Bangladesh government has rejected a petition by jailed former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to go abroad on a medical visit, saying 'there is no judicial provision that permits a jailed convict to go abroad for treatment'.

Bangladesh: Jailed former PM Khaleda Zia’s plea for 'overseas treatment' rejected

The Biden administration is easing decades-old requirements that made it difficult for doctors to treat opioid addiction using medication.&nbsp;

New guidelines announced on Tuesday mean doctors and other health workers will no longer need extra hours of training to prescribe buprenorphine, a gold standard medicine that helps with cravings. And they no longer have to refer patients to counseling services.&nbsp;

Under the loosened guidelines, prescribers will be able to treat up to 30 patients at a time with the drug. It comes in a pill or film that dissolves under the tongue. It costs about USD 100 a month. A common version of buprenorphine is Suboxone.&nbsp;

Because of how opioids act on the brain, people dependent on them get sick if they stop using. &nbsp;

Withdrawal can feel like a bad flu with cramping, sweating, anxiety and sleeplessness. Cravings for the drug can be so intense that relapse is common.&nbsp;

Buprenorphine helps by moving a patient from powerful painkillers or an illicit opioid like heroin to a regular dose of a legal opioid-based medication.&nbsp;

Besides doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives and some other types of nurses will be able to prescribe buprenorphine without first getting special training.&nbsp;

The Trump administration tried to make a similar change in its final days but it would have applied only to doctors. &nbsp;

The Biden administration put the matter on hold for a legal and policy review, ultimately deciding to expand the easier guidelines to more prescribers. &nbsp;

"What it does is provide more on-ramps to treatment," said Brendan Saloner, an addiction researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. &nbsp;

"This will help in health centers, hospitals, jails and prisons places where these folks sometimes show up for treatment."&nbsp;

Stricter requirements will remain for prescribers, who want to treat more than 30 patients at a time.&nbsp;

The prescribing requirements date back to legislation in 2000 meant to prevent too-easy access to a medicine with its own potential for misuse. But only a small number of doctors went through the steps and, in many parts of the country, patients couldn't find a prescriber. Ironically, doctors could prescribe buprenorphine for pain without the extra training.&nbsp;

US drug overdose deaths have climbed during the coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 90,000 drug overdose deaths in the 12 months ending in September, the highest number ever recorded in a one-year period. There is not yet data for all of 2020, and the figures are preliminary.&nbsp;

“The change will increase the number of prescribers and the number of patients who receive prescriptions," said Assistant Health Secretary Dr Rachel Levine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The Biden administration is easing decades-old requirements that made it difficult for doctors to treat opioid addiction using medication. New guidelines announced on Tuesday mean doctors and other health workers will no longer need extra hours of training to prescribe buprenorphine, a gold standard medicine that helps with cravings.

The Biden administration is easing decades-old requirements that made it difficult for doctors to treat opioid addiction using medication. New guidelines announced on Tuesday mean doctors and other health workers will no longer need extra hours of training to prescribe buprenorphine, a gold standard medicine that helps with cravings. And they no longer have to refer patients to counseling services. Under the loosened guidelines, prescribers will be able to treat up to 30 patients at a time with the drug. It comes in a pill or film that dissolves under the tongue. It costs about USD 100 a month. A common version of buprenorphine is Suboxone. Because of how opioids act on the brain, people dependent on them get sick if they stop using. Withdrawal can feel like a bad flu with cramping, sweating, anxiety and sleeplessness. Cravings for the drug can be so intense that relapse is common. Buprenorphine helps by moving a patient from powerful painkillers or an illicit opioid like heroin to a regular dose of a legal opioid-based medication. Besides doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives and some other types of nurses will be able to prescribe buprenorphine without first getting special training. The Trump administration tried to make a similar change in its final days but it would have applied only to doctors. The Biden administration put the matter on hold for a legal and policy review, ultimately deciding to expand the easier guidelines to more prescribers. "What it does is provide more on-ramps to treatment," said Brendan Saloner, an addiction researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "This will help in health centers, hospitals, jails and prisons places where these folks sometimes show up for treatment." Stricter requirements will remain for prescribers, who want to treat more than 30 patients at a time. The prescribing requirements date back to legislation in 2000 meant to prevent too-easy access to a medicine with its own potential for misuse. But only a small number of doctors went through the steps and, in many parts of the country, patients couldn't find a prescriber. Ironically, doctors could prescribe buprenorphine for pain without the extra training. US drug overdose deaths have climbed during the coronavirus pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 90,000 drug overdose deaths in the 12 months ending in September, the highest number ever recorded in a one-year period. There is not yet data for all of 2020, and the figures are preliminary. “The change will increase the number of prescribers and the number of patients who receive prescriptions," said Assistant Health Secretary Dr Rachel Levine. (With inputs from agencies)

US lifts barriers to prescribing addiction treatment drug 

COVID-19 has overwhelmed health systems worldwide. Apart from an alarming death toll, the Wuhan virus has many hidden victims. People with other life-threatening illnesses are struggling to find treatment. We bring you their stories on WION Wideangle

WION Wideangle | Wuhan Virus- The untold toll

Taking a page out of sci-fi films, scientists have been able to develop “spray-on bandages” to protect wounds, and to care for injuries that require&nbsp;immediate attention in places that don’t have medical facilities.

In a new study, scientists outlined a technique called “electro spinning”, owing to which scientists came up with thin layers of fibres which were sprayed onto damaged skin. Some would say it’s akin to spraying paint on a surface.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brain-scientists-explore-the-how-of-when-342127" hreflang="en">Brain scientists explore the how of when</a>

According to the author of the study, Lane Huston, this marks the “first demonstration of depositing the drug-delivering fibres directly into a wound site safely”, the Independent reported.

The study was published in the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B. The author added that this mechanism can be used to cover wounds, and to follow up with treatment thereafter.

The technique in question - electro spinning is widely used among industries to wrap and filter multiple products.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/two-million-year-old-skull-of-human-cousin-unearthed-342100" hreflang="en">Two million-year-old skull of human cousin unearthed</a>

Unfortunately, electricity at a high voltage can damage human skin. But scientists were able to develop a device with a smaller electric field, which sprayed bandages on people’s skin, as per information given in the study.

The device in question, which is still nameless, uses air to deliver fibres on a surface. The research team recently tested their device on pigs, and on a “gloved human hand”, marking the first such experiment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/three-asteroids-over-30-metres-in-diametre-travelling-earths-way-341959" hreflang="en">Three asteroids over 30 metres in diametre travelling Earth’s way</a>

The current valuation of bandage market is around $5.5 billion, which is expected to grow over the next few&nbsp;years. The scientists are hopeful that this could save millions of lives in rural areas. Scientists hope the technology will help doctors and medical personnel working in rural areas.

Taking a page out of sci-fi films, scientists have been able to develop “spray-on bandages” to protect wounds, and to care for injuries that require immediate attention in places that don’t have medical facilities.

Taking a page out of sci-fi films, scientists have been able to develop “spray-on bandages” to protect wounds, and to care for injuries that require immediate attention in places that don’t have medical facilities. In a new study, scientists outlined a technique called “electro spinning”, owing to which scientists came up with thin layers of fibres which were sprayed onto damaged skin. Some would say it’s akin to spraying paint on a surface. Also read: Brain scientists explore the how of when According to the author of the study, Lane Huston, this marks the “first demonstration of depositing the drug-delivering fibres directly into a wound site safely”, the Independent reported. The study was published in the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B. The author added that this mechanism can be used to cover wounds, and to follow up with treatment thereafter. The technique in question - electro spinning is widely used among industries to wrap and filter multiple products. Also read: Two million-year-old skull of human cousin unearthed Unfortunately, electricity at a high voltage can damage human skin. But scientists were able to develop a device with a smaller electric field, which sprayed bandages on people’s skin, as per information given in the study. The device in question, which is still nameless, uses air to deliver fibres on a surface. The research team recently tested their device on pigs, and on a “gloved human hand”, marking the first such experiment. Also read: Three asteroids over 30 metres in diametre travelling Earth’s way The current valuation of bandage market is around $5.5 billion, which is expected to grow over the next few years. The scientists are hopeful that this could save millions of lives in rural areas. Scientists hope the technology will help doctors and medical personnel working in rural areas.

Scientists just developed spray-on bandages!

Chinese government is planning to introduce legislation which will make any criticism of traditional Chinese medicine illegal in the country.

The government is inviting public participation in the bill, asking for submissions, which would then essentially ban ill-talk of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).&nbsp;The general public can submit its feedback to the government on the planned law by June 28, The Guardian reported.

The Chinese government has been pushing the country’s age-old medicinal traditions, both at home and internationally.&nbsp;Anybody found “causing trouble or disturbing public order” in relation to the information shared about traditional medicine could end up in jail.

<h6><img alt="This photo taken on February 20, 2020 shows a medical worker holding bags of liquid traditional Chinese medicine at a hospital in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning province." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba7287c1-11bd-46cc-b900-5278afd34bb9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_19.jpg" /> 
This photo taken on February 20, 2020 shows a medical worker holding bags of liquid traditional Chinese medicine at a hospital in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning province. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

When the coronavirus pandemic was peaking in China, media outlets in the country reported how TCM had been effective in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and promoted its usage for it played a “critical role” in recovery.

Even though medical professionals believe no form of traditional medicine should be consumed before evidence, age-old practices are an intrinsic part of Chinese culture, TMC being an integral part of it, which has also found support from Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Chinese traditional treatment include changing eating habits, naturally sourced drugs, and acupuncture.&nbsp;China believes that the value of TCM industry will hit $420 billion by the end of 2020.&nbsp;Many practitioners of the medicine prescribe animal based cures, which has become a cause of controversy as it includes&nbsp;solutions that involve consuming exotic and endangered creatures like snakes, tigers, pangolins, rhinos.

<h6><img alt="his photo taken on February 20, 2020 shows a medical worker boiling traditional Chinese medicine at a hospital in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning province." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6a402f6-06ac-497f-bbd7-1c68edebd293" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_12.jpg" /> 
This photo taken on February 20, 2020 shows a medical worker boiling traditional Chinese medicine at a hospital in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning province. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

In November 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) added TCM to its lost of globally viable medical treatments, which met backlash from European scientists, who believe it may increase the usage of unscientific medicine across the world.

A claim by Chinese scientists that a concoction&nbsp;made with honeysuckle and flowering plants could help fight coronavirus has increased interest in the&nbsp;traditional medicine, but many health bodies warn against falling for it.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Chinese government is planning to introduce legislation which will make any criticism of traditional Chinese medicine illegal in the country. The government is inviting public participation in the bill, asking for submissions, which would then essentially ban ill-talk of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Chinese government is planning to introduce legislation which will make any criticism of traditional Chinese medicine illegal in the country. The government is inviting public participation in the bill, asking for submissions, which would then essentially ban ill-talk of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The general public can submit its feedback to the government on the planned law by June 28, The Guardian reported. The Chinese government has been pushing the country’s age-old medicinal traditions, both at home and internationally. Anybody found “causing trouble or disturbing public order” in relation to the information shared about traditional medicine could end up in jail. This photo taken on February 20, 2020 shows a medical worker holding bags of liquid traditional Chinese medicine at a hospital in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning province. | AFP When the coronavirus pandemic was peaking in China, media outlets in the country reported how TCM had been effective in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and promoted its usage for it played a “critical role” in recovery. Even though medical professionals believe no form of traditional medicine should be consumed before evidence, age-old practices are an intrinsic part of Chinese culture, TMC being an integral part of it, which has also found support from Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Chinese traditional treatment include changing eating habits, naturally sourced drugs, and acupuncture. China believes that the value of TCM industry will hit $420 billion by the end of 2020. Many practitioners of the medicine prescribe animal based cures, which has become a cause of controversy as it includes solutions that involve consuming exotic and endangered creatures like snakes, tigers, pangolins, rhinos. This photo taken on February 20, 2020 shows a medical worker boiling traditional Chinese medicine at a hospital in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning province. | AFP In November 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) added TCM to its lost of globally viable medical treatments, which met backlash from European scientists, who believe it may increase the usage of unscientific medicine across the world. A claim by Chinese scientists that a concoction made with honeysuckle and flowering plants could help fight coronavirus has increased interest in the traditional medicine, but many health bodies warn against falling for it. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

China to introduce bill criminalising criticism of traditional medicine

Former Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doctors-have-advised-shifting-nawaz-sharif-to-us-for-treatment-pml-n-267225">Nawaz Sharif</a> is likely to fly to the United States for the treatment of his ailment there, according to family sources. 
 
Sharif, a former three-time prime minister, is currently receiving treatment at the Harvey Clinic in London. He is currently residing at Avenfield flats owned by his son Hasan Nawaz since November 20, The Dawn reported. 
 
Sharif has been diagnosed with an immune system disorder that has caused a low platelet count. Sources said that the treatment of his ailment was not available in London and hence, the former prime minister has to be shifted to the US for further medical treatment. 
 
"The medical tests conducted in London revealed that blood supply to a part of Nawaz Sharif's brain was obstructed causing low platelet count issue and the surgical procedure facility required to treat it was available only in Boston, US," they were quoted as saying. 
 
The ailing PML-N leader had arrived in the UK in an air ambulance accompanied by his younger brother and party president Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Malik. Nawaz was allowed to fly abroad after the Lahore High Court had ordered the federal government to strike off his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) for four weeks. 
 
On October 27, the Islamabad High Court had granted an eight-week bail on medical grounds to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-undergoes-check-up-at-london-bridge-hospital-264538">Sharif</a>, who is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia corruption case. 
 
However, the 69-year-old former leader has rejected the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's condition for submitting an indemnity bond as a guarantee for returning to Pakistan after his treatment. 
 
Shehbaz Sharif gave an undertaking in the court that he would ensure his brother's return based on a certification by doctors that he was fit to travel to Pakistan. 
 
Earlier in the day, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/court-to-hear-nawaz-sharifs-appeal-against-al-azizia-reference-on-monday-264328">shifting Sharif from London to the US</a> will be challenging for the medical team considering his current health condition. 
 
She also said that the medical reports of the former prime minister revealed that there was an 88 per cent blockage in arteries circulating blood to his brain. 
 
Meanwhile, a group of senior PML-N leaders is in London and were briefed on Sharif's condition by his personal physician, after the delegation was not allowed to meet the ailing party supremo.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to fly to the United States for the treatment of his ailment there, according to family sources. Sharif, a former three-time prime minister, is currently receiving treatment at the Harvey Clinic in London.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to fly to the United States for the treatment of his ailment there, according to family sources. Sharif, a former three-time prime minister, is currently receiving treatment at the Harvey Clinic in London. He is currently residing at Avenfield flats owned by his son Hasan Nawaz since November 20, The Dawn reported. Sharif has been diagnosed with an immune system disorder that has caused a low platelet count. Sources said that the treatment of his ailment was not available in London and hence, the former prime minister has to be shifted to the US for further medical treatment. "The medical tests conducted in London revealed that blood supply to a part of Nawaz Sharif's brain was obstructed causing low platelet count issue and the surgical procedure facility required to treat it was available only in Boston, US," they were quoted as saying. The ailing PML-N leader had arrived in the UK in an air ambulance accompanied by his younger brother and party president Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Malik. Nawaz was allowed to fly abroad after the Lahore High Court had ordered the federal government to strike off his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) for four weeks. On October 27, the Islamabad High Court had granted an eight-week bail on medical grounds to Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia corruption case. However, the 69-year-old former leader has rejected the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's condition for submitting an indemnity bond as a guarantee for returning to Pakistan after his treatment. Shehbaz Sharif gave an undertaking in the court that he would ensure his brother's return based on a certification by doctors that he was fit to travel to Pakistan. Earlier in the day, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that shifting Sharif from London to the US will be challenging for the medical team considering his current health condition. She also said that the medical reports of the former prime minister revealed that there was an 88 per cent blockage in arteries circulating blood to his brain. Meanwhile, a group of senior PML-N leaders is in London and were briefed on Sharif's condition by his personal physician, after the delegation was not allowed to meet the ailing party supremo.

Nawaz Sharif likely to be flown to United States on December 16 for further treatment

The opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party on Monday said that doctors <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-undergoes-check-up-at-london-bridge-hospital-264538">treating Nawaz Sharif</a> have advised that the former ailing prime minister should be shifted from London to the US for further medical treatment. 
 
PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, however, said that shifting him from London to the US will be challenging for the medical team considering his current health condition. 
 
She also said that the medical reports of the former prime minister revealed that there was an 88 per cent blockage in arteries circulating blood to his brain, The Express Tribune reported. 
 
"Doctors have advised him to consult an expert in the United States. However, transporting him there poses an immense challenge for the medical team," Aurangzeb was quoted as saying. 
 
The party's spokesperson stressed that Sharif will soon undergo a biopsy in light of his latest positron emission tomography (PET) scan and said that the platelet count of the ailing leader is showing no improvement. 
 
"There has been no improvement in his platelet count despite the high doses of steroids, which were also causing his blood sugar levels to rise," she said, adding that the reason for the dwindling platelet count is yet to be determined. 
 
Sharif, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/court-to-hear-nawaz-sharifs-appeal-against-al-azizia-reference-on-monday-264328">former three-time</a> Pakistan prime minister, is currently receiving treatment at the Harvey Clinic in London. 
 
He arrived in the UK in an air ambulance accompanied by his younger brother and PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Malik on November 20. This came days after the Lahore High Court had ordered the federal government to strike off his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) for four weeks. 
 
On October 27, the Islamabad High Court had granted an eight-week bail on medical grounds to Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia corruption case. 
 
However, the 69-year-old former leader has rejected the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's condition for submitting an indemnity bond as a guarantee for returning to Pakistan after his treatment.

The opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party on Monday said that doctors treating Nawaz Sharif have advised that the former ailing prime minister should be shifted from London to the US for further medical treatment.

The opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party on Monday said that doctors treating Nawaz Sharif have advised that the former ailing prime minister should be shifted from London to the US for further medical treatment. PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, however, said that shifting him from London to the US will be challenging for the medical team considering his current health condition. She also said that the medical reports of the former prime minister revealed that there was an 88 per cent blockage in arteries circulating blood to his brain, The Express Tribune reported. "Doctors have advised him to consult an expert in the United States. However, transporting him there poses an immense challenge for the medical team," Aurangzeb was quoted as saying. The party's spokesperson stressed that Sharif will soon undergo a biopsy in light of his latest positron emission tomography (PET) scan and said that the platelet count of the ailing leader is showing no improvement. "There has been no improvement in his platelet count despite the high doses of steroids, which were also causing his blood sugar levels to rise," she said, adding that the reason for the dwindling platelet count is yet to be determined. Sharif, a former three-time Pakistan prime minister, is currently receiving treatment at the Harvey Clinic in London. He arrived in the UK in an air ambulance accompanied by his younger brother and PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Malik on November 20. This came days after the Lahore High Court had ordered the federal government to strike off his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) for four weeks. On October 27, the Islamabad High Court had granted an eight-week bail on medical grounds to Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia corruption case. However, the 69-year-old former leader has rejected the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's condition for submitting an indemnity bond as a guarantee for returning to Pakistan after his treatment.

Doctors have advised shifting Nawaz Sharif to US for treatment: PML-N

Treating younger people with high cholesterol levels may help reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke in later life, a major study showed Wednesday.

Described as the "most comprehensive" review of its kind covering almost 400,000 patients over more than 40 years, the study in The Lancet said its findings on the link between cholesterol levels and ill health "may be particularly important in people under 45 years."

A summary said that starting with the same cholesterol level and additional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity or smoking men under 45 years faced a 29 percent risk of fatal or non-fatal heart disease or stroke by the age of 75.

For women, the risk level was 16 percent.

However, if their non-HDL (i.e. "bad") cholesterol levels were halved, typically by the use of statins, the men's risk came down to 6.0 percent and women fell to just 4.0 percent.

Additionally, the study showed that "intervening early and intensively to reduce non-HDL cholesterol levels could potentially reverse early signs of atherosclerosis"&nbsp; the narrowing of the arteries caused by fat, calcium and cholesterol build-up.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is often dubbed "good cholesterol," helping clear fat from the bloodstream, in contrast with "bad" Low-Density Lipoprotein.

Non-HDL cholesterol is arrived at by subtracting a person's HDL level from their total cholesterol number and accordingly measures all the bad lipoproteins.

Commenting on the study, Jennifer Robinson of the University of Iowa said its long-term nature and size were important in pointing to the potential for early treatment.

It raised the possibility that those people with high non-HDL and LDL levels could be more at risk than suggested by the 10-year threshold currently used to determine if treatment is needed, Robinson noted.

Paul Leeson, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford said the issue of long-term medication would have to be addressed.

"Exactly how to reduce cholesterol effectively in young people and, in particular, whether you would need to take drugs for decades to do this is not explored (in the study) but will be important to consider before these findings can be included into medical guidance," Leeson said in a commentary

Treating younger people with high cholesterol levels may help reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke in later life, a major study showed Wednesday. Described as the "most comprehensive" review of its kind covering almost 400,000 patients over more than 40 years, the study in The Lancet said its findings on the link between cholesterol levels and ill health "may be particularly important in people under 45 years.

Treating younger people with high cholesterol levels may help reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke in later life, a major study showed Wednesday. Described as the "most comprehensive" review of its kind covering almost 400,000 patients over more than 40 years, the study in The Lancet said its findings on the link between cholesterol levels and ill health "may be particularly important in people under 45 years." A summary said that starting with the same cholesterol level and additional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity or smoking men under 45 years faced a 29 percent risk of fatal or non-fatal heart disease or stroke by the age of 75. For women, the risk level was 16 percent. However, if their non-HDL (i.e. "bad") cholesterol levels were halved, typically by the use of statins, the men's risk came down to 6.0 percent and women fell to just 4.0 percent. Additionally, the study showed that "intervening early and intensively to reduce non-HDL cholesterol levels could potentially reverse early signs of atherosclerosis" the narrowing of the arteries caused by fat, calcium and cholesterol build-up. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is often dubbed "good cholesterol," helping clear fat from the bloodstream, in contrast with "bad" Low-Density Lipoprotein. Non-HDL cholesterol is arrived at by subtracting a person's HDL level from their total cholesterol number and accordingly measures all the bad lipoproteins. Commenting on the study, Jennifer Robinson of the University of Iowa said its long-term nature and size were important in pointing to the potential for early treatment. It raised the possibility that those people with high non-HDL and LDL levels could be more at risk than suggested by the 10-year threshold currently used to determine if treatment is needed, Robinson noted. Paul Leeson, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford said the issue of long-term medication would have to be addressed. "Exactly how to reduce cholesterol effectively in young people and, in particular, whether you would need to take drugs for decades to do this is not explored (in the study) but will be important to consider before these findings can be included into medical guidance," Leeson said in a commentary

Treating cholesterol at an early stage reduces the risk of heart problems: Study

China is not the only country that seems to be discriminating against Muslim minorities.

In recent times, dozens of Shias have been detained in multiple raids in Malaysia.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-targets-shia-minority-in-the-country-264465/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Malaysia is a Sunni Muslim majority country and the Shias fear that religious authorities have stepped up the crackdown against the minorities.

About 60 per cent of Malaysia’s 32 million people are Muslim and the country is also home to substantial minorities of Hindus and Christians, and the different communities have largely co-existed harmoniously.

In September, officers raided Shias gatherings as they were commemorating Ashura, a festival marking the killing prophet Mohammed's grandson.

No one was detained for long. None of them was charged by the court.

But, the minority group worries that this is just a tactic to frighten them from worshipping.

Such raids have been happening since 2010.

In 2016, Shia activist Amri Che Mat was abducted, with witnesses claiming he was snatched after his vehicle was boxed in by other cars.&nbsp;

An inquiry last year by Malaysia’s official human rights body concluded he was taken by police.

A lot of the Shias fear to identify themselves. But observers believe there are between 100,000 and 500,000.

Shias say that they have been persecuted since a top Islamic body issued a fatwa against them in 1996.

China is not the only country that seems to be discriminating against Muslim minorities. In recent times, dozens of Shias have been detained in multiple raids in Malaysia.

China is not the only country that seems to be discriminating against Muslim minorities. In recent times, dozens of Shias have been detained in multiple raids in Malaysia. Watch: Malaysia is a Sunni Muslim majority country and the Shias fear that religious authorities have stepped up the crackdown against the minorities. About 60 per cent of Malaysia’s 32 million people are Muslim and the country is also home to substantial minorities of Hindus and Christians, and the different communities have largely co-existed harmoniously. In September, officers raided Shias gatherings as they were commemorating Ashura, a festival marking the killing prophet Mohammed's grandson. No one was detained for long. None of them was charged by the court. But, the minority group worries that this is just a tactic to frighten them from worshipping. Such raids have been happening since 2010. In 2016, Shia activist Amri Che Mat was abducted, with witnesses claiming he was snatched after his vehicle was boxed in by other cars. An inquiry last year by Malaysia’s official human rights body concluded he was taken by police. A lot of the Shias fear to identify themselves. But observers believe there are between 100,000 and 500,000. Shias say that they have been persecuted since a top Islamic body issued a fatwa against them in 1996.

Malaysian Shias get 'Holocaust' like treatment in their own country

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nawaz-sharif-leaves-for-london-for-medical-treatment-263182">Nawaz Sharif</a> arrived in London in an air ambulance for medical treatment on Tuesday evening (local time). 
 
He will reportedly consult doctors in the city about his ill-health, Geo News reported. 
 
Sharif arrived in London via Doha in Qatar in the air ambulance equipped with an intensive care unit (ICU) and an operation theatre with a team of doctors and paramedics on board. He was later taken to Avenfield House in London's Park Lane area. 
 
The ailing leader was accompanied by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Khan. Close aides of the former Pakistan prime minister and party workers greeted him upon his arrival at his Avenfield House residence. 
 
The former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-to-travel-to-london-via-air-ambulance-263011">prime minister's departure to the UK</a> was delayed by over a week after his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the Exit Control List. 
 
Sources had earlier told ANI that Sharif will be admitted to London's Charlestown Clinic. All the arrangements for his medical treatment at the clinic have been completed. 
 
Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He also obtained bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case. 
 
The former Pakistan premier was rushed to the hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. 
 
Sharif, who has been diagnosed with an immune system disorder, was recommended by doctors to go abroad as his condition continued to deteriorate despite treatment. Doctors were struggling to bring his platelet count that had dropped to dangerous levels back to normal.

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in London in an air ambulance for medical treatment on Tuesday evening (local time). He will reportedly consult doctors in the city about his ill-health, Geo News reported.

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in London in an air ambulance for medical treatment on Tuesday evening (local time). He will reportedly consult doctors in the city about his ill-health, Geo News reported. Sharif arrived in London via Doha in Qatar in the air ambulance equipped with an intensive care unit (ICU) and an operation theatre with a team of doctors and paramedics on board. He was later taken to Avenfield House in London's Park Lane area. The ailing leader was accompanied by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Khan. Close aides of the former Pakistan prime minister and party workers greeted him upon his arrival at his Avenfield House residence. The former prime minister's departure to the UK was delayed by over a week after his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the Exit Control List. Sources had earlier told ANI that Sharif will be admitted to London's Charlestown Clinic. All the arrangements for his medical treatment at the clinic have been completed. Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He also obtained bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case. The former Pakistan premier was rushed to the hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Sharif, who has been diagnosed with an immune system disorder, was recommended by doctors to go abroad as his condition continued to deteriorate despite treatment. Doctors were struggling to bring his platelet count that had dropped to dangerous levels back to normal.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaches London for treatment

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment.

Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London.

Last week, &nbsp;the Lahore court had conditionally allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to leave Pakistan only for 4 weeks on medical grounds.

Before leaving, Nawaz's lawyers had to submit an undertaking that Nawaz would return to Pakistan if he is allowed to go abroad for treatment.&nbsp;

The undertaking was signed by Nawaz's brother Shahbaz Sharif.

Nawaz Sharif is in the exit control list. Thus is not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond.&nbsp;

The former Pakistani PM was jailed on corruption charges and faces trial on several other counts, too.

He was granted bail for eight weeks in the sugar mills case and the graft case against him was suspended on medical grounds.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment. Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment. Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London. Last week, the Lahore court had conditionally allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment. Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to leave Pakistan only for 4 weeks on medical grounds. Before leaving, Nawaz's lawyers had to submit an undertaking that Nawaz would return to Pakistan if he is allowed to go abroad for treatment. The undertaking was signed by Nawaz's brother Shahbaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif is in the exit control list. Thus is not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond. The former Pakistani PM was jailed on corruption charges and faces trial on several other counts, too. He was granted bail for eight weeks in the sugar mills case and the graft case against him was suspended on medical grounds.

Nawaz Sharif leaves for London for medical treatment

Former Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-to-travel-to-london-via-air-ambulance-263011">Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif</a>&nbsp;left for&nbsp;London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance.&nbsp;

Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes.

Sharif is accompanied by his brother, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) president Shahbaz Sharif, and his personal physician Adnan Khan.

Sharif was recently allowed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-minister-asks-government-to-challenge-lahore-high-court-order-concerning-nazaw-sharif-262633">Lahore High Court (LHC)</a> to travel abroad for four weeks to facilitate treatment.

According to ANI, he will be admitted to Charlestown Clinic in London, with preparation for his treatment almost complete.&nbsp;

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Sharif is on an eight-week bail due to medical reasons. He was imprisoned for his involvement in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case and was set to serve for seven years.

Additionally, he also got bail from LHC in connection with a money laundering case.

Sharif was in the Kot Lakhpat Jail last month after his physician Adnan Khan rang alarms in view of his deteriorating health.&nbsp;

His platelet count, which had stooped to dangerously low levels, was struggling to become normal.&nbsp;

Earlier, Sharif was slated to leave for abroad on Sunday but was disallowed following the court's refusal to remove his name from the Exit Control List.

(With inputs from ANI)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif left for London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance. Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif left for London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance. Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes. Sharif is accompanied by his brother, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) president Shahbaz Sharif, and his personal physician Adnan Khan. Sharif was recently allowed by Lahore High Court (LHC) to travel abroad for four weeks to facilitate treatment. According to ANI, he will be admitted to Charlestown Clinic in London, with preparation for his treatment almost complete. Lahore: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif departs for London for medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/slrs1PruHQ — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2019 × Sharif is on an eight-week bail due to medical reasons. He was imprisoned for his involvement in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case and was set to serve for seven years. Additionally, he also got bail from LHC in connection with a money laundering case. Sharif was in the Kot Lakhpat Jail last month after his physician Adnan Khan rang alarms in view of his deteriorating health. His platelet count, which had stooped to dangerously low levels, was struggling to become normal. Earlier, Sharif was slated to leave for abroad on Sunday but was disallowed following the court's refusal to remove his name from the Exit Control List. (With inputs from ANI)

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif leaves for London for treatment

Union Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-present-an-interim-budget-clarifies-finance-ministry-193892">Arun Jaitley</a> Sunday said his medical treatment at a US hospital is all over but hinted that he may not return to India in time to reply to the debate on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/it-was-not-an-interim-budget-but-a-full-fledged-budget-chidambaram-194383">Interim Budget in Parliament.&nbsp;</a>

Jaitley, 66, had missed presenting the sixth and final budget of the Narendra Modi government's present term as he had to fly to the US due to ill health.&nbsp;

In his absence, the charge of the finance ministry was given to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who on February 1 presented the Interim Budget for 2019-20 financial year.&nbsp;

Jaitley had on the Budget day stated that he would be back in India soon. 
&nbsp; 
In an interview to PTI here, he said he was on recovery course and his return to India in time to reply to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ndas-interim-budget-on-friday-likely-to-offer-some-hope-and-relief-194176">Budget </a>debate in Parliament will depend on when his doctors allow him to leave.&nbsp;

"It depends on after my treatment here, which is all over. I am on the recovery course. It's when my doctors allow me to go back. As of present, as I understand, Piyush Goyal will be replying (to the Budget debate in Parliament)," he said.&nbsp;

Jaitley had last month flown here for treatment of an unstated illness. Neither he nor the government has commented on the nature of his illness but reports suggest he was suffering from soft tissue cancer and had to be operated upon.&nbsp;

This is his first overseas visit after he underwent renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018, at AIIMS. That time too, Goyal was given the additional charge of the finance ministry.

Jaitley, who had stopped attending office at the beginning of April, was back in North Block — the seat of the finance ministry — on August 23.&nbsp;

He had in September 2014 undergone a bariatric surgery to treat weight gain that he suffered because of a long-standing diabetic condition.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday said his medical treatment at a US hospital is all over but hinted that he may not return to India in time to reply to the debate on Interim Budget in Parliament.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday said his medical treatment at a US hospital is all over but hinted that he may not return to India in time to reply to the debate on Interim Budget in Parliament. Jaitley, 66, had missed presenting the sixth and final budget of the Narendra Modi government's present term as he had to fly to the US due to ill health. In his absence, the charge of the finance ministry was given to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who on February 1 presented the Interim Budget for 2019-20 financial year. Jaitley had on the Budget day stated that he would be back in India soon. In an interview to PTI here, he said he was on recovery course and his return to India in time to reply to the Budget debate in Parliament will depend on when his doctors allow him to leave. "It depends on after my treatment here, which is all over. I am on the recovery course. It's when my doctors allow me to go back. As of present, as I understand, Piyush Goyal will be replying (to the Budget debate in Parliament)," he said. Jaitley had last month flown here for treatment of an unstated illness. Neither he nor the government has commented on the nature of his illness but reports suggest he was suffering from soft tissue cancer and had to be operated upon. This is his first overseas visit after he underwent renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018, at AIIMS. That time too, Goyal was given the additional charge of the finance ministry. Jaitley, who had stopped attending office at the beginning of April, was back in North Block — the seat of the finance ministry — on August 23. He had in September 2014 undergone a bariatric surgery to treat weight gain that he suffered because of a long-standing diabetic condition.

Arun Jaitley indicates won't be back in India to reply to Budget debate

A trial drug has shown encouraging signs of there being an effective treatment for Alzheimer&#39;s disease. 
 
The drug, named&nbsp;aducanumab, is an antibody that showed &quot;almost complete clearance&quot; of sticky proteins that clot in the brain, a reason that is believed to cause Alzheimer&#39;s. The sticky proteins are known as&nbsp;Amyloids. 
 
Experts, however, moved quickly to downplay the significance of the experiment.&nbsp; 
 
Robert Howard, a professor of old age psychiatry at University College London, told AFP,&nbsp;&quot;Although potentially this is an exciting story, it is important to temper any excitement with considerable caution.&quot; 
 
Incidentally,&nbsp;aducanumab is not the first antibody to show positive signs in Phase I&nbsp;of the drug trial. The Phase III efficacy test is the crucial period for any experimental drug.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It would be premature to conclude that this is likely to represent an effective treatment for Alzheimer&#39;s disease,&quot; professor Howard said.&nbsp; 
 
Aducanumab, an antibody developed by biotech firm Biogen, was used on 165 people suffering from early-stage Alzheimer&#39;s for a year.&nbsp; 
 
The drug recorded&nbsp;some side-effects, including headaches. 
 
Nearly 44 million people have Alzheimer&#39;s disease or a related dementia across the world. 
 
In the US, Alzheimer&#39;s is the sixth-leading cause of death.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), around 7.7 million people are diagnosed with the disease every year.&nbsp; 
 
At the moment, there is no effective treatment for&nbsp;Alzheimer&#39;s disease, which leads to memory loss in old age. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

The antibody showed 'almost complete clearance' of sticky proteins that clot in the brain, a reason that is believed to cause the disease

A trial drug has shown encouraging signs of there being an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The drug, named aducanumab, is an antibody that showed "almost complete clearance" of sticky proteins that clot in the brain, a reason that is believed to cause Alzheimer's. The sticky proteins are known as Amyloids. Experts, however, moved quickly to downplay the significance of the experiment. Robert Howard, a professor of old age psychiatry at University College London, told AFP, "Although potentially this is an exciting story, it is important to temper any excitement with considerable caution." Incidentally, aducanumab is not the first antibody to show positive signs in Phase I of the drug trial. The Phase III efficacy test is the crucial period for any experimental drug. "It would be premature to conclude that this is likely to represent an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease," professor Howard said. Aducanumab, an antibody developed by biotech firm Biogen, was used on 165 people suffering from early-stage Alzheimer's for a year. The drug recorded some side-effects, including headaches. Nearly 44 million people have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia across the world. In the US, Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), around 7.7 million people are diagnosed with the disease every year. At the moment, there is no effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease, which leads to memory loss in old age. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Trial drug kindles hopes of Alzheimer's treatment

Researchers have developed novel neuroprotective compounds that may prevent the development of epilepsy. 
 
In a study conducted in an experimental model of epilepsy in mice, the compounds prevented seizures and their damaging effects on dendritic spines, specialised structures that allow brain cells to communicate, researchers said. 
 
In epilepsy, these structures are damaged and rewire incorrectly, creating brain circuits that are hyper-connected and prone to seizures, they said. 
 
&quot;In the current study, preservation of dendritic spines and subsequent protection from seizures, were observed up to 100 days post-treatment, suggesting the process of epilepsy development has been arrested,&quot; said Nicolas Bazan from Louisiana State University (LSU) in the US. 
 
Bazan and Julio Alvarez-Builla Gomez from University of Alcala in Spain discovered and named the LAU compounds. 
 
A number of LAU compounds were studied, which blocked a neuroinflammatory signalling receptor, protecting dendritic spines and lessening seizure susceptibility and onset, as well as hyper-excitability, Indian origin researchers Surijyadipta Bhattacharjee and Chittalsinh M Raulji from LSU said. 
 
In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behaviour or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness, researchers said. 
 
It is not uncommon for people with epilepsy, especially children, to develop behavioural and emotional problems in conjunction with seizures. 
 
Issues may also arise as a result of the stigma attached to having epilepsy, which can lead to embarrassment and frustration or bullying, teasing, or avoidance in school and other social settings, they said. 
 
For many people with epilepsy, the risk of seizures restricts their independence and recreational activities. Epilepsy can be a life-threatening condition. 
 
Some people with epilepsy are at special risk for abnormally prolonged seizures or sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. There is currently no cure, researchers said.
<div> 
&quot;Most of the anti-epileptic drugs currently available treat the symptom - seizures - not the disease itself,&quot; said Bazan. 
 
&quot;Understanding the potential therapeutic usefulness of compounds that may interrupt the development process may pave the way for disease-modifying treatments for patients at risk for epilepsy,&quot; he said. 
 
The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)</div>

Mice suffering from epilepsy were tested, the compounds prevented seizures and their damaging effects on dendritic spines researchers said

Researchers have developed novel neuroprotective compounds that may prevent the development of epilepsy. In a study conducted in an experimental model of epilepsy in mice, the compounds prevented seizures and their damaging effects on dendritic spines, specialised structures that allow brain cells to communicate, researchers said. In epilepsy, these structures are damaged and rewire incorrectly, creating brain circuits that are hyper-connected and prone to seizures, they said. "In the current study, preservation of dendritic spines and subsequent protection from seizures, were observed up to 100 days post-treatment, suggesting the process of epilepsy development has been arrested," said Nicolas Bazan from Louisiana State University (LSU) in the US. Bazan and Julio Alvarez-Builla Gomez from University of Alcala in Spain discovered and named the LAU compounds. A number of LAU compounds were studied, which blocked a neuroinflammatory signalling receptor, protecting dendritic spines and lessening seizure susceptibility and onset, as well as hyper-excitability, Indian origin researchers Surijyadipta Bhattacharjee and Chittalsinh M Raulji from LSU said. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behaviour or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness, researchers said. It is not uncommon for people with epilepsy, especially children, to develop behavioural and emotional problems in conjunction with seizures. Issues may also arise as a result of the stigma attached to having epilepsy, which can lead to embarrassment and frustration or bullying, teasing, or avoidance in school and other social settings, they said. For many people with epilepsy, the risk of seizures restricts their independence and recreational activities. Epilepsy can be a life-threatening condition. Some people with epilepsy are at special risk for abnormally prolonged seizures or sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. There is currently no cure, researchers said. "Most of the anti-epileptic drugs currently available treat the symptom - seizures - not the disease itself," said Bazan. "Understanding the potential therapeutic usefulness of compounds that may interrupt the development process may pave the way for disease-modifying treatments for patients at risk for epilepsy," he said. The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports. (PTI)

New compound may prevent development of epilepsy: study

British scientists are recruiting volunteers to test whether Ketamine, also known as the party drug &#39;Special K&#39;, may be helpful in reducing relapse rates among people with severe alcoholism. 
 
After pilot studies that showed Ketamine combined with psychotherapy might make detoxing alcoholics less likely to relapse, the scientists are looking for 96 volunteers with severe alcohol disorder who have been &quot;recently abstinent&quot;. 
 
Ketamine is a licensed medical drug, widely used as an anaesthetic and to relieve pain. But it is also used as a recreational drug and can lead some people into drug abuse. 
 
&quot;Ketamine is a well-tolerated drug and can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, with a pilot study suggesting that it could cut alcohol relapse rates by more than half,&quot; Celia Morgan, who will lead the research at Exeter University, said. 
 
&quot;This trial will allow us to examine whether Ketamine, combined with therapy, can indeed help people stay abstinent from alcohol.&quot; 
 
Half the participants will get a low-dose Ketamine injection once a week for three weeks, and will also get seven 90-minute sessions of psychotherapy. A control group will get the same course of therapy, but with injections of saline solution. 
 
Morgan&#39;s team will compare the results after six months using data collected via a device fitted to each participant&#39;s ankle that monitors alcohol intake by testing sweat. 
 
Research in mice has shown Ketamine could prompt changes in the brain that make it easier for a person to make new connections and learn new things in the short-term. The researchers hope this could make the psychotherapy sessions more effective for alcoholics. 
 
A pilot study found that three doses of Ketamine plus psychotherapy reduced average 12-month relapse rates to 34 per cent from 76 per cent. Scientists think Ketamine&#39;s antidepressant properties may have helped. 
 
According to World Health Organization (WHO) figures, some 3.3 million people die each year from harmful use of alcohol, and alcohol abuse contributes to more than 200 diseases and conditions caused by injury. 
 
&quot;Alcoholism can have a terrible impact,&quot; said Kathryn Adcock, head of neurosciences and mental health at the Medical Research Council, which is jointly funding the study. &quot;But current treatments...are associated with high relapse rates &ndash; with people often return to drinking after only a short time.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Pilot studies showed that Ketamine combined with psychotherapy might make detoxing alcoholics less likely to relapse

British scientists are recruiting volunteers to test whether Ketamine, also known as the party drug 'Special K', may be helpful in reducing relapse rates among people with severe alcoholism. After pilot studies that showed Ketamine combined with psychotherapy might make detoxing alcoholics less likely to relapse, the scientists are looking for 96 volunteers with severe alcohol disorder who have been "recently abstinent". Ketamine is a licensed medical drug, widely used as an anaesthetic and to relieve pain. But it is also used as a recreational drug and can lead some people into drug abuse. "Ketamine is a well-tolerated drug and can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, with a pilot study suggesting that it could cut alcohol relapse rates by more than half," Celia Morgan, who will lead the research at Exeter University, said. "This trial will allow us to examine whether Ketamine, combined with therapy, can indeed help people stay abstinent from alcohol." Half the participants will get a low-dose Ketamine injection once a week for three weeks, and will also get seven 90-minute sessions of psychotherapy. A control group will get the same course of therapy, but with injections of saline solution. Morgan's team will compare the results after six months using data collected via a device fitted to each participant's ankle that monitors alcohol intake by testing sweat. Research in mice has shown Ketamine could prompt changes in the brain that make it easier for a person to make new connections and learn new things in the short-term. The researchers hope this could make the psychotherapy sessions more effective for alcoholics. A pilot study found that three doses of Ketamine plus psychotherapy reduced average 12-month relapse rates to 34 per cent from 76 per cent. Scientists think Ketamine's antidepressant properties may have helped. According to World Health Organization (WHO) figures, some 3.3 million people die each year from harmful use of alcohol, and alcohol abuse contributes to more than 200 diseases and conditions caused by injury. "Alcoholism can have a terrible impact," said Kathryn Adcock, head of neurosciences and mental health at the Medical Research Council, which is jointly funding the study. "But current treatments...are associated with high relapse rates – with people often return to drinking after only a short time." (Reuters)

'Special K' party drug to treat alcoholism enters human trial stage in UK

In the latest update coming in from United Hospital in Dhaka, 30 security personnel were brought in for treatment following the attack this evening. Duty manager at the United Hospital, Dr Miraj, speaking exclusively to WION, has confirmed that two security personnel who were brought to the hospital have now been declared dead. 
 
According to Dr Miraj, the men brought in had suffered severe shrapnel injuries sustained in grenade attacks at the Holey Artisan Bakery. 
The most severe injuries being reported by medical staff at the United Hospital were caused by shrapnel from grenade attacks during the exchange of fire between the IS attackers and security personnel. 
 
The United Hospital is located barely 300 metres from the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan-2 diplomatic enclave in Dhaka. The embassies and High Commissions of Malaysia, Romania, Australia, Pakistan, Canada, and Russia are among those that are in this high security zone where the bakery is situated. 
 
No civilians have so far been brought to the United Hospital for treatment from the scene of the attack. 
 
(WION)

So far, no civilians have been brought to the United Hospital for treatment from the scene of the attack

In the latest update coming in from United Hospital in Dhaka, 30 security personnel were brought in for treatment following the attack this evening. Duty manager at the United Hospital, Dr Miraj, speaking exclusively to WION, has confirmed that two security personnel who were brought to the hospital have now been declared dead. According to Dr Miraj, the men brought in had suffered severe shrapnel injuries sustained in grenade attacks at the Holey Artisan Bakery. The most severe injuries being reported by medical staff at the United Hospital were caused by shrapnel from grenade attacks during the exchange of fire between the IS attackers and security personnel. The United Hospital is located barely 300 metres from the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan-2 diplomatic enclave in Dhaka. The embassies and High Commissions of Malaysia, Romania, Australia, Pakistan, Canada, and Russia are among those that are in this high security zone where the bakery is situated. No civilians have so far been brought to the United Hospital for treatment from the scene of the attack. (WION)

Exclusive: Doctor 300 metres away from Dhaka standoff speaks to WION

Americans pay the highest prices in the world for cancer drugs, but the treatments are least affordable in lower income countries, according to the results of a new study released on Monday.

The study of cancer drug prices in seven countries, which did not take into account discounts or rebates to list prices, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.

The lowest drug prices were found in India and South Africa. After calculating price as a percentage of wealth adjusted for the cost of living, however, cancer drugs appeared to be least affordable in India and China.

Researchers at Rabin Medical Center in Petah-Tikvah, Israel, calculated monthly drug doses for 15 generic and eight brand-name cancer drugs used to treat a wide range of cancer types and stages. List prices in Australia, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United States were obtained from government websites.

The high prices commanded by modern cancer drugs are generating increased resistance and demands for price discounts from politicians,&nbsp;health&nbsp;care providers, insurers, patients and some doctors.

Drug companies argue that they need to make a profit to pay for the billions of dollars needed for drug research. Many companies also have extensive low-cost or free access schemes for patients who cannot afford their medicines.

The study researchers used gross domestic product and cost of living statistics from the International Monetary Fund to estimate drug price affordability.

Median monthly prices for branded drugs ranged from $1,515 in India to $8,694 in the United States. For generics, median prices were highest in the United States, at $654, and lowest in South Africa, $120, and India, $159.

In terms of ability to pay, the study found cancer drugs to be most affordable in Australia, where generic drugs were priced at 3 percent of &quot;domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity&quot; and patented drugs were 71 percent of the same measure.

In China, the study found generic drug prices were 48 percent and patented drugs were 288 percent of wealth adjusted for the cost of living.

In India, the cost of generics was 33 percent of that measure, while patented drugs were 313 percent.

In the United States, generics were found to be priced at 14 percent of wealth adjusted for the cost of living, and patented cancer drugs were 192 percent of the same measure.

The study did not take into account that drug costs are paid by either the government,&nbsp;healthinsurers, or patients themselves, depending on each country&#39;s&nbsp;health&nbsp;insurance system.

Worldwide spending on cancer medicines will exceed $150 billion by 2020, driven by the emergence of expensive new therapies that help the immune system to attack tumors, according to a forecast earlier this year from IMS&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Holdings.

The study found that cancer drugs were least affordable in India and China although Americans pay the highest in the world for cancer drugs

Americans pay the highest prices in the world for cancer drugs, but the treatments are least affordable in lower income countries, according to the results of a new study released on Monday. The study of cancer drug prices in seven countries, which did not take into account discounts or rebates to list prices, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. The lowest drug prices were found in India and South Africa. After calculating price as a percentage of wealth adjusted for the cost of living, however, cancer drugs appeared to be least affordable in India and China. Researchers at Rabin Medical Center in Petah-Tikvah, Israel, calculated monthly drug doses for 15 generic and eight brand-name cancer drugs used to treat a wide range of cancer types and stages. List prices in Australia, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United States were obtained from government websites. The high prices commanded by modern cancer drugs are generating increased resistance and demands for price discounts from politicians, health care providers, insurers, patients and some doctors. Drug companies argue that they need to make a profit to pay for the billions of dollars needed for drug research. Many companies also have extensive low-cost or free access schemes for patients who cannot afford their medicines. The study researchers used gross domestic product and cost of living statistics from the International Monetary Fund to estimate drug price affordability. Median monthly prices for branded drugs ranged from $1,515 in India to $8,694 in the United States. For generics, median prices were highest in the United States, at $654, and lowest in South Africa, $120, and India, $159. In terms of ability to pay, the study found cancer drugs to be most affordable in Australia, where generic drugs were priced at 3 percent of "domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity" and patented drugs were 71 percent of the same measure. In China, the study found generic drug prices were 48 percent and patented drugs were 288 percent of wealth adjusted for the cost of living. In India, the cost of generics was 33 percent of that measure, while patented drugs were 313 percent. In the United States, generics were found to be priced at 14 percent of wealth adjusted for the cost of living, and patented cancer drugs were 192 percent of the same measure. The study did not take into account that drug costs are paid by either the government, healthinsurers, or patients themselves, depending on each country's health insurance system. Worldwide spending on cancer medicines will exceed $150 billion by 2020, driven by the emergence of expensive new therapies that help the immune system to attack tumors, according to a forecast earlier this year from IMS Health Holdings.

Cancer drug prices highest in U.S., least affordable in India, China: study

New hepatitis C drugs that can cure the liver-destroying disease are revolutionising treatment, but their high price is a huge burden in some countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a new study.

An analysis of prices for two Gilead&nbsp;drugs by World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization (WHO) experts, published on Tuesday, found that while US&nbsp;prices were higher in dollar terms, parts of Europe paid considerably more in &quot;purchasing-power parity&quot; terms.

Purchasing-power parity, or PPP, is used to normalise price comparisons between different economies by taking into account the price of similar baskets of goods instead of market foreign exchange rates.

The PPP-adjusted price in Poland of a treatment course with Gilead&#39;s Harvoni was $118,754, against $72,765 in the U.S., the study found, and it would cost 190.5 percent of the country&#39;s total drugs budget to treat all Polish patients.

Another Gilead drug, Sovaldi, had a similar nominal price in both Norway and Slovakia, but on a PPP basis the price was more than twice as much in Slovakia.

&quot;If you want to treat all patients with hepatitis C, then the prices countries are being asked to pay - even after price negotiations - are still way too high,&quot; said study author Suzanne Hill, the WHO&#39;s director of essential medicines.

The study, which took account of probable confidential discounts on prices, was published in the journal PLOS Medicine.

The cost of Gilead&#39;s hepatitis C drugs has been contentious since the U.S. approval of Sovaldi in 2013, although the company has taken several steps to offer discounts and provide access programmes.

This includes allowing Indian drug companies to manufacture much lower-cost versions of the medicines for sale in developing countries.

Gilead says the price of its treatments reflect their clinical, economic and public&nbsp;health&nbsp;value, arguing that they are cost-effective over the long term.

Hill and colleagues don&#39;t question the value of the drugs but argue that without lower prices, countries will not be able to roll them out on a sufficient scale to minimise the burden of hepatitis C.

&quot;Current prices of these medicines are variable and unaffordable globally,&quot; they concluded.

New hepatitis C drugs that can cure the liver-destroying disease are revolutionising treatment, but their high price is a huge burden in Central and Eastern Europe

New hepatitis C drugs that can cure the liver-destroying disease are revolutionising treatment, but their high price is a huge burden in some countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a new study. An analysis of prices for two Gilead drugs by World Health Organization (WHO) experts, published on Tuesday, found that while US prices were higher in dollar terms, parts of Europe paid considerably more in "purchasing-power parity" terms. Purchasing-power parity, or PPP, is used to normalise price comparisons between different economies by taking into account the price of similar baskets of goods instead of market foreign exchange rates. The PPP-adjusted price in Poland of a treatment course with Gilead's Harvoni was $118,754, against $72,765 in the U.S., the study found, and it would cost 190.5 percent of the country's total drugs budget to treat all Polish patients. Another Gilead drug, Sovaldi, had a similar nominal price in both Norway and Slovakia, but on a PPP basis the price was more than twice as much in Slovakia. "If you want to treat all patients with hepatitis C, then the prices countries are being asked to pay - even after price negotiations - are still way too high," said study author Suzanne Hill, the WHO's director of essential medicines. The study, which took account of probable confidential discounts on prices, was published in the journal PLOS Medicine. The cost of Gilead's hepatitis C drugs has been contentious since the U.S. approval of Sovaldi in 2013, although the company has taken several steps to offer discounts and provide access programmes. This includes allowing Indian drug companies to manufacture much lower-cost versions of the medicines for sale in developing countries. Gilead says the price of its treatments reflect their clinical, economic and public health value, arguing that they are cost-effective over the long term. Hill and colleagues don't question the value of the drugs but argue that without lower prices, countries will not be able to roll them out on a sufficient scale to minimise the burden of hepatitis C. "Current prices of these medicines are variable and unaffordable globally," they concluded.

Burden of pricey hepatitis C drugs heaviest in Eastern Europe

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