The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, revealed that participants who received doses of 75 mg or more every 12 weeks maintained a reduction in Lp(a) levels of approximately 40% to 50% nearly a year after their final dose.

Olpasiran, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) medication, has garnered attention for its ability to target and reduce Lp(a), a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It blocks the production of Lp(a) by inhibiting the translation of apolipoprotein(a) mRNA. In Phase 2 trials, higher doses of Olpasiran administered every 12 weeks reduced circulating Lp(a) levels by over 95%.

Against the above background, Michelle L. O’Donoghue, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the timing of return of Lp(a) to baseline after discontinuation of olpasiran, and longer-term safety.

The OCEAN(a)-DOSE (Olpasiran Trials of Cardiovascular Events And LipoproteiN[a] Reduction–DOSE Finding Study) was a Phase 2 trial designed to explore different dosing regimens. It involved 281 participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and Lp(a) levels exceeding 150 nmol/L.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of four Olpasiran doses (10 mg, 75 mg, 225 mg every 12 weeks, or an exploratory 225 mg every 24 weeks) or a placebo. The final dose of Olpasiran was given at week 36, with an additional off-treatment follow-up period extending for at least 24 weeks beyond week 48.

The following were the key findings of the study:

• Two hundred seventy-six participants entered the off-treatment follow-up period. The median study exposure (treatment combined with off-treatment phases) was 86 weeks (Q1-Q3: 79-99 weeks).
• For the 75 mg Q12W dose, the off-treatment placebo-adjusted mean percent change from baseline in Lp(a) was −76.2%, −53.0%, −44.0%, and −27.9% at 60, 72, 84, and 96 weeks, respectively.
• The respective off-treatment changes in Lp(a) for the 225 mg Q12W dose were −84.4%, −61.6%, −52.2%, and −36.4%.
• During the extension follow-up phase, no new safety concerns were identified.

Jared Alexander Spitz from Inova Schar Heart and Vascular in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, commented in his editorial that while the results are promising, no new safety issues emerged during the study. He emphasized that further research, including Phase 3 trials, must validate these findings and explore their broader clinical implications, particularly across diverse patient populations.

"Olpasiran's RNA interference mechanism significantly reduces Lp(a) levels, with its effects remaining robust for several months after treatment cessation. Currently, the drug is demonstrating a favorable safety and tolerance profile. The forthcoming Phase 3 trial results will be crucial in establishing whether lowering Lp(a) with olpasiran provides tangible cardiovascular benefits," the study authors concluded.

Reference:

O'Donoghue ML, Rosenson RS, López JAG, Lepor NE, Baum SJ, Stout E, Gaudet D, Knusel B, Kuder JF, Murphy SA, Wang H, Wu Y, Shah T, Wang J, Wilmanski T, Sohn W, Kassahun H, Sabatine MS; OCEAN(a)-DOSE Trial Investigators. The Off-Treatment Effects of Olpasiran on Lipoprotein(a) Lowering: OCEAN(a)-DOSE Extension Period Results. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024 Aug 27;84(9):790-797. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2024.05.058. PMID: 39168564.

Mosquito breeding sites in St Michael and Christ Church will be targeted by the Vector Control Unit this week.

The team will concentrate its efforts in St Michael for the first three days of the week. On Monday the Unit will visit Hindsbury Road, Tudor Bridge, Dr Kerr Land, Mottley Land, Prescod Bottom, Brathwaite Road, Progressive Road, Field Gap, Country Road, and Laundry Road.

The next day it will be the turn of 2nd Avenue Mannings Land, Peterkins Road, Bamboo Gap, Eagle Hall, Barbarees Hill, Monteith Gardens, Strathclyde, and surrounding areas.

On Wednesday the following districts will be sprayed: Mansion Road, Bank Hall Cross Road, Prince of Wales, Queen Mary Road, King George Road, King Edward Road, Queen Victoria Road, Buckingham Road, 2nd Avenue Sealy Land, Gilkes Road, Powder Road, and Happy Cot.

The Unit will then go into some Christ Church communities on Thursday. They are Fort George Heights, South Ridge, Upton Terrace, Kent Ridge, Little Kent, The Grove, St. David’s, Edey Village, and Staple Grove.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude in St Michael, on Friday when the Unit goes into Station Hill, Powder Road, Savannah Road, 1st to 3rd Avenue Station Hill, Leinster Road, Waterford, Trainmore Lane, Longford Place,1st to 5th Avenue Park Road and the environs.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the spray.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time. (PR)

The post Vector Control Unit to tackle St Michael and Christ Church appeared first on Barbados Today.

National Territory, DR – In the Dominican Republic, the indicators that show deterioration of mental health have skyrocketed; one of them, traffic congestion, raises these stressors.

Dr. José Miguel Gómez Montero, psychiatrist and writer, analyzed the topic.

“This is a society trapped with a culture of high dangerousness, citizen insecurity, noise and blockage,” said the specialist, explaining that society is macro-stressed and, consequently, mental health indicators are skyrocketing.

Next, he specified: “The streets of the largest cities in the country are crowded with vehicles of various modalities, cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles and scooters. It can be reviewed in any demarcation of the Dominican Republic.”

He referred to the blackouts as an indicator of deterioration in the quality of public services and said that there is a deficit in public and environmental policies aimed at improving people’s quality of life.

The proposal

“The proposal is that the mayors’ offices continue to organize the parks, that the traffic lights work, and that, in Santo Domingo, the transit of high-cylinder trucks is prohibited on the boardwalk,” the doctor and writer said.

The doctor believes that more recreational areas should be built in cities and that the Government should make a greater effort to improve the electricity system. “People get irritated by the heat due to the lack of electricity, which prevents them from sleeping well. Likewise, everything is complicated in large cities with road blockages.”

Noise is highly harmful to mental health, said the professional, specifying that people occupy the sidewalks and that the authorities do not take measures.

He referred to those who use public roads to make sales or wash their windows, an action added to the plugs at intersections.

“It is necessary to develop efficient social policies, which restore peace, tranquility and harmony to the population,” said the doctor.

He said that improving mental health indicators and creating a safer, more spiritual, and comfortable city are necessary. He said that all this was planned.

The reality

In the Dominican Republic, the plugs manifest themselves at any time of the day. A blockage can last for a prolonged period, and people become desperate.

The situation has become complicated with the opening of the school year, which means that tutors take to the streets from the early hours of the morning.

For the public road to be blocked, 10 minutes is enough; it can cost an hour.

Dominicans have experienced anxiety, stress, and a deterioration of mental health in recent years. It would be necessary to expand and adapt important points of the Juan Pablo Duarte highway and the construction of the marginal Los Alcarrizos. Both projects are underway and have been established in traffic studies.

Bus corridors on central routes are initiatives that have a favorable impact.

New Delhi: The recent claims made by various media reports based on the press note/conference of ENTOD pharma, stating that its product Presvu and its proprietary formula can get rid of reading glasses is Misleading. 

The Claim and its skyrocketing virality 

On 3rd September, 2024, pharma company, Entod Pharma organised a press conference where it announced the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approval of the product. The press release that followed was titled " ENTOD Pharmaceuticals’ PresVu Eye Drops Approved by DCGI, Offering a Spectacular Treatment for Presbyopia, making reading possible without Spectacles" and stated that PresVu is the first eye drop in India specifically developed to reduce dependency on reading glasses for individuals affected by presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition that typically impacts those over 40.

"Presvu has also been applied for a patent for this invention in terms of its formulation and the process. The proprietary formula not only gets rid of reading glasses but also helps the patient lubricate their eyes as a side benefit. These eye drops utilise advanced dynamic buffer technology to swiftly adapt to tear pH, ensuring consistent efficacy and safety for extended use, keeping in mind that such drops will be used for years at a stretch," the press release stated

The release went on to add about the incidence and impact of presbyopia, as well as its impact. Presbyopia occurs as a natural consequence of aging when the eye’s ability to focus diminishes, leading to difficulty in focusing on close objects. This condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to perform daily tasks and maintain their lifestyle. The release also contained quotes from Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, who stated, “PresVu is the result of years of dedicated research and development. This DCGI approval is a major step forward in our mission to transform eye care in India. PresVu is more than just a product; it's a solution that stands to improve the lives of millions by offering them greater visual independence. We take pride in our commitment to innovation and in providing healthcare solutions that are both accessible and affordable.”

Dr. Dhananjay Bakhle, Scientific Advisor, Entod Pharma commented on the clinical potential of PresVu, stating, “The approval of PresVu is a promising development in the field of ophthalmology. For patients with presbyopia, this eye drop offers a non-invasive option that can enhance near vision without the need for reading glasses. Its rapid efficacy and safety profile, demonstrated in clinical trials, makes it a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal.”

Dr. Aditya Sethi, Ophthalmologist, was quoted in the release as stating, “Presbyopia has long been managed with reading glasses, contact lenses and surgical interventions but PresVu offers an advanced alternative that augments near vision within 15 minutes. This new treatment option is set to greatly improve the quality of life for many, allowing them to perform everyday tasks with newfound ease. It's important to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if blurry close-up vision interferes with reading, close-up work, or other activities. Immediate medical attention is necessary for sudden blurred vision, flashes of light, or double vision.”

Following the press conference, Several media outlets reported about the eye drops claiming it as a spectacular treatment for Presbyopia and the potential to get rid of reading glasses. Times of India report was titled " Say goodbye to reading glasses: DCGI approves vision-correcting eye drops" started by stating" Imagine a world where we no longer need to reach for our reading glasses every time we pick up a book, check our phone, or at a menu. For millions of people over 40, this could soon be a reality....". Similarly, another report in ABP news was titiled," नजर का चश्मा लगाने से मिल जाएगा छुटकारा! DCGI की तरफ से इस आई ड्रॉप को मिली मंजूरी". Another report in NDTV was titled "All About PresVu, New Eye Drops That Can Remove Reading Glasses In 15 Mins. Similarly another news report in in myNation Hindi said "PressVu: गजब! सिर्फ 15 मिनट में हट जाएगा चश्मा, शानदार है ये आई ड्राप.| 

Fact check

The claim that Presvu can get rid of reading glasses is Misleading. PresVu eye drops may reduce dependence on reading glasses for certain individuals with presbyopia, but it is unlikely to fully "get rid of" the need for reading glasses in all cases. Presbyopia is a progressive, age-related condition, and while eye drops may improve near vision temporarily, they are not a cure. The phrasing in many of the news reports suggests a complete and permanent solution, which is likely overstated without long-term, conclusive clinical data. 

What Is Presbyopia

Presbyopia occurs when the eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects. It is a natural part of aging and becomes noticeable after age 40. The word “presbyopia” is derived from Greek, meaning “old eye.” This condition occurs as the lens of the eye, located behind the iris, becomes more rigid and less flexible with age, making it difficult to focus on close-up tasks like reading or threading a needle. While presbyopia cannot be prevented or reversed, it can be managed with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Without correction, presbyopia can lead to eye strain and headaches.

What is Presvu

Presvu is a brand name of the ophthalmic drug by Entod Pharma that contains the generic molecule (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 1.25%, for topical ophthalmic use. It was initially approved in the United States in 1974 and has been used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension by allowing excess fluid to drain from the eye.

It was approved in the US under brand name Vuity for the treatment of Presbyopia, Medical Dialogues team had reported in 2021. In 2023, Entod Pharma got the approval from the CDSCO Panel, DCGI, the drug regulator in India to study Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Treatment of Presbyopia

Pilocarpine ophthalmic treats presbyopia by reducing the size of the pupils which helps to see objects up close.

Pilocarpine hydrochloride is a cholinergic muscarinic agonist which activates muscarinic receptors located at smooth muscles such as the iris sphincter muscle and ciliary muscle. The drug contracts the iris sphincter muscle, constricting the pupil to improve near and intermediate visual acuity while maintaining some pupillary response to light. It also contracts the ciliary muscle and may shift the eye to a more myopic state.

While the data of Presvu brand is not traceable publicly, the systemic exposure to pilocarpine was evaluated in 22 participants with presbyopia who were administered 1 drop of VUITY  in each eye once daily for 30 days. The mean Cmax and AUC0-t,ss values on Day 30 were 1.95 ng/mL and 4.14 ng·hr/mL, respectively. The median Tmax value on Day 30 was 0.3 hours postdose with a range from 0.2 to 0.5 hours postdose.

In a clinical trial published by George O Waring et. al. found the onset effect of AGN-190584 (Allergan, an AbbVie company) which is an optimized topical formulation of pilocarpine hydrochloride, 1.25% was at 15 minutes.

The most common adverse reactions (>5%) of the drug include headache and conjunctival hyperemia, while warning and precautions include the following

1. Blurred Vision: Patients should be advised not to drive or operate
   machinery if vision is not clear (e.g., blurred vision). Exercise caution in
   night driving and other hazardous activities in poor illumination.
2. Risk of Retinal Detachment: Rare cases of retinal detachment and retinal
   tear have been reported with miotics,Individuals with
   pre-existing retinal disease are at increased risk. Therefore, examination
   of the retina is advised in all patients prior to initiation of therapy.
   Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical care with sudden
   onset of flashing lights, floaters, or vision loss.
3. Iritis: Caution is advised in patients with iritis. 

The drug is contradicted in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any of the excipients.

So, is this a breakthrough, Spectacular Drug that gets rid of Reading Glasses?

Based on the analysis of the traceable public data around the molecule, the agent is does not seem to be a breakthrough or revolutionary drug. The molecule was first approved in ophthalmic conditions in 1974 and was particularly approved in the condition of Presbyopia in 2021 by the USFDA. 

Regarding the Claim Medical Dialogues Fact check Team, spoke to Dr Ishan Kataria, who informed, "It would be incorrect to classify this drug as a breakthrough treatment for presbyopia. It contains a diluted form of pilocarpine, which provides a temporary 'pinpoint effect' by constricting the pupil and ciliary muscles, similar to looking through a keyhole where light converges to enhance near vision. While this may reduce dependency on reading glasses, it cannot fully eliminate the need for them, as presbyopia is a natural, age-related condition that typically affects those over 40. For individuals above 50, the drops might reduce the need for stronger lenses, e.g- potentially bringing a prescription of +3.0 down to +1.5, but no further. Although the drops work within 15 minutes, their effect is temporary, and without regular use, the benefits will diminish. Additionally, pilocarpine has a known history of side effects, including headaches and, in rare cases, retinal detachment, particularly when used in higher concentrations for glaucoma. Therefore, it may not be suitable for everyone."

The Aftermath of the Viral Claim

With several media reports pointing this as a "breakthrough" or "revolutionary"  drug, drug officials came out condemning the reports as false presentation of facts

The claims made by ENTOD Pharmaceuticals about its product PresVU eye drops being approved by DCGI and offering spectacular treatment for Presbyopia are unethical and false presentation of facts, said a top official source to ANI news agency. "This is unethical and false presentation of facts," said the official source. The company has been asked for an explanation for the false representation by the drug regulator, "Explanation has been asked from the company." Said top official sources.

Response of the company

In response to the queries of Medical Dialogues, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals dismissed allegations that it made unethical or false presentation of facts to the media or public about its product, PresVu eye drops.

Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO, Entod Pharmaceuticals, said in a statement late Thursday evening, "We at ENTOD Pharmaceuticals hereby declare that we have not made any of the unethical or false presentation of facts to the media or public when it comes to PresVu eye drops. All facts disclosed to the media are strictly based on the approved indication for treatment of presbyopia in adults and the Phase 3 clinical trial data generated by us. "

The company further mentioned that the opinions and claims printed in news stories do not represent ENTOD Pharmaceuticals. "Some of the opinions and claims printed in news stories do not represent that of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals or any of its spokespeople. The widespread media interest in such a therapy has been unprecedented and has led to sensationalization of the story."

Final Verdict

The press release and the various reports are misleading as they seem to overstate the role of Pressvu as a breakthrough or a revolutionary drug that can get rid of reading glasses. While there is merit in the use of drugs in improving vision in presbyopia, this improvement is temporary and requires the reuse of drug again and again implying the solution is not permanent. Hence, the claims surrounding Presvu getting rid of reading glasses are misleading 

Trinidad and Tobago has recorded its 13th dengue-related death with health authorities saying Friday, that the number of cases had surpassed 1,300.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 1,315 confirmed cases of dengue fever across the country, with 13 fatalities so far this year.

It said that as of September 5, health authorities have also issued 914 yellow fever notices to property owners and occupiers, urging them to clean up their surroundings to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Legal action is being considered against 43 property owners for failing to comply with these directives as the ministry reminds the public that dengue is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

It is the same type of mosquito that spreads the Zika and chikungunya viruses.

Trinidad and Tobago recorded its first dengue-related death on June 19, when a 65-year-old succumbed to the virus.

The health ministry said that symptoms appear within five to six days of being bitten (and) last for one to two weeks.

It said the symptoms include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, vomiting and diarrhea and that individuals showing such symptoms should seek immediate medical treatment.

SOURCE: CMC

The post Trinidad and Tobago records 13 dengue-related deaths appeared first on Barbados Today.

The primary goal of the HCC Communications under the Global Health Advocacy Incubator project remains to tackle childhood obesity and by extension non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through healthy food environments across the Caribbean with a focus on Barbados and Jamaica. This has been achieved through the development and implementation of communication and advocacy campaigns, guided by a strategic plan to reach target audiences including policymakers, the media and lay-persons. Our markers of success have been grounded in regional governments policy readiness and implementation.

The HCC continues to communicate with various target audiences through several channels. These include social media including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X formerly known as Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and digital, including our website, email blasts, RoundUp newsletter, and our webinars. The HCC has engaged both traditional and online media in our efforts to reach our target audiences. The media, being one of our primary audiences we have engaged through our webinars, hang-outs, one-on-one meetings, training sessions, sensitisations and now through the sponsored Caribbean Media Awards.

The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) expanded its awards this year, to include a Healthy Nutrition Food Policy Award under two (2) themes; Television and Print for the 35th National Gas Company (NGC) Caribbean Media Awards (CMA) of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU). This activity culminated the 55th Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s Annual General Assembly, which took place in Placencia Belize. The Awards recognizes the work of the media produced and published in 2023. Following the criteria, nominations were released in June 2024. Nestled in the Umaya Hotel, the Awards took place on the night of Tuesday August 13th, 2024. The Nation Publishing Company, having coped its first ever CMA, was awarded in the print category and the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) emerged the winner under the television themed category. Special mention was given to RJR Gleaner Communications Group (Print Themed Award).

The event was live telecast hosted by Great Belize Productions Limited – Channel 5. Presentations, Trophies and Certificates were made in fifty-five (55) categories. A record number of these – twenty-four (24) were themed categories supported by category sponsors including:

• UNDP CariSECURE2.0
• Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC)
• The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
• The Sagicor Financial Company Limited
• The Caribbean Development Bank Basic Needs Trust Fund
• The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Division
• The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management
• SAEDI Consulting Limited

The organisation with the largest number of wins was RJR Gleaner Communications Group from Jamaica with sixteen (16) awards and four (4) special mentions across its media services. Great Belize Productions – Channel 5 was second with eight (8) wins and two (2) special mentions. Trinidad and Tobago was well represented with Trinidad Express fielding five (5) awards and garnering four (4) special mentions. TTT Limited received four (4) awards and a special mention. The Guardian Group was successful in five (5) categories with two awards for CNC-3; two (2) special mentions for television service and one (1) for the print-arm-Guardian newspaper.

The theme for this year’s Annual General Assembly was the Media and the Environment. This theme, being quite expansive covers key areas of interest of the HCC including the food environment in which a healthy and nutritious environment supported by healthy nutrition food policies allows individuals to grow, live, learn and thrive and climate change; which impacts heavily on the kind of food environment we have at our disposal. Food security relies heavily on and is impacted by climate change.

• The BGIS award – “Grow Green Barbados: Episode 3 – Organic Farming” – Aisha Reid, Mikul Elcock, David Bynoe, Esther Jones,  KathyAnn Husbands
• Nation Publishing Company (Barbados) It’s War – Donna Sealy
• Special Mention: RJR Gleaner Communications Group (Jamaica) – “Hungry Belly Children Can’t Learn” – Andre Williams

The HCC will also sponsor two (2) journalists for the 2024 awards (36th CMA) which has been announced will take place in Barbados in August 2025. This will be promoted at the Healthy Food Policy Virtual Sensitisation for Media Managers, Journalists and Partners in October 2024. The HCC was represented by Communications Officer Sheena Warner-Edwards in Belize, throughout the General Assembly. Participants experienced the culture of Belize through the food and the people. Both the Opening Ceremony and the Awards were streamed from Channel 5across HCCs social media channels.

Here are some photos from the event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOH3Ow9mg_w

CBU Media Monitoring

• https://www.caribroadcastunion.org/cbu-events/cma/
• https://www.caribroadcastunion.org/2024/06/04/ngc-35th-cbu-caribbean-media-awards-announcement-of-nominees/
• https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20240817/rjrgleaner-group-continues-caribbean-media-dominance
• https://edition.channel5belize.com/winners-announced-at-record-breaking-35th-caribbean-media-awards/
• https://www.cbc.bb/news/local-news/cbc-cops-regional-media-awards/
• https://emonewsdm.com/sagicor-financial-company-ltd-supports-caribbean-broadcasting-unions-caribbean-media-awards/
• https://www.tv6tnt.com/news/7pmnews/ngc-35th-cbu-caribbean-media-awards/article_ab8b6898-5ab3-11ef-b9a5-9bfe1e50398a.html
• https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/gml-bags-two-cbu-journalism-awards-three-special-mentions-6.2.2082717.e8035f9f03
• https://magneticmediatv.com/2024/08/historic-health-professions-amendment-ordinance-and-regulations-2024-officially-signed-into-law/
• https://climatetrackercaribbean.org/featured/climate-tracker-fellows-shine-at-35th-cbu-awards/
• https://www.ttt.live/cbu-awards-2024/
• https://edition.channel5belize.com/caribbean-journalists-converge-in-belize-for-cbu-agm-media-awards/
• https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/caribbean-tourism-organization-announces-2024-media-award-winners

The post 2023 CBU Caribbean Media Awards appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

However, breast arterial calcifications (BAC) can be identified during routine mammography and have been emerged as independent prognosticators of cardiovascular risk. The study investigated how BAC interacts with coronary artery disease profiles as assessed by computed tomography (CT) by focusing on the implications of BAC 0 (absence of BAC) and its relationship with coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores, the severity of coronary stenosis, and the presence of high-risk plaques (HRP).

The study included a total of 443 consecutive female patients who underwent both mammography and coronary CT angiography (CTA) for clinical indications within a year. The patients were divided into 3 age groups: under 55 years, 55-65 years, and over 65 years. This research analyzed the prevalence of BAC 0 and its correlation with CAC scores, specifically the individuals greater than 300 Agatston Units (AU), the severity of coronary stenosis (defined as obstructive disease with >50% stenosis) and the presence of high-risk plaques.

The results revealed significant age-related differences in the prevalence of BAC 0. Younger women (under 55 years) with BAC 0 were highly unlikely to have a severe CAC score (>300 AU), with only 0.82% of these women falling into this high-risk category. However, this protective effect of BAC 0 diminishes with age. The prevalence of high CAC scores in the individuals with BAC 0 jumps significantly in women over 65, with a 16.58-fold increase in risk when compared to younger women. Women aged 55-65 also showed a marked increase in high CAC scores, with 12.1% affected.

When examining obstructive coronary disease, the study found that 18.2% of women with BAC 0 had significant coronary stenosis (>50% blockage). Again, this risk was age-dependent: 10.7% in women under 55, 14.7% in those aged 55-65, and 29.9% in women over 65 years. While BAC 0 seemed somewhat protective against severe CAC in younger women, it did not rule out the presence of obstructive coronary disease or high-risk plaques across all age groups. The correlation between BAC, CAC, and CAD-RADS (a scoring system for coronary artery disease severity) was weak, with no significant association between BAC and the presence of high-risk plaques.

The study illuminates that while BAC 0 may help rule out severe coronary calcification in women under 55, it does not reliably predict the absence of obstructive coronary disease or high-risk plaques in older women. Overall, this finding has important implications for primary prevention strategies by suggesting that reliance on BAC 0 alone in cardiovascular risk assessment may leave a significant proportion of women at risk, particularly the women over 55 years old.

Source:

Deeg, J., Swoboda, M., Bilgeri, V., Lacaita, P. G., Scharll, Y., Luger, A., Widmann, G., Gruber, L., & Feuchtner, G. M. (2024). Does the absence of breast arterial calcification (BAC 0) rule out severe coronary artery disease? A computed tomography angiography study. In American Journal of Preventive Cardiology (Vol. 19, p. 100724). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100724

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Health, supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other health sector partners, is enhancing the Dominican Republic’s ability to handle health emergencies, particularly those involving respiratory viruses.

To achieve this, the Ministry of Health, through its Epidemiology Department, conducted a workshop titled “Framework of National Programs for the Prevention and Control of Diseases Caused by Respiratory Viruses with Epidemic and Pandemic Potential.” The workshop involved collaboration with the National Health Service (SNS), the General Directorate of Livestock, and the General Directorate of Medicines, Food, and Health Products (Digemaps).

The workshop addressed the current status and gaps in the prevention and control of respiratory viruses, aiming to bolster surveillance, expand policy measures, strengthen epidemic response, and improve risk communication and community involvement. It sought to create a unified national strategy for managing influenza and other respiratory viruses with epidemic or pandemic potential.

Key health sector stakeholders, including the Association of Private Clinics (Andeclip), the Dominican Society of Pulmonology, USAID, Promese/Cal, and the National Public Health Laboratory Dr. Fernando A. Defilló, participated in the three-day training, which focused on technical cooperation and response strategies for respiratory diseases.

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader addressed the Haitian crisis’s impact on the Dominican Republic during a recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Abinader highlighted the strain the situation places on the Dominican Republic’s migration, health, and education systems.

At a press conference, Abinader noted that approximately 6.5% of the Dominican Republic’s students, around 147,000, are of Haitian nationality. He also revealed that Haitian migrants account for 14% of hospitalizations and 34% of births in public hospitals, a situation he claimed is unprecedented in global health systems.

Abinader expressed concern over the increased migratory pressure resulting from the crisis, which affects public services and poses security risks. He emphasized the need for additional support from the multinational security support mission (MCS) and resources to strengthen the UN trust fund. The President also highlighted the importance of renewing the MCS mandate in October.

He reiterated the Dominican Republic’s commitment to working with the United States on regional security and stability, while acknowledging differences in perspectives on certain issues.