The development of laboratory diagnostic methods aims to improve ways of detecting traumatic brain injuries. Among such tests, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH-L1) attract particular attention because they are associated with neuronal damage and neurodegenerative processes.
Traditionally, this analysis required the centrifugation of blood samples. However, a new study showed that analyzing whole blood for GFAP and UCH-L1 has high sensitivity and negative predictive value (96.5% for both markers) for diagnosing intracranial injury. Eliminating centrifugation allows test results to be obtained in just 15 minutes, significantly speeding up the process.
Existing methods have certain limitations: they must be performed within the first 12 hours after the injury, and blood centrifugation is required. These conditions complicate the application of the test in military medicine, emergency care, or at the pre-hospital stage. A group of scientists led by Ava Puchio from the University of Pittsburgh conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study to assess the clinical effectiveness of the GFAP and UCH-L1 test directly in whole blood within 24 hours after injury.
The study included 970 individuals whose test results could be reliably interpreted and who had reliable head CT data. The average age of participants was 46.8 years, and most sustained injuries from falls, direct head impact, or movement-related trauma. Sixty-nine point six percent of the subjects reported loss of consciousness at the time of injury. Blood samples were taken, on average, 8.1 hours after the injury.
In 683 participants (70.4%), the test showed elevated levels of GFAP and UCH-L1, while in 287 participants (29.6%), the level was not elevated. Among those with an elevated result, 273 people (40%) had confirmed intracranial injury according to CT scans. The test sensitivity was 96.5%, as false-negative cases (absence of biomarkers with confirmed injury) were observed in only ten participants, none of whom required surgery.
Among the 287 participants with a negative test result, 277 people (96.5%) did not show signs of intracranial injury on CT. Of the 683 participants with an elevated result, CT did not reveal signs of injury in 410 people (60%). This resulted in a test specificity of 40.3% and a negative predictive value of 96.5%. Furthermore, the test correctly classified 14 cases of damage that potentially required neurosurgical treatment.
The study authors suggest that the ability to perform whole blood analysis can significantly reduce the time for primary diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries, as results become available in 15 minutes, which helps in promptly triaging patients and making clinical decisions. It is also noted that the study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that consumption of ultra-processed food before six years of age is associated with reduced volume in the nucleus accumbens, pallidum, amygdala, and left caudate nucleus, as well as the thalamus on both sides, but this had no connection with cognitive function indicators.
Chinese scientists conducted clinical studies and concluded that fecal transplantation can improve sleep efficiency and reduce nocturnal awakenings in people suffering from chronic insomnia. This report was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Chronic insomnia is defined as a condition where difficulties with falling asleep or maintaining sleep occur for at least three nights a week for more than three months. This condition is often accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness, an increased risk of accidents, and numerous associated physical and mental problems. Although lifestyle modification is an effective approach, it is not suitable for all patients. Furthermore, long-term use of sleeping pills or sedatives often leads to side effects, dependence, and tolerance development, highlighting the need to find alternative treatment methods.
One promising area for therapy is the correction of the intestinal microbiota composition, as there is a proven causal link between this composition and chronic insomnia.
Zhe Wang from Shandong First Medical University, along with his team, organized multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trials. Forty adult patients officially diagnosed with chronic insomnia syndrome participated in the study. After a course of antibiotics, participants were orally administered either feces from a healthy donor (at a starting dose of 60 and a maintenance dose of 20 enteric-coated capsules) or placebo, following a similar scheme. Additionally, participants from both groups were randomly assigned to take a synbiotic dietary supplement or placebo to gather further information. Sleep parameters before and after the intervention were recorded using polysomnography.
One month after completing the therapy, sleep efficiency, adjusted after fecal transplantation, exceeded the figures after taking placebo by 13.9 percentage points (p = 0.003), and the number of awakenings during sleep significantly decreased. Objective improvement, defined as an increase of at least 20%, was achieved in 55.0% of participants in the main group compared to 17.5% in the control group (p = 0.001). Subjective improvement was 55.0% versus 30.0% (p = 0.041), and combined improvement was 30.0% versus 7.5% (p = 0.020); moreover, any positive response was recorded in 80.0% versus 40.0% (p = 0.001). Taking synbiotics did not have a significant effect on sleep quality. The improvement in insomnia severity scores according to the ISI scale and sleep quality according to the PSQI scale remained stable from two to six months after fecal transplantation.
The treatment was well tolerated, and any side effects were mild and resolved spontaneously; no serious adverse events were observed. After the procedure, activation of microbial richness and diversity in the gut microbiota, as well as changes in its structure, were noted, which was confirmed by stool analysis. Although both responders and non-responders showed similar changes in beta diversity after treatment, their initial microbiota composition differed.
The pilot trials demonstrated that fecal transplantation can provide sustained improvement in both sleep efficiency and continuity, as well as subjective perception of sleep. It is possible that the response to this therapy depends on the initial composition of the gut microbiota, which requires further study. Initially, fecal transplantation was developed and used to treat pseudomembranous colitis caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile. In experiments, it was also tested to help patients with diabetic enteropathy, people with Parkinson's disease, to prevent 'transplant versus host' reactions, alleviate symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, improve microbiota after cesarean section, and reduce alcohol cravings.
It is worth noting separately that a retrospective study conducted by American scientists showed that stimulating the glossopharyngeal nerve in patients with obstructive sleep apnea reduced the probability of developing diabetes and hypertension two years after using the method. This analysis included about 7,200 people, and the results were published in JAMA Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.
The Indian Ambassador to Kenya, Adarsh Swai, handed over the first batch of 4.5 tons of medical aid to the Deputy Minister of Health of Kenya, Aden Duale, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Tuesday. This aid is intended to enhance Kenya's long-term capacity to respond to the Ebola virus disease, other infectious diseases, and future pandemic threats.
The first batch includes 279 sets of essential medicines. These include personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, sample transport kits, infrared thermometers, face shields, sturdy protective boots, and other materials to prevent infection. A second batch of medical aid is expected to be sent soon.
The high commission of India in Nairobi stated in a release that this aid is designed not merely as a short-term intervention but as a means of building sustainable and permanent public health preparedness. It will support the National Institute of Public Health of Kenya and other frontline institutions by strengthening capabilities for epidemiological surveillance, safe sample collection and transport, infection control and prevention, and protection of medical personnel. This will increase Kenya's ability to effectively detect, contain, and respond to the Ebola virus, new infectious diseases, and future pandemics.
This current assistance follows deliveries of over 45 tons of medicines to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in late May and early June 2026, which were aimed at supporting the continent's readiness for Ebola. This demonstrates India's broader commitment to strengthening public health and pandemic preparedness across Africa.
India has previously been one of Kenya's first responding partners during public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied 1.12 million doses of 'Made in India' vaccines to Kenya under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, as well as providing necessary medicines and other medical support. The strong healthcare partnership between the two countries extends beyond emergency support. In recent years, India has provided Bhabhatron radiotherapy machines on a grant basis to improve cancer treatment capabilities at Kenyatta National Hospital, as well as CT and MRI machines (in process of procurement) for the Royal Navy Hospital in Mombasa, aiming to further strengthen Kenya's healthcare infrastructure. Annually, over 10,000 Kenyans travel to India for treatment, attracted by India's affordable, high-quality, and low-cost medical services. Furthermore, India is a leading pharmaceutical partner for Kenya, as Indian pharmaceutical products account for over 50% of Kenya's pharmaceutical market, ensuring the availability of quality and affordable medicines across the country.
India and Kenya share a long-standing partnership in the health sector, covering medicine and equipment supply, capacity building and training, accessible healthcare, and collaboration between their respective medical institutions. This aid reflects India's client-centric partnership with Kenya and its commitment to supporting partner countries in Africa in building stronger and more resilient health systems.
Abhijit Dipke, head of the Kokroch Janta (CJP) party, announced on Wednesday that he has been suffering from a high fever and severe body aches over the past few days. He specified that he continues his activities while taking painkillers.
Concurrently, the party accused that internet services have been shut down around Jantar Mantar, where party supporters are participating in a sit-in protest.
Abhijit Dipke added that if he does not appear at Jantar Mantar today, he apologizes. He stated that he needs several hours of rest to improve his condition but guaranteed that he would return to the protest site by evening.
Meanwhile, Kokroch Janta issued a serious accusation on Wednesday, claiming that internet services have been disabled in the Jantar Mantar area, where its supporters have been protesting for some time. The party questioned this move, wondering if the government is preparing for additional police action against the protesters. The party's statement came at a time when its leader himself is ill but remains connected to the movement. No official statement has been received from the government or administration on this matter yet.
