The research team at Severance Hospital has developed artificial intelligence (AI) software that can predict the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) using retinal examination results.

CKD is typically diagnosed when a person experiences persistent decreased kidney function or proteinuria for more than six months, with common causes including diabetes and high blood pressure. By identifying individuals at high risk for CKD early on, medical professionals can implement measures to manage the condition and potentially prevent its progression.

Recognising the challenges associated with predicting CKD when kidney function appears normal, the team at Severance Hospital developed an AI programme to assess the risk of CKD based on retinal examination results and evaluated its effectiveness.

By leveraging AI technology, the software offers an opportunity to identify high-risk groups for CKD and implement preventive measures to mitigate the onset of the disease.

CKD is often referred to as a silent disease because patients usually do not exhibit symptoms until the condition has advanced significantly. Given that there is no known cure for CKD, medical professionals emphasise the importance of prevention.

The development of this AI programme marks a significant advancement in the field of kidney disease research, as it provides a means of proactive screening and intervention.

Quest Diagnostics, in collaboration with Envision Sciences, has announced the launch of a new prostate cancer biomarker test through its subspeciality pathology business, AmeriPath. Quest Diagnostics will expand access to this innovative technology through its partnership with Envision.

This tissue-based test aims to address the clinical need for improved identification and differentiation of potentially aggressive cases of prostate cancer in men.

The test utilises patented technology that offers a unique approach to visualising prostate cancer tissue, thereby enhancing the accuracy of grading the cancer by pathologists. By improving the information available to clinicians, the test is expected to enhance current prostate cancer histology practises and enable better alignment of cancer grades with treatment options.

The primary goal of this innovative prostate biomarker test is to enhance the accuracy of grading prostate cancer biopsies. It is expected to bridge a clinical gap that affects millions of men by improving staging, diagnosis, and treatment for prostate cancer.

Overall, the launch of this novel biomarker test is aimed at improving the precision and effectiveness of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.

Japan-based Shimadzu Corporation has collaborated in developing Exorapid-qIC, an immuno-chromatography kit for extracellular vesicles (CD9), launched for advanced domestic sales by Dai Nippon Toryo Co.

Exorapid-qIC is the world’s first immuno-chromatography reagent kit that targets exosomes, which are a type of extracellular vesicle (EV). Exorapid-qIC comes with “gold nanoplate-labeled antibodies,” which are antibodies bound to gold nanoplates made by Dai Nippon Toryo, “immuno-chromatography test paper” that traps exosomes when wetted with a sample solution, and a “rinse solution” used to rinse the test paper.

Shimadzu Corporation is mainly responsible for choosing which type of EVs are detected by Exorapid-qIC and for optimisation and assessment of the exosome detection system.

Using immuno-chromatographic reagents for analysis reduces initial costs associated with test equipment and reduces testing times to 45 minutes, just one-fifth the time required for previous methods.

Exosomes carry a range of information from their parental cell and are being studied for their potential utility in diagnostic applications. For example, exosomes released by cancer cells (malignant tumors) could be used for early cancer diagnosis. Diagnosing cancer based on exosomes would be less invasive than a conventional tissue biopsy and cheaper than MRI or other diagnostic imaging methods. Exosomes have also been attracting interest for their therapeutic potential. Reports have shown that exosomes released by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are used in regenerative medicine, have the ability to cure diseases and heal wounds, and clinical studies of exosomes are already underway outside of Japan.

Over the past decade, researchers have sought more effective and enduring cancer treatments. Among the wide variety of immunotherapies, Stimulator of Interfron Genes activation (STING agonism) has emerged as a particularly promising approach that harnesses a patient’s immune system to combat tumors throughout the body. Although potentially revolutionary, there remain critical hurdles to overcome before STING agonism can be employed as treatment option for patients. For example, the intravenous administration of STING agonist drugs is often not effective, due to lack of drug stability and poor uptake by immune cells.

Addressing these challenges head-on, investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, have now designed stimuli-responsive nanoparticle structures, allowing STING agonist drugs to be released when reaching the target cells. In a paper published today in Nature Nanotechnology, the researchers report that stabilized nanoformulations not only eradicated active tumors in mice but also trained their immune systems to recognize and eliminate future tumors.

“Our goal is to use STING agonism to instruct the immune system to treat cancer cells as invaders, which necessitates the design of stable and potent nanostructures that enable STING to reach the right organs and the right cells,” said senior author Natalie Artzi, PhD, a principal investigator in the Brigham’s Department of Medicine.

Lead author Pere Dosta Pons, PhD, an instructor in the Brigham’s Department of Medicine, highlighted the novelty of their approach: “We not only are training the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, but also to generate immune memory for preventing cancer recurrence.”

STING agonism involves the activation of a protein called the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which alerts the immune system to the presence of invaders. When the body is infected by a virus or bacterial species, small messenger molecules known as cytosolic cyclic dinucleotides (CDN) attach themselves to STING. This activation prompts the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which in turn activate immune cells such as natural killer cells, macrophages, and T-cells, recruiting them to the affected area to clear the infection.

Cancer evades this STING pathway by disguising itself as the body’s own cells. Researchers have been attempting to teach the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells by delivering STING agonists to immune cells in the tumor microenvironments and tumor-draining lymph nodes.

In their new paper, the Brigham team describes a new nanoparticle structure that more effectively transports CDN molecules into immune cells. This structure directly connects laboratory-produced CDNs to nanoparticles made of poly(beta amino esters), or pBAEs, making the compound more stable and potent when injected into the body, thereby enhancing its therapeutic window. The nanostructure taxis the CDN messengers directly to tumors and detaches the cargo only when reaching the target cells.

To evaluate the effectiveness of their approach, the team administered the CDN-nanoparticle (CDN-NP) compounds to mice with melanoma, colon cancer, and breast cancer tumors. They confirmed that their CDN-nanostructures were taken in by target immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and in secondary-lymphoid organs, providing mice long-term immunity against future tumors. When surviving mice were reintroduced with tumors 60 days after their initial treatment, they were able to reject the tumors on their own.

The team developed a set of design rules that must be considered when delivering immune therapy, including what the role of secondary lymphoid organs is in dictating therapeutic outcomes. They showed that the spleen plays a critical role in coaching the immune system to generate immune memory.

In addition to addressing fundamental questions about cancer and immunology, studies like this one show the potential of improving gene therapy delivery systems for treating diseases such as cancer. Mass General Brigham recently launched its Gene and Cell Therapy Institute to help translate scientific discoveries made by researchers into first-in-human clinical trials and, ultimately, life-changing treatments for patients. The Institute’s multidisciplinary approach sets it apart from others in the space, helping researchers to rapidly advance new therapies and pushing the technological and clinical boundaries of this new frontier.

In explaining the significance of the work, Artzi said, “Our research addresses the fundamental interplay between the immune system and cancer through the use of novel structure that has been designed to be both stable and potent. Moreover, we have demonstrated that targeting secondary lymphoid organs, such as the spleen, is crucial in generating long-lasting antitumor response which has important implications in how we think about immunotherapy delivery.”

Building on its 40-year legacy of clinical excellence, Apollo, the world’s largest vertically integrated healthcare provider, today, announced the launch of Apollo Children’s – India’s largest, dedicated and most comprehensive network for Pediatric care. With a wide network of 40+ hospitals, 900 + dedicated beds for pediatric care, 400+ specialised pediatricians providing services across 25+ specialised pediatric care specialities.

The Department of Pediatrics at Apollo is known, for its excellence in India and beyond. Be it the care of the extremely pre-term neonate or children with multi-organ dysfunction, Apollo is one of the leaders in advanced treatment facility for comprehensive pediatric care.

Apollo Children’s will offer specialized interventions for complex medical and surgical pediatric conditions, including congenital disorders, gastrointestinal and liver disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiac conditions, renal disease, oncology, and liver transplants. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, Apollo Children’s prioritizes delivering the highest quality care to children in need. 

Recognizing the need to transform pediatric care in the country, Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo said, “Over the last 40 years Apollo has been able to build a formidable reputation in pediatric care that is rooted in our understanding of the unique needs of children. Our efforts have resulted in delivering world class care to children not only in India but also from more than 50 other countries. With our highly skilled pediatric specialists, Apollo Children’s is designed to be a one-stop destination where children receive the highest quality of care across all aspects of their health. Recognizing the need to cover the entire spectrum of a child’s development, we aim to provide multidimensional and the most advanced care to children, setting new benchmarks in pediatric care.” 

Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson, Apollo said, “Patient centricity is at the core of what we do at Apollo. With the largest dedicated number of multidisciplinary paediatricians, legacy of best patient outcomes and use of best technology, we are all set to revolutionize pediatric care in India. Helming this transformation, Apollo Children’s will be India’s finest healthcare facilities backed by multi-disciplinary expertise and treatment infrastructure. Through our comprehensive approach, cutting-edge technology, and emphasis on family-centered care, we will continue to be at the forefront of providing the best pediatric care in the country.”

What sets Apollo Children’s apart is its unwavering commitment to 24/7 pediatric emergency and pediatric intensive care services. The dedicated emergency department is staffed by expert pediatric specialists and equipped with advanced life-saving equipment, ensuring immediate and efficient management of Pediatric emergencies. Parents can trust that their children will receive prompt and expert care in times of sudden illness, injury, or any other medical emergency. 

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo said, “Our primary objective is to foster a child-friendly environment that ensures personalized attention and care of the highest order. We are committed to providing comprehensive pediatric care at every step of the way, from minor colds to major surgeries. We strive for pediatric clinical excellence in India and beyond. We are equipped to handle all cases, including those requiring multi-disciplinary expertise and treatment infrastructure. Our specialized approach caters to the unique needs of children, and we will continue to leverage the expertise of our accomplished medical professionals and cutting-edge facilities to provide world-class care to our young patients.”

 Sindoori Reddy, COO, Southern Region, Apollo Hospitals said: “ With this, Apollo Children’s will provide services across the spectrum – from primary and secondary care to tertiary and quaternary care, making it the most preferred destination for 24*7 Pediatric care.  Apollo Children’s offers over 25 specialties that include Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Heart Transplantation, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric oncology, Pediatric Robotics, Urology, Neonatalogy etc. to name a few.”

Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director & Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals said “Apollo has been a leader in pediatric care and has been the first to establish an integrated ecosystem for the care of children. Apollo Indraprastha Delhi was the first hospital in India to perform a first successful pediatric liver transplant in 1998. Since then, over 500 pediatric liver transplants have been performed. Highly complicated pediatric robotic, pediatric and neonatal cardiac surgeries, bone marrow transplants, kidney transplants are performed with outcomes comparable to the best published international outcomes.  Now, with the launch of Apollo Children’s, we are confident that we shall make a profound impact on the way holistic neonatal, pediatric  and adolescent care is delivered in the country. ”

Apollo is India’s largest pediatric tertiary and quaternary care provider with its vertically integrated ecosystem providing parents several care touch points across Apollo Children’s, Clinics, 24/7 and many more. Recognised by the National Board of Examinations, Apollo currently has 49 pediatric and pediatric sub-specialty DNB seats across its hospitals that aim to provide highest quality of post graduate training in pediatrics and pediatric super specialities like pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric oncology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric surgery, pediatric urology and others. 

Nepal’s ministry of finance and the embassy of the Republic of Korea have gone ahead and signed a MoU for Capacity Building of Medical Service so as to achieve universal health coverage for the poor across the susceptible areas in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

By way of the Korea International Cooperation Agency- KOICA, the Korean government will go on to spend $9.5 million pertaining to this project over the next five years. The project looks to elevate the capacity of the medical infrastructure as well as professionals when it comes to quality hospital management, better coverage of public health insurance, and infection control in Bhaktapur.

It is well to be noted that Korea International Cooperation Agency will construct a 100-bed hospital on the adjoining land that has in it Nepal Korea Friendship Municipality Hospital- NKFMH, offer required medical equipment, and create capacity when it comes to putting in place medical and administrative staff for the hospital. Apparently, the old and new hospital buildings shall be interconnected so as to make sure of effective service delivery.

Significantly, phase 2 of NKFMH is going to be instrumental in offering quality healthcare to not only the general public but poor too and also people who are vulnerable across Bhaktapur and nearby districts who are by the way going to have a seamless access to healthcare services that are specialised.

Insights from Information Systems Research suggest that while telehealth services should be covered by payers, further investigation is needed to determine their most beneficial applications. It cautions against granting providers unrestricted approval for telehealth and suggests that payers should not cover all telehealth uses. The researchers emphasize that telehealth is not a universal solution for healthcare and should be approached with caution.

Nevertheless, the importance of expanding insurance coverage of telehealth to include more providers, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare access has also been highlighted. This expansion can reduce subsequent hospitalizations and unnecessary costs. The authors argue that telehealth is most beneficial for treating conditions with high potential for virtualization, such as mental health, skin problems, metabolic conditions, and musculoskeletal diseases. However, telehealth did not significantly reduce visits to specialists or emergency departments for circulatory, respiratory, or infectious diseases.

Dr. Indranil Bardhan explains that telehealth’s impact is more nuanced than anticipated. The data presented was obtained by reviewing outpatient clinics in Maryland from 2012 to 2021. The researchers identified 16 diseases and assessed their virtualization potential.

Telehealth has cost-saving potential in monitoring disease progression and reducing utilization costs. Telehealth usage resulted in a 13.6% decrease in outpatient visits within 30 days, saving $239 per patient. Patients with conditions suitable for virtualization experienced a 12.2% reduction in outpatient visits within 30 days, saving $179.50 per patient. Additionally, telehealth can contribute to cost savings by monitoring disease progression over time.

The researchers note that telehealth can improve access to healthcare for individuals in rural areas. These patients showed a higher incidence of primary care provider (PCP) and non-PCP visits after a telehealth session but incurred lower costs within 30 days.

Dr. Bardhan hopes that these insights will inform discussions on optimizing healthcare resource utilization. Providers are encouraged to focus telehealth on specific diseases and conditions where it can have the greatest impact. Policymakers should develop new reimbursement models and promote telehealth adoption for targeted diseases and conditions to control costs and support the shift towards outpatient and home-based care services.

Private hospitals in India and Kenya are accused of denying vital healthcare to individuals with low incomes and even holding them captive until they settle their bills. Shockingly, Oxfam reveals that these hospitals benefit from UK government investment funds. Oxfam criticizes the flawed policy of investing in private healthcare and urges the UK government to halt such investments.

It focuses on the British International Investment (BII), owned and managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, which channels millions of pounds from the UK aid budget into foreign businesses and programs in impoverished nations. Insight reveals how governments of the UK, France, and Germany, along with organizations like the World Bank, support investments in private healthcare groups owned by US private equity firms. Oxfam argues that instead of backing private providers, these development finance institutions (DFIs) should redirect their investments to bolster public health systems and enhance healthcare access for impoverished individuals. Additionally, many countries receiving healthcare development funds have become attractive to health tourists.

Several distressing cases are there, including patients being imprisoned in BII-funded hospitals in Kenya until they settle their medical fees. One example involved a secondary school student who remained captive in a hospital for 11 months. Additionally, there were incidents where hospitals refused to release deceased bodies until outstanding fees were paid, with one case lasting over two years. In India, private hospitals funded by BII were accused of denying treatment to individuals with government health insurance cards, which entitled them to free care.

BII’s mission is to invest in private sector organizations in developing countries to stimulate growth and achieve the United Nations’ development goals. BII asserts that its activities aim to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare in ways that positively impact millions of lives. However, Oxfam’s research in India, Kenya, and Nigeria reveals that private hospitals fail to honor promises of accepting accident and emergency cases due to profit motives, leading to cover-ups of financial and medical abuses.

Insights claim that over 90% of BII’s health investments lack transparency and accountability. These investments are made through fee-charging and profit-driven private equity funds, often based on tax havens. An upcoming inquiry by the all-party international development committee will further examine the UK’s use of DFIs.

Oxfam highlights the devastating consequences faced by individuals who are pushed into poverty by exorbitant health fees, which can reach up to $36,000 (£29,000). Emergency patients, including victims of violence, are denied treatment until they or their relatives provide cash. Astonishingly high fees for maternity care are also revealed, with one hospital in Nigeria charging the equivalent of 12 years’ wages for normal birth and 24 years’ wages for a cesarean section among the poorest 10% of the population.

Oxfam emphasizes that every second, 60 more people are plunged into poverty due to catastrophic health costs. Instead of addressing this issue, the current approach to UK aid exacerbates the problem. Given the escalating need and dwindling aid budgets, it is crucial to ensure that development funding for health is used effectively to reach those who lack access to healthcare.