Gene Regulation Sheds Light on Tumor Progression Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay July 2, 2025 at 3:20:34 AM Cancer research, International Health News John Quackenbush, Henry Pickering Walcott Professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , is uncovering how gene regulatory networks - not DNA sequence alone- drive cancer progression . In 2012, his team introduced PANDA , a method that “reverse engineers” which of 1,600 regulatory proteins control gene activity by integrating expression data. PANDA revealed the underlying control mechanisms that differentiate healthy from diseased cells. Applying PANDA to colon cancer, they discovered sex-specific regulatory differences: men and women modulate immune responses and drug metabolism differently. These insights have already guided personalized chemotherapy strategies in mouse models. Building on this, Quackenbush developed PHOENIX , which charts how the regulation of all 25,000 human genes shifts as cells progress from normal to malignant . Recognized by the N ational C ancer I nstitute as a 2024 breakthrough , PHOENIX aims to identify regulatory “tipping points” and drugs that can arrest cancer before it fully develops. Quackenbush stresses that these advances and the training of over 100 biomedical scientists via open-source tools - depend on sustained NIH funding. He warns that recent federal grant terminations risk stalling this work and undermining U.S. leadership in computational biology and cancer research. Previous Next

Status of teleradiology and technological advancements in radiology in India Status of teleradiology and technological advancements in radiology in India Content Editor: Dr. Prayag May 21, 2024 The Lancet Regional Health Telemedicine, Teleradiology, Universal health coverage Over the past 20 years, Indian teleradiology firms have been providing services to foreign nations , despite the shortage of radiologists in India. This has helped to understand and bring home the necessary tools and infrastructure to provide high-quality teleradiology services in the country. There is a growing trend of hospitals outsourcing their radiology services to teleradiology firms, reflecting the challenges of hiring and maintaining radiologists at a competitive wage. A healthy balance between services meeting India's requirements and those serving other nations must be maintained. Training for technicians in the teleradiology workflow is closely related to the quality requirements of teleradiology. It may be necessary to provide them with training to fill in gaps in service engineers' availability to handle minor troubleshooting duties related to the teleradiology process and equipment. However, AI can improve image quality and shorten scan times, distinguish between normal and abnormal chest X-rays, and identify specific diseases with high accuracy. AI can also help with common imaging procedures in general care, such as mammography, CT brain, obstetric ultrasound, and chest X-rays. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms into the diagnostic workflow represents paradigm shifts in healthcare delivery in the future. Click here to read more.

Noncommunicable diseases- the silent epidemic Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi April 8, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Non-Communicable Diseases, Cancer, Obesity Projections indicate that the number of cancer cases in India will climb sharply, from 2020 to 2025 , necessitating an increase in the number of cancer screenings . Mental health diseases are becoming more prevalent among the youth. According to data from Apollo Hospitals, 3 out of 4 patients who visited for routine health examinations had a BMI that indicated they were overweight or obese. High levels of visceral fat, or "central obesity", were present in all obese individuals (BMI > 30) , which can impair organ function, hastening the development of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs ). Similarly, hypertension is becoming more common in India. Numerous lifestyle and environmental factors that have led to elevated stress levels and obesity have led to high blood pressure Pre-diabetes has always been associated with age > 45, yet evidence shows that 20% of people under 45 are prediabetic. The only effective strategy to "reverse" diabetes and limit the progression to further issues is to manage the condition during the pre-diabetic stage actively, even though there is a significant and growing awareness of diabetes. Apollo's Health of the Nation report emphasizes the need to manage health seriously in a mechanized, time-constrained, and technologically oriented society. Click here to read more Previous Next

Five takeaways from the investigation report done to understand the rise of drug use in Baltimore Five takeaways from the investigation report done to understand the rise of drug use in Baltimore Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar June 5, 2024 Social trends International Health, Drug Addiction, Substance abuse Baltimore has been the city hit with the worst illicit drug use. Over the past six years, nearly 6,000 people have died, and the death rate from 2018 to 2022 has doubled—times higher than that of any other large city. To understand the reasons behind this concern, an investigation was conducted. The investigative reports include the following key findings: Even though the overdose rate has been high, the rise of fentanyl drove the rate to higher levels. Three people die on average every day , and the fatal overdose rate has also quadrupled since 2013 Regarding addressing the issues of public health, Baltimore was at the forefront of innovation. However, due to various other issues, the public health response to drug use has been disjointed . Baltimore had even won an award in 2018 from officials of a national health group. However, currently, fewer people are getting medication and are being revived by emergency workers, which has led to a continued increase in drug use. Click here to read more.

Surge in the MDR Salmonella cases. Surge in the MDR Salmonella cases. Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy November 28, 2023 Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Infectious disease, CDC, public health, food-borne disease, disease surveillance A multistate outbreak of the REPJJP01 strain of MDR Salmonella resulted in 255 illnesses and 60 hospitalizations between June 2018 and March 2019. The outbreak investigations showed a Mexican connection between the infections—43% of the infected had visited Mexico and consumed Mexican-style soft cheese that was purchased there. The investigators also discovered connections between the strain and beef products, including dried beef from Mexico and the US, indicating that cattle/ beef were vehicles of the virus in both nations. While efforts to locate illness sources are being made in collaboration with state and local health agencies, the CDC cautioned travelers to observe food safety precautions overseas. The CDC advised safe practices like: Avoiding beef or other foods sold by street vendors It impels physicians to be mindful of the possibility of antibiotic resistance in patients with salmonellosis who have a history of recent travel to Mexico.

Cancer fatality on the rise in females in India Cancer fatality on the rise in females in India Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy August 8, 2023 Indian Express Cancer, Research study, WHO, Mortality trends, Public health Twenty three major and common cancers were analyzed as part of the cancer mortality trends study conducted from 2000 to 2019. The research, now published in a journal affiliated with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, was carried out at Amrita Hospital, Kochi , in collaboration with the World Health Organization. Pancreatic cancer showed the highest annual rise in mortality among both sexes at 2.7%. The study emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive approach to tackle the escalating rates of cancer-related deaths in India, which include Raising awareness about cancer symptoms Implementing cancer prevention policies Enhancing existing healthcare infrastructure.

Status of tuberculosis preventive treatment in SEAR Countries Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy July 22, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Tuberculosis, Infectious diseases, Prevention A workshop in Chennai, India, involving SEAR countries' TB program managers and experts, highlighted key challenges in implementing TPT (TB Preventive Treatment) . The data on TPT guidelines, target groups, diagnostic tests, regimens, adherence mechanisms, and information systems were collected via a questionnaire and presented during the workshop using e-posters. Participants identified several challenges, including: Poor demand and acceptance among beneficiaries Low provider confidence Difficulties in ruling out active TB Supply chain issues Inadequate support systems The workshop emphasized the need for robust community mobilization, provider capacity building, and improved diagnostic access. Strategies such as the use of chest radiography, better supply chain management, and strong advocacy plans were recommended to enhance TPT delivery. Research priorities included developing comprehensive intervention strategies, improving access to diagnostics, and integrating TPT into real-time TB management systems. The workshop concluded that effective implementation requires collaboration among stakeholders, sustained training, and addressing logistical challenges to maximize the benefits of TB preventive therapy. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Synergistic approach to beat the summers Content Editor: Dr. Sivanthiga April 20, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Climate Change, Mitigation, IEC, Health Awareness The minutes of the meeting held among the officials of IMD, NDMA, and PMO were: The forecast for above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country and longer days of heat wave episodes and heatwave spells than normal was explained. IEC (Information Education Communication) materials regarding summer preparedness were planned to be translated into regional languages and disseminated to combat the hotter-than-usual summer that coincides with the general elections. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a synergistic approach involving various ministries and arms of the government in this regard and reviewed the adequacy of health sector preparedness. Click here to read more Previous Next

Infodemics and COVID-19 vaccine intentions in the United States: Study findings Content Editor: Dr. Sangya July 18, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM COVID-19 Vaccination, Research Findings A study in Science reveals that unflagged, factual, but misleading Facebook posts in the United States reduced the intent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine 46 times more than flagged false posts . Researchers from MIT and UPenn surveyed thousands about the influence of 130 vaccine-related headlines. They extrapolated results to predict the impact of 13,206 Facebook links on the vaccination intentions of 233 million US users. They found that unflagged, misleading content from credible sources was viewed hundreds of millions of times and significantly reduced vaccination intentions by 2.28 percentage points per user, compared to 0.05 percentage points for flagged content. The study highlights that exposure had a greater impact than flagging status, suggesting that content moderation should also prioritize reviewing widely viewed content rather than just identifying false information. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Safety analysis of Covaxin: Findings from an observational study Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal May 20, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Side Effects, Vaccination, COVID-19 A prospective observational study interviewed 1024 individuals telephonically regarding long-term adverse events of special interest (AESIs) following a year of vaccination among adolescents and adults who received the BBV152 vaccine (Covaxin). The study determined the risk factors for AESIs and AESIs that lasted for a minimum of one month. The most common AESIs among adolescents were as follows: Viral upper respiratory tract infections (47.9%) New-onset skin and subcutaneous disorders (10.5%) Nervous system disorders (4.7%) Similarly, the most common AESIs among the adults were as follows: Viral upper respiratory tract infections (42.6%) Musculoskeletal disorders (5.8%) Nervous system disorders (5.5%) A few other AESIs were also noted, such as Guillain–Barre syndrome, menstrual abnormalities, and ocular abnormalities. The development patterns of AESIs following BBV152 were not the same as those observed with other COVID-19 vaccines against COVID-19, nor were they consistent between adolescents and adults. Further comparative studies would be required to understand the association of Covaxin with the AESIs. Click here to read more. Previous Next