The journal Andrology has published a multicentric study on RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance) conducted by ICMR at five sites across India.

It is a prospective, non-randomized, open-labeled, phase III clinical trial.

It studied the effect of RISUG by injecting 60mg of Styrene Maleic Anhydride (SMA) in a vehicle of Di-Methyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) in the vas deferens of 303 healthy, sexually active, married males (age group- 25-40 years) attending family planning clinics.

The study reported that azoospermia observed in various centers ranged from 76.5% to 96.5%, with two centers reporting 100% azoospermia.

The trend remained the same until the seven-year follow-up.

World Mental Health Day this year also marks the 75th anniversary of the WFMH foundation in 1948.

This day is a chance for everyone to come together to increase understanding and awareness and to motivate actions that support and reinforce mental health as a fundamental human right for everyone.

WHO persists in its efforts to promote and protect mental well-being and stresses urgent action to ensure quality mental healthcare is available to all those who need it.

On this occasion, the WFMH secretary general remarked that despite continued campaigns by international and regional organizations, stigma and stereotypes persist in the community, leading to pervasive human rights violations of individuals with mental health disorders.

To end this, efforts to invest in and transform mental healthcare facilities need to be doubled.

Countries across the globe can apply for bronze, silver, and gold tiers based on their achievement of elimination targets.

WHO gold tier targets identifying at least 80% of individuals living with hepatitis C and treating at least 70% of those diagnosed.

Egypt, having diagnosed 87% of diseased people and given 93% of those diagnosed curative treatment, has thus achieved the gold tier.

The country is on its way to meeting all elimination targets by 2030.

In barely over a decade, Egypt has successfully reduced its prevalence of hepatitis C from 10% to 0.38%, transitioning from one of the highest rates in the world to one of the lowest.

The key players in achieving the 99% cure rate include:

The National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis

100 million Seha campaign

Locally manufactured antivirals

A study conducted in Texas aimed to understand the motivations of people for using antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. 

The patients' responses revealed that the main reason for taking antibiotics was quick resolution of symptoms and non-prescription medications were cheaper than getting a consultation and prescription from a physician. 

The main reasons were flu, UTI, diarrhea, allergies and main sources of non-prescription medications were found to be internet, outside countries, leftover antibiotics from a family member.

The findings of the study can drive the antibiotic stewardship programs in a new direction and findings  also highlights need for improving access to healthcare services and alternative treatment options for common ailments