Doctors at a hospital in Kolkata have successfully treated a 66-year-old female patient from Bangladesh to give her a new lease of life in a complex case. The doctors at Manipal Hospital in Mukundapur performed a bilateral total knee replacement surgery under the supervision of Dr Sutanu Hazra, senior consultant & HOD – Orthopaedics, at the hospital. The patient had been wheelchair-bound for years due to crippling knee pain, and she has developed chronic kidney failure caused by prolonged and unsupervised use of over-the-counter painkillers to manage her knee discomfort. The knee replacement surgeries were conducted by Dr Hazra on July 1 and 3, and necessitated careful cross-specialty planning because the patient had compromised kidney function. She was monitored closely by Dr Ritesh Kauntia, consultant – Nephrology, transplant physician, during the procedure to maintain renal stability, along with experienced anaesthesia and post-operative management. Despite the complexity of the case, the procedure was a huge success. To everyone's surprise, the patient started walking with support just one day after her surgery, something she had not done in years. She is now under observation and is ready for a kidney transplant in the next few weeks. Talking about the case, Dr Kauntia shared, “Over the counter pain killers and alternative medicines are one of the major reasons for kidney disease. When this patient came to me for kidney transplantation in a wheelchair-bound state, we decided to treat the root cause first i.e. get her knee surgery done so that she is pain free and mobile before we plan for kidney transplantation. This was important to avoid future use of painkillers and safeguard the new graft kidney.” Dr Hazra added, “This patient’s journey is a critical reminder that while knee or joint pain significantly hampers daily life, long-term self-medication with over-the-counter painkillers can lead to irreversible damage, not just to the kidneys, but also to the heart and gastrointestinal system. In her case, the unchecked use of analgesics resulted in kidney failure. Early consultation with an orthopaedic specialist could have prevented this progression. People shouldn’t ignore persistent joint pain or rely solely on pharmacy-based remedies. Timely orthopaedic care can address the root cause, prevent severe complications, and help preserve mobility and quality of life. It is deeply rewarding to see her walking again after years, thanks to a coordinated, multidisciplinary effort.”
24 July,2025 04:21 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentExperiencing the COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated brain ageing by five and a half months, regardless of one's infection status, according to a new study, which researchers said point to the indirect effects of aspects such as isolation and uncertainty. The researchers, led by those from the University of Nottingham, analysed brain scans of adults in the UK taken before and after the pandemic. They found that changes were most noticeable among the brains of older individuals, men, and people from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those unemployed and having lower incomes or education. However, brain ageing was found to impact cognitive function, with 'brain fog' and difficulty in focussing being common symptoms, only in those who were infected with COVID-19, suggesting that brain ageing alone may not necessarily produce symptoms. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, highlight "how much the experience of the pandemic itself, everything from isolation to uncertainty, may have affected our brain health," said lead researcher Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad, research fellow at the university's faculty of medicine and health sciences. "What surprised me most was that even people who hadn't had Covid showed significant increases in brain ageing rates," Mohammadi-Nejad added. According to the authors, the pandemic-related brain ageing "may be at least partially reversible", but being strongly linked with socio-economic deprivation, the policies addressing inequalities are urgently needed, given that existing gaps widened during this time. AI-powered models which were used for predicting brain age were first trained on magnetic resonance image (MRI) brain scans of over 15,000 healthy people from the UK Biobank. The models thus learnt to measure the 'brain age gap' i.e. how much one's brain age differed from their actual age. The models were then employed to analyse two scans of the brains of 996 healthy participants, in 564 people (controls) both the scans were taken before the pandemic, while in the 'Pandemic' group consisting of 432 individuals, one scan was taken before and one after. "The 'Pandemic' group shows on average (a) 5.5-month higher deviation of brain age gap at the second time point, compared with controls," the authors wrote. They also found that "accelerated brain ageing is more pronounced in males and those from deprived socio-demographic backgrounds and these deviations exist regardless of SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19) infection." Further, cognitive tests taken at the time of both scans revealed that an "accelerated brain ageing correlates with reduced cognitive performance only in COVID-infected participants." Senior author Dorothee Auer, professor of neuroimaging at the University of Nottingham, said "This study reminds us that brain health is shaped not only by illness, but by our everyday environment." "The pandemic put a strain on people's lives, especially those already facing disadvantage. We can't yet test whether the changes we saw will reverse, but it's certainly possible, and that's an encouraging thought," Auer said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 July,2025 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIJust 7,000 daily steps can be key to reducing your risk of developing a range of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cognitive issues like depression, dementia, as well as death, according to a new study published in the journal The Lancet Public Health on Thursday. The comprehensive review, including 57 studies, analysed data from over 160,000 adults, and found that walking approximately 7,000 steps per day is associated with reductions in the risk of several serious health outcomes. The 7,000 steps aided in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (by 25 per cent), cancer (by 6 per cent), type 2 diabetes (by 14 per cent), dementia (by 38 per cent), depression (by 22 per cent), and falls (by 28 per cent). The all-cause mortality was cut down by nearly 50 per cent. Notably, while the current unofficial target of 10,000 steps per day, the study highlighted that 7,000 steps daily may be more realistic, particularly for less active people. “Although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7,000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some,” said corresponding author Prof Ding Ding, from The Charles Perkins Centre, at The University of Sydney in Australia. The study also revealed that even modest step counts (around 4,000 steps per day) are linked to better health compared to very low activity (around 2,000 steps per day). For some conditions, such as heart disease, health benefits continued to increase beyond 7,000 steps, but for most conditions, the benefits tended to level off. However, the team also acknowledged limitations, such as the small number of studies available, particularly for cancer and dementia, and a lack of age-specific analysis and biases at the individual study level. Yet, the findings underscore the value of using daily step counts as a straightforward way to measure physical activity, the researchers said. They suggest these results could help shape future public health guidelines and recommendations, encouraging more people to track their steps as a practical way to improve their health. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 July,2025 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSA person's compulsive nature could be the reason why such individuals indulge in self-destructive behaviour, making harmful choices despite knowing the obvious negative outcomes, according to a new study. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications Psychology, also found that making compulsive decisions did not appear to be random mistakes or people having "bad days". "They're stable traits — almost like personality types. This is not to say they're fixed, just that they may require (an) intervention to break," said lead researcher Philip Jean-Richard Dit Bressel, a behavioural neuroscientist and experimental psychologist at The University of New South Wales. Researchers said self-sabotaging choices do not arise out of a lack of motivation or capacity — rather from a subtle, yet persistent failure to connect their actions with consequences. The team observed three distinct behaviours among Australian participants whose choices in an online game resulted in either a reward or punishment — 'Sensitives', 'Unawares' and 'Compulsives'. The 'Sensitives' were those who worked out which choices led to unfavourable outcomes and adapted their behaviour. The 'Unawares' were those who did not work out, yet were able to modify their strategies once their errors were brought to their attention. The third group — 'Compulsives' — "persisted in harmful decisions despite both punishment and informational intervention", the authors explained in the study. "We basically told them, 'this action leads to that negative consequence, and this other one is safe'. Most people who had been making poor choices changed their behaviour immediately. But some didn't," said Jean-Richard Dit Bressel. Playing the online game required the participants to click on either of two planets — one would lead to a spaceship that delivered points (reward), while the other to a spaceship that stole from the points accrued thus far (punishment). After a few rounds of trial and error, the researchers found that the sensitive participants were able to work out which planet led to punishment, but the 'Unawares' and 'Compulsives' failed to make the connection and therefore, were "punished intermittently". In another group of participants — a more diverse, international pool of 267 people from 24 different countries with different backgrounds and a wider age range — the researchers found similar results. Further, when this diverse group played the same game six months later, most were seen to display the same behaviours. "That was one of the more striking findings. It suggests these aren't just random mistakes or bad days. They're stable traits — almost like personality types. This is not to say they're fixed, just that they may require intervention to break," Jean-Richard Dit Bressel said. The patterns seen in the study — "where people ignore both experience and information" — are similar to those noted in gambling and other compulsive behaviours, the lead researcher said. The team also said the research has important implications for public health messaging, as campaigns largely rely on providing information — about smoking, drinking, diet, or financial risks — assuming that people will act on it. "We've shown that standard information campaigns work for most people — but not for everyone. For compulsive individuals, we may need a different kind of intervention," Jean-Richard Dit Bressel said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 July,2025 03:19 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIEnglish singer-songwriter Ozzy Osbourne, widely regarded as the godfather of heavy metal, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 76. In a statement, his family said, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.” While the cause of death has not been disclosed, the frontman of the pioneering heavy metal band ‘Black Sabbath’ had been battling health issues in recent years. In 2020, the musician had revealed that he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease. What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement and balance, but can also lead to pain, disturbed sleep, mental health challenges, and other health complications. The condition may result in disability and a need for constant care, significantly reducing quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has doubled over the past 25 years. Global estimates from 2019 showed that more than 8.5 million people were affected by the condition. Signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease The condition includes both motor and non-motor symptoms, which can progressively worsen over time. Motor symptoms, as listed WHO, include slow movement, tremors, rigidity or stiffness, involuntary movements, imbalance, and difficulty walking. Non-motor symptoms include cognitive decline, mental health disorders, dementia, sleep problems, pain, and sensory disturbances. Risk factors of Parkinson’s disease The likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease increases with age. It typically affects older adults, with the average age of onset being around 60, although it can also occur in younger individuals. WHO also notes that men are more commonly affected by the condition than women. Though the exact cause remains unknown, genetic factors play a key role in many cases. Individuals with a family history of the disease are at a higher risk of developing it. Management and treatment There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, symptoms can be managed through medication, surgery, and rehabilitation therapies such as physiotherapy, according to WHO. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 July,2025 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOlder adults with high blood pressure may benefit from drinking beetroot juice, claimed a study on Wednesday. The blood pressure-lowering effect of nitrate-rich beetroot juice in older individuals may be attributed to specific changes in their oral microbiome, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK. Nitrate is crucial to the body and is consumed as a natural part of a vegetable-rich diet. In the study, when the older adults drank a concentrated beetroot juice ‘shot’ twice a day for two weeks, their blood pressure decreased. However, the effect was not observed in the younger group, as revealed by the findings published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine. “This study shows that nitrate-rich foods alter the oral microbiome in a way that could result in less inflammation, as well as a lowering of blood pressure in older people. This paves the way for larger studies to explore the influence of lifestyle factors and biological sex in how people respond to dietary nitrate supplementation,” said Professor Andy Jones, of the University of Exeter. The study recruited 39 adults aged under 30 and 36 adults in their 60s and 70s who spent two weeks taking regular doses of nitrate-rich beetroot juice and two weeks on a placebo version of the juice with nitrate stripped out. The older age group experienced a notable decrease in the potentially harmful mouth bacteria Prevotella after drinking the nitrate-rich juice, and an increase in the growth of bacteria known to benefit health, such as Neisseria. The team said that an imbalance between beneficial and harmful oral bacteria can decrease the conversion of nitrate (abundant in vegetable-rich diets) to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is crucial to the healthy functioning of the blood vessels, and therefore the regulation of blood pressure, the researchers explained. "The good news is that if you don’t like beetroot, there are many nitrate-rich alternatives like spinach, rocket, fennel, celery, and kale,” added Professor Anni Vanhatalo, from the varsity. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 July,2025 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSLifestyle solutions or specific nutrient supplementation might yield better results for Indians with genetic risk of obesity, reveals a study. Many gene variants previously associated with obesity in Europeans do not affect Indians similarly, which resonates with a different pattern of obesity in Indians, according to the findings of the study by researchers at Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology under Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad. The study also revealed that Polygenic Risk Score (PSR) predicts obesity more accurately in people with European-like ancestry than in those with other ancestries, including Indians (South Asian ancestry) Researchers at CSIR-CCMB, led by Dr Giriraj Ratan Chandak, characterised the genomes of the Indian population. They included individuals with diabetes as well as those with normal blood glucose levels, who have been followed for nearly 20 years, providing a unique opportunity to investigate the genetic basis of obesity in Indians. Obesity is a grave problem in India and other parts of South Asia, given their incidences of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The pattern of obesity in India is notably different from that in Europe, with Indians tending to have more central (abdominal) obesity. Several obesity-associated genetic changes were identified and used to develop the PRS for Indians, effectively creating a “virtual individual” to model obesity risk. This data from Indian samples has served as a representative for the South Asian population in the study. Through this data, the study's findings become more relevant for the Indian and South Asian populations. The scientists also examined the connection between a person’s genetic risk of obesity and the impact of lifestyle weight loss interventions, such as diet and exercise. They discovered that individuals with a higher genetic risk of obesity responded better to interventions but also regained weight more quickly once the interventions ended. “The observations made from this study are similar to the earlier results on height, where genetic variants identified in Europeans predicted lower risk in Indians, and environment-related modifications of genes play a larger role. It looks like lifestyle, diet and nutrition might be playing an equal or more important role in predicting obesity in Indians. So, for Indians, lifestyle solutions or specific nutrient supplementation in the background of genetic risk might yield better results,” said Dr Chandak. Earlier studies by Dr Chandak showed that the genetic basis of non-communicable diseases varies significantly between Indians and Europeans. The latest study by researchers at CSIR-CCMB is part of a global study. An international team of 600 researchers across 500 institutions drew on the largest and most diverse genetic dataset ever. This provided access to genetic information from over 5 million people from different countries, including India. Using this data, the researchers developed a genetic test called PRS that predicts adulthood obesity in early childhood. This discovery could help identify children and adolescents already at higher genetic risk of developing obesity, who could benefit from targeted preventative strategies such as lifestyle interventions at a younger age. This score is twice as effective as the previous best test at predicting a person’s risk of developing obesity. “What makes the score so powerful is its ability to predict, around the age of five, whether a child is likely to develop obesity in adulthood, well before other risk factors start to shape their weight later in childhood. Intervening at this point can have a huge impact,” says Assistant Professor Roelof Smit from the NNF Centre for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) at the University of Copenhagen and lead author of the research that was published in the journal Nature Medicine. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 July,2025 11:08 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe benefits of yoga can be seen all year round and for people of all ages and that has led to not only Indians but also people from different parts of the world to adopt asanas in their daily life. While every kind of child and adult benefits from it, health experts say pregnant women can also benefit a lot from a type called Prenatal Yoga. Over time, there have been many different kinds of yoga that have been classified for specific purposes, and yoga during pregnancy is one such routine that can help a great deal. So, what is prenatal yoga? Danny Laliwala, consultant, obstetrics & gynaecology at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai says prenatal yoga focuses on physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and mental exercises to help pregnant women stay calm in stressful situation.Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, who is the head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IVF and Endoscopy Centre at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune adds, “The primary goal of prenatal yoga is to help expectant mothers prepare for childbirth both physically and mentally, promoting balance, relaxation, and a connection with their baby.” Physical benefits of yoga during pregnancy With multiple roles during pregnancy, Dr Laliwala highlights that the form of yoga for pregnant mothers not only has physical benefits and emotional benefits but also helps prepare for labour. He explains, “The physical benefits include improving flexibility and strength, reducing back pain and discomfort, and enhancing balance and posture.” While improving strength and flexibility, Dr Tandulwadkar says it also helps tone muscles needed for childbirth, such as the pelvic floor, hips, and core, and improves overall flexibility. It not only reduces aches and pains with gentle stretches and strengthening exercises for lower back pain but also hip pain, and sciatica. “Prenatal yoga also enhances blood circulation and ensures more oxygen-rich blood reaches the baby, promoting healthy development, and can help prevent swelling. Lastly, it also boosts energy levels by combating fatigue often experienced during pregnancy.”Mental and emotional benefits of prenatal yogaWhile the physical benefits are plenty, Dr Lilawala says the emotional benefits are that it helps reduce stress and anxiety, promotes better sleep, boosts mood and overall well-being, and increases blood circulation and prevents thrombosis in vessels. With deep breathing techniques (pranayama) and mindfulness practices, the health expert who is also the president of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India says it helps calm the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and alleviate stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. “Yoga also helps regulate hormones and releases endorphins, contributing to a more stable mood. It also helps promote good sleep by alleviating discomforts and promoting relaxation, prenatal yoga can lead to better sleep. The mindful nature of yoga encourages expectant mothers to slow down, tune into their bodies, and bond with their growing baby,” she adds. How yoga prepares women for labour Last but not the least, prenatal yoga also helps women prepare for labour. “The breathing techniques and relaxation exercises help manage pain and stress during labour. It also helps strengthen pelvic muscles and improves flexibility for easier delivery. By incorporating prenatal yoga into their routine, expectant mothers can experience a more comfortable and empowering pregnancy journey.” Dr Tandulwadkar says the yoga asanas also optimises baby positioning because certain movements can encourage the baby to move into an optimal position for birth “It also improves stamina because building physical endurance is vital for the demands of labour. Beyond personal benefits, it also helps build a support system, says Dr Tandulwadkar. “Attending prenatal yoga classes can connect pregnant women with other expectant mothers, creating a valuable support network.” In essence, the health expert says prenatal yoga provides a holistic approach to pregnancy, supporting the mother's body and mind as she prepares for the arrival of her baby.
22 July,2025 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoA four-day workweek might help with an employee's well-being, according to a study that trialled the intervention in organisations across the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Researchers from Boston College in the US and University College Dublin in Ireland found that workers reported an improved well-being with lower levels of burnout, a better job satisfaction and physical and mental health -- this was not seen among employees of 12 organisations where a reduced workweek was not trialled. For the study, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, nearly 2,900 employees across 141 organisations in the six high-income countries worked four days a week for six months without a pay reduction. To maintain productivity, workplaces were re-organised with efficiency and collaboration improvements prior to start of the trial. The authors wrote, "Analysis of pre- and post-trial data from 2,896 employees across 141 organisations in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA shows improvements in burnout, job satisfaction, mental health and physical health — a pattern not observed in 12 control companies." The improved well-being was attributed to three factors — an enhanced perception of one's own work ability, reduced sleep problems and lower levels of fatigue. "The results indicate that income-preserving four-day workweeks are an effective organisational intervention for enhancing workers' well-being," the team said. Countries around the world have been experimenting with interventions, such as a shorter workweek or reduced working hours in a week, to improve work-life balance and boost productivity. However, a country's labour laws and economic conditions, along with how work and leisure is culturally perceived are other factors influencing a potential shift away from traditional work routines. France legally mandated a 35-hour workweek in the early 2000s, while Bhutan is said to be amongst the countries with the most working hours per week — over 50. The researchers cited a large body of research looking at the link between long hours spent working and employees' psychological and mental well being — results point to higher rates of diabetes, heart disease and chronic pain conditions. The team also said that however, most of the studies are observational and short-term, making it difficult to assess the link between working hours and well being. Further, workplace interventions in the studies have largely looked at individual-level measures and rarely targeted organisation-level work hours, the team said. The authors acknowledged the study's limitations that it was not a randomised trial — considered the gold standard in experiments to establish cause-and-effect relationships — and that the participants were all from high-income countries. "Many organisations (in the study) are small, which restricts our ability to generalise," the authors said. Evidence from this study, nevertheless, adds strength to the link between hours spent working and well-being of employees, they said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 July,2025 12:16 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIAsthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Affecting more than 300 million people worldwide, asthma is a significant public health concern that can severely impact an individual's quality of life if not properly managed. Although the exact cause of asthma is multifactorial—ranging from genetic predisposition to environmental triggers—the underlying mechanisms involve immune system dysregulation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and chronic inflammation. Conventional asthma treatment usually includes inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers, and biologic agents targeting specific immune pathways like IgE or interleukin-5. These therapies help control inflammation, relax airway muscles, and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. While these medications are effective for many patients, they often require lifelong use and do not fully address the systemic factors contributing to asthma progression. With advancements in medical science and biotechnology, new pathways have emerged in the field of asthma disease treatment. Precision medicine is gaining attention, especially in severe and treatment-resistant cases, where biologic therapies tailored to a patient’s unique immunological profile are showing encouraging outcomes. Moreover, stem cell-based therapies and immunomodulatory approaches are being studied for their potential to repair damaged lung tissues and restore immune balance. Another evolving area in the asthma disease treatment landscape is the identification of endotypes—biological subtypes of asthma defined by specific molecular and cellular mechanisms. Understanding these endotypes allows for more accurate and effective treatment decisions, enabling physicians to target the root cause of the disease rather than simply alleviating symptoms. Embracing Regenerative and Holistic Treatments for Asthma At AMSA Biotech, we are dedicated to developing and delivering next-generation therapies that not only manage symptoms but aim to correct the underlying mechanisms of chronic diseases. For asthma, this means integrating advanced biologic research with holistic treatments for asthma that support long-term respiratory health and immune regulation. Regenerative strategies, such as those using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are being investigated for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in patients with asthma. Preclinical studies suggest that MSCs can reduce airway inflammation, decrease mucus production, and promote tissue repair in the lungs. This opens a promising window for cellular approaches to asthma treatment, particularly in cases that are not adequately controlled by conventional drugs. In parallel, holistic treatments for asthma are gaining recognition in comprehensive care models. These treatments consider the patient's overall lifestyle, environmental exposure, diet, and stress levels. Nutritional support with anti-inflammatory foods, breathing techniques like Buteyko and pranayama, allergen avoidance, and even gut microbiota modulation are all part of integrative asthma care aimed at improving the patient’s resilience and respiratory health naturally. Furthermore, exosome-based therapies—utilizing extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells—are also under scientific investigation for their potential to carry regenerative signals to inflamed lung tissues. Exosomes may help in reducing chronic airway inflammation without the risks associated with systemic immunosuppressive drugs, making them a viable component of future asthma disease treatment protocols. At AMSA Biotech, we believe that successful asthma treatment must be comprehensive, evidence-based, and personalized. Our research focuses on combining regenerative technologies with lifestyle-based interventions to address not only the symptoms but the root biological causes of asthma. This multi-dimensional approach is designed to enhance patient outcomes, reduce dependency on steroids, and ultimately lead to better long-term control of the condition. In summary, the future of asthma treatment lies in the fusion of scientific innovation and holistic care. With continued research and patient-centered solutions, AMSA Biotech is committed to transforming the way asthma is managed—helping individuals breathe easier, live better, and move toward a healthier, more resilient future.
21 July,2025 05:38 PM IST | MUMBAI | BrandMediaWe humans love numbers. Really love them. We obsess over them, chase them, compare them, and - let’s be honest - let them define us sometimes. From the moment we step on the bathroom scale in the morning to when we check our karma score on Reddit at night, numbers are everywhere, quietly whispering little verdicts on how we’re doing in life. But why do we love metrics so much? What is it about boiling down complex aspects of our existence into neat numbers that feels so satisfying? Numbers Make the Abstract Feel Concrete Life is messy. Success, happiness, health, intelligence - these are big, abstract ideas that we can’t easily grasp. But slap a number on them, and suddenly they feel solid and trackable. Calories count every bite we eat, step counters track every move we make, and credit scores define our financial trustworthiness in three digits. At school, this obsession with quantification takes center stage. The GPA, for instance, has become the ultimate measure of academic achievement. It’s not just a number; it’s a shorthand for years of late-night studying, group projects, pop quizzes, and term papers. And when you’re working hard for those grades, who doesn’t love the help of a GPA Calculator? In seconds, it can show you exactly where you stand - and what you need to do to reach that next decimal point. It takes away some of the mystery and gives students a sense of control over their academic journey. For students at Indiana University, the IU GPA Calculator goes a step further, tailoring calculations specifically for IU’s grading system. It’s one of those little tools that make life easier but also feed into our love for knowing exactly how we’re doing at any given moment. Metrics Give Us a Sense of Progress There’s something deeply motivating about seeing numbers change in the right direction. Whether it’s your daily step count ticking toward 10,000 or your GPA nudging closer to a 4.0, numbers offer a clear sign that our efforts are paying off. They give us milestones, goals, and tiny victories to celebrate. At IU, students use their GPA as both a benchmark and a roadmap. Want to apply for that prestigious internship? Your GPA will indicate whether you’re on track. Thinking about graduate school? The IU GPA Calculator lets you project how your grades this semester might impact your overall average. It’s like a little crystal ball for your academic future. But Not All Metrics Matter Equally Of course, not every number deserves our obsession. While it’s helpful to know how many calories you’ve eaten or how many followers you have on Instagram, these numbers don’t necessarily measure your worth or happiness. And that’s where we need to pause and reflect. Metrics can motivate, but they can also trap us. If we start to believe that our entire identity is wrapped up in a GPA, a credit score, or a social media follower count, we lose sight of the bigger picture. Numbers can’t capture creativity, kindness, resilience, or joy. At their best, metrics help us improve. At their worst, they limit how we define success. A Love Letter to Metrics - and a Caution So yes, we love metrics. We love seeing our achievements distilled into numbers, especially when those numbers move in the right direction. There’s a reason why apps, tools, and calculators - like that trusty GPA Calculator or the helpful IU GPA Calculator - are so popular: they feed our need to measure, compare, and strive. But numbers should be our guideposts, not our masters. Whether you’re a student at IU calculating your final grades or someone tracking your daily steps, remember: metrics are just one part of your story. They help us understand where we are and give us goals for where we want to go. But they don’t define who we are. Even the most prestigious university can’t capture your worth in a single number on a transcript. And as you step out of school and into life, you’ll find that the most important things - integrity, friendship, passion - aren’t easily measured. So go ahead, calculate that GPA, check your karma score, count your steps. Enjoy the motivation and clarity metrics can offer. But at the end of the day, don’t forget to live beyond the numbers.
21 July,2025 05:37 PM IST | New York | IANSADVERTISEMENT
