Experts say a twice-yearly injection that offers 100% protection against HIV is 'stunning'
Twice-yearly shots used to treat AIDS were 100% effective in preventing new infections in women, according to study.
There were no infections in the young women and girls that got the shots in a study of about 5,000 in South Africa and Uganda, researchers reported. In a group given daily prevention pills, roughly 2% ended up catching HIV from infected sex partners.
The shots are approved in the U.S., Canada, Europe and elsewhere, but only as a treatment for HIV. The company said it is waiting for results of testing in men before seeking permission to use it to protect against infection.
Curated by Economic Times
Shared on 25 July 2024
Drugs regulatory body may waive testing requirement for cough syrups exported to certain countries
(CDSCO) is considering a proposal to waive the need for testing cough syrups for export to certain countries after having received a representation from stakeholders seeking such exemption. In May last year, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry had made it compulsory for cough syrup manufacturers to get samples of their products tested at specified government laboratories from June 1 before getting permission for outbound shipments.
Curated by Economic Times
Shared on 25 July 2024
Water births: Pros and cons of the alternative delivery method
Water births (Hydrotherapy) have gained attention as an alternative method of delivery, offering expectant mothers a unique and immersive birthing experience. Here are the pros & cons:
1) The pain relief: The muscles and contractions become less tense with warm water.
2) Less chance of perineal trauma
3) Water's calming properties can aid in lowering tension and anxiety during childbirth.
Cons of water births:
1) The birthing pool may still be infectious even with cautious cleaning
2) Monitoring devices might not function properly in the water.
3) Delays in transferring from water to land in case of emergencies could put the mother's and the child's health at risk.
Curated by Msn.com
Shared on 22 July 2024
Over 100 cough syrup makers fail quality test
A government report reveals that over 100 pharma units' cough syrup samples failed quality tests, showing the same toxins linked to child deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's analysis found 353 out of 7,087 batches sub-standard. Issues include unsecured supply chains and inadequate testing.
Curated by Economic Times
Shared on 23 July 2024
High stress in pregnancy may raise depression, obesity risk in kids later
High stress among women in pregnancy may get passed on to the foetus and raise the risk of depression and obesity among children later, finds a study.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Dartmouth College conducted a small study of 46 mothers and 40 toddlers and discovered a link between toddler hair cortisol levels—a long-term stress biomarker—and maternal prenatal depression.
The study suggests that a child’s long-term stress physiology may be influenced by conditions experienced in utero.
Curated by The Tribune India
Shared on 21 July 2024
India's ambulance system needs urgent reforms
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the chinks in global healthcare systems’ armour. India’s ambulance services were no exception, a new report has revealed.
The Indian ambulance market, valued at $1.5 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a 5.12 per cent CAGR in the 2024-2028 period. Despite this growth, the focus remains largely on patient transfer rather than critical emergency care, the report highlighted. Out of 17,495 operational ambulances currently, only 3,441 are Advanced Life Support (ALS) units.
Curated by Business Standard
Shared on 21 July 2024
Study shows birth outcome of freezing eggs as effective as regular IVF
Success rates of freezing eggs are comparable to those obtained by normal in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and are subject to the same variables of female age and embryo quality, according to a study.
When compared to other similar large-scale research conducted on egg freezing in other countries, the findings of this 15-year-long study based on nearly 30,000 frozen eggs revealed an overall live birth rate of 26% per embryo transfer, as per the study published in the peer-reviewed journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online.
Curated by The Tribune India
Shared on 20 July 2024
62% Indian employees experience work-related burnout: CII-MediBuddy report
Nearly 62% of Indian employees experience work-related stress and burnout, triple the global average of 20% of employees, according to a joint report by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).
The report released on Friday highlighted a growing demand for personalised wellness solutions and convenient healthcare access at corporate jobs in India, with 72% of the job seekers surveyed considering employee wellness programmes crucial in their decision-making process.
Curated by Business Standard
Shared on 20 July 2024
Common blood thinner heparin shows promise as cobra bite antidote
Scientists at the University of Sydney and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have made a remarkable discovery: a commonly-used blood thinner, heparin, can be repurposed as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom.
Current antivenom treatment is expensive and does not effectively treat the necrosis of the flesh where the bite occurs.
"Our discovery could drastically reduce the terrible injuries from necrosis caused by cobra bites—and it might also slow the venom, which could improve survival rates," said Professor Greg Neely.
Curated by Medical Xpress
Shared on 17 July 2024
Life-threatening lung disease from exposure to pigeons
A recent case study has highlighted the severe health risks associated with prolonged exposure to pigeon feathers and droppings. An 11-year-old boy from East Delhi developed a life-threatening allergic reaction after extended contact with the bird’s excrement.
Initially presenting with seemingly ordinary cough symptoms. The child’s condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis triggered by pigeon proteins.
It is an inflammatory condition of the lungs caused by an immune response to inhaled organic particles or certain chemicals.
Curated by Indian Express
Shared on 18 July 2024