The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, convened a half-day symposium on July 22, 2026, with the theme “Medical Publishing in the Era of AI and Anti-Science – Navigating Challenges, Fostering Integrity.” The program included keynote addresses and three panel discussions featuring editors, publishers, and journalists. The symposium highlighted the need for the Global South to invest in indigenous publishing hubs, responsibly integrate AI, and reinforce ethical principles to ensure authentic, accessible, and impactful science.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy-related metabolic disorder associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Betatrophin, a liver and adipose tissue-derived hormone involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, has been implicated in insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell function. However, its relationship with glycemic dysregulation in GDM remains unclear. This case–control study included women aged ≥21 years. The GDM group comprised antenatal women with oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) values≥140 mg/dL, while the control group included euglycemic healthy pregnant women with OGCT values <140 mg/dL selected using the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India (DIPSI) criteria. The diabetic profile, lipid profile, and betatrophin levels were measured. The median serum betatrophin levels were higher in the GDM group compared with controls (78.49 [50.67–139.54] vs. 47.90 [37.93–56.49] pg/mL; p < 0.001), while body mass index was also significantly higher in the GDM group. Women with GDM also exhibited significant increases in 2-h postload glucose, glycated hemoglobin, as well as fasting insulin, compared to the euglycemic group. Serum betatrophin was found to positively correlate with fasting insulin (r = 0.623, p < 0.001). On grouping the participants into tertiles based on increasing betatrophin levels, the highest proportion of GDM, higher levels of 2-h postload glucose, and fasting insulin were seen in the third tertile. The area under the curve was 0.882 (95
Polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome (PMOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Although extensive research has been conducted, the exact pathogenesis of PMOS remains unclear. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the development of the disorder. Therefore, the present study was planned to further explore this aspect. This study aimed to investigate the extent of global DNA methylation in women with PMOS compared to healthy controls and to evaluate its correlation with hormonal and metabolic parameters. A case–control study was conducted involving 40 PMOS patients and 40 age-and BMI-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed for hormonal, metabolic, and DNA methylation levels using ELISA-based quantification. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences and correlations. PMOS patients exhibited significantly elevated global DNA methylation levels (13.82
Vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (VHSIL) are HPV-related precancerous conditions with increasing incidence. We report a 43-year-old woman with extensive VHSIL involving the vulva, vagina, and perianal area, who had multiple comorbidities contraindicating surgery. After excluding invasive carcinoma via multiple biopsies, she received topical imiquimod 5
