NPPA approves retail price of 51 new drugs
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved the retail price of 51 new drugs under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 with various combination drugs treating diabetes, blood pressure and others. In its meeting held last week, the NPPA deliberated on cases of retail price fixation of 52 new drugs and approved 51 of them, while deferring price fixation of paracetamol and dicyclomine hydrochloride tablets manufactured by Prosperity Drugs and marketed by Torrent Pharmaceuticals.
The formulations for which the prices were fixed include various combinations, strengths and drug delivery forms of anti-diabetes drugs linagliptin, teneligliptin, sitagliptin, and dapagliflozin for various manufacturers and marketing companies.
‘Night owls’ run risk of developing diabetes
A research has found that night owls--- persons who wakes up late and sleep late—has higher risk of developing diabetes compared to people who wake up early in the morning. This sleep pattern, known as a chronotype, can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and unhealthy lifestyle habits, according to a recent study.
Night owls were also more likely to have poor dietary habits, lower physical activity, increased alcohol consumption, unhealthy Body Mass Index, and smoking habits, alongside their obvious irregular sleep patterns, said the study led by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Even after accounting for lifestyle factors, there was still a 19 per cent increased risk of diabetes in night owls compared to early birds, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition.
It's important to note that previous studies have also linked late sleep patterns to unhealthy behaviours and increased risk of diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these risks, as both genetics and the environment play a role in determining one's chronotype, said the study.
Free cancer treatment for UP Govt staff
The government staff and their dependents can now avail free cancer treatment under Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Rajya Karmchari Cashless Chikitsa Yojana at Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute and Hospital (KSSSCIH).
‘Nasal Immunotherapy Can Soon Help Treat Alzheimer's Disease’
Researchers have found preclinical evidence that nasal immunotherapy can help reduce inflammation and improve cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a debilitating neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disease that is difficult to treat. Most existing therapies target the buildup of amyloid beta plaques in the brain, which requires early intervention and intravenous therapy. However in Alzheimer’s mouse models, the new nasal immunotherapy - anti-CD3 - reduced inflammation and improved cognition independent of amyloid beta plaques. Incidentally, the therapy is being tested in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients which dampens immune cell inflammation in the brain.
Yoga and meditation can keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay: AIIMS study
Doctors from the Delhi-based AIIMS say that studies by the institute show that yoga and meditation increase the neuroplasticity of the brain and help in treating the memory loss disease. S Dr Rima Dada and Dr Manjri Tripathi from the institute explained that yoga and meditation help in the secretion of helpful chemicals such as melatonin, which promotes good sleep. It also helps in reducing the biological age, stress and inflammation when paired with a good diet and healthy lifestyle. ”Yoga and meditation include asana, pranayam and suryanamaskar. But there should be a separate routine for each patient and co-morbidity and needs of the patient must be kept in mind,” said Dr Tripathi while stressing on the importance of early detection.
Any person above the age of forty-five should get themselves tested if they show mild symptoms to prevent permanent damage. Alzheimer’s can be detected by gradual changes in behavior, personality and social cognition. Untreated depression can also lead to Dementia. While online therapy can help, patients should visit in person time to time for baseline tests such as blood tests, said the doctors.
RML Hosp to start speciality OPD for transgenders
On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on Sunday, Delhi-based Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital will inaugurate a speciality OPD for the transgenders. Besides, a blood donation camp will also be organised on that day. The hospital's Medical Superintendent Dr Ajay Shukla will inaugurate this special OPD and blood donation camp.
“The service will be available to transgenders every Friday from 2 pm to 4 pm and there will be a separate registration counter for the same. An endocrinology facility with hormone analysis and free hormonal treatment, a psychiatry facility with clinical-psychological assessment, and plastic surgery will also be available at the OPD.”
Also, dermatology, urology and paediatrics services and all related blood investigations will be available he said. It will have gender-neutral/transgender washroom facilities. "Government hospitals need to be accessible for every section of society and this is the motivation behind opening a separate OPD to provide healthcare services for the transgenders," Dr Shukla added.
