Latest news with #FCV
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Dwarf Cat With Only 2 Teeth Can't Stop Tongue Hanging Out—And It's Adorable
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Internet users can't get enough of an adorable cat whose tongue is perpetually hanging out of his mouth due to having so many of his teeth removed. Otis the 8-month-old cat has captured hearts online with his adorable expressions and his tongue sticking out that makes him look like a real-life emoji. While still only young, he's had to have almost all his teeth removed, leaving him with just two canines left—and they'll have to be removed in the future too. As a result, Otis's tongue no longer stays within his mouth, and his owner Kate, from London, U.K., tells Newsweek that she's "not sure if it ever will" again. From a young age, Otis was diagnosed with dwarfism and feline calicivirus (FCV), a highly contagious virus that can cause upper respiratory infections and oral disease. This virus caused Otis to develop stomatitis, which is severe inflammation of the mouth and gum tissue around the teeth. Otis the 8-month-old cat, with dwarfism, showing his tongue sticking out. Otis the 8-month-old cat, with dwarfism, showing his tongue sticking out. @otisthedwarfcat / TikTok Kate, 20, explained that Otis's gums "began growing over his teeth," alongside a lot of bleeding and intense pain. It was so difficult for Otis to eat anything, and the only option was tooth extraction. "Otis had to have almost all his teeth removed, except for two of his canines. Despite everything, he's recovering and adapting really well since his dental procedures," Kate said. While his appearance may be different, Otis has become quite the viral sensation on TikTok. Kate has been sharing videos of her sweet kitten on his dedicated social media account (@otisthedwarfcat), and one clip of her "poor little baby" has generated over 1.5 million views and 323,700 likes at the time of writing. The online reaction is beyond anything Kate expected, but she's been so heartened by all the love and support shown towards her little warrior. She told Newsweek: "I thought he looked adorable in the video, but it was also heartbreaking to see him like that. He's so young and it felt so unfair for him to go through so much. "I'm really touched by how many people are loving the video of him. It makes me happy not only to share his journey, but also to raise awareness about calicivirus and how seriously it can affect cats." In the months ahead, Otis will need one final dental procedure to remove his remaining teeth. But he's remained strong throughout every challenge he's faced so far, and Kate says she's immensely proud of him. After the video went viral showing Otis with his tongue perpetually hanging out, hundreds of social media users took to the comments to praise his quirky expression. This has led to more than 760 comments on TikTok so far, with many even suggesting which emoji he resembles the most. One comment reads: "that's so sad, but that's the cutest thing I've ever seen." Another TikTok user wrote: "He looks like he's constantly emoting lol." Another person added: "I hope he knows how cute he is." While one commenter joked: "he's just permanently silly now." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Purpose-Driven Innovation: Beyond the Hospital, a Human Experience
Innovating in health care means, above all, daring to imagine and build a new way of caring—one where every decision is guided by the purpose of transforming lives and communities. At the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia (FCV) and the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC), this has been our commitment: to develop a model that transcends the clinical and embraces the complexity of the human being, integrating science, culture, empathy and international vision at every step – from a holistic approach to healing to the bespoke AI-powered systems we've developed in-house. Among our most distinctive innovations are AI-powered tools that bring intelligence and precision to every level of care. These include SAHI Smart, a voice-recognition system that streamlines medical consultations by enabling natural interaction between doctors and patients while automatically generating clinical records and supporting diagnosis; MOE, a real-time monitoring platform that helps prevent adverse events like falls or pressure injuries and offers predictive insights into clinical and administrative trends; and smart monitoring centers that centralize data to optimize hospital operations. Together, these technologies enhance safety, efficiency and the overall care experience. An Environment That Heals and Humanizes From its conception, the HIC was designed not to feel like a traditional hospital. Walking through its spaces reveals environments that invite serenity and hope: indoor gardens, murals, reading rooms, artwork on the walls and even a piano in the lobby. These elements are not decorative; they are active parts of the healing process. The presence of the "Letras de vida" library, designed to offer comfort and distraction, along with in-hospital classrooms for children, guided by educators, are examples of how the environment can support patients' emotional and physical recovery. Art, music and culture are integrated into the hospital experience through activities organized in collaboration with local institutions. These initiatives not only enrich the lives of those undergoing treatment but also transform the hospital into a space for collective learning and community, where health is understood as a state of holistic well-being. Hospital Internacional de Colombia – FCV Interdisciplinary Care and Patient-Centered Attention The true center of our model is the patient, understood in their full human dimension. Interdisciplinary care is fundamental: doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, social workers and therapists come together to design individualized care plans that consider both clinical and emotional or social needs. The patient experience office coordinates each stage of the process, from admission to discharge, ensuring that the family is involved and emotional and practical support is continuous. Each room is equipped with entertainment platforms offering television, music and educational content, allowing patients to choose what brings them comfort and companionship during their stay. In addition, access to a healing garden and views of the natural surroundings allow patients to breathe fresh air and contemplate open landscapes. Far from being mere amenities, these elements are essential for reducing stress, improving treatment adherence and contributing to faster, more complete recovery. Technology, Sustainability and Replicability Located in Bucaramanga, a dynamic city that has become a regional center for services and knowledge, the facilities and its staff understand that innovation is not optional, but a strategic necessity to respond to the challenges of our environment. With the creation of the HIC, we took a decisive step: We implemented Colombia's first intelligent digital hospital, one of the most advanced in Latin America, integrating clinical automation, Internet of Things (IoT), efficient energy management, digital bed control and geolocation of medical equipment. This infrastructure, developed under international standards and validated by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), not only optimizes internal processes but directly impacts patient safety, efficiency and well-being. It allows us to anticipate needs, reduce critical timeframes and provide more personalized care. In this sense, digital transformation is not an end in itself but a tool to make each hospital experience more human, precise and safe. The upcoming implementation of drones to deliver medications and samples to nearby municipalities represents a significant advance that will optimize critical timeframes and logistical efficiency within our care network. Our in-house development, SAHI Smart, is a voice-recognition and AI-based intelligent system that transforms the medical consultation into a space centered on doctor-patient conversation, while automating the clinical record, diagnosis and treatment documentation. Meanwhile, the MOE platform specializes in predictive analysis of clinical and administrative indicators, facilitating decision-making and anticipating operational needs. These developments are concrete examples of how innovation can align with humanization and sustainability in the hospital environment. Each innovation is evaluated based on cost-benefit analysis, and sustainability is ensured by reinvesting the surpluses generated by our operations. Additionally, FCV promotes ethical knowledge dissemination and best practices, sharing protocols and developments with other institutions to multiply social impact and contribute to sector transformation. Hospital Internacional de Colombia – FCV Research and Development Our research journey spans a wide range of medical specialties and topics—from cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, nephrology and digestive health to rehabilitation strategies, telemedicine, hospital management innovation and humanization programs that incorporate cultural and artistic activities for patient well-being. The results of these investigations are published in international scientific journals and presented at global conferences, positioning Colombia as a reference in hospital innovation and facilitating knowledge transfer to other contexts. Our international vision is realized through strategic partnerships with institutions around the world, knowledge exchanges and the training of human talent capable of competing and collaborating globally. We have treated patients from various countries, shared best practices and participated in international research networks, contributing to global health and demonstrating that excellence can emerge from any setting, even mid-size cities. Social Impact: Bridging Gaps and Expanding Access Health care innovation only makes sense when it generates positive and tangible social impact. We have worked to reduce access gaps by bringing high-complexity care to historically underserved regions and creating community programs for prevention and education. Telemedicine and remote monitoring have allowed us to deliver cardiovascular care to municipalities without cardiologists, avoiding costly and risky transfers for vulnerable patients. The HIC's digital platform facilitates online consultations, test results, appointments, payments and remote rehabilitation programs, reducing barriers and improving continuity of care. Each technological and organizational advancement has been calibrated to ensure sustainable and replicable impact, enabling other health systems to adopt and adapt our solutions to their specific realities. Our commitment to equity and social justice is unwavering. We know that technology and innovation only matter when they improve people's lives, especially the most vulnerable. That is why every project, device and protocol is evaluated not only for clinical efficacy but also for its potential to positively transform the lives of patients and their families. Hospital Internacional de Colombia – FCV Organizational Culture: Leadership With Vision and Heart Human talent is our greatest asset and the primary driver of innovation. From recruitment and training to retention, we aim to develop well-rounded professionals who see themselves as part of a purposeful project. Our organizational culture is based on strong values: service, innovation and commitment. We celebrate achievements—clinical, scientific and cultural—in assemblies and publications, and we share daily life through social media and internal spaces to strengthen a sense of belonging and motivation. Leadership in health care must be approachable: the director who attends training sessions, the doctor who adjusts the waiting room, the nurse who suggests improvements to clinical flow design. Listening, being present and valuing the team's ideas are fundamental pillars in building an environment where innovation arises from daily commitment and a passion for service. Global Vision with Local Impact The HIC model demonstrates that it is possible to innovate with purpose, combining technology, culture and humanity for the benefit of those who need it most. Our experience is proof that excellence can emerge from any context and that sustainable, replicable models are key to tackling 21st-century health care challenges. Today, more than ever, the world needs organizations capable of combining international vision with tangible social impact. Health care innovation, when built with heart and commitment, transcends borders and leaves a lasting mark on the lives of people and communities. That is the true power of purpose-driven innovation in health: to transform the human experience, to inspire others and to show that even in contexts full of barriers, it is possible to build excellence and hope.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh Markfed steps in to procure tobacco amidst farmer protests
Ongole: The Andhra Pradesh govt has launched a procurement drive for tobacco through AP Markfed at three auction centers in Prakasam district, amidst a serious crisis and protests by tobacco farmers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The move comes after farmers produced approximately 80 million kilograms of black burley tobacco in Guntur, Prakasam, Bapatla, and Nellore districts, and were struggling to sell their crop due to a lack of demand from traders. The state govt has decided to depute AP Markfed to procure tobacco, particularly black burley, taking into consideration the demands of tobacco growers. However, the govt has not taken any decision to bail out FCV (Virginia) tobacco growers, who are also struggling with poor prices offered by traders, and is instead anticipating that the Centre and Tobacco Board will initiate measures to help them. The crisis in the tobacco industry has been triggered by a massive production of white and black burley tobacco by farmers, who had hoped to reap rich dividends due to high demand for FCV tobacco last year. However, the prices of FCV tobacco plummeted to as low as Rs 220 per kilogram due to poor export orders, leaving farmers in a difficult situation. Notwithstanding the low demand for FCV in the international market, the big exporters reported to have honored their commitments with regard to white burley and picked up almost 60mkg stock by mid-May itself. However, the traders refused to pick up black burley as there was no utility for the leaf. The protests by tobacco growers, particularly in Prakasam district, have been intense, with local TDP legislators facing the brunt of the farmers' anger. The legislators have been exerting pressure on the govt to intervene and help the farmers, leading to the decision to deploy AP Markfed for procurement. AP Markfed district manager Karunasri has stated that the procurement drive will be completed within a fortnight. However, it remains unclear how Markfed will dispose of the stock and to whom. The government's decision to procure tobacco has provided some relief to farmers, but the long-term solution to the crisis in the tobacco industry remains uncertain.
New Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra Pradesh: CM vows to support tobacco and horticulture farmers
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday held a review meeting at his Undavalli camp office to address procurement and pricing concerns for cocoa, mango, and tobacco crops, reaffirming his government's commitment to supporting farmers. Naidu stressed a farmer-centric approach, directing officials to conduct field visits, anticipate challenges, and ensure global standards in agricultural production. He announced a dedicated cocoa policy to promote high-quality output and enhance farmer awareness. Support for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and MSMEs to strengthen agro-processing was also emphasised. Regarding tobacco, Naidu said the Tobacco Board will regulate Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) acreage, while White Burley tobacco will be cultivated under contract, with procurement handled by companies. To address issues in HD Burley cultivation, he urged officials to promote crop diversification toward pulses and millets. Seven market yards in Parchuru, Inkollu, Marturu, Pedanandipadu, Prattipadu, Chilakaluripeta, and Maddipadu are ready for procurement, targeting 25 million kg to be procured by ITC and GPI. The mango sector is grappling with 43,000 metric tonnes of unsold pulp, as companies like Parle Agro, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo have reduced demand. Naidu appealed to traders to purchase mangoes at `12 per kg, with the government providing `4 compensation if they pay only `8. He mandated registration of farmers, traders, and processors for better coordination. For cocoa, 465 metric tonnes have been procured, with 745 tonnes still available. To ensure a minimum support price of `500 per kg, the government will offer a `50 subsidy above the `450 offered by companies. He directed the expansion of Rythu Bazaars from 116 to 200, the use of mobile markets, and the development of a farmer database linked to PM Kisan.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre has done little to support tobacco farmers: Minister
Mysuru: The Union govt earns over Rs 13,000 crore in tax revenue from tobacco cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, yet it has done little to support the farmers who grow it—especially during times of distress, said minister for animal husbandry and sericulture K Venkatesh. Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Tobacco Institute of India's Tobacco Farmers Awards, held here on Tuesday, Venkatesh, who represents Periyapatna where tobacco is a major commercial crop, emphasised the plight of tobacco farmers. "Due to heavy rain, many farmers are suffering losses. The manure they applied was washed away, forcing them to reapply it—adding to their expenses. It is the duty of Union govt and the Tobacco Board to step in during such times," he said. Venkatesh, himself a tobacco farmer for over 60 years, noted that while farmers struggle, tobacco-dependent industries continue to earn massive profits. "Most farmers are incurring losses. Yet, the companies that rely on tobacco are making huge gains," he added. Despite discussions on banning tobacco, farmers are unwilling to abandon the crop, citing a lack of viable alternatives. He also pointed out that nearly half of Karnataka's tobacco is produced in a single taluk—Periyapatna—and stressed that such a high-revenue crop deserves more govt attention. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo Venkatesh cautioned farmers against growing a second tobacco crop in the same season, saying it often leads to greater losses. Mysore MP Yaduveer Wadiyar highlighted the need to reduce the high cost of tobacco production and urged for the adoption of modern technology. "Production costs are rising. Farmers need innovative methods to reduce expenses," he said. Wadiyar proposed an eco-friendly alternative to traditional firewood used in curing tobacco. "Currently, tobacco farmers use a lot of firewood. If they switch to lantana—a plant that is invasive and harmful to forests—it could help reduce environmental damage, while also cutting costs," he suggested. At the event, ten farmers from Karnataka were honoured across four categories. Sharad Tandan, director, TII, said India is the second largest tobacco producer in the world and the third largest producer of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, following China and Brazil. India is a leading leaf tobacco exporter in the world, exporting tobacco to more than 100 countries across the globe. "A significant challenge impacting the legal industry and the domestic tobacco growers is the large illegal cigarette trade. India is the fourth largest illicit cigarette market globally and results in an annual revenue loss of Rs 21,000 crore to the govt," added Tandan. Yashwanth Kumar Chidipothu, chairman of Tobacco Board, BC Srinivas, director (auctions), Tobacco Board, and S Ramakrishnan, principal scientist and head, CTRI Research Station, Hunsur, were present.
