patients after MI, suggests a study published in the JAMA.

In 2013, the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) reported that in 1708 patients with stable coronary disease and prior myocardial infarction (MI), oral multivitamins and multiminerals (OMVMs), in a factorial design with edetate disodium (EDTA) chelation therapy, did not reduce cardiovascular events relative to placebo OMVMs, but active EDTA combined with active OMVMs was superior to placebo OMVM/placebo EDTA.

A study was done to compare OMVM vs placebo in terms of efficacy for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and prior MI. The TACT2 randomized, multicenter double-masked 2 × 2 factorial clinical trial took place across 88 sites in the US and Canada.

Participants were 50 years or older, had diabetes, and had an MI 6 weeks ago or more. TACT2 participants were enrolled between September 2016 and December 2020. Data were collected between October 2016 and June 2023. The primary end point was the composite of all-cause mortality, MI, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina. Results A total of 1000 participants were randomized (500 in the active OMVM group and 500 in the placebo group). The median (IQR) age was 67 (60-72) years, and 730 (73%) were male. Median (IQR) follow-up was 48 (34-58) months.

The primary end point occurred in 175 participants (35%) in the active OMVM group and 175 (35%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.99 [95% CI, 0.80-1.22]; P = .92). The 5-year event rate for the primary end point in the EDTA chelation + active OMVM group was 34.0%; in the EDTA chelation + placebo OMVM group, 35.7%; in the placebo infusion + active OMVM group, 36.0%; and in the placebo infusion + placebo OMVM group, 34.3%.

The comparison of the active infusion + active OMVM with the placebo infusion + placebo OMVM was not significant (HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.67-1.23]; P = .54). Although nonsignificant, there was a numerically higher event rate of MI, stroke, mortality from cardiovascular causes in the active OMVM compared to placebo OMVM group. The results of this randomized clinical trial demonstrated that, for participants with chronic coronary disease, diabetes, and a previous MI, high-dose OMVM alone or in conjunction with EDTA-based chelation did not reduce cardiovascular events.

Reference:

Ujueta F, Lamas GA, Anstrom KJ, et al. Multivitamins After Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. Published online March 03, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.8408

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Heart failure risk closely associated with hs-CRP, HDL-C and lymphocyte count: Study

A new study published in the journal of BMC Cardiovascular Disorder showed that heart failure risk was linked to both the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to HDL-C ratio (HCHR) and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to lymphocyte count ratio (HCLR).

As demonstrated objectively by elevated natriuretic peptide levels and/or congestion of the pulmonary or systemic circulation, heart failure (HF) is a group of syndromes with symptoms and/or indicators brought on by anatomical and/or functional abnormalities of the heart. A growing body of data suggests that inflammation has a major role in the development and progression of heart failure.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) which is a marker for inflammation is mostly produced by the liver and serves as a protein linked to acute systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with heart failure, and two new inflammatory markers are the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to HDL-C ratio and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to lymphocyte count ratio. This study assessed the relationship between HF, HCHR, and HCLR.

This research used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2015–2018) to conduct a cross-sectional study. They employed threshold effect analysis, smoothed curve fitting, and subgroup analyses of the underlying demographic factors to look into possible effects after using multivariate logistic regression to find the relationship between HCLR, HCHR, and HF. The relationship between each index and HF was investigated using the receiver operating characteristic curves.

Multivariate logistic regression after Ln conversion for HCHR and HCLR revealed that, in the fully adjusted model 3, subjects in the highest tertile of Ln(HCHR) had a significantly higher risk of 45% than those in the lowest tertile, while participants in the highest tertile of Ln had a significantly higher risk of 52% than the patients in the lowest tertile.

This study comprised a total of 8751 subjects where Ln(HCHR) and HF showed a nonlinear connection with a log-likelihood ratio of 0.024 and an inflection point of -2.71. No major associations between Ln(HCHR), Ln(HCLR), and particular subgroups were found by subgroup analysis. Ln(HCLR) has the highest diagnostic effectiveness for HF, followed by Ln(HCHR), according to the ROC curve. Overall, the prevalence of HF in US adults is positively correlated with Ln(HCHR) and Ln(HCLR). In particular, there was a nonlinear relationship between Ln(HCHR) levels and HF, with an inflection point at -2.71. 

Source:

Zhang, P., Mo, D., Lin, F., & Dai, H. (2025). Relationship between novel inflammatory markers derived from high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and heart failure: a cross-sectional study. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-025-04558-2

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Optimized Linear Ablation with EIVOM Enhances Rhythm Control in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: PROMPT-AF Trial

China: A recent randomized clinical trial, PROMPT-AF, has demonstrated that pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) combined with optimized linear ablation significantly enhances the likelihood of maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to PVI alone. The study, published in JAMA, offers new insights into improving treatment outcomes for persistent AF, a condition often challenging to manage with standard ablation techniques.

Persistent AF poses a greater treatment challenge than paroxysmal AF due to its prolonged and more stable arrhythmic substrate. PVI has been the cornerstone of catheter ablation for AF, primarily targeting the pulmonary veins as the primary arrhythmia triggers. However, additional strategies may be necessary to improve long-term outcomes in persistent AF. Considering this, Caihua Sang, Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, and colleagues aimed to assess whether adding linear ablation with radiofrequency energy and EIVOM to PVI enhances sinus rhythm maintenance compared to PVI alone in patients with persistent AF.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted the PROMPT-AF trial, a multicenter, open-label, randomized study across 12 tertiary hospitals in China. Four hundred ninety-eight patients aged 18 to 80 years with persistent AF for over three months undergoing first-time ablation were enrolled between 2021 and 2023. Patients were randomized to receive either PVI alone or PVI plus EIVOM and linear ablation. The intervention group first underwent EIVOM, followed by PVI and linear ablation targeting the left atrial roof, mitral isthmus, and cavotricuspid isthmus.

The primary endpoint was freedom from atrial arrhythmias lasting over 30 seconds without antiarrhythmic drugs at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included recurrence of AF and other atrial arrhythmias, AF burden, and quality-of-life improvements. Continuous monitoring was performed using wearable single-lead ECG patches, symptom-triggered ECGs, and Holter monitoring.

Study Findings

  • Among 498 randomized patients, the primary analysis included 495 (99.4%), with a mean age of 61.1 years; 361 (72.9%) were male.
  • After 12 months, 70.7% of patients who underwent PVI plus EIVOM and linear ablation remained free from atrial arrhythmias without antiarrhythmic drugs, compared to 61.5% in the PVI-alone group.
  • The intervention group showed a significant reduction in arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.73).
  • The effect remained consistent across all prespecified subgroups.
  • Secondary outcome comparisons did not yield significant differences.

The findings revealed that among patients with persistent AF, adding linear ablation and EIVOM to PVI significantly improved freedom from atrial arrhythmias within 12 months compared to PVI alone. In the PROMPT-AF trial, a higher percentage of patients in the intervention group maintained sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic drugs, with the effect remaining consistent across all prespecified subgroups.

“While secondary outcomes did not show significant differences, the findings highlight the additional benefit of linear ablation and EIVOM in enhancing rhythm outcomes for persistent AF ablation. These results suggest a more comprehensive ablation strategy may improve long-term success in managing persistent AF,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Sang C, Liu Q, Lai Y, et al. Pulmonary Vein Isolation With Optimized Linear Ablation vs Pulmonary Vein Isolation Alone for Persistent AF: The PROMPT-AF Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2025;333(5):381–389. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.24438

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New insights into insulin action: Dynamic signaling network offers therapeutic approaches for type 2 diabetes

Researchers from the German Diabetes Center (DDZ) and the Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf (HHU) have studied the temporal pattern of insulin action on protein kinases in human muscle cells in detail for the first time. Their findings have now been published in the journal Nature Communications and reveal previously unknown mechanisms that could be used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is a vital hormone that controls numerous processes in the body-from blood glucose (“blood sugar”) regulation to cell growth. Impaired insulin action is a major factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as a heart attack or stroke. But how does insulin influence so many different processes in the cell? This question has now been examined by scientists from the DDZ together with researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin and the University of Oslo.

Insulin Regulates a Dynamic Network

Based on mass spectrometric analysis methods (phosphoproteomics), the researchers tracked changes in more than 13,000 phosphorylation sites in muscle cells over time. This involves small chemical modifications to proteins that act like molecular on and off switches and are induced by particular enzymes called protein kinases. The stimulation of muscles with insulin has major consequences for the coordination of molecular processes within the cell. The scientists discovered that a total of 159 different protein kinases-around a third of all members of this enzyme family-were activated after just a few minutes, which in turn regulates the activity of hundreds of other enzymes involved in energy metabolism and cell formation. The analysis has now shown for the first time that insulin triggers a complex network of signals that spread through the cells in a wavelike manner. Similar to radio transmissions, both the signal strength and the frequency of the waves play a role. The researchers found that the precise temporal pattern of the waves, i.e., the activation of protein kinases, is responsible for the targeted effect in the cell.

Certain signals are generated by the overlap of multiple waves, such as in the so-called mTOR signaling pathway-a key regulator of cell division and cell growth. Using mathematical models, the researchers demonstrated that this dynamic network of several hundred proteins is regulated by only around 30 enzymes (protein kinases and phosphatases). This finding could provide the basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches to improve the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Active substances that specifically activate or inhibit these key enzymes could enhance insulin action.

New Findings on Gene Regulation

In addition, it was shown that insulin influences the function of the so-called spliceosome complex, a key regulatory element of gene regulation. This suggests that the hormone insulin performs many more functions in the human body than was previously suspected. “Our research demonstrates that insulin not only controls blood glucose regulation, but orchestrates a dynamic network of protein modifications that coordinate the response of the cells to insulin in a precise and synchronized manner,” explains Prof. Dr. Hadi Al-Hasani, director of the Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry at the DDZ and lead scientist of the study.

“The study provides important findings on the mechanisms of insulin action and could make a decisive contribution to the development of new and more targeted therapies for people with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus,” adds Prof. Dr. Michael Roden, scientific director and spokesman of the board of the DDZ and director of the Clinic for Endocrinology and Diabetology at the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD).

The researchers hope that, in the long term, these findings will not only lead to an improved understanding of the development of type 2 diabetes but also deliver new treatment approaches.

Reference:

Turewicz, M., Skagen, C., Hartwig, S. et al. Temporal phosphoproteomics reveals circuitry of phased propagation in insulin signaling. Nat Commun 16, 1570 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56335-6

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Study uncovers how low-carb diet drives colorectal cancer development

Researchers from the University of Toronto have shown how a low-carbohydrate diet can worsen the DNA-damaging effects of some gut microbes to cause colorectal cancer.

The study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, compared the effects of three different diets-normal, low-carb, or Western-style with high fat and high sugar-in combination with specific gut bacteria on colorectal cancer development in mice.

They found that a unique strain of E. coli bacteria, when paired with a diet low in carbs and soluble fibre, drives the growth of polyps in the colon, which can be a precursor to cancer.

“Colorectal cancer has always been thought of as being caused by a number of different factors including diet, gut microbiome, environment and genetics,” says senior author Alberto Martin, a professor of immunology at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

“Our question was, does diet influence the ability of specific bacteria to cause cancer?”

To answer this question, the researchers, led by postdoctoral fellow Bhupesh Thakur, examined mice that were colonized with one of three bacterial species that had been previously linked to colorectal cancer and fed either a normal, low-carb or Western-style diet.

Only one combination-a low-carb diet paired with a strain of E. coli that produces the DNA-damaging compound colibactin-led to the development of colorectal cancer.

The researchers found that a diet deficient in fibre increased inflammation in the gut and altered the community of microbes that typically reside there, creating an environment that allowed the colibactin-producing E. coli to thrive.

They also showed that the mice fed a low-carb diet had a thinner layer of mucus separating the gut microbes from the colon epithelial cells. The mucus layer acts as a protective shield between the bacteria in the gut and the cells underneath. With a weakened barrier, more colibactin could reach the colon cells to cause genetic damage and drive tumour growth. These effects were especially strong in mice with genetic mutations in the mismatch repair pathway that hindered their ability to fix damaged DNA.

While both Thakur and Martin emphasize the need to confirm these findings in humans, they are also excited about the numerous ways in which their research can be applied to prevent cancer.

Defects in DNA mismatch repair are frequently found in colorectal cancer, which is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. An estimated 15 per cent of these tumours having mutations in mismatch repair genes. Mutations in these genes also underlie Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that significantly increases a person’s risk of developing certain cancers, including colorectal cancer.

“Can we identify which Lynch syndrome patients harbour these colibactin-producing microbes?” asks Martin. He notes that for these individuals, their findings suggest that avoiding a low-carb diet or taking a specific antibiotic treatment to get rid of the colibactin-producing bacteria could help reduce their risk of colorectal cancer.

Martin points out that a strain of E. coli called Nissle, which is commonly found in probiotics, also produces colibactin. Ongoing work in his lab is exploring whether long-term use of this probiotic is safe for people with Lynch syndrome or those who are on a low-carb diet.

Thakur is keen to follow up on an interesting result from their study showing that the addition of soluble fibre to the low-carb diet led to lower levels of the cancer-causing E. coli, less DNA damage and fewer tumours.

“We supplemented fibre and saw that it reduced the effects of the low-carb diet,” he says. “Now we are trying to find out which fibre sources are more beneficial, and which are less beneficial.”

To do this, Thakur and Martin are teaming up with Heather Armstrong, a researcher at the University of Alberta, to test whether supplementation with a soluble fibre called inulin can reduce colibactin-producing E. coli and improve gut health in high-risk individuals, like people with inflammatory bowel disease.

“Our study highlights the potential dangers associated with long-term use of a low-carb, low-fibre diet, which is a common weight-reducing diet,” says Martin.

Reference:

Thakur, B.K., Malaise, Y., Choudhury, S.R. et al. Dietary fibre counters the oncogenic potential of colibactin-producing Escherichia coli in colorectal cancer. Nat Microbiol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-01938-4.

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Indian Research Reveals Periodontal Disease as Potential Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease

India: A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research, has highlighted a potential link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), emphasizing the need for greater awareness among dentists and patients. The findings suggest that oral health professionals may lack sufficient knowledge regarding this association, emphasizing the importance of continued education and preventive measures.

The researchers note that Alzheimer’s disease is a cognitive impairment disorder that affects daily activities, and its association with periodontal disease is increasingly being recognized. A bidirectional relationship exists between the two conditions, where periodontal disease may worsen AD severity, while cognitive decline in AD patients can lead to poor oral hygiene, further aggravating periodontal disease. Given this interplay, dentists play a crucial role in patient management, yet their awareness and understanding of this link remain unclear.

Against the above background, Suragimath Girish, Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India, and colleagues aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding periodontal disease as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey among dentists practicing in Western Maharashtra, India. A structured questionnaire with 20 close-ended questions was designed to assess their knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Data was collected through a pre-validated Google Form, and emailed to willing participants. The association between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s was analyzed.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • A total of 185 dentists from Western Maharashtra participated in the study.
  • Over 90% were familiar with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but 16.2% did not know AD is the leading cause of dementia.
  • While 97% agreed that AD affects quality of life, 24.3% were unaware of nutritional deficiencies as a risk factor.
  • About 30.3% did not know malnutrition could accelerate dementia, and 33.5% were unaware that smoking could contribute to it.
  • Most (89.7%) recognized that smoking and tobacco consumption impact periodontal health.
  • Around 79.5% understood the link between periodontal disease and systemic conditions, but 32.4% did not know oral pathogens could cause neuroinflammation, and 38.9% were unaware they could cross the blood-brain barrier.
  • About 20.5% did not know periodontal disease is more common in the elderly.
  • While 85.4% acknowledged that neurodegenerative conditions compromise oral hygiene, 53.5% were unaware that women are more affected by AD.
  • Nearly 71.9% were unaware of a definitive treatment for AD.
  • Around 23.2% believed AD does not impact dental plaque control, and 21.1% did not think periodontal parameters worsen with AD.
  • Most (91.4%) agreed that better oral care improves the quality of life in AD patients, and 95.7% emphasized educating caregivers about oral hygiene.
  • The majority (92.4%) found the questionnaire helpful.

In conclusion, the authors found that dentists had limited knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. They emphasize the need for continuing dental education programs to improve understanding of this bidirectional relationship. The authors also highlight the importance of educating patients and caregivers on oral hygiene and health maintenance to ensure long-term benefits.

Reference:

Aiswarya, Achari; Girish, Suragimath; Siddhartha, Varma; Sameer, Zope; Ashwinirani, SR. Periodontal Disease as a Potential Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease – An Evaluative Study. Indian Journal of Dental Research ():10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_737_22, March 03, 2025. | DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_737_22

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No significant benefit of Levofloxacin in Prevention of MDR Tuberculosis in Children, finds study

Researchers have identified that preventive therapy with levofloxacin led to a reduced incidence of tuberculosis over placebo in children with exposure to multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis. A recent study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine by Anneke and colleagues.

MDR tuberculosis is an important global health issue, with close to 2 million children aged below 15 years infected across the world and about 30,000 developing MDR tuberculosis each year. This research aimed to bridge the gap by determining if levofloxacin could decrease the occurrence of tuberculosis in exposed children effectively and determining its safety profile.

A total of 922 children from 497 families were enrolled in the study. Children aged below five years were eligible irrespective of their interferon-γ release assay status or HIV infection, whereas children aged 5 to 17 years were eligible if they tested positive for interferon-γ release assay or HIV disease. Families were assigned randomly to receive either levofloxacin or a placebo for 24 weeks, whereas children received once-daily doses of the assigned regimen.

The main efficacy outcome was the occurrence of tuberculosis by week 48, including death due to tuberculosis. The main safety outcome was the development of grade 3 or greater adverse events during treatment that were at least possibly related to the study drug.

Key Findings

  • Of the 922 children enrolled, 453 were given levofloxacin and 469 were given placebo. Most (91%) were less than five years old. Adherence to treatment was good, with 86% of participants in both groups receiving 80% or more of the doses assigned.

  • Tuberculosis occurred in 5 participants (1.1%) by week 48 in the levofloxacin group and in 12 participants (2.6%) in the placebo group. The hazard ratio (HR) for developing tuberculosis in the levofloxacin group was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.15 to 1.25).

  • At least possibly related treatment adverse events of grade 3 or greater occurred in 4 patients in the levofloxacin group and 8 patients in the placebo group (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.71). One child in the levofloxacin group also developed grade 2 tendonitis.

  • The findings were consistent across different sensitivity analyses, which supported the primary analysis results.

The study authors indicated that other approaches or further studies might be needed to determine effective preventive interventions for MDR tuberculosis in children. 

Reference:

Hesseling, A. C., Purchase, S. E., Martinson, N. A., Fairlie, L., Schaaf, H. S., Brigden, J., Staples, S., Gibb, D. M., Garcia-Prats, A., Conradie, F., McGowan, C., Layton, C., Batist, E., Demers, A.-M., Nyamathe, S., Frigati, L., Turner, R., Duong, T., & Seddon, J. A. (2024). Levofloxacin preventive treatment in children exposed to MDR tuberculosis. The New England Journal of Medicine, 391(24), 2315–2326. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2314318

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Kidney Stones Linked to Higher Cardiovascular Disease Risk, finds research

New Research indicates a high prevalence of kidney stones and their association with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Further factors such as gender, age, and kidney stone history contribute to a higher likelihood of developing CVD.

Since the prevalence of kidney stones and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing globally and also in Iran, it is vital to assess the associations between both disorders. The current study aimed to investigate the association between kidney stones and the risk of CVD. This study was cross-sectional in design, which used the data of the Rafsanjan cohort study (RCS), a population-based Prospective epidemiological research study in Iran (PERSIAN) that recruited 10,000 participants of both genders aged 35–70 years from four urban and suburban areas of Rafsanjan. Demographic factors, medical history, personal habits, and biochemical parameters, including Fasting blood sugar (FBS), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatine (Cr), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine specific gravity (USG), and lipids of the participant,s were collected according to standard protocols. Results: The results showed that the risk of CVD was higher in men (51.02%) than in women (48.98%). Also, the results showed the highest risk of CVD development for age ≥ 56 years old. The results were presented in about 31% of patients with kidney stones, 19.5% of patients with abnormal urine tests, 9.84% with Proteinuria, more than 33% with abnormal USG, and more than 94% of patients with abnormal GFR had CVD. The odds of CVD were increased in patients with kidney stones (22%), female (25%), and age ≥ 56 years old (24%). There was a high prevalence of kidney stones and CVD risk factors, such as gender, age, and kidney stones that increased the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reference:

Nazari, A., Jamali, Z., Soltani, N. et al. Kidney stone and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study in the southeast of Iran. BMC Nephrol 26, 101 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04018-1

Keywords:

Kidney Stones, Linked, Higher, Cardiovascular, Disease, Risk, finds research, Nazari, A., Jamali, Z., Soltani, N, GFR, Prospective epidemiological research studies in Iran (PERSIAN)

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