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An affordable <keyword id="9107118" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tuberculosis-testing" source="Orion">tuberculosis testing</keyword> technology that can detect the disease using a patient's sputum for just Rs 35 has been developed by apex medical research body <keyword id="19918794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICMR" source="keywords">ICMR</keyword>'s regional centre in Assam's Dibrugarh. The 'A <keyword id="19986036" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CRISPR" source="keywords">CRISPR</keyword> case-based TB detection system' is light, portable and involves three steps of testing. Over 1,500 samples can be tested in one single run in around two-and-half hours, ICMR sources said. Conventional diagnostic techniques for TB commonly rely on culture, which requires 42 days to confirm as TB negative, microscopy, and nucleic acid-based methods. These are also time-consuming and may require sophisticated equipment. An official said, "<keyword id="19992404" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tuberculosis" source="keywords">Tuberculosis</keyword> (TB) remains a global health challenge, necessitating the development of accurate and rapid diagnostic tools for effective disease management. Current <keyword id="22921102" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diagnostic-methods" source="keywords">diagnostic methods</keyword> often exhibit limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, speed and cost, emphasising the need for innovative approaches". Additionally, some molecular diagnostic methods, while offering improved sensitivity, may lack the desired specificity or face challenges associated with cost and ease of handling. "Considering these problems, the CRISPR-Cas12a-based molecular diagnostic system 'GlowTBPCRKit' coupled with an amplification step (using thermal cycler) and the '<keyword id="22921103" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RapidGlow-device" source="keywords">RapidGlow device</keyword>' provides a promising solution," the official said. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has now invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations, companies, manufacturers for undertaking 'Transfer of Technology' for commercialisation of the 'A CRISPR case-based TB detection system' for the detection of <keyword id="20115212" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mycobacterium-tuberculosis" source="keywords">Mycobacterium tuberculosis</keyword>. The ICMR-RMRCNE institute will provide expert guidance and technical support for the production of 'A CRISPR Cas based TB detection system' in all phases. Such technical oversight by the institute would accelerate the development of the product and its commercialisation. The ICMR would also provide technical support through its team of experienced scientists in study, planning, product development, development of study protocol, results or data analysis, outcome assessment, safety and efficacy assessment, product improvement, etc., if deemed fit upon the mutual understanding between ICMR and collaborative company. The apex health research body through its institutes would provide support and facilitation to conduct the research and development or clinical study of new technology or product in India through its affiliates or institutes, in collaboration with the company and institutions in a professional and mutually agreed upon manner and timelines.

ICMR's regional centre develops technology that can test for tuberculosis in just Rupees 35!

The Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl on Monday criticised a recently published study on the long-term safety analysis of the <keyword id="9485939" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covaxin" source="Orion">Covaxin</keyword> in adults and adolescents for its poor methodology and design, and clarified the article misleadingly and erroneously "acknowledges" <keyword id="19918794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICMR" source="keywords">ICMR</keyword>. Dr Bahl said the study had no control arm of unvaccinated individuals for comparing the rates of events between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Hence, the reported events in the study cannot be linked or attributed to COVID-19 vaccination. He added that the ICMR is not associated with the study and has not provided any financial or technical support for the research. The ICMR DG has written a letter to the authors of the paper and Editor of the journal to immediately remove the acknowledgement to ICMR and publish an erratum. A research paper, titled 'Long-Term Safety Analysis of the BBVl52 <keyword id="21730391" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus-vaccine" source="keywords">Coronavirus Vaccine</keyword> in Adolescents and Adults: Findings from a l-Year Prospective Study in North India' stated that nearly one-third of the 926 participants in the study who received Bharat Biotech's anti-Covid vaccine Covaxin reported 'adverse events of special interest,' or AESI. Dr Bahl said that ICMR was acknowledged for research support without any prior approval of or intimation to ICMR, which is inappropriate and unacceptable. He stated that ICMR cannot be associated with this poorly designed study which purports to present a "safety analysis" of Covaxin due to several critical flaws. He said the study does not even provide background rates of observed events in the population, making it impossible to assess the change in incidence of observed events in the post-vaccination period. Baseline information of study participants is missing. The study tool used is inconsistent with 'Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESI)' as defined in the reference provided in the paper for AESI. The method of data collection has a high risk of bias, he said. Study participants were contacted telephonically one year after vaccination and their responses were recorded without any confirmation with clinical records or by physician examination, he pointed out. Dr Bahl also noted that similar acknowledgements to ICMR have been made in previous papers without permission, raising concerns about the authors' practices. "The authors have been urged to immediately rectify the acknowledgment to ICMR and publish an erratum. Additionally, they are asked to address the methodological concerns raised. Failure to do so may prompt ICMR to consider legal and administrative action," he said. The Editor has been asked to retract the paper which implicitly makes conclusions on <keyword id="21495684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccine-safety" source="keywords">vaccine safety</keyword> which are not supported by evidence. The study, conducted by researchers from the Banaras Hindu University from January 2022 to August 2023, stated that nearly 50 per cent of 926 study participants in the study complained of infections during the follow-up period, predominated by viral upper respiratory tract infections. Serious AESI, which included stroke and Guillain-Barre syndrome, were reported in one per cent of individuals, the study, which looked at long-term safety of the BBV152 (Covaxin) vaccine in adolescents and adults, claimed. The study involved 635 adolescents and 291 adults, who received the BBV152 vaccine.

BHU study on Covaxin side effects poorly designed, critically flawed: ICMR Director General

A recent <keyword id="19918794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="icmr" source="keywords">ICMR</keyword> report highlighting the many evils of <keyword id="21839065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ultra-processed-food" source="keywords">ultra processed food</keyword> sent news channels across the country into a frenzy of publishing fear-mongering articles. Like all those self-proclaimed ‘experts’ and dieticians with questionable certifications using Instagram to scream into our faces about how everything we were feeding ourselves was going to dole us an untimely death weren’t enough. In light of these developments and fresh food getting increasingly more expensive, how is the working-class Indian supposed to feed themselves? As the cost of living continues to surge, families around the globe are feeling the pinch in their pockets. From housing to healthcare, every aspect of our financial lives is under scrutiny. Yet, perhaps one of the most telling impacts of this crisis is the subtle shift in our grocery shopping habits, particularly when it comes to fresh produce. Amidst these tightening purse strings and pressure to eat clean and healthy, a trip to the grocery shop is akin to carefully picking your way through a minefield. And I, for one, would be lying if I said that all of this wasn’t frustrating me. An IFPRI report revealed that nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables are significantly more expensive than calorie-dense, processed options. And this is leading to a rather large sect of the population unable to meet the recommended <keyword id="21129270" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dietary-guidelines" source="keywords">dietary guidelines</keyword>. While this is a huge problem that needs to be addressed from multiple fronts, a more accessible alternative to farm-fresh veggies and fruits might be hiding in plain sight: frozen foods. Often overlooked in favour of their fresh counterparts, frozen foods offer a convenient and cost-effective solution. We know what you’re thinking. Some @healthy_eats_with_champa advised you against eating frozen food because they don’t have the same nutritional value as ‘fresh’ food. However, contrary to popular belief, frozen fruits and vegetables can retain higher levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C and E, owing to their rapid freezing process. In fact, freezing not only preserves nutritional quality but also extends shelf life, reducing the risk of food waste — another concern that weighs heavily on environmentally conscious consumers. With a little foresight and preparation, surplus garden produce can be transformed into a freezer bounty, ready to elevate your culinary creations. Furthermore, another viable option that is oft painted in a negative light, canned fruits and vegetables, can also suit budget-conscious shoppers. Despite undergoing the canning process, which entails cooking, these pantry staples remain a reliable source of essential nutrients. To mitigate nutrient loss, consider adding canned vegetables towards the end of the cooking process, ensuring maximum retention of their nutritional value. For those seeking to diversify their palate while reaping the nutritional benefits, fermented foods offer a tantalising solution. Beyond their tangy flavours and crunchy textures, fermented vegetables harbour a wealth of probiotics, invaluable for nurturing a <keyword id="22031830" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthy-gut-microbiome" source="keywords">healthy gut microbiome</keyword>. In the face of economic uncertainty, the quest for nutritious yet affordable meals need not be an insurmountable challenge. By embracing the versatility of frozen, canned, and fermented produce, individuals can navigate the cost of living crisis without compromising on their health and well-being. So, the next time you find yourself perusing the aisles of the supermarket, consider the wealth of options available beyond the gleam of fresh produce. After all, a balanced diet is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.

Buying frozen and canned produce could actually help working Indians eat more nutritional meals!

Opening your social media has become an unintentional gamble in recent times. You either stumble upon an adorable video of someone’s pet, or get blasted with the most diabolical political opinion you’ve ever had the misfortune of witnessing. However, such apps have also fuelled a sort of food revolution among the masses recently, with more and more people looking out for <keyword id="21712333" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthier-food-alternatives" source="keywords">healthier food alternatives</keyword> to supplement their main meals and guilty snacking habits. While this is undoubtedly a great step considering how much of our health hinges on our food intake, one question has been increasingly puzzling everyone out of their minds: what exactly is healthy anymore? To get to the bottom of the matter, we looked at the latest <keyword id="21712334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-dietary-guidelines" source="keywords">Indian dietary guidelines</keyword> released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (<keyword id="19918794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICMR" source="keywords">ICMR</keyword>), and our findings left the office erupting in groans. According to the medical board, some examples of <keyword id="21712332" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ultra-processed-food" source="keywords">ultra-processed food</keyword> include commercially produced <keyword id="93269" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bread" source="Orion">bread</keyword>, breakfast cereals and even other staples such as refined flour and <keyword id="6446947" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="butter" source="Orion">butter</keyword>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What counts as &quot;ultra-processed&quot;?" comment="subhead" text="What counts as &quot;ultra-processed&quot;?">What counts as "ultra-processed"?</cmsannotation> Before you throw your snack out the window, let’s understand what “ultra-processed” means. Considering that we don't live in a utopia where we can just head out and bite the stalks off a wheat plant for sustenance, most of the food we consume has to undergo some processing to make them suitable for consumption. Thus, grains are grinded into flour, fruits may have to be refrigerated and milk pasteurised — all forms of processing that make these healthy food items ready to eat. However, in the pursuit to improve taste, appearance or shelf-life, many companies subject their food products to extensive industrial processing by integrating a concerning amounts of additives such as preservatives, sweeteners, colourings, flavourings, emulsifiers, and other substances that would not typically find in an everyday kitchen. These are massive no-nos, as far as the ICMR is concerned. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Heart attack, stroke, obesity" comment="subhead" text="Heart attack, stroke, obesity">Heart attack, stroke, obesity</cmsannotation> These ultra-processed foods (UPFs) also tend to be excessively high in fats and unusually low in fibres and essential <keyword id="19896135" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nutrients" source="keywords">nutrients</keyword>. Studies have shown that a diet that is rich in such items can lead to obesity, hasten ageing, and are associated with a higher risk of heart attack, strokes, diabetes and poorer overall health. Perhaps the worst problem with them is that such foods are typically very cheap and easily accessible, leading them to be a popular choice for the masses. Further, enriching UPFs with nutrients still does nothing to make them wholesome or healthy. The ICMR advises against overconsumption of “level C” foods, which means that these edibles are high in sugars and salts and/or have been subjected to extensive techniques that break down nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fibre in them. Such processes include over-refining of flours, juicing of fruits, subjecting the food items to high temperatures and pressures, and canning and preservation. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="List of foods classified as ultra-processed" comment="subhead" text="List of foods classified as ultra-processed">List of foods classified as ultra-processed</cmsannotation> According to the ICMR, Group C food items include commercially produced bread, breakfast cereals, cakes, chips, biscuits, fries, jams, sauces, mayonnaise, commercially produced ice cream, protein packs powders, peanut butter, soy chunks, tofu, frozen foods with additives, commercially produced cheese, butter, paneer with additives, meats, plant-based meats, refined flours of cereals, millets and legumes, energy drinks, health drinks added to milk, beverages and fruit juices. The group also includes many culinary ingredients such as cooking oils, refined sugars, salt and spices, since cosmetic food additives such as artificial colours and emulsifiers are often used in their processing. As social media drives a growing interest in healthier eating habits, it becomes crucial for consumers to discern and avoid these heavily processed items, favouring more natural and minimally processed alternatives to promote better overall health. However, moderation is perhaps the word of the year, and it would do well to learn about the stuff that goes inside our bodies, rather than live in fear of them. The full ICMR report can be accessed <a href="https://main.icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/upload_documents/DGI_07th_May_2024_fin.pdf" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

Bread, butter, milk-based health drinks, cooking oils classified as ultra-processed food, ICMR advises restriction

The Indian Council of Medical Research (<keyword id="6364396" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="icmr" source="Orion">ICMR</keyword>) has come up with the country's first Ethical Guidelines for the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Research and <keyword id="6354525" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="healthcare" source="Orion">Healthcare</keyword> to provide an ethical framework for the development of <keyword id="6355999" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ai" source="Orion">AI</keyword>-based tools which will benefit all stakeholders. According to a document drafted by the Department of Health Research and ICMR's Artificial Intelligence Cell, AI for health, to a large extent, depends on data obtained from human participants and invokes additional concerns related to potential biases, data handling, interpretation, autonomy, risk minimization, professional competence, data sharing, and confidentiality. "It is therefore imperative to have an ethical framework that addresses issues specific to AI for biomedical research and healthcare," the guidelines stated. The adoption of AI technology in healthcare is growing in India. However, AI as data-driven technology has many potential ethical challenges which include algorithmic transparency and explainability, clarity on liability, accountability and oversight, bias and discrimination, said ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Behl. "The DHR-ICMR AI Cell has identified the need to develop these guiding ethical principles concerning artificial intelligence and machine learning-based tools. "These guidelines will provide the ethical framework for the development of AI-based tools which will benefit all stakeholders, including innovators, developers, patients, technologists, researchers, healthcare professionals, ethics committees, sponsors and funding agencies involved in research related to AI in biomedical research and healthcare," he said. NTAGI chief Dr N K Arora said the purpose of the guideline is to provide an ethical framework which can assist in the development, deployment, and adoption of AI-based solutions for biomedical research and healthcare delivery. The guidelines are intended for all stakeholders involved in research on artificial intelligence in healthcare, including creators, developers, technicians, researchers, clinicians, ethics committees, institutions, sponsors, and funding organizations. It includes separate sections addressing ethical principles for AI in health, guiding principles for stakeholders, the ethics review process, governance of artificial intelligence for healthcare and research, and the informed consent process involving human participants and their data. The guideline has been formulated after extensive discussions with subject experts, researchers and ethicists, said Dr Arora. The induction of AI into healthcare has the potential to be the solution for significant challenges like diagnosis and screening, therapeutics, preventive treatments, clinical decision-making, public health surveillance, complex data analysis, and predicting disease outcomes. This list is likely to grow in the future, the document said. The purpose of these guidelines is not to limit innovation or recommend any disease-specific diagnostic or therapeutic approach but to guide effective yet safe development, deployment and adoption of AI-based technologies in biomedical research and healthcare delivery, it said. These guidelines will be used by experts and ethics committees reviewing research proposals involving the use of AI-based tools and technologies. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/ashneer-grovers-new-startup-crickpe-is-a-fantasy-sports-app-that-will-also-reward-cricketers/articleshow/98964195.cms">Ashneer Grover's new startup CrickPe is a fantasy sports app that will also reward cricketers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/you-will-soon-lose-your-legacy-blue-tick-on-twitter-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/98960333.cms">You will soon lose your legacy blue tick on Twitter – here’s everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/three-out-of-four-premium-smartphones-sold-in-2022-were-an-iphone/articleshow/98855033.cms">Three out of four premium smartphones sold in 2022 were an iPhone</a>

ICMR comes up with first ethical guidelines for application of AI in biomedical research, healthcare

Blood delivery through drones can soon be expanded to the whole country, a senior official said after the <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>n Council of Medical Research successfully conducted a trial run of blood bag delivery by <keyword id="6354474" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone" source="Orion">drone</keyword>s under its iDrone initiative on Thursday. The initiative was in continuance with the national mission of expanding the drone ecosystem in India. The 'i-DRONE' was first used by <keyword id="6364396" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="icmr" source="Orion">ICMR</keyword> during the COVID-19 pandemic for distributing vaccines to hard-to-reach areas. "Today, we are transporting blood and blood-related products which are supposed to be kept at a low temperature. After the experiment, we found that not only can we maintain the temperature but there was also no damage to the products transported. "We sent another sample through an ambulance and if there are no differences in the samples sent using the two modes then drones will be used all over India," said Dr Rajiv Bahl, the director general of ICMR. He also said that "clarity on challenge mapping and identifying the possible solutions can be achieved by developing indigenous capacities in research and introduction of innovations and technologies in the mainstream". "With digitisation, efficient manufacturing of vaccines and development of a rapid delivery mechanism, India achieved 90 per cent coverage within a year. The boost of technology is an accelerator which is gradually pushing India towards achieving the status of being a developed nation," he added. The trial run as part of a path-breaking validation study has been undertaken for the first time in the country by the collaborative efforts of ICMR, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida. The inaugural trial flight carried 10 units of whole blood samples between the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, in visual line of sight, according to an official statement. Some countries are already using drones to deliver blood products, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and even organs to remote, rural areas or areas with poor infrastructure. In Ghana, drone delivery of blood -- both as laboratory samples and as emergency blood and blood product delivery -- is now available for thousands of health facilities serving millions of people. In the US, where whole blood and blood products are often sparse in rural areas, drones are more highly regulated and air traffic is more congested, the feasibility of drone delivery of blood and blood products is still being assessed. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-7a-vs-oneplus-11r-comparison-which-phone-should-you-buy-under-50000/slidelist/100153385.cms">Pixel 7a vs OnePlus 11R – which phone should you buy under ₹50,000</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/pixel-fold-pixel-7a-pixel-tablet-and-everything-announced-at-google-i/o-2023/articleshow/100143082.cms">Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet and everything announced at Google I/O 2023</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/survey-reveals-three-out-of-four-indians-suffer-from-nomophobia-heres-what-it-means/articleshow/100073985.cms">Survey reveals three out of four Indians suffer from NoMoPhobia: Here’s what it means</a>

Blood delivery by drones across India may soon be reality, says ICMR after successful trial run

An <keyword id="6364396" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="icmr" source="Orion">ICMR</keyword> survey has shown that 50 per cent of the respiratory infection cases admitted to hospitals in over two month are of H3N2 influenza, the government told the Lok Sabha on Friday. A total of 1,161 cases of H3N2, which is a subtype of seasonal influenza virus, have been reported between January 1 and March 20, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar said in a written reply. She said most of these cases showed symptoms of cough and fever. The minister said H3N2 is a viral respiratory infection and antibiotics have no role in its treatment. However, she added, sometimes in a respiratory infection a bacterial infection may also occur and therefore physicians may prescribe an antibiotic to take care of the secondary bacterial infection. According to the data shared by her, Delhi (370) reported the highest number of H3N2 cases followed by <keyword id="13126" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="maharashtra" source="Orion">Maharashtra</keyword> (184), <keyword id="6355588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rajasthan" source="Orion">Rajasthan</keyword> (180) and Karnataka (134). Pawar said the <keyword id="46535" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="health-ministry" source="Orion">Health Ministry</keyword> is monitoring the situation and taking steps to support states and UTs in management of influenza cases, including H3N2, which include issuing an advisory for closely following the trend of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (<keyword id="1511" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sari" source="Orion">SARI</keyword>). The ministry has asked states and UTs to monitor the proportion of SARI cases among all infection cases and refer sufficient number of samples for testing for influenza, SARS-CoV-2 etc. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/hal-reliance-industries-it-stocks-in-focus-on-friday/articleshow/98957519.cms">Sensex buckles under selling pressure in metal, realty and PSU bank stocks</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/walmart-lays-off-hundreds-of-employees-to-prepare-for-the-future/articleshow/98971218.cms">Walmart lays off hundreds of employees to 'prepare for the future'</a>

Half of respiratory infection cases admitted to hospitals in 2 months are of H3N2 says govt

<ul><li>In some states, the central government expresses concern over rising Covid-19 positivity rates and H3N2 influenza cases.</li><li>Maharashtra records a spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths, along with several other states.</li><li>Health experts clarify that the H3N2 influenza outbreak in India is normal but more aggressive and long-lasting than usual.</li></ul>The centre government expressed concern about a gradual increase in Covid-19 positivity rates in some states, coinciding with a rise in cases of the seasonal influenza subtype H3N2. According to the <keyword id="83655" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-health-ministry" source="Orion">Union Health Ministry</keyword>'s report on Tuesday, 402 new coronavirus cases were increased in India, while the number of active cases rose to 3,903. The ministry's data, updated at 8 am, also indicated two fresh deaths from the virus, with one each reported in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. The overall death toll due to Covid-19 in the country now stands at 5,30,784. The health department has reported that Maharashtra recorded 155 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, more than double the number of cases detected the previous day, bringing the total totality to 81,38,653. Two patients also succumbed to the infection in the state. Maharashtra, Kerala, Delhi, Telangana, and Gujarat are among the states that have reported more coronavirus cases than others. Despite the country's overall Covid-19 test positivity rate remaining at 0.5%, there has been a rise in the positivity rate in some districts and states. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Is H3N2 influenza another Covid-19?" comment="subhead" text="Is H3N2 influenza another Covid-19?">Is H3N2 influenza another Covid-19?</cmsannotation> At the same time, cases of H3N2 influenza continue to rise in the country, there are concerns that it could be mistaken for Covid-19. However, doctors and health experts clarified that this outbreak is normal. They have explained that the Covid-induced lockdowns over the past two years have led to no influenza exposure to children. Doctors have noted that the influenza surge in India is more aggressive and long-lasting than usual, with symptoms such as cough and congestion lasting up to three weeks, as opposed to the typical five to seven days for seasonal fever and cough. At least three deaths related to H3N2 have been reported in India this season. H3N2 has been responsible for some of the worst flu seasons in recent times, characterized by longer and more severe illnesses resulting in increased hospitalizations and deaths. Of the last five severe influenza seasons, H3N2 has been the cause of three, including the current outbreak in India. According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, India has recorded nearly 600 influenza cases, with 451 classified as H3N2. Haryana, Karnataka, and Gujarat have reported associated deaths, including an 82-year-old with comorbidities and a 52-year-old with liver cancer. As per Indian Council of Medical Research (<keyword id="6364396" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="icmr" source="Orion">ICMR</keyword>) data, 6% of hospitalized patients exhibited clinical signs of pneumonia and seizures, while 7% developed severe diseases requiring Intensive Care Unit attention, and 10% needed supplemental oxygen. Details on the most recent death recorded in Gujarat on March 14, 2023, are yet to be disclosed. To combat the situation, the Centre requested all states and union territories to adhere to operational guidelines for the integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens that present as cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Additionally, the centre requested that states take stock of their hospital preparedness, including the availability of drugs and medical oxygen, and assess vaccination coverage against Covid-19 and influenza. (With agency inputs)

Rise in Covid-19 and H3N2 cases raise concern in India, Centre urges heightened vigilance

The <keyword id="6364555" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-council-of-medical-research" source="Orion">Indian Council of Medical Research</keyword> (<keyword id="6364396" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="icmr" source="Orion">ICMR</keyword>) has sought proposals in <keyword id="619017" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="stillbirths" source="Orion">stillbirths</keyword> under the <keyword id="15545302" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="icmr-task-force-programme" source="Orion">ICMR Task Force Programme</keyword> for research funding. The concept proposals with specific objectives and scientific questions should be submitted online by December 30, 2022, by 5 pm, it said. "<keyword id="113952" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="stillbirth" source="Orion">Stillbirth</keyword>s are a hidden tragedy that impacts millions of women and families across the globe daily. The stillbirth rate may be one of the indicators of the quality of a country's medical system. Stillbirth has multifactorial etiologies. Early identification of risk factors for stillbirth and appropriate antenatal management may reduce preventable stillbirths and improve the pregnancy outcomes," the ICMR said in a release. The ICMR Call for Proposals in Stillbirths, under the ICMR Task Force Programme, further states that the initiative is in line with the government's aim of bringing the number of stillbirths in the country down to single digits by 2030. "The INAP by the Government of India now plans to bring down stillbirths to single digits by 2030. There is a need for research into the causes of stillbirth and effective prevention and treatment of these causes identifying research challenges. The ICMR expert group on Still Births has identified three key thematic areas to prioritise and articulate research challenges," the ICMR said. "The concept proposal can be submitted for financial support through online mode only by scientists/ professionals, who have regular employment in medical institutes/research institutes/ universities/colleges/recognised research and development laboratories/government and semi-government organisations and NGOs (documentary evidence of their recognition including DSIR certificate should be enclosed with the proposal)," the ICMR release further stated. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/cervical-cancer-4th-most-common-among-women-policymakers-should-urgently-move-to-eliminate-who/articleshow/95580233.cms">Cervical cancer 4th most common among women, policymakers should urgently move to eliminate: WHO</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/covid-19-infection-may-reactivate-several-latent-viruses-in-body-study/articleshow/95581176.cms">Covid-19 can reactivate latent viruses lurking in the body's cells</a>

You Searched For "icmr" and got 9 results

ICMR's regional centre develops technology that can test for tuberculosis in just Rupees 35!

PTI

BHU study on Covaxin side effects poorly designed, critically flawed: ICMR Director General

PTI

Buying frozen and canned produce could actually help working Indians eat more nutritional meals!

Ashmita Gupta

Bread, butter, milk-based health drinks, cooking oils classified as ultra-processed food, ICMR advises restriction

Ankush Banerjee

ICMR comes up with first ethical guidelines for application of AI in biomedical research, healthcare

PTI

Blood delivery by drones across India may soon be reality, says ICMR after successful trial run

PTI

Half of respiratory infection cases admitted to hospitals in 2 months are of H3N2 says govt

PTI

Rise in Covid-19 and H3N2 cases raise concern in India, Centre urges heightened vigilance

Rahul Verma

Stillbirths are a hidden tragedy says ICMR as it seeks research funding

ANI

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