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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

<ul><li>2.3 million newborns die of severe bacterial infections each year, the experts said in a report published in the December 2022 Bulletin of the <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword>.</li><li>Over the last decade, <keyword id="149212" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="amr" source="Orion">AMR</keyword> has worsened to the point where around 50-70 per cent of common pathogens show a high degree of resistance to available first and second-line antibiotics, they said.</li><li>According to the report, ethical concerns, logistical issues and regulatory requirements have made it difficult to conduct clinical research in newborns.</li></ul>There is an urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborn babies, a population that is particularly vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, according to leading global public health experts including those from India. Recent estimates show about 2.3 million newborns die of severe bacterial infections each year while an increasing number are becoming resistant to currently used antibiotics, the experts said in a report published in the December 2022 Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Over the last decade, AMR has worsened to the point where around 50-70 per cent of common pathogens show a high degree of resistance to available first and second-line antibiotics, they said. The paper is co-authored by international experts in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including those from the Global Antibiotic Research &amp; Development Partnership (GARDP) and <keyword id="6365231" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="all-india-institute-of-medical-sciences" source="Orion">All India Institute of Medical Sciences</keyword> (<keyword id="40458" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aiims" source="Orion">AIIMS</keyword>). The authors noted that despite substantial progress in medical research and a steep decline in the number of children under the age of five who die of preventable diseases, many problems related to child health remain to be tackled. Severe bacterial infections are one of them. "There is an urgent need to identify high priority antibiotics to understand which ones work best and safely in children, and then make them available where they are needed," said <keyword id="15914044" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mike-sharland" source="Orion">Mike Sharland</keyword> from St George's, <keyword id="125994" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-london" source="Orion">University of London</keyword> (SGUL), and member of the <keyword id="15914043" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="antimicrobial-resistance-programme" source="Orion">Antimicrobial Resistance Programme</keyword> at Penta - Child Health Research. "By achieving global consensus, we can streamline the process of antibiotic development, allow for faster access to antibiotics, and reduce the burden of AMR on the vulnerable neonatal population," added <keyword id="1651099" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="manica-balasegaram" source="Orion">Manica Balasegaram</keyword>, Executive Director of GARDP. The report also highlights how collaborative antibiotic development and access network specifically targeting newborns could also prove valuable compared to single independent studies. A successful example, the authors noted, has been the collaboration between GARDP, Penta - Child Health Research, SGUL, and other partners on a recent global observational study of 3,200 babies with neonatal sepsis across 19 hospitals in 11 countries. They are also partnering on an upcoming clinical trial, which will start in South Africa within the next few months before being expanded to other countries. Despite a rising number of newborn deaths caused by AMR, very few effective antibiotics have been adequately studied to treat serious bacterial infections such as neonatal sepsis, the authors said. As many as 40 antibiotics approved for use in adults since 2000, only four have included dosing information for newborns in their labels, they said. According to the report, ethical concerns, logistical issues and regulatory requirements have made it difficult to conduct clinical research in newborns. There is a long delay in completing paediatric regulatory studies and they are also not harmonised globally to demonstrate clinical utility in newborns, it said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ces-2023-dates-news-products-and-what-to-expect/articleshow/96591686.cms">All-new Apple CarPlay features to AI for automobiles — here are some car technologies expected to arrive in 2023</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ces-2023-dates-news-products-and-what-to-expect/articleshow/96591686.cms">CES 2023: Dates, news, products, and what to expect</a>

Urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborns say global experts

There is an urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborn babies, a population that is particularly vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, according to leading global public health experts including those from India. Recent estimates show about 2.3 million newborns die of severe bacterial infections each year while an increasing number are becoming resistant to currently used antibiotics, the experts said in a report published in the December 2022 Bulletin of the <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword>. Over the last decade, <keyword id="149212" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="amr" source="Orion">AMR</keyword> has worsened to the point where around 50-70 per cent of common pathogens show a high degree of resistance to available first and second-line antibiotics, they said. The paper is co-authored by international experts in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including those from the Global Antibiotic Research &amp; Development Partnership (GARDP) and the <keyword id="6365231" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="all-india-institute-of-medical-sciences" source="Orion">All India Institute of Medical Sciences</keyword> (<keyword id="40458" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aiims" source="Orion">AIIMS</keyword>). The authors noted that despite substantial progress in medical research and a steep decline in the number of children under the age of five who die of preventable diseases, many problems related to child health remain to be tackled. Severe bacterial infections are one of them. "There is an urgent need to identify high-priority antibiotics to understand which ones work best and safely in children, and then make them available where they are needed," said <keyword id="15914044" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mike-sharland" source="Orion">Mike Sharland</keyword> from St George's, <keyword id="125994" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-london" source="Orion">University of London</keyword> (SGUL), and member of the <keyword id="15914043" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="antimicrobial-resistance-programme" source="Orion">Antimicrobial Resistance Programme</keyword> at Penta - Child Health Research. "By achieving global consensus, we can streamline the process of antibiotic development, allow for faster access to antibiotics, and reduce the burden of AMR on the vulnerable neonatal population," added <keyword id="1651099" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="manica-balasegaram" source="Orion">Manica Balasegaram</keyword>, Executive Director of GARDP. The report also highlights how collaborative antibiotic development and access networks specifically targeting newborns could also prove valuable compared to single independent studies. A successful example, the authors noted, has been the collaboration between GARDP, Penta - Child Health Research, SGUL, and other partners on a recent global observational study of 3,200 babies with neonatal sepsis across 19 hospitals in 11 countries. They are also partnering on an upcoming clinical trial, which will start in South Africa within the next few months before being expanded to other countries. The authors said that despite a rising number of newborn deaths caused by AMR, very few effective antibiotics have been adequately studied to treat serious bacterial infections such as neonatal sepsis. As many as 40 antibiotics have been approved for use in adults since 2000, but only four have included dosing information for newborns in their labels, they said. According to the report, ethical concerns, logistical issues and regulatory requirements have made it difficult to conduct clinical research on newborns. There is a long delay in completing paediatric regulatory studies and they are also not harmonised globally to demonstrate clinical utility in newborns, it said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/indias-agrochemicals-industry-to-see-double-digit-growth-in-fy23-and-fy24-on-strong-exports-boost-says-crisil/articleshow/96572842.cms">India’s agrochemicals industry to see double-digit growth in FY23 and FY24 on strong exports boost, says Crisil</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/from-egypt-to-belarus-countries-that-are-covid-free-amid-a-global-rise-in-cases/slidelist/96591191.cms">From Egypt to Belarus: Countries that are Covid free amid a global rise in cases</a>

New Delhi [India], August 12 (ANI): <keyword id="19953789" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IIT-Madras" source="keywords">IIT Madras</keyword> has been ranked the <keyword id="19925221" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="best" source="keywords">best</keyword> <keyword id="22759867" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="higher-educational-institution" source="keywords">higher educational institution</keyword> in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> followed by IISc Bengaluru and IIT Bombay in an overall category in the ranking conducted by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The announcement was made on Monday by the Ministry of Education at an event at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital that was presided by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Indian Institute of Technology Madras was ranked first in the <keyword id="22759868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NIRF-rankings" source="keywords">NIRF rankings</keyword> 2024 and it is the 6th time that it has bagged the top spot in NIRF ranking. IIT-Madras has also been ranked as the best engineering college for the past nine years. In the management category, IIM-Ahmedabad and Bangalore and Calcutta are among the top five. Indian Institute of Science (Bengaluru) ranked as the best university in the country followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi and Jamia Millia Islamia. Delhi University's Hindu College ranked as the best college in the country followed by Miranda House College and St. Stephen's College. The Chennai-based institute retained the No 1 position in categories "overall and engineering" The NIRF rankings lists was released for 13 different categories, including universities, colleges, research institutions, engineering, management, pharmacy, medical, dental, law, architecture and planning, agriculture and allied sectors, and innovation. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has been accepted by the MoE and launched by Honourable Minister for Education on 29th September 2015. This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country/ The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has been accepted by the MoE and launched by Honourable Minister for Education on September 29, 2015. This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country. This year, as many as higher 10885 education institutions participated in the NIRF.(ANI)

IIT Madras ranked best higher educational institution in India

Covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of developing long-term gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, according to a global study conducted in 14 countries including India. Irritable bowel syndrome tends to be chronic, characterised by a number of intestinal disorders affecting the colon, including altered bowel motility, bloating, and abdominal cramping. The research, published in the journal <keyword id="177949" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gut" source="Orion">Gut</keyword>, showed that people with new diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome also emerged more frequently. It was also found to be associated with the coexistence of allergies, breathing difficulties during hospitalisation for Covid-19, and chronic intake of proton pump inhibitors (gastroprotectant drugs that block acid production in the stomach). "We know that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can also infect the gastrointestinal tract, and this confirms the possibility that Covid-19 can lead to the development of irritable bowel syndrome," explains Giovanni Marasco, a researcher at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the <keyword id="219471" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-bologna" source="Orion">University of Bologna</keyword> in Italy. The study involved 2,183 patients hospitalised in 36 facilities in 14 countries: Italy, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, India, Macedonia, Malaysia, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. Patients who had contracted Covid-19 were evaluated upon admission to the hospital and then followed up for the next 12 months, comparing their condition with that of patients not infected with the coronavirus. The analysis showed that patients hospitalised for <keyword id="8764262" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covid" source="Orion">Covid</keyword> more frequently reported the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (59.3 per cent) than the control group (39.7 per cent). In addition, the researchers found that at 6 months and 12 months after hospitalisation, higher levels of anxiety and depression were reported among those who had Covid-19. Further, the researchers found traces of the coronavirus in the small intestine even six months after infection. "This leads us to believe that the prolonged state of inflammation and activation of the immune system may lead to the development of the gastrointestinal symptoms that were observed," Marasco said. While it is well known that viral infections can affect the gastrointestinal system and specifically promote the development of the condition, it was unclear whether coronavirus infection could also lead to these consequences. In another recent study, published in the journal <keyword id="932868" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nature-communications" source="Orion">Nature Communications</keyword>, people with Covid-19 were found to be at an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as liver problems, acute pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and ulcers, within a year after infection compared with people who haven't been infected. "Given the vast spread of Covid-19 globally, we should therefore expect an increase in diagnoses related to gut-brain interaction disorders," explains Giovanni Barbara, professor at the varsity'<keyword id="16888581" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="s-department-of-medical-and-surgical-sciences" source="Orion">s Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences</keyword>. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/chatgpt-suffers-mega-outage-chat-history-unavailable-for-most-users/articleshow/98857703.cms">ChatGPT suffers mega outage, chat history unavailable for most users</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/israeli-shekel-devalues-by-8-3-in-less-than-2-months/articleshow/98857874.cms">Israeli shekel devalues by 8.3% in less than 2 months</a>

Covid linked to irritable bowel syndrome says global study

Medical expert Dr Rajeev Jayadevan said that <keyword id="21480687" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Thrombosis-Thrombocytopenia-Syndrome" source="keywords">Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome</keyword> (<keyword id="20218859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TTS" source="keywords">TTS</keyword>) refers to the <keyword id="21480686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="clot-in-blood-vessels" source="keywords">clot in blood vessels</keyword>, and it occurs in very rare cases, following the use of certain types of <keyword id="19953288" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccines" source="keywords">vaccines</keyword>. Acknowledging that the <keyword id="20250806" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-vaccines" source="keywords">Covid vaccines</keyword> have helped in preventing numerous deaths, Jayadevan, who is the Co-Chairman of National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force in Kerala, stated that reports of such cases have also been highlighted in many reports. "TTS is thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, which is basically clot in blood vessels of the brain or elsewhere, along with a low platelet count. It is known to occur in very rare instances following certain types of vaccines and also from other causes. According to the WHO, adenovirus vector vaccines in particular have been rarely associated with this condition," he told ANI. "Although COVID vaccines have prevented numerous deaths, reports of these extremely rare but potentially serious immune mediated events have also been published in reputed journals," Dr Jayadevan added. This comes in the wake of a recent admission by <keyword id="19910149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AstraZeneca" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="AstraZeneca" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="AstraZeneca">AstraZeneca</keyword>, the pharmaceutical company, that its Covid vaccine Covishield and Vaxzevria "can, in very rare cases, cause TTS." According to several UK media reports, AstraZeneca has made the admission in court documents in connection with a case that alleges that the vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, caused death and serious injury in dozens of cases. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield but not using mRNA platform. It has been prepared using the viral vector platform. In the vaccine, a chimpanzee adenovirus - ChAdOx1 - has been modified to enable it to carry the COVID-19 spike protein into the cells of humans. This cold virus is basically incapable of infecting the receiver, but can very well teach the immune system to prepare a mechanism against such viruses. The same technology was used to prepare vaccines for viruses like Ebola. Amid reports about clot in blood vessels in the UK media, the Serum Institute of India did not respond to the query. Notably in 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said in its report that TTS emerged as a new adverse event following immunisation in individuals vaccinated with COVID-19 non-replicant adenovirus vector-based vaccines. This refers to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 ChAdOx-1 vaccine and the Johnson &amp; Johnson (J&amp;J) Janssen COVID-19 Ad26.COV2-S vaccines. "TTS is a serious and life-threatening adverse event. WHO has issued this interim emergency guidance to increase awareness about TTS in the context of COVID-19 vaccination and help healthcare providers in the assessment and management of potential TTS cases," the 2023 statement by WHO read. However, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in March 2024 at 'Dialogues - Navigating India's health sector' said that ICMR has done a detailed study which shows that COVID-19 vaccine is not responsible for heart attacks, and an individual's lifestyle and factors such as binge drinking could be among underlying causes. Mandaviya said, "If someone has a stroke today, they think it is because of the Covid vaccine. ICMR has done a detailed study that the (Covid) vaccine is not responsible for heart attacks." (ANI)

TTS: Clot in blood vessels occurs in rare cases with certain vaccines, says medical expert amid reports over AstraZeneca

Almost 4 lakh diarrhoeal disease deaths can be averted if '<keyword id="7834202" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="jal-jeevan-mission" source="Orion">Jal Jeevan Mission</keyword>' meets its target of providing clean water to all rural households, according to a new study by the <keyword id="6356311" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organisation" source="Orion">World Health Organisation</keyword>. The government launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2019, a nationwide programme that aims to provide all houses in rural areas with safe and adequate drinking water through individual tap connections by next year. The <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) was requested by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation to conduct a study to assess potential health gains and associated cost savings due to increased access in safely-managed drinking water services in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>. The study found that, on an estimate, if the Jal Jeevan Mission provided safely-managed drinking water to all of India, this would result in averting almost 4 lakh deaths caused by diarrhoeal disease. According to official figures, till now 62 per cent rural households have been provided with tap water connection. "With universal coverage of safely-managed drinking water in India, almost 14 million DALYS (Disability adjusted life years) from the diarrhoeal disease are estimated to be averted, resulting in estimated cost savings of up to USD 101 billion," the study said. Also, the study said that providing a tap connection to every household would result in significant time saved on water collection (66.6 million hours each day), especially among women. Presenting the research findings, Richard Johnston, co-lead of WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, said if the world achieves its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets of drinking water and sanitation, it will be because of India. "There are two reasons for it -- population and size -- as India is the country with the largest population in the world so what happens in India is important for the world but it is also because India is demonstrating what can be done and what is possible when it makes commitments and investments," he said. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the <keyword id="6364555" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-council-of-medical-research" source="Orion">Indian Council of Medical Research</keyword>, said these findings are plausible. "We must understand that these are gross underestimates of the total benefits of providing safe water not only because these benefits go beyond health and they affect many communicable and non-communicable diseases. And even malnutrition, which is a big issue for us as they are all also related to water, so we must consider these just modest assumptions and tip of the iceberg," Bahl said. WHO estimation of health impacts is based on comparative risk assessment (CRA) methods, which are used extensively in the burden of disease assessments (Ezzati 2002, Pruss-Ustun 2019). The analysis estimated potential health gains from the Mission by comparing two scenarios. The JJM scenario assumed that coverage of safely managed drinking water services in India increases linearly from baseline levels to 100 per cent coverage at the end of the programme, whereas, the business-as-usual scenario assumed improvements in coverage rates are in line with historical annual rates of 0.5 percentage points change per year. For the economic analysis, the value per DALY averted from the JJM initiative was based on an approach described in the 2001 report of the WHO's Commission on Macroeconomics and Health which assigned each life year a value of three times the GDP per capita. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/the-worlds-oceans-last-month-were-warmer-than-any-other-may-since-the-beginning-of-the-19th-century/articleshow/100875382.cms">The world's oceans last month were warmer than any other May since the beginning of the 19th century</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/bmw-m2-launched-in-india-here-are-some-of-the-top-sports-cars-available-in-the-country/slidelist/100874746.cms">BMW M2 comes to India: Here’s how it compares with top sports cars available here</a>

Almost 4 lakh diarrhoeal disease deaths can be averted if Jal Jeevan Mission meets target: WHO study

Consumption of alcohol, even in low to moderate amounts during pregnancy, can change the baby's brain structure and delay brain development, a new MRI-based study has warned. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can expose the fetus to a group of conditions called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders could develop learning disabilities, behavioural problems or speech and language delays. "Fetal MRI is a highly specialised and safe examination method that allows us to make accurate statements about brain maturation prenatally," said study senior author <keyword id="15617222" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="gregor-kasparian" source="Orion">Gregor Kasparian</keyword>, associate professor of radiology at the <keyword id="746390" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="medical-university-of-vienna" source="Orion">Medical University of Vienna</keyword> in Austria. For the study, researchers analysed MRI exams of 24 fetuses with prenatal alcohol exposure. The fetuses were between 22 and 36 weeks of gestation at the time of the MRI. Alcohol exposure was determined via anonymous surveys of the mothers. In fetuses with alcohol exposure, the fetal total maturation score (fTMS) was significantly lower than in the age-matched controls, and the right superior temporal sulcus (<keyword id="93510" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sts" source="Orion">STS</keyword>) was shallower. The STS is involved in social cognition, audiovisual integration and language perception. "We found the greatest changes in the temporal brain region and STS. We know that this region, and specifically the formation of the STS, has a great influence on language development during childhood," said <keyword id="15617223" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="dr-kasprian" source="Orion">Dr Kasprian</keyword>. Seventeen of 24 mothers drank alcohol relatively infrequently, with average alcohol consumption of less than one alcoholic drink per week. "Nevertheless, we were able to detect significant changes in these fetuses based on prenatal MRI," Dr <keyword id="15617224" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kienast" source="Orion">Kienast</keyword> added. According to the researchers, delayed fetal brain development could be specifically related to a delayed stage of myelination and less distinct gyrification in the frontal and occipital lobes. The myelination process is critical to brain and nervous system function. Gyrification refers to the formation of the folds of the cerebral cortex. "Pregnant women should strictly avoid alcohol consumption," Dr Kienast said, as "even low levels of alcohol consumption can lead to structural changes in brain development and delayed brain maturation." SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/radiation-emitted-from-mobile-towers-has-no-ill-effects-on-human-health-experts/articleshow/95743681.cms">Radiation emitted from mobile towers has no ill effects on human health: Experts</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/circular-economy-to-be-given-thrust-during-indias-g20-presidency-amitabh-kant/articleshow/95762783.cms">Circular economy to be given thrust during India's G20 presidency: Amitabh Kant</a>

Even low drinking during pregnancy alters baby's brain structure

A new study by <keyword id="5069783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Centre-for-Chronic-Disease-Control" source="Orion">Centre for Chronic Disease Control</keyword>, India (CCDC) on cardiovascular risk reduction in South Asia has demonstrated significant long-term benefits of a multi-faceted quality improvement (QI) strategy, comprising of task sharing, and clinical decision support software (CDSS) with electronic health records, in managing type-2 diabetes in India and Pakistan. The study, published in the prestigious journal PLOS Medicine, highlights the sustained impact of QI interventions on <keyword id="21411276" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="diabetes-care" source="keywords">diabetes care</keyword> and associated complications over a median follow-up period of 6.5 years. The burden of diabetes Diabetes control remains a global challenge, leading to severe complications such as <keyword id="22908" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-disease" source="Orion">heart disease</keyword>, <keyword id="25191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stroke" source="Orion">stroke</keyword>, <keyword id="16753" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="blindness" source="Orion">blindness</keyword> or visual impairment, and kidney and nerve damage. LMICs are often faced with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and trained healthcare staff with digital literacy. In that respect, the study's findings are crucial for integrating care models sustainably and identifying relevant organizational barriers. Previous studies from high-income countries showed improvements in diabetes care, but their long-term impact on vascular complications and mortality was unclear. This study aimed to address the critical gap in data regarding the long-term effectiveness of QI strategies and their impacts on vascular complications in LMICs. Professor Nikhil Tandon, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and senior author of the study explained the relevance of these findings in the context of national efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He said, "The <keyword id="22511956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Programme-for-NCDs" source="keywords">National Programme for NCDs</keyword> [NP-NCDs] operationalized by the Government of India has already a functional portal which provides an electronic health record functionality. Integrating the CDSS in this portal will provide significant incremental benefit to the impact of the National Programme, and bolster governmental efforts to battle the scourge of NCDs including diabetes and hypertension." Speaking about the findings, Prof. (Dr) Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director, CCDC, and one of the study authors, said, "Through the trial, we've demonstrated that a sustained quality improvement strategy can significantly enhance diabetes care and reduce complications in South Asia. For every 13 patients treated with this strategy, one major adverse cardiovascular event like heart attacks or strokes- or a microvascular event -like eye disease or decline in kidney function- was prevented, showcasing its profound impact on patient outcomes." Professor MK Ali, William H. Foege Distinguished Professor of Global Health, Emory University and one of the key authors of this article, said, "This study is an exemplar of trans-national collaboration for benefits of both, the global south and global north." Study Design and Findings The randomized clinical trial included 1,146 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes across ten outpatient diabetes clinics from January 2011 through September 2019. Participants were randomized to receive either the QI strategy, which involved trained non-physician care coordinators and a clinical decision support software (CDSS) integrated into the electronic health record form, for physicians, or the usual care. Some of the key findings from the study include: <ul><li>At 6.5 years, patients in the QI strategy group were nearly twice as likely to achieve and maintain target levels for HbA1c (&lt;7%), systolic blood pressure (&lt;130mmHg), and LDL-cholesterol (&lt;100mg/dl), compared to the usual care group. </li><li> The incidence of first microvascular complications, such as diabetic eye disease, decline in kidney function, and nerve pain was notably 32% lower in the QI group. </li><li>There was a significant 28% reduction in the combined occurrence of microvascular and macrovascular events in the QI group.</li></ul> Importantly, these benefits were sustained only in clinics that continued the QI strategy for 6.5 years. With diabetes accounting for one in seven deaths in South Asia, the study provides unique insights into the sustainability of QI strategies in achieving diabetes care goals in low- and middle-income (LMICs) and the effects of these improvements on reducing vascular complications and diabetes-related deaths.

CCDC study reveals multi-pronged diabetes care improves patient outcomes in India, Pakistan

<keyword id="123712" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="metformin" source="Orion">Metformin</keyword>, a commonly prescribed <keyword id="6359018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diabetes" source="Orion">diabetes</keyword> medication, can help lower the odds of emergency department visits, hospitalisations, or death due to Covid-19 by over 50 per cent if prescribed early in onset of symptoms, finds a study. "Our trial suggests that metformin may reduce the likelihood of needing to go to the emergency room or be hospitalised for Covid-19," said <keyword id="14759788" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="carolyn-bramante" source="Orion">Carolyn Bramante</keyword>, Assistant Professor of internal medicine and paediatrics at the <keyword id="5052916" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-minnesota-medical-school" source="Orion">University of Minnesota Medical School</keyword>. The study examined whether metformin, low-dose fluvoxamine, an antidepressant; and ivermectin, an antiparasitic, or their combinations could serve as possible treatments to prevent ER visits or hospitalisation, as well as Long-Covid in 1,323 participants including pregnant women. The findings, published in the <keyword id="401051" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="new-england-journal-of-medicine" source="Orion">New England Journal of Medicine</keyword>, found no positive effect from treatment with either ivermectin or low-dose fluvoxamine. The study also included both who were vaccinated and those who were not. "Although we know Covid-19 vaccines are highly effective, we know that some new strains of the virus may evade immunity and vaccines may not be available worldwide. So we felt we should study safe, available and inexpensive outpatient treatment options as soon as possible," said Bramante. "Understanding whether outpatient treatments could ensure more people survive the illness if they contract it and have fewer long-term symptoms is an important piece of the pandemic response. "Observational studies and in vitro experiments cannot be conclusive but do contribute to bodies of evidence," Bramante noted. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/india-inc-sees-steepest-decline-in-deal-values-report/articleshow/93658897.cms">India Inc sees steepest decline in deal values: report</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/all-india-consumer-price-index-for-agricultural-rural-labourers-rose-in-july/articleshow/93658813.cms">All-India Consumer Price Index for agricultural, rural labourers rose in July</a>

Diabetes drug effective in reducing severity in Covid patients: Study

The health authorities announced on Wednesday that 82 deaths were reported with 4,727 new cases. With the new figure, Sri Lanka's overall caseload and death toll stood at 3,18,775 and 4,727, respectively. With the outbreak of the Delta variant and overflow of patients, the <keyword id="11794485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ratnapura-general-hospital">Ratnapura General Hospital</keyword> and <keyword id="11794483" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="karapitiya-teaching-hospital">Karapitiya Teaching Hospital</keyword> have declared emergencies. Due to the unabated spread of the Delta variant and also an exponential rise in oxygen demand, medical experts have urged the Sri Lankan government to reconsider its decision to lift Covid-19 restrictions. The <keyword id="11794486" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="association-of-medical-specialists">Association of Medical Specialists</keyword> (AMS) requested the government to revisit the curfew-style travel restrictions imposed in May and June to control the fast spreading pandemic as the sector's capacity to treat the growing number of patients has "virtually reached its tipping point" In a statement, the AMS also warned that it's a matter of days till the demand for oxygen exceeds supply. "The lack of oxygen, or more importantly the lack of an oxygen delivery mechanism to patients' bedsides could cause deaths," the experts warned. They said further relaxation of Sri Lanka's Covid-19 restrictions against this backdrop is like adding fuel to the fire. On Tuesday, international health experts warned that Sri Lanka was going to face the worst-ever outbreak in the months ahead. Professor Malik Peiris, Head of Virology at the <keyword id="174517" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="University-of-Hong-Kong">University of Hong Kong</keyword> said "the Delta variant, which played havoc in India, I'm afraid I have to say it is going to have a major impact on Sri Lanka in the coming weeks". SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-is-now-using-chrome-as-another-security-layer-for-account-sign-ins/articleshow/84975356.cms">Google is now using Chrome as an added security layer for account sign-ins</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-allotment-status-of-glenmark-life-sciences-ipo/articleshow/84978486.cms">Glenmark Life Sciences IPO: How to check allotment status, listing date and more</a>

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Even low drinking during pregnancy alters baby's brain structure

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