London, May 21 (IANS/DPA) The person who died in turbulence on board a plane that encountered severe turbulence over South-East Asia was a 73-year-old man from Britain who probably had a heart attack, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

The Singapore Airlines flight heading from London Heathrow to Singapore was diverted to the Thai capital following the turbulence.

Citing statements made during a press conference at Bangkok's international airport, the BBC reported seven people are in a critical condition. A total of 53 passengers were injured, including the wife of the victim and a crew member, the BBC reported, citing airport officials.

The aircraft "suddenly dropped" and people who were not wearing seatbelts were thrown against the ceiling. Images shared in social media showed chaos inside the Boeing 777-300ER, with crockery and food strewn along the aisle of the cabin.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Online food aggregator Zomato's Co-founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal on Friday launched a new feature to help customers make healthier choices.

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) Online food aggregator Zomato's Co-founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal on Friday launched a new feature to help customers make healthier choices.

To begin with, the company has started suggesting 'roti' as an alternative to 'naan'.

Goyal said the company has seen a seven per cent “attach rate” for these suggestions, and “we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback for this feature”.

“We are soon planning to scale this to other dishes and categories as well. For example, if you are craving a dessert, we might show you lower calorie desserts as options when you add the former to your cart,” Goyal posted on X social media platform.

In March, Goyal faced flak over his decision to launch a ‘pure veg mode’ on the Zomato platform with riders wearing ‘green’ uniforms.

After strong criticism, the company later ‘changed’ the colours from green to red even for rushing vegetarian deliveries to its customers across the country.

The food delivery platform posted a net profit of Rs 175 crore in Q4 FY24 compared to a loss of Rs 188 crore in the same period a year ago.

The company’s stock hovered around Rs 194 apiece on Friday.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Seasonal variations like hot humid weather or chilling winter can significantly raise blood pressure or cause a sudden drop, said health experts on Friday, stressing the need for regularly monitoring blood pressure.

The blood pressure tends to vary as the temperature fluctuates. According to health experts, seasonal variations of blood pressure occur, especially in North India, because in winter temperatures drop up to five to six degrees, and in summer it can reach the maximum between 40 to 45.

“This usually happens during severe winter as the cold climate causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels, which means that the blood vessels become narrow, they go into a spasm, and because of that, the blood pressure may rise,” Dr Vinayak Agrawal, Senior Director and Head, Non-Invasive Cardiology, FMRI, Gurugram, told IANS.

High ambient temperatures in summer cause blood pressure to drop, leading to orthostatic hypotension (lightheadedness or dizziness when standing after sitting or lying down), increasing the risk of falls.

“And especially during extreme summers, there can be a lot of sweating, which can further reduce the BP,” Dr Ashwani Mehta, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.

“One can prevent rise or drop in BP during seasonal variations by following a schedule and keeping an eye on the blood pressure. If you measure your blood pressure and adjust the medicine in consultation with your doctors, then it can be taken care of. Many times doctors reduce the dose of medication in certain patients during summers and restart them during the winters,” he said.

The experts recommended taking precise blood pressure measurements along with regular physical activity like yoga, and cycling, as well as the reduction in ultra-processed foods to also help prevent other hypertension complications like brain stroke, dementia, and heart problems.

Source: IANS

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Gurugram, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, the District Health Department in collaboration with Gurugram district administration has so far examined more than 17.748 thousand households in the district.

Out of these, notices have been issued to 264 households where mosquito larvae have been found.

Civil Surgeon Gurugram, Dr Virender Yadav said that so far 178 samples of dengue have been sent for testing in the district. However, no dengue cases have been registered in the city so far.

Yadav said that a team from the Health Department is also running a campaign for the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.

"The team is carrying out anti-larva activities under which Temephos medicine is being sprayed at mosquito-prone areas. For the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases in the district, area-wise fogging is being done through 60 plus machines," Yadav said.

He said for fogging, the helpline numbers of the Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) can be contacted at 18001801817 and 0124-44055779.

Free testing and treatment of dengue, malaria and chikungunya are available in Sector-31 Polyclinic and Sector-10 Civil Hospital.

Source: IANS

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Pune, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, on Friday announced a strategic investment in IntegriMedical to advance Needle-Free Injection System (N-FIS) technology.

With the investment, SII will acquire a 20 per cent stake in IntegriMedical. The investment will also accelerate the development and commercialisation of the N-FIS technology, making it more widely accessible to patients in India and worldwide

“At SII, we are constantly seeking opportunities to invest in technologies that align with our mission to make healthcare accessible and affordable for people worldwide. IntegriMedical's Needle-Free Injection Systems (N-FIS) represent a significant advancement in drug delivery and we envision a needle-free solution to deliver vaccines,” said Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India.

Instead of the traditional needles, IntegriMedical’s US-patented N-FIS makes use of high-velocity jet streams using mechanical power to effectively and consistently administer biologics and drugs.

The innovative drug delivery solution aims to alleviate pain during administration, providing needle-phobic patients with a pleasant and stress-free experience, and preventing needle-stick injuries and cross-contamination.

"We are excited to have Serum Institute of India as our strategic partner. This investment is a testament to the potential of our Needle-Free Injections System technology and its ability to revolutionise drug delivery,” said Sarvesh Mutha, MD, IntegriMedical.

The global N-FIS, valued at $12.49 billion in 2022, is projected to experience substantial expansion with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.16 per cent from 2023 to 2028. It is likely to reach a valuation of $27.65 billion by 2028.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Metabolism-related risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high body mass index (BMI) are driving poor health and early death worldwide, according to a global study on Friday.

The latest findings from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, published today in The Lancet, presents comprehensive estimates of the disease burden of 88 risk factors and their associated health outcomes for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021.

Between 2000 and 2021, researchers found an increase in people experiencing risk factors associated with metabolism, such as high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high body mass index (BMI), high LDL or bad cholesterol, and kidney dysfunction.

This led to a 49.4 per cent increase in the number of global DALYs, or disability-adjusted life years (lost years of healthy life due to poor health and early death). The researchers demonstrated it as the consequence of an ageing population and changing lifestyles on a global scale.

Particulate matter air pollution, smoking, low birth weight, and short gestation were also among the largest contributors to DALYs in 2021, the researchers said.

“Risk factors that currently lead to ill health, such as obesity and other components of metabolic syndrome, exposure to ambient particulate matter air pollution, and tobacco use, must be addressed via a combination of global health policy efforts and exposure reduction to mitigate health risks and improve population health,” said Dr Emmanuela Gakidou, Professor of Health Metrics Sciences at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) -- an independent research organisation at the University of Washington (UW) in the US.

The study also found substantial progress between 2000 to 2021 in reducing the global burden of disease attributable to risk factors linked to maternal and child health; unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing; and household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels.

Dr Greg Roth, Director of the Programme in Cardiovascular Health Metrics at IHME called for an “urgent need for interventions focused on obesity and metabolic syndromes.”

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CSDCO) on Wednesday approved Boehringer Ingelheim’s Spevigo (Spesolimab) injection, a first-in-class treatment for adults suffering from Generalised Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) flares -- a rare skin disorder -- in India.

GPP is a rare and unpredictable systemic disease, which manifests with painful pus-filled blisters, redness, inflammation, and scaling on the skin, often accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue.

Spesolimab works as a selective antibody that blocks the activation of the interleukin-36 receptor (IL-36R) -- a signalling pathway within the immune system shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of GPP.

In the Phase II global clinical trial, GPP patients (54 per cent) treated with Spesolimab showed no visible pustules after one week, compared to placebo (6 per cent). Most of them at the outset of the trial had a high, or very high, density of pustules, and impaired quality of life, the company said.

In India, GPP presents a significant healthcare challenge, affecting individuals of all ages and demographics. While precise prevalence data for GPP in India is limited, GPP is widely recognised as a rare disease.

“We often take our skin for granted. However, for a small percentage of people with a rare, lifelong skin disorder, living in constant anticipation of possible flares that could require emergency medical care is a harsh reality. Some patients often describe the feeling as akin to ‘being on fire’,” said Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Managing Director, Boehringer Ingelheim India.

“Spevigo's impact goes beyond treatment; it's about giving patients the chance to reclaim their lives. It presents a promising opportunity for enhancing effective management, quality of life, and patient outcomes in India, instilling hope for individuals grappling with GPP,” added Gagandeep.

The CDSCO’s decision follows existing approvals in the European Union, US, China, and Japan, the company said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The longer blood pressure (BP) remains uncontrolled, the greater the damage it can cause, such as heart attack or stroke, heart failure, and kidney problems, said experts on Wednesday, ahead of World Hypertension Day.

World Hypertension Day is observed every year on May 17. This year's theme is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer."

Resistant hypertension is high BP that does not respond well to aggressive medical treatment. About 20 per cent of patients with high BP or hypertension are resistant.

Dr Devi Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health, told IANS that undiagnosed hypertension is undoubtedly one of the most pressing healthcare concerns.

"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 188.3 million individuals in India are affected by hypertension. Shockingly, only 37 per cent of these individuals receive a formal diagnosis, and an even smaller percentage initiate treatment," said the cardiologist, while stressing the need for regular blood pressure checks, especially once you reach the age of 20.

"Diagnosis of uncontrolled hypertension involves careful evaluation of patients' medication regimens, as well as identification and management of contributing factors such as obesity, sleep apnoea, and secondary causes of hypertension," added Dr Mayur Jain, Consultant - Cardiothoracic Surgeon & Heart and Lung Transplant Surgeon, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim, told IANS.

"The excessive pressure on the artery walls caused by high BP can damage blood vessels and body organs. The higher the BP and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage it can cause, such as heart attack or stroke, heart failure, kidney problems, etc.," he said.

Importantly, resistant hypertension may, for months and years, show no symptoms but may create a significant health threat.

"Because high BP may not present worrying symptoms, it is often ignored, but I urge everyone never to delay treatment. The long-term repercussions of untreated and uncontrolled hypertension are severe," Dr Refai Showkathali, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, told IANS.

Dr Anand Pandey - Senior Director – Cardiology, Max Hospital, Vaishali, told IANS poor medication adherence of poor medication, sedentary lifestyle choices and excessive salt intake, underlying medical conditions like kidney disease or obstructive sleep apnoea, hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions factors can contribute to resistant high BP.

To effectively manage resistant hypertension, it is imperative to address these underlying causes with changes in medication, lifestyle, and stress management practices, the doctor said.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hridayansh (23-month-old) was administered an injection worth Rs 17.50 crore at JK Lon Hospital in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Medical practitioner Priyanshu Mathur, in charge of the Rare Disease Unit in the hospital, and his team administered the injection of Zol Genesma, which was imported from America.

Hridayansh suffers from a rare disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). His family worked round the clock to raise the mammoth funds via crowdfunding.

His parents Naresh Sharma and Shama came to know about this rare disorder when Hridayansh turned six. The hapless parents took him to the doctor and came to know about this rare disorder.

Dr. Priyanshu Mathur after administering the injection said that the child will be kept under observation for 24 hours.

The child's maternal grandfather Naresh Kumbaj thanked everyone for extending support to the child.

Hridayansh’s family had launched a crowd-funding campaign on social media to buy the injection.

Indian cricketers Deepak Chahar and Sarfaraz Khan had also appealed to save the child’s life.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) While the association between junk food -- rich in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats -- doctors on Tuesday warned how these may also contribute to poor mental health in young children

Junk food or fast food has become a common part of children's eating habits nowadays and lacks important nutrients for better growth. It is also known to cause weight gain and obesity -- a major risk factor for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.

In addition, junk food can also affect children’s behaviour and mood.

Studies have provided evidence that a diet high in fast food and sugary drinks can lead to behavioural problems, including hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and even depression

“Junk food can significantly impact a child's mental health. Excessive consumption of junk food, which is often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, can lead to nutritional deficiencies and imbalances,” Dr. Amitabh Saha – Associate Director, Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences, Max Hospital, Vaishali, told IANS.

“This can affect concentration, cognitive function, and mood regulation, ultimately influencing a child's overall mental well-being,” he added.

A recent study, published in The BMJ, linked consuming higher amounts of ready-meals, sugary cereals, and fizzy drinks with a higher risk of anxiety and depression.

“Fast food and carbonated soft drinks containing caffeine have a high content of sugars. This increases the surge of sugar in the body momentarily and then rapidly crushes the sugar levels, leading to irritability and mood swings in children,” Dr. Rishikesh Dessai, Consultant Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

The expert called for minimising the exposure of children to these fast food options and providing a completely balanced meal for the children, which should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

He also advised children to do physical activity, like playing games outside, by engaging in outdoor activities.

Source: IANS

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London, May 14 (IANS/DPA) Young users of live-streaming gaming platforms appear to be eating more unhealthy snacks after being "bombarded" with promotional content while logged on.

"Food and drink advertisements on video game live streaming platforms (VGLSPs) like Twitch are associated with more positive attitudes towards, and purchases and intake of, unhealthy foods that are high in fat, salt and/or sugar," according to survey-based research presented in Venice at the European Congress on Obesity.

Calling the results "concerning," the researchers said there needs to be "stronger regulations on digital marketing of unhealthy foods to young people on these platforms," which also include Kick, Facebook Gaming Live and YouTube Gaming.

"There is currently no effective regulation and minimal efforts to control it," according to the team, which was led by Rebecca Evans of the University of Liverpool.

"Because VGLSPs are popular with young people, they offer an opportunity for food and drink brands seeking to engage with teenagers," Evans said, after surveying 490 people whose average age was 17.

"Food cues on Twitch appeared at an average rate of 2.6 every hour, and the average duration of each cue was 20 minutes," the team found, with junk food appearing over 70 per cent of the time and energy drinks 60 per cent.

The research, published by the American Medical Association, showed vending machines with clear health messages as recording "significantly lower sales of unhealthy beverages" compared to other machines.

Source: IANS

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San Francisco, May 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) While a third of adults are attempting to spend less time on social media, more than one in three adults (36 per cent) reported that social media has taught them about mental health issues, a new report has revealed.

According to the US-based healthcare company CVS Health, about 48 per cent mentioned that they are likely to turn to mental well-being apps for care.

As per Taft Parsons III, MD, VP and Chief Psychiatric Officer, CVS Health, the increasing use of technology has helped grow access to mental healthcare.

"But as we navigate the effects social media has on mental health, it has become increasingly important that we highlight its limitations and set barriers for ourselves and our children," he added.

This survey was conducted between March 19-21, 2024 in the US, among a sample of 2,202 adults.

Moreover, the report mentioned that about 65 per cent of adults have experienced concerns about their mental health as well as of their friends and family, which is an increase of 6 percentage points from 2022 and 15 percentage points from 2020.

Around 77 per cent are concerned about mental health in the country, viewing it as a top concern in line with issues such as the economy (81 per cent), the report added.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) Just three-night shifts may be enough to raise your risk of several diseases like diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders, finds a study.

Researchers from Washington State University, the US revealed that night shifts can cause the body's protein rhythms related to blood glucose regulation to go haywire.

It also hampers energy metabolism and inflammation -- influencing the development of chronic metabolic conditions.

In the study published in the Journal of Proteome Research, the team explained about a "master biological clock in the brain," which makes the body follow rhythms by day and night.

When this gets "dysregulated," it leads to stress that causes long-term health consequences, said Hans Van Dongen, Professor.

Additionally, Van Dongen notes that just three-night shifts are enough to disrupt the rhythm and raise the health risks, which suggests that early intervention to prevent diabetes and obesity is possible.

Using blood samples the team identified proteins present in blood-based immune system cells, some of which had rhythms closely tied to the master biological clock and showed no change in response to the night shifts.

However, most other proteins showed change. Analysing proteins involved in glucose regulation, the team found a nearly complete reversal of glucose rhythms in night-shift participants.

Further, they found that processes involved in insulin production and sensitivity were found to be out of sync in night-shift workers.

In addition to this, previous studies have shown evidence that shift work has an additive negative effect on blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke -- elevated in night shift workers.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) A team of US researchers on Thursday announced the development of a novel artificial intelligence-(AI) based tool that can instantly predict whether a person exhibits suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

The tool, which focuses on a simple picture-ranking task along with a small set of contextual/demographic variables was on average 92 per cent effective, said researchers from the universities of Northwestern, Cincinnati, Aristotle, and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard School of Medicine.

“A system that quantifies the judgement of reward and aversion provides a lens through which we may understand preference behaviour,” said first author Shamal Shashi Lalvani, a doctoral student at Northwestern University.

“By using interpretable variables describing human behaviour to predict suicidality, we open an avenue toward a more quantitative understanding of mental health and make connections to other disciplines such as behavioural economics,” Shamal added.

In the study, published in the journal Nature Mental Health, researchers noted that the tool may help medical professionals, hospitals, or the military to assess who is most at risk of self-harm.

The findings, based on a survey of 4,019 people aged 18 to 70 across the US, revealed that the software was able to predict suicidal desire without a plan; current and specific thoughts; plan of suicide; and strategies to prevent self-harm.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, May 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian drug maker Zydus Lifesciences on Thursday announced receiving final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market Dapsone Gel, 7.5 per cent.

Dapsone Gel is used to treat acne and will be manufactured at the group’s topical manufacturing facility at Changodar in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad.

Citing March 2024 IQVIA MAT (moving annual total) data, the company said Dapsone Gel, 7.5 per cent, had annual sales of $35.8 million in the US.

As of December 2023, the group has 395 approvals and has so far filed over 460 ANDAs since the commencement of the filing process in FY 2003-04, the company said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) People with confirmed tuberculosis (TB) infection -- that is a positive skin or blood test -- should take the preventive treatment, regardless of age, finds a study on Thursday.

Preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TB) can stop latent TB infections (with no symptoms) from developing into deadly diseases later.

Notably, researchers from Boston University in the US found that preventive TB treatment was not effective in most individuals who did not show evidence of infection, except for children under 5.

Among 439,644 participants, the team found that preventive TB treatment was 49 per cent effective among the 2,496 individuals who developed TB, but particularly among individuals with a positive skin or blood test (for which the effectiveness was 80 per cent).

“While it is critical to find and treat people who are spreading TB in the community, the threat of global TB will never end until people with latent TB receive treatment. The results of this study show just how effective such treatment can be,” said Dr. C. Robert Horsburgh, professor of global health at the varsity’s School of Public Health.

“Tuberculosis affects tens of millions of people every year and has long-term lasting effects, even after people recover. Finding ways to optimise prevention is really important to tackle the epidemic," said lead author Dr. Leonardo Martinez, assistant professor of epidemiology.

The team also estimated the number of needed-to-treat (NNT) to prevent one person from developing TB disease.

Regardless of infection status, the NNT was lower in high-burden settings (29 to 43 people) versus low-burden settings (213 to 455 people), the study showed.

“Despite the fact that individuals with negative blood or skin tests do not seem to benefit from preventive treatments, the researchers say the overall low NNT may justify prioritising this treatment to all exposed contacts in areas where testing for TB infection is inaccessible,” the team said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Love to binge on packaged baked goods and snacks, fizzy drinks, sugary cereals, and ready-to-eat or heat foods? Beware, it can cut short your lifespan and raise the risk of early death, according to a 30-year-long study published in the journal The BMJ on Thursday.

The risk is because ultra-processed foods often contain colours, emulsifiers, flavours, and other additives and are typically high in energy, added sugar, saturated fat, and salt, but lack vitamins and fibre -- leading to poor health, and raising the risk of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which can further raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

For the study, an international team of researchers including from the US, Brazil, and China, tracked the long-term health of 74,563 female registered nurses from 11 US states between 1984 and 2018; and 39,501 male health professionals from all 50 US states from 1986 to 2018 with no history of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes.

The results revealed that eating an average of 7 servings per day of ultra-processed foods caused a 4 per cent higher risk of total deaths and a 9 per cent higher risk of other deaths, including an 8 per cent higher risk of neurodegenerative deaths.

The rate of death from any cause among participants in this group was 1,536 per 100,000 person-years.

Further, eating meat, poultry, and seafood-based ready-to-eat products showed the strongest risk of early death, followed by sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages, dairy-based desserts, and ultra-processed breakfast food.

Even though this is an observational study, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, “the findings provide support for limiting consumption of certain types of ultra-processed food for long-term health,” said the researchers.

“Future studies are warranted to improve the classification of ultra-processed foods and confirm our findings in other populations,” they added.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lack of education surrounding asthma is giving rise to misconceptions and misinformation, delaying treatment of the debilitating respiratory condition, said doctors on World Asthma Day on Tuesday.

World Asthma Day is observed every year on May 7 to raise awareness of the relentless chronic condition. This year's theme, Asthma Education Empowers, underscores the importance of enhancing awareness and understanding of asthma

“Adherence to treatment plans is pivotal, yet often hindered by misconceptions and misinformation surrounding asthma management,” Dr Indu Khosla, Consultant Pulmonologist, SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, told IANS.

“Despite the availability of advanced treatment and prevention strategies, there remains a notable lack of education surrounding asthma. Many individuals are unaware of how to effectively manage their condition and access appropriate medical assistance. With proper education and knowledge about asthma, including recent advancements in modern and biological medicines, it becomes easier to prevent and treat the condition,” added Dr. Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant - Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru.

Asthma prevalence globally ranges from 3-15 per cent, and it is influenced by genetics and environmental triggers like dust, pollution, and viral infections.

Post-Covid, there has been an increase in the number of viral infections causing wheezing in children and this is attributed to reduced immunity due to decreased exposure during the lockdowns.

“Worsening AQI due to construction activities, weather change, etc. has also contributed to a rise in wheezing among children. This phenomenon we are seeing both in normal children without genetic predisposition for asthma and in children with asthma. It is possible that it could be a potential risk leading to future asthma development,” Dr Indu said.

Asthma remains a significant global health concern, affecting an estimated 262 million people worldwide as of 2019 and causing approximately 455,000 deaths annually as per the World Health Organization.

Dr. Pavan Yadav, Lead Consultant - Interventional Pulmonology & Lung Transplantation, Aster RV Hospital told IANS that in India, asthma affects a considerable portion of the population, with urbanisation and air pollution cited as significant contributors to the rising prevalence.

“The challenge in India, as in many lower-middle-income countries, is the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of the disease, which exacerbates the health burden on the population,” he added.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder where the major symptoms are breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough. While more common in early childhood and adolescence, it can happen at any age.

According to Dr. Puneet Khanna HOD And Consultant - Respiratory Medicine Manipal Hospital Dwarka, asthma also spikes comorbidities like allergies.

“The most common is allergic rhinitis or the nasal discharge from the nose or a beacon sneezing. It is estimated that approximately 97 per cent of patients who have asthma also have coexisting allergic rhinitis,” he told IANS.

In addition, there can be sinusitis post nasal drip, headache, or migraine, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and autoimmune diseases like joint pains PCOD, or thyroid disorders.

The doctors called for addressing the myths associated with asthma, particularly misconceptions to help boost treatment outcomes.

Source: IANS

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Noida, May 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) A 63-year-old woman suffering from severe knee pain and limited mobility due to osteoarthritis has regained hope after a successful bilateral total knee replacement surgery here.

The woman Sunita Thakur, weighing approximately 102 kg, was unable to walk due to severe pain in both knees caused by osteoarthritis and bow legs.

She had bilateral (meaning in both knees) osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage cushioning the knee joint degenerates.

"This, combined with a genu varum deformity (bowed legs), caused her significant pain and restricted her movement. In this condition, the knees knock inward when standing with the feet together,” said Dr. Bharat Goswami, Consultant Orthopaedics at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida.

The weight of 102 kg posed a significant challenge during the surgery.

"Typically, performing knee replacement surgery is challenging due to the poor quality of bone, excess flesh, and weakened bones. This complexity increases the risk of complications such as blood vessel thrombosis (BVT) and fat embolism. Additionally, such patients require specialised care," explained Dr. Goswami

Although she experienced some postoperative respiratory difficulties, necessitating a brief hospital stay for observation, she recuperated well. Upon improvement in her condition, she was discharged from the hospital, the doctor said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Doctors here have used minimally invasive transcatheter clips to treat women suffering from heart disease, as a safe alternative to open heart surgery.

The patient had been experiencing increased palpitations for the past 2-3 years. She previously underwent Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT) in 2020. Despite the procedure, she continued to suffer from atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat condition) with fast ventricular response (AF with FVR), as well as symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and breathlessness.

Upon admission, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, the patient was diagnosed with severe Mitral Regurgitation (MR) and severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), along with an increase in the size of the left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA). In severe MR, the heart works harder to pump enough blood to the body, leading to heart failure, while the TR patient’s valve between LA and RA doesn't fully close, causing the blood to flow the wrong way.

Additionally, her left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) had fallen to 35 per cent, with mild dilation of the left ventricle.

“This patient, who presented with complex cardiac conditions, could have required open-heart surgery, but our minimally invasive approach using transcatheter clips provided a safer alternative,” said Dr Vanita Arora, Senior Consultant, Cardiac Electrophysiologist & Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals.

During the procedure, the team of doctors successfully reduced the mitral regurgitation from Grade IV to Grade I by placing the mitralclip in the 12-6 o'clock position. The tricuspid clip was then placed, reducing the tricuspid regurgitation from Grade IV to Grade I.

“The patient was discharged in stable condition 48 hours after the procedure, with a 2D echocardiogram showing both clips in place and regurgitation reduced to Grade I,” the doctor said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) In 2019, Pooja and Ankit (name changed) a thalassemia minor couple, planned a second baby to help their first-born child with the genetic disorder, who required blood transfusion on a fortnightly basis.

With a second baby, the couple, aged 33 and 35, from Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, hoped to provide a matching donor for their firstborn, 3 years old, and cure the disorder via stem-cell transplant.

However, to ensure a healthy second baby, they opted for in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

The woman underwent three IVF cycles, each requiring intensive hormonal stimulation. Each cycle entailed daily injections for a minimum of 10-12 days, followed by egg retrieval under anaesthesia.

The process had to be repeated thrice to amass a sufficient pool of 16-18 embryos, ensuring the possibility of identifying at least one embryo free from thalassemia.

Doctors at Jindal IVF, Chandigarh, combined in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) -- a breakthrough procedure, reportedly used for the second time in India -- resulting in a healthy newborn on April 4, 2024, and hope for thalassemia major patients.

“IVF PGT is absolutely beneficial for thalassemia and all single gene disorders where the mutation involved is known and probably the only method available which can prevent passing on the affecting mutation to future family generations. It gives us a chance to select a non-affected embryo thus preventing transmission,” Dr Sheetal Jindal, Senior consultant and medical director, at Jindal IVF, Chandigarh, told IANS, ahead of thalassemia day on May 8.

What is thalassemia?

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterised by abnormal haemoglobin production, leading to anaemia and potentially severe health complications. It is caused by genetic mutations that affect the production of haemoglobin, a crucial component of red blood cells.

Patients require lifelong blood transfusions with at least one unit of blood within a maximum of 20 days.

How can IVF help?

Dr Manju Nair, Clinical Director- Fertility, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, Old Airport Road, told IANS that IVF with genetic testing can help reduce the risk of thalassemia by selecting embryos free of genetic mutations.

“This involves testing to identify carriers of thalassemia gene mutations. If both partners are carriers (that is, they carry one abnormal copy of the gene but do not have thalassemia themselves), there is a risk of having a child with thalassemia if both pass on their abnormal genes,” she explained.

Couples with a family history of thalassemia or belonging to ethnic groups with a higher prevalence of thalassemia should consider genetic counselling, before conception or during early pregnancy.

In general cases, screening tests in the first trimester (first 12 weeks) can indicate the presence of such genetic disorders.

“IVF, combined with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), can potentially help prevent the risk of thalassemia in certain situations,” Dr Manju said

According to Dr Sheetal the success rate in such patients “is 50-60 per cent and even higher because most of these females are otherwise fertile”.

However, “In IVF, patients have to take multiple injections daily. Also even after so much effort, we might not get a fully matched embryo, and sometimes more IVF cycles might have to be done. It is also very expensive as the cost of 1 cycle might be 7-8 lakhs,” she added.

“IVF with PGT is a wonderful treatment for couples with known genetic disorders. When I see the suffering parents face with an affected child, I genuinely want to help them. Their whole lifetime, money, and energy revolve around their affected child. In such cases the pain is so much that if someone can afford to some extent it can be a big saviour for the family and can bring happiness and real joy of parenthood,” the doctor said.

(Rachel V Thomas can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in)

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, April 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Padma Shri Maya Tandon of Jaipur has been working for over 30 years to raise awareness about road safety. She has saved the lives of several road accident victims through her organisation 'Sahayata', which helps in imparting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training to people.

Maya was awarded Padma Shri this year for her exceptional services which has helped save many lives in the Rajasthan state.

Through her work, she ensures that she delivers Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training to those who are unaware of the technique so that people’s lives can be saved.

“CPR training should be imparted to each person as heart attack cases are frequently happening,” Maya told IANS on the sidelines of an event organised to train school students about CPR.

An alumni of Sawai Man Singh Medical College in Jaipur, Maya retired as the Superintendent of JK Lon Hospital in Jaipur.

About the Sahayata organisation, Maya said that there was not much awareness about the life-saving method of CPR.

“I wanted to create awareness for the public so that even ordinary people could help in times of need. While I was working with SMS Hospital, I was invited by the Rajasthan Police Academy for a training programme where police officials and others were trained on life-saving methods. So, I felt it is important to train people and that is why I established the Sahayata organisation,” Maya told IANS.

She said that many lives can be saved, especially during a road accident, if people around the accident site know the CPR technique.

Source: IANS

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At a ceremony, the President honoured 132 awardees. The Prime Minister and some of his cabinet colleagues were also present. The names of the awardees were announced on January 25.

If the Taj City has become a hub of Homeopathy in the last 40 years, it is primarily due to the notable contribution of the Pareek family headed by the 90-year-old patriarch Dr R.S. Pareek who has mentored hundreds of homoeopaths not just in India but in many countries across Europe.

Pareek was born in Nawalgarh of Rajasthan in 1933. In 1956, he completed his Homeopathy studies at London’s Homeopathic College.

Since 1965 Pareek has presented more than 100 research papers in over 30 countries.

His focus of concern has been cancer treatment and the use of Homeopathic medicines in emergencies and trauma.

In 70 years of practice, he has treated lakhs of patients with chronic illnesses.

Recognising his contribution he has been showered with international awards from the Hahnemann award in Germany to prestigious honours in Switzerland and Germany.

Due to age factor, he is not able to devote as much time but the mantle has successfully been passed over to his son Dr Alok Pareek, and grandson Dr Aditya Pareek.

Local homoeopaths have congratulated and expressed the hope that Dr Pareek’s contribution will continue to guide future generations of Homeopaths in the city which has more than half a dozen internationally recognised Homeopaths like Dr Parthasarathy Sharma who holds the Guinness Record for counselling lakhs of patients, Dr RK Gupta, director of Naimi Nath Hospital, which came to light when hundreds of Covid-19 patients were successfully treated with Homeopathic medicines, Dr Kailash Saraswat, Dr Siddharth Mishra, and several others.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, April 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Cases of fatty liver, attributed primarily to sedentary lifestyles and increased social drinking habits, escalated dramatically in recent times, with approximately one in every five individuals now being diagnosed with this condition, say doctors.

On the occasion of World Liver Day on Friday, they underscored the pressing need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat the burgeoning health crisis.

The liver's pivotal role in detoxification, nutrient processing, and metabolism underscores its indispensable function in maintaining overall well-being. However, the rising incidence of fatty liver across diverse age groups, including children, young adults, and middle-aged individuals, highlights the pervasive impact of lifestyle choices on liver health.

Fatty liver, once dismissed as a benign finding, now emerges as a potent indicator of underlying health risks, including diabetes, cholesterol-related issues, and cardiovascular ailments. Furthermore, the potential progression to more severe complications such as steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer underscores the imperative of proactive intervention and lifestyle modification, the health practitioners said.

Addressing the root causes of fatty liver necessitates a multifaceted approach encompassing lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments. Combatting prolonged sedentary behavior by incorporating regular physical activity, such as short breaks for walking, is paramount in mitigating the risk of fatty liver development.

According to doctors, equally crucial is the adoption of a balanced diet rich in vegetables, pulses, lean proteins, and essential fats while minimising the consumption of fried foods and processed sugars.

Recommend a daily intake of 400-500 grams of vegetables distributed across meals, supplemented with adequate protein sources such as lentils, beans, or lean meats. Incorporating moderate amounts of ghee and abstaining from fried foods and sugary treats are pivotal in promoting liver health and reducing the risk of fatty liver complications.

In essence, the burgeoning prevalence of fatty liver underscores the imperative of proactive lifestyle modifications and dietary interventions to safeguard liver health and mitigate the escalating burden of liver-related diseases. By prioritising preventive measures and adopting healthier lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly reduce their susceptibility to fatty liver and its associated complications.

“Intermittent fasting, coupled with daily walking of 12,000 steps, offers exponential weight loss potential. Fasting boosts fat metabolism, curbs caloric intake, enhances insulin sensitivity, and improves heart rate variability and lipid metabolism. It also fosters a healthier gut microbiome, and lowers abdominal fat, blood pressure, and inflammation, alleviating body and joint pains.

“While weight may not drastically change, waist circumference reduces, and cognitive function improves. Importantly, fasting reduces heart vessel blockage risk significantly. Exercising during fasting peaks aids in clearing fat, not only from the body but also from the liver," explained Dr. Sachin Daga Senior Consultant Hepatobiliary Pancreas & Liver Transplant Surgeon (Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery), KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad.

“Embrace a balanced diet abundant in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, while cutting back on sugary drinks, fried foods, and processed snacks. Moderate or eliminate alcohol to safeguard liver health, as excessive consumption can lead to liver damage and disease.

“Regular exercise aids in weight management enhances liver function, and reduces fatty liver risk. Hepatitis B vaccination is key for virus prevention. Routine check-ups and liver function tests with your healthcare provider are vital for early detection and intervention against liver diseases,” advised Dr Raja Prasad. P, Senior Consultant - Surgical Gastroenterology, General and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Amor Hospitals.

“Regular screening every six months or annually enables early detection of fatty liver and fibrosis, preventing their progression. Advanced medical technologies like fibroscan facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment. Lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments can effectively manage and even reverse these conditions. Individuals with obesity, diabetes, thyroid issues, high cholesterol, and PCOS are particularly susceptible to liver diseases. Prioritize proactive care to mitigate risks and safeguard liver health," advised Dr. Chalapathi Rao Achanta, Clinical Director and Chief of, Department (Gastroenterology), Interventional Endoscopy and Liver Transplantation, KIMS ICON - Vizag.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The liver is a self-sufficient organ capable of filtering toxins without the need for special detox, said doctors on World Liver Day on Friday warning against such prevalent practices that may harm the organ.

In recent years, liver detox has gained fame with several influencers and celebrities promoting concoctions of natural herbs and spices like milk thistle and turmeric, as well as some juices of ash gourd, and Indian gooseberry (amla).

However, health experts cautioned against their potential harm to the liver.

“Detox diet refers to a diet based on liquids, fruits, and vegetables with a period of fasting. There is no scientific evidence that such therapy works and it’s not understood what toxins are cleared,” Dr Piyush Ranjan, Senior consultant, and vice chairman, the Department of Gastroenterology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS

“Various herbs used during these therapies may have potential hepatotoxic effects,” which can cause liver injury, he added.

It is commonly believed that liver cleanses or detoxification are essential for maintaining daily health and are particularly beneficial after excessive consumption.

Recently, actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu in a podcast was heard mentioning the benefits of herbs such as “dandelion” for liver health and detoxification.

“In reality, the liver is a self-sufficient organ capable of filtering toxins without the need for special cleanses. Products marketed with claims of detoxifying the liver are not regulated or approved and lack substantial evidence to support their effectiveness,” Dr. Surakshith TK, Consultant - Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Sciences, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi, told IANS.

“Detox myths surrounding liver health can be dangerous as they often promote extreme methods that may harm rather than help. From restrictive diets to unproven supplements, these myths can lead to nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, and even liver damage. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any detox regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness,” added Dr Vikas Jindal, Consultant, Dept of Gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

The doctors called for maintaining a healthy lifestyle to boost liver function. True detoxification involves daily actions to support your body's natural detox pathways through diet, exercise, sleep, hydration, and potentially smart supplementation.

“For good liver health, one needs to completely stop alcohol. Taking a balanced diet and cutting down on unsaturated fats and processed food is helpful. Dietary changes along with regular exercise help in maintaining ideal body weight,” the health expert said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) With the elderly in India projected to double to over 20 per cent of the total population by 2050, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on Friday called for research-based interventions to boost healthy ageing in the country.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of the Longevity India Initiative, an ambitious multidisciplinary effort to extend human healthspan and tackle ageing-related challenges in India,” the institute said in a post on X.com on Friday.

The initiative, launched on Thursday, will undertake a large-scale clinical study, led by multidisciplinary experts from academia, industry, and healthcare to address complex challenges related to ageing and to find solutions via both fundamental and applied research.

“The Longevity India Initiative challenges the notion that ageing is an inevitable fate. As we study the complexities of ageing, we recognise the importance of considering diverse factors that shape it, including lifestyle, culture, genetics, and environment. With India’s unique demographic landscape, existing longevity research may not suffice. This initiative is an attempt to bring together multiple stakeholders working in the space, and explore the subject factoring in India’s specific and diverse needs,” said Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India.

“Advancing ageing-related scientific research is key and we believe research-based interventions can pave the way for healthy ageing in India,” added Prakash, who provided the initiative with initial grant funding.

The clinical research will majorly focus on identifying early signs of disease, probe ageing biomarkers, and developing new therapeutics and technologies to aid in healthy ageing.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indians have increased their spending on dieticians by a remarkable 125 per cent in FY24, indicating a strong commitment to healthy eating habits, a new report revealed on Tuesday.

According to the full-stack financial services platform Razorpay, health coaching also saw a notable 45 per cent jump in transactions, showing a clear interest in fitness guidance.

"There's a noticeable emphasis on holistic well-being, as evidenced by a 39 per cent uptick in products related to preventive healthcare," said Shashank Kumar, MD & Co-founder, Razorpay.

"This signals a collective shift towards expanding horizons while prioritising health, affirming the adage that 'health is truly wealth," he added.

The report analysed more than a billion transactions between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, to know the spending habits of Indians.

Moreover, the report found that mutual fund investments increased by an impressive 86 per cent, insurance payments saw a significant 56 per cent growth and trading experienced a remarkable 62 per cent jump in value in FY24.

Payments for air travel surged by 2.4 times while spending on travel accommodations soared by 29 per cent in the same period.

Multiplex transactions witnessed a staggering 42 per cent increase in volume. Ticket agencies also reported a remarkable 2.7 times surge in sales.

"Indian consumers are evolving rapidly, encouraging brands to revolutionise their customer engagement strategies across all touchpoints," said Kumar.

In addition, the report noted that close to the New Year, aviation spending soared to nearly three times the daily average.

On December 31 last year, online food orders doubled and dine-ins soared to 60 per cent above the daily average.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) A large number of diseases are inflicting havoc on our citizens and a bigger worry is that many of them eschew preventive solutions.

Hypertension and diabetes have emerged as the two biggest health concerns in the past decade as a nonchalant attitude towards food consumption, erratic lifestyle and lack of information, leading to the belief, that these ailments strike only after the age of 45 or 50 have made people susceptible to the complications arising from them.

Owing to this, many of the times, these diseases reach a rather ominous stage and cause serious complications resulting in the increase in the overall health burden, both for the individual as well as the state.

To sensitise the people about the critical need for preemptive testing, Illness to Wellness and Yolohealth organised a two-day camp at Birla Mandir on April 13 and April 14, 2024.

After receiving a positive and encouraging response for its recently held camps at Janpath and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Illness to Wellness and Yolohealth decided to use the auspicious premises of Birla Mandir to disseminate information about the need to get checked for potential health risks.

A large number of people were tested at the camp in which some important statistics came to light. Over 20 percent of the people were found to be hypertensive, obese and pre-diabetic, a reflection of the impact of sedentary behaviour patterns and unhealthy eating habits on citizens.

It needs to be underscored that these people were unaware of this and would not have tested till some symptoms would have started to show, and by that time some damage to their system would have already occurred.

Speaking on the initiative, Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, said: “Hypertension and diabetes have emerged as serious health risks in today’s age. The good news is that timely diagnosis can help in prevention and better management of such diseases. The camp at Birla Mandir informs citizens about the urgent need to get their health check-ups done regularly and to be aware of the potential risks of ignorance.

“Illness to Wellness and Yolohealth have been regularly conducting health camps for the benefit of the citizens, and I am confident that going forward, they will continue to organize many more to re-emphasize the pressing importance of testing, and that this initiative will make a meaningful contribution towards our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream of a ‘Swasth Bharat’.”

In the camp, Yolohealth used its trademark product HealthATM to show how technology has evolved in delivering accurate health assessment reports. These HealthATM machines are designed to offer primary and preventive healthcare services with the goal of ensuring easy public access.

It is an aggregation of US FDA/EU certified IoT-enabled medical devices combined with yolohealth’s proprietary HIPPA compliant software backend, and cloud-centric platform supporting tele-medicine facility. This pioneering endeavour enabled individuals to take stock of their health and take well-informed health decisions.

The ‘Illness to Wellness’ campaign was introduced in 2014 and remains committed to promoting health and well-being through empowering, educating, collaborating, and adoption of sustainable health practices.

Over the years, it has aimed to maximise outreach and impact, from organising camps and awareness campaigns, to holding regular webinars on key health topics and developments- with the clear purpose of raising awareness and providing motivation and remedies.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Increased physical activity and a higher body mass index (BMI) can help fight lung function deficits in early childhood, according to a study on Monday.

The growth of lung function declines in childhood due to allergic conditions and is a clear risk factor for chronic respiratory disease later.

The study, published in the journal Thorax, showed that higher levels of physical activity in early childhood (between the ages of 4 and 7) and higher body mass index at age 4 can help increase lung function growth.

"The key finding of our study is that low lung function in early childhood does not automatically translate into poor lung function in early adulthood, but that accelerated growth can recover early-life lung function deficits and result in normal values in adolescence," said Sarah Koch, a researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).

The study analysed data on 1,151 children and adolescents aged 4-18 years. The researchers measured lung function with spirometry, a technique that assesses lung function through the amount of exhaled air.

The researchers called for understanding the determinants that predict lung function growth during childhood and adolescence to prevent diseases later in adulthood.

"Both clinical management and public health policies should support and promote a healthy diet and high levels of physical activity in children with low baseline lung function, suboptimal environmental conditions, or early-life allergies. This can help overcome growth limitations in lung function and improve respiratory health in childhood and adulthood," Koch said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) As more and more young people increasingly use apps to make food purchases, a new study warned on Sunday that most advertised items are missing nutritional information in online food delivery menus that would otherwise help consumers make healthy choices.

Researchers from the University of Sydney investigated menu items on major online food delivery outlets and apps.

They found that less than 6 per cent of menus of food outlets on online food delivery apps like UberEats, Menulog and Deliveroo had complete nutritional labelling.

A total of 482 menus from UberEats, Menulog and Deliveroo were reviewed by the researchers in the study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition.

“There are multiple studies that show menu labelling having real-world impact that consumers who were provided with nutritional information selected meals with significantly lower energy content,” said lead study author Sisi Jia.

“Although there is increasing demand for food delivery services, it is unknown how well menu labelling is implemented by online platforms,” added Jia from the Charles Perkins Centre and Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Sydney.

The use of online food delivery services has grown rapidly, including during the pandemic.

Online food delivery is also making it easier for people to buy food of low nutritional quality, according to the researchers.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) A team of scientists in China detected a whopping 80 per cent of microplastics from blood clots that may have contributed to stroke, heart attack, and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Microplastics -- any type of plastic less than 5 mm long -- have long been known as a significant environmental and health concern worldwide.

The new study, published in the journal eBioMedicine, showed that the blood clot samples were found in the cerebral arteries in the brain, coronary arteries in the heart, and deep veins in the lower extremities of 30 patients.

“Microplastics found in 80 per cent of clots retrieved from blood vessels after heart attack, stroke, or deep venous thrombosis. This is really bad news. Plastics are everywhere in modern life,” Tatiana Prowell, Associate Professor of Oncology at Johns Hopkins University in the US, wrote in a post on X.com.

The study stressed the need to accurately investigate the impact of microplastics on human health. It showed that the presence of microplastics may increase the severity of heart attack, stroke, or deep venous thrombosis.

“Our findings suggest that microplastics of different concentrations, polymer types, and physical properties are present in human thrombi (blood clots) and that higher levels of microplastics may be associated with disease severity,” said the researchers from the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China.

“Future research with a larger sample size is urgently needed to identify the sources of exposure and validate the observed trends in the study,” they added.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued an advisory to the e-commerce companies, directing them to remove all drinks and beverages including Bournvita from the category of ‘health drinks’, on their portal and platforms.

“National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body constituted under Section (3) of the Commission of Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 after its inquiry under Section 14 of CRPC Act 2005 concluded that there is no ‘health drink’ defined under FSS Act 2006, rules and regulations submitted by FSSAI and Mondelez India Food Pvt Ltd,” the ministry said in a notification, dated April 10.

The advisory comes on the back of an investigation by the NCPCR that found the Bournvita contains sugar levels, much above the acceptable limits.

Earlier, the NCPCR had called upon the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to initiate action against the companies that failed to meet safety standards and guidelines and were projecting power supplements as ‘health drinks’.

Notably, as per the regulatory body, ‘health drink’ has not been defined in the country’s food laws and to project something under the same violates the rules. The FSSAI, earlier this month, also instructed e-commerce portals against labelling diary-based or malt-based beverages as ‘health drinks’.

The controversy over the ‘unhealthy’ nature of Bournvita first arose after a YouTuber in his video slammed the powder supplement and informed that it contained excessive sugar, cocoa solids and harmful colourants that could lead to serious health hazards in children, including cancer.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Exercise can help stop the build-up of lipids -- a type of fat that accumulates as the body’s tissue gets older -- and thus aid in reversing ageing, revealed a study Friday.

A team of scientists from Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), in the Netherlands, conducted the study on both humans and mice.

Their results, published in the journal Nature Aging, revealed the presence of specific lipids that indicate tissue ageing and which can be decreased through exercise.

"The idea that we could reverse ageing is something that was long considered science fiction, but these findings do allow us to understand a lot more about the ageing process,” said Riekelt Houtkooper, Professor at the laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases of Amsterdam UMC.

"Everyone says that 'it's just part of getting older,' but this doesn't actually have to be true. By understanding more about the ageing process, we can also look into new ways of intervening," added Georges Janssens, Assistant professor at Amsterdam UMC.

For the study in mice, the team investigated how the composition of fats caused changes in muscles, kidneys, liver, and heart.

They found a type of lipid, the bis (monoacylglycero) phosphates (or BMPs), were elevated in all tissues from the older animals.

The team also found a similar accumulation of BMP in muscle biopsies of older adults. But biopsies after one hour of exercise daily revealed a decrease in the level of BMPs, stressing the importance of exercise.

However, further studies are needed to ascertain the role of physical activity in reversing the process of ageing, the team said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) BharatPe co-founder and former MD Ashneer Grover is set to launch a new app called 'ZeroPe' that will provide loans for healthcare.

According to the apps' Google Play Store listing, ZeroPe is presently in the testing phase and has been developed by Third Unicorn, which was founded by Grover after his exit from BharatPe.

The app will provide instant pre-approved medical loans of up to Rs 5 lakh to users to cover their medical expenses.

The company has partnered with Delhi-based Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) Mukut Finvest to provide instant loans. Users can only avail the service at partnered hospitals, according to the ZeroPe app website.

To apply for a medical loan with ZeroPe, users will need to download the app, complete a quick application, and then they will receive instant loan approval.

"ZeroPe ensures a straightforward process by directly paying the approved loan amount on behalf of the user to the chosen hospital," ZeroPe wrote on its website.

Grover, along with his wife Madhuri Jain Grover and entrepreneur Aseem Ghavri, launched Third Unicorn in January 2023.

The company started out with CrickPe in order to compete with Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL) and My11Circle.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, April 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), a premier life science research organisation under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has forged an alliance with Blockchain For Impact (BFI) under the BFI-Biome Virtual Network Programme to accelerate biomedical research and innovation in India.

BFI-Biome Virtual Network Programme is an initiative bringing together research institutes and incubators under one umbrella to foster stakeholder collaborations.

Under this program, BFI will allocate over $600,000 during the course of three years and leverage the state-of-the-art facilities and expertise at CCMB to support interdisciplinary and collaborative translational research projects in the field of biomedical science and innovation.

The launch event held in Hyderabad on Wednesday was attended by Dr. Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CCMB, other scientists from the institute and representatives from BFI including Dr Gaurav Singh, CEO; Dr Pooja Agrawal, Program Director; and Dr Satya Prakash Dash, Senior Advisor.

CSIR-CCMB is committed to providing research and training in the most cutting-edge areas of biology and facilitating centralised national access to the most modern techniques in the interdisciplinary areas of biology, according to a statement by CCMB.

CSIR-CCMB also promotes biomedical research endeavours, which is in tandem with the BFI-Biome vision that cuts across traditional boundaries by encompassing both upstream and deep science, driving innovation that leads to transformative health solutions.

This environment will encourage the exchange of ideas, network building, and the sharing of valuable experiences. This partnership aims to aid the acceleration of the translation of research discoveries into real-world life sciences solutions.

With a dedicated $15 million program for advancing biomedical research and innovation in India, the BFIBiome initiative integrates both upstream and deep science, fostering an environment that drives innovation leading to transformative healthcare outcomes.

This programme aims to bring together leading researchers, technologists, and innovators to collaborate and innovate to drive the next-generation intervention for improved healthcare.

“As a catalyst funder, our commitment goes beyond financial support. Through our two verticals - Biomedical Research and Innovation and District full-stack partnerships, and process-driven innovation funding and support, we are working towards addressing critical gaps in India's healthcare sector. The BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program is a significant step in this direction,” said Dr. Gaurav Singh, CEO of BFI.

"We are excited about this partnership, which would allow us to attempt projects with sound science and translational value. We hope that the outcomes from these projects will benefit Indian’s healthcare needs at large," Dr. Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CSIR CCMB.

Source: IANS

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