After losing her eyesight due to the unfortunate incident in March, Rameshwaram Café blast survivor has regained her eyesight after complex surgeries by doctors at Bengaluru’s Nethradhama Hospital. The 26-year-old woman from Bengaluru suffered a complete loss of vision in her right eye due to severe injuries sustained in the blast. Over the past four months, Nethradhama’s medical team performed a series of complex and advanced surgeries, ultimately restoring 80 per cent of her vision. Dr Supriya Sriganesh, executive director at Nethradhama, elaborating on Nagashree PR’s challenging journey explains, “When Nagashree presented at Nethradhama four days after the blast, her right eye was severely damaged. The eyeball was ruptured, the cornea torn, the lens damaged, and the retina affected by scarring and inflammation. Despite the grim prognosis, our medical team embarked on a rigorous treatment plan, starting with anti-inflammatory medication to stabilize her condition, followed by a combined cornea and retina surgery. We utilised the latest surgical tools, including a 3D microscope with intraoperative OCT for real-time imaging during surgery and minimally invasive vitrectomy systems for retinal repair.” The vitrectomy was performed by retina specialist Dr Pradeep TM, while the corneal repair was conducted by Dr Vineeta Pai. After these initial procedures, the team allowed time for healing before performing a secondary intraocular lens implant. This final surgery, led by Dr Sri Ganesh, employed a specialised technique known as the dumbbell technique, restoring 80 per cent of Nagashree’s vision. Dr Sri Ganesh, chairman and managing director of Nethradhama, commenting on the successful treatment, said, “Nethradhama has always been at the forefront of bringing groundbreaking technology to Indian eye care. Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives the best care possible, supported by the latest innovations. Managing such severe injuries is always a challenge, but with the right expertise and technology, we can achieve outcomes that were once thought impossible. Nagashree’s recovery is a powerful example of the possibilities in modern eye care.” Dr Suman Shree, CEO and director of Nethradhama, highlighted the hospital’s capabilities in handling complex cases. “Nagashree’s case demonstrates how our expertise and technology can combine to deliver extraordinary results. Her courage throughout her treatment has been an inspiration to all of us, and we were honoured that she agreed to inaugurate our new center of excellence.” In a goodwill gesture of a successful operation, Nethradhama Hospital invited Nagashree PR, the courageous survivor of the Rameshwaram Café blast, whose inspiring recovery has touched many inaugurate their new super-specialty eye care hospital in Whitefield in Bengaluru. At the inauguration, Nagashree expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured to inaugurate this new facility by Nethradhama, an institution with a long-standing legacy of excellence in eye care. This centre will undoubtedly serve many patients with severe eye conditions. The care and treatment I received at Nethradhama was exceptional. I never imagined regaining my eyesight after such a devastating injury, but thanks to the doctors here and the advanced technologies they use, what seemed impossible became a reality.”
28 August,2024 02:57 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentWomen going through the menopause transition period are likely to experience changes that can be detrimental to their cardiovascular health, according to research on Tuesday. Despite the myth that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a "man's disease," it accounts for 40 per cent of all deaths in women, making it the leading cause of mortality for women. Although women typically get CVD 10 years later than males, they are more at risk for developing heart disease following menopause. “There is an increase in ‘bad’ low-density type lipoprotein (LDL) particles and a decrease in ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL) that takes place during and after the menopause transition,” said study author Dr Stephanie Moreno, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, US. “Taken together, these changes suggest that menopause is associated with a transition to a higher-risk lipoprotein profile that could be more likely to cause cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease,” she added. The study analysed changes in lipoprotein particles during the menopause transition in 1,246 participants. They measured common lipoproteins associated with CVD, including atherogenic LDL-P and small dense LDL. The researchers compared longitudinal changes in lipoprotein measures between pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal women and men as well using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. The results showed that all three female groups had an increase in LDL-P, with the greatest percent change between the peri and post groups. Compared to men, whose percent change was 213 per cent, small-dense LDL had a higher percent change in the peri-group. Compared to both pre- and post-menopausal populations, this percent change is approximately 15 per cent higher. “We found that menopause is associated with adverse changes in lipoprotein profiles, with the most pronounced changes found to be in increases in ‘bad’ LDL-particles and subfractions observed for peri-menopausal women,” Moreno said. The findings may help explain the rise of heart disease in post-menopausal women and help determine if earlier interventions are warranted, said the team calling for more studies. The findings will be presented in the forthcoming meeting of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2024 from August 30 to September 2 in the UK. 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.
28 August,2024 11:25 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSNoise pollution in urban areas has significant, negative impacts on heart health according to studies published on Tuesday. The studies conducted in France and Germany, respectively, show that people already suffering from heart as well as cardiovascular problems are among the vulnerable groups and will be subjected to debilitating effects on their health owing to this menace. In Germany's Bremen, 430 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarctions (MI) who were admitted to a nearby heart centre and were 50 years of age or younger were enrolled in the trial. The researchers found that residential noise exposure levels were higher than those of the general population in the same region when they calculated levels of noise exposure. Individuals who had MI and a low Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) score (greater or smaller than 2.5 per cent) suggests they had less traditional risk factors like diabetes or smoking, showed considerably higher noise exposure than patients with a high CVD score. This is important because cardiovascular risk in young people who are otherwise deemed low risk may be underestimated by traditional risk assessment techniques. An independent French study evaluated the effect of noise exposure on the prognosis following a first MI, "we found a strong association between urban noise exposure, particularly at night, and worse prognosis at 1 year after a first MI" in the ENVI-MI research”, said investigator Professor Marianne Zeller of the University of Burgundy and Hospital of Dijon. Data for 864 patients who were hospitalised for an acute MI and survived for at least 28 days following the MI were gathered from the French Observatory Database (RICO). A major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; cardiac mortality, rehospitalisation for heart failure, recurrent MI, emergency revascularisation, stroke, angina and/or unstable angina) was reported by 19 per cent of the participants at the 1-year follow-up. The average noise level in A-weighted decibels [dB(A)] for each patient's home address was measured every day. It was found to be 56.0 during the day and 49.0 at night. These levels of noise exposure were deemed to be moderate and typical for a significant portion of the European population. Notably, regardless of air pollution or socioeconomic status, there was a 25 per cent greater risk of MACE for every 10 dB(A) increase in noise during the night (hazard ratio 1.25; 95 per cent, confidence interval 1.09–1.43). "These data provide some of the first insights that noise exposure can affect prognosis. If confirmed by larger prospective studies, our analysis could help to identify new opportunities for environment-based secondary-prevention strategies, including noise barriers for high-risk MI patients," Prof Zeller 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.
28 August,2024 11:01 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Mumbaikar Anushna Attavar travels from Lalbaug to her office in Andheri East daily, but it has never been smooth. While other Mumbaikars travel by the well-connected local train, she is busy getting road transport to her destination, which is supposed to be the better option. She expresses, "Kaali-peeli taxis don't even stop to ask where you're headed, and if they ask - eventually they will respond with ‘Bohot trafficwala road hai’ and will not go. Even the roads are plagued with heavy traffic and unnecessary potholes that make it difficult to travel by road in Mumbai.” The city-based publicist’s journey to the office should not take more than 40-45 minutes a day, but how much time does she spend on the road? Easily anywhere between 1 hour to 90 minutes, which is almost double the time. “There are significant bottlenecks near Santacruz and Dadar, but it seems like no one notices,” she adds. Attavar is one of many Mumbaikars who travel by road daily. However, the journey is never pleasant, and neither is it fast. With each passing year, travelling in Mumbai by road is becoming difficult, frustrating and tiring. The city boasts of several mega projects over the years including the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Coastal Road and most recently Atal Setu apart from the many metro construction projects that have not only hampered traffic but also damaged pre-existing roads that were once better than they are today. It is not only the traffic but also the effect of it that leads to short and long-term issues on one’s health, according to doctors. In fact, the 25-year-old says she has also got sick due to all this. “I have suffered from migraines due to being stuck in traffic with constant air conditioning, noise pollution and headlights that only make it worse.” So, are all the infrastructure projects worth it?Mumbaikars and their travel woesIt only turns from bad to worse because of the many Mumbai metro projects that are underway leading to most of the city being under construction all the time. It would be hard to not see the city without the blue Metro construction boards in parts of the city. They are not only never-ending but also reduce the already bad roads into half leading to congestion and traffic through most routes for people travelling to work in Andheri, Bandra Kurla Complex and Lower Parel among other areas. When this writer put out a call on social media to speak to Mumbaikars with travel woes, he was met with an overwhelming response of people wanting to express their travel woes highlighting how frustrated people are in the city about their road travel.Alisha Patel is another Mumbaikar like Attavar who has been relying on road travel over the years, but it just seems to be getting worse in her experience. She explains, “I live in Andheri West and my office is in Worli. I prefer taking a cab to work because it is more comfortable, and I don’t want to reach office sweaty and tired, but the traffic has gotten worse over the years. I have been travelling to office by road for 2.5 years now, and have seen both the time taken, as well as costs for cabs increase over the years.” While it would earlier take her about 45 minutes by road, today it takes her 90 minutes, just like Attavar, and this is in the opposite direction. “I generally leave my house by 8:30am, and I end up reaching office at close to 10am. Even the cab prices have increased to almost double since I started travelling to office in late 2021 when a cab would cost about Rs 400 but today this is Rs 700-750.” Having lived in Mumbai over the years in Andheri, Patel airs out every Mumbaikar’s issue. “There is less space on the roads, leading to jams and congestion due to all the digging and construction. There is not a single road along my route that is not dug up because of the metro and coastal road work.”Along the 32-year-old’s route, she has observed some major bottlenecks at stretches in Worli, and Bandra, which have a lot of traffic. “These two areas are both under “development” because of the coastal road and metro. I don’t think these are being addressed at all, as the roads have become worse with each passing day. Now with the coastal road being opened up in Worli, there is a new jam just before the start of the Worli side of the Sea Link, owing to vehicles getting off the Coastal Road,” she adds. Nishant Chawla, another Mumbaikar, adds to the list of bottlenecks as he says even Mith Chowki and Malad Signal and Juhu Circle being the latest one due to new metro development has made life difficult as he spends almost 90 minutes one way in Mumbai to travel by road. “I have to leave quite early every day, due to the increasing traffic in Mumbai and random dug-up roads with metro construction work ongoing; it is a total mess. The expected time of arrival has drastically increased in western suburbs,” he adds. Also Read: Auto-rickshaw chaos at Bandra station: Who will address daily struggles of Mumbai commuters? Chawla points out that while he doesn’t currently feel sick due to the travel, the increasing pollution daily, it is going to affect every Mumbaikar’s health in the long run. Even Patel says it often leaves her sick. “The long travel is tiring and makes me feel very fatigued. In addition, the potholes and traffic contribute to making me feel queasy and uneasy, and I often need time to just settle my system once I reach home or office daily,” she adds.Mumbai doctors highlight effects on the bodyIf Mumbaikars expressing their frustration about the never-ending travel woes isn’t enough to make the local authorities improve the situation, then Mumbai’s health experts say prepare for the worst. They are also throwing caution to every single person who is travelling by road to work. More than anything else, it starts with the back, says Dr Mazda Turel.The brain and spine surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central says Mumbai's roads offer a challenging rollercoaster experience for your body due to the numerous potholes and speed breakers scattered throughout the city. He explains, “Extended travel on these rough roads can result in significant neck and back pain, potentially accelerating the degeneration of your joints. The constant jostling and impact from such conditions can lead to discomfort and long-term health issues. The relentless wear and tear from navigating these road conditions makes it crucial to be aware of the strain they place on your body.” He further adds that prolonged exposure to such bumpy and uneven surfaces can exacerbate musculoskeletal problems, and highlights the importance of taking precautions to safeguard your health while traveling.Dr Turel says one should pay attention to the different symptoms that may present themselves after travelling by road in Mumbai regularly. He explains, “If you experience considerable stiffness in your back, or if your back pain extends down into your legs, it’s important to pay attention to these symptoms. Similarly, neck pain that radiates into your arms, accompanied by tingling or numbness, or difficulty in turning your neck from side to side should not be overlooked. These signs could indicate underlying issues that require prompt attention. Ignoring such symptoms might lead to worsening conditions or more severe health problems.” It is also why the Mumbai-based doctor recommends choosing a four-wheeler over a two-wheeler. “It reduces the physical impact and jarring sensations on your body. This is particularly important for long-distance journeys.”He suggests the following tips while driving on the road in and around Mumbai:1. Take breaks every 30 to 45 minutesWhile it is wise to opt for shorter trips, most people do take long trips. During these trips, it is important to make stops, exit the vehicle and stretch your muscles. This practice prevents you from sitting in one position for extended periods and helps alleviate pressure on your spine. Regular stretching during long trips can significantly reduce the risk of developing back pain and discomfort from prolonged sitting.2. Stay well-hydrated and exercise regularlyStaying well-hydrated is crucial, as proper hydration helps maintain joint lubrication and reduces wear and tear. It is also beneficial to regularly engage in exercises that strengthen your neck and back muscles. By consistently building these muscle groups, you enhance their ability to endure the impact and stress associated with travel. Incorporating these precautions into your routine can help safeguard your musculoskeletal health and improve overall comfort during and after long journeys.Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, Internal Medicine Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, says it takes a toll on the entire body. She explains, “Traveling by road can be a stressful experience for some, especially for those suffering from motion sickness. Road journeys in Mumbai can have several effects on your body due to traffic, uneven roads, and increased pollution. Sitting in a small space for a longer duration without taking frequent breaks can lead to severe back and neck pain causing discomfort. One can experience respiratory distress due to high levels of pollution especially the ones with existing conditions like asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases), and bronchitis.”Dr Agarwal says travelling by road can lead to many different kinds of issues and the symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, chest pain, dizziness, episodes of vomiting, severe headache, back pain, numbness in your legs, dehydration, gas, bloating, indigestion, lack of appetite, nausea, vision problems, feeling suffocated, mood swings, irritability, and skin problems. “One shouldn’t overlook these symptoms if they last for more than a few hours or even days. They can indicate several underlying health issues such as viral infection, cardiovascular diseases, neurological problems, gastroenteritis, and stroke,” she adds.The Mumbai-based doctor recommends the following tips:1. Take frequent washroom breaksEnsure that you take frequent washroom breaks as controlling urination for extended periods can be harmful to your kidneys.2. Support for your backUse cushions to support your back and neck for comfortable posture while traveling. Opt for loose-fitting clothes with breathable fabrics like cotton and linens to minimize discomfort throughout the journey.3. Carry first-aid kitMake sure that you carry a first-aid kit while travelling. Your first aid kit can include essential items like bandages, cold compressions, antiseptic wipes, antibiotics, ORS, and over-the-counter medications for conditions like headache, diarrhoea, body pain, and nausea. If you are someone who frequently gets motion sickness while travelling, then you should consult your doctor in advance for prescribed medicines.Just like Dr Agarwal, Dr Hemalata Arora, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, further shares, “Long periods of sitting in a poor posture causing lower back problems like sciatica, lumbar disc disease, lumbar canal stenosis leading to numbness, tingling in the legs, pain the buttocks, thighs and legs. Bending forward to read the mobile if not driving, causes neck problems of a similar kind with neck strain, and cervical spondylosis. Long periods of driving in traffic can cause anxiety, increased BP, and mild to moderate rage problems. If travelling in an open vehicle, exposed to the pollutants, both air and noise, causes hearing problems, bronchitis and allergies.”Arora further suggests the following tips while travelling by road:1. Adopt correct postureIt's important to adopt a correct posture to avoid long duration of screen viewing especially in moving vehicles. Use listening-only devices but not while driving.2. Use masksWhile travelling by road, it's important to use masks, ear plugs and other protection if exposed to air/noise pollution.Driving through pollution and its effects on skin and hairWhile there is an effect on the spine and entire body while travelling by road, one cannot ignore the effect it has on the skin and hair too. As air pollution increases, many people forget that their skin also gets affected. So, how does travelling by road in Mumbai affect your skin? Dr Shareefa Chause, city-based dermatologist, Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, explains, "The dry and humid environment of Mumbai can be harmful to your skin and hair health while travelling. This can easily dehydrate your skin making it look flaky and dull. If you are travelling during the daytime there’s a higher chance of sunburn, tanning, and premature skin aging due to harmful UV rays. Your scalp can become dry and sensitive due to prolonged exposure to dirt, and dust particles in the air.” Being constantly exposed to the fluctuation in temperature while travelling by road in Mumbai triggers skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, adds Dr Chause. “Pollutants, dust, UV rays present in the air can significantly cause oxidative stress which can lead to the early onset of premature skin aging such as wrinkles or fine lines” It is not only the skin but also the pores on the scalp that can get clogged due to these pollutants resulting in inflammation and irritation while stripping out its natural oil. Travelling can take a toll on one’s skin and hair. One must use a moisturiser, and sunscreen recommended by the doctor only. Stay hydrated enough to flush out toxins from the body. Use a scarf to cover the hair while traveling to prevent further damage, and opt for a serum suggested by an expert. Carry a hat or a cap to save your hair from the harsh rays of the sun, and fizziness. Don’t leave your hair open while traveling and tie them gently. Avoid tight ponytails or hairstyles that cause hair breakage. A sleek bun or a braid is a good option.”Dr Chause suggests the following tips to travel on Mumbai roads:1. Use a moisturiser and sunscreenWhile travelling by road, use a moisturiser and sunscreen recommended by the doctor only.2. Use a scarfIt is important to use a scarf to cover the hair while traveling to prevent further damage. Opt for a serum suggested by an expert.3. Carry a hat or a capCarrying a hat or cap can save your hair from the harsh rays of the sun and fizziness. Don’t leave your hair open while traveling and tie them gently. Avoid tight ponytails or hairstyles that cause hair breakage. A sleek bun or a braid is a good option. Why metro construction is doing more harm than goodMumbai-based civic and environmental activist Zoru Bhathena who has been vocal about civic issues and environmental issues in Mumbai over the years isn’t shy to admit that the way Mumbai is dealing with traffic is creating more problems for the city than solving it. He explains, “There are so many projects going on. The government decided to make an entire network of Metro lines. It is an excellent plan but execution and implementation are cock-eyed because you have lines that are not connecting to other lines, not connecting to existing public transport and they also don't connect to the existing railways. Mumbai is historically run on railways. There is a Western Railway, Central Railway, and a Harbour Line and there is beautiful BEST bus system, which is used to connect the entire system.”However, Bhathena says the metro lines, which have been made, are in “the most odd places in the most odd routes. So, how will it solve the base problem? We have also seen the monorail, but nobody uses it. This is also how the metro lines are being planned and most of them will become into monorails.” With the most ambitious and prominent example being Metro Line 3 which will connect Cuffe Parade to Andheri SEEPZ to Aarey, it is a little too much too late. He explains, “This line was planned in the 80s when people used to go to Cuffe Parade and Colaba for work, where Nariman Point was the business hub. Now, the business hub has gone to BKC and Andheri and offices in Cuffe Parade and Churchgate or Fort area are empty.” The fact that residents are leaving the city means that it also has a declining population that has moved over the last 20-25 years to Navi Mumbai and north Mumbai. “So, the metro line that has been planned in the 1980s is being executed in the 2020s. Once the line starts from Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ. How will I use this metro line from SEEPZ, when I want to go home, if I live in Virar or Thane?” he poses a simple question, continuing, “If I am working in BKC, what will I do by going from BKC to Andheri if I don’t live in Andheri?”While this is only one example, it is the same issue with all the other metro lines in the city except Metro 1, which goes from Ghatkopar to Andheri, highlights Bhathena. He explains, “It is the only metro which is jam-packed for two reasons. It connects the Central Railway to the Western Railway. So, people who have to cross over now to go to Central line, and get packed at Dadar for changing, now they can go over with the metro. People who can afford the metro go from the metro, and people who can't afford still go to the other station and change. So the maximum rush is at two stations, Ghatkopar and Andheri.”While one may wonder about the connection of metros to road travel woes, Attavar, Patel and Chawla have all highlighted how the metro construction has hampered their daily travel, and in the process of creating more lines, it has only got worse creating more traffic at every other junction along the way. Even Bhathena himself has started travelling by the local trains or metro instead of his car from Khar to Charkop after the metro construction on the highway only made the traffic bad to worse.The never-ending roadway projectsIt is not only the metro construction but also the unnecessary flyovers in the city that are making it worse to travel by road in Mumbai, says Bhathena. He explains, "In the 1990s, they started with making flyovers on Western Express Highway. First, they made it to one signal, then the traffic moved to the next signal. So, they built another one and the next signal, then the next signal. They finally made flyovers over every signal. Now when you are stuck in traffic, you are stuck on top of the flyover in the traffic and that means the flyover is not working." "The rules of traffic flow is that the more roads and more bridges you make, you create more traffic, according to the city-based activist. “The simplest way to curb traffic is not to allow cars to move freely, which is done in London. There is a surcharge. You want to come inside London, you have to pay," he adds.With only 2-3 per cent of Mumbai actually using cars as compared to the larger population who uses public transport, the constant investment of crores of money in building the likes of the Coastal Road, Bandra-Versova Sea Link and Bandra-Worli sea link. It will not only increase the number of cars on the road but also traffic especially because even as the capacity of the roads is to accommodate a certain number of cars, it is going to see a lot more cars come in leading to congestion and traffic even on the likes of the coastal road and sea link. Mallika Bhavnani, who travels daily to work from Peddar Road to Andheri East has to face this very issue every day. She explains, “While infrastructure projects like the metro and coastal road have undoubtedly improved connectivity, they have also created new bottlenecks. For example, the junction at BKC, where the metro construction is ongoing, has become a major traffic chokepoint There has also been an increase in vehicles in general leading to increased traffic congestion in certain areas. Specific junctions like Worli and Breach Candy, especially during peak hours, are notorious for traffic congestion. These bottlenecks can significantly increase travel time.”Bhavnani says the coastal road has helped ease up the traffic in areas that would otherwise always see a surge of cars like Peddar Road, which was always a nightmare to drive through. “Being a resident there, I would just dread having to take a U-turn to go to the opposite side due to the traffic hold up. However, its impact on overall traffic patterns at the openings at Worli and Breach Candy has become worse,” she adds. Now, the Mumbaikar spends at least 45 minutes on a route that would usually take her 25 minutes because she can’t take the coastal road, and the alternate routes including Worli and BKC only have bottlenecks that make life difficult. “Despite efforts to address them, the congestion remains a significant issue. Sometimes the traffic reaches right up to the Sea Link causing a massive jam. The deployment of traffic police at these junctions often leads to more confusion and delays, rather than improving traffic flow,” she adds.Bhathena reminds us that it is no different for the likes of Gokhale Bridge, which was closed for two years and there was only chaos after that. It led to people who he knows went from Andheri to Juhu beach for a walk, completely stop going because they didn’t want to get stuck in unnecessary traffic. It is no different for the Atal Setu that was recently inaugurated this year. He asks, “After spending so much money, has it helped the public? The answer is no.” The fact that these projects are harming the green cover in the city only makes the whole situation worse. He explains, “Any project they do in Mumbai, there is no space, so they will only go through the green cover as that is the only space available.” According to media reports, Mumbai has lost over 21,000 trees in six years to help materialise infrastructure projects like the metro and road projects. Calling it ‘Devilopment’ and not development, Bhathena concludes by saying, “The only solution for Mumbai today is don’t touch it. Whatever it is, the way it is, improving it is actually deteriorating it. So, stop improving it. This story of improvement needs to stop. Just maintain the existing infrastructure."Globally, the case on pollution and carbon emissions only gets worse as only last week Starbucks’s newly-appointed CEO Brian Niccol is going to travel from California to Seattle over 1,600 km every week instead of relocation. It didn’t take long for people to poke fun at the decision with most people pointing out the hypocrisy in their sustainability goals.
27 August,2024 09:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoPlaying online games can help boost the social skills of people with autism -- a neurodevelopmental disorder, according to a study on Tuesday. Researchers from the University of Plymouth in the UK in a small study engaged eight people with autism in a popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons played both in person and online. The study, published in the journal Autism, sought to investigate whether placing people in a social setting where they felt at ease could improve their performance. “There are many myths and misconceptions about autism, with some of the biggest suggesting that those with it aren’t socially motivated, or don’t have any imagination. Dungeons and Dragons goes against all that, centering around working together in a team, all of which takes place in a completely imaginary environment,” said lead author Dr. Gray Atherton, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth. Following a brief introduction to the game, the players spent six weeks acting out situations in small groups, all under the supervision of a game master. The researchers then conducted one-on-one interviews with them to find out how their autism may have affected their experiences and whether or not playing the game had an effect on their lives. The participants claimed they frequently concealed or masked their autism symptoms. Playing the game also gave them access to a welcoming atmosphere where they instantly felt a natural affinity with other players. In addition, the participants believed that they could apply some of the characteristics of their new persona outside of the game, which changed how they felt about themselves. “Those taking part in our study saw the game as a breath of fresh air, a chance to take on a different persona and share experiences outside of an often-challenging reality. That sense of escapism made them feel incredibly comfortable, and many of them said they were now trying to apply aspects of it in their daily lives,” Atherton added. 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.
27 August,2024 04:33 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSTaking research on love to a whole new level, a team of scientists on Monday revealed that different types of love light up different parts of the brain. Humans use the word ‘love’ in several range of contexts -- from sexual adoration to parental love or the love of nature. Now, more comprehensive imaging of the brain may shed light on why we use the same word for such a diverse collection of human experiences. Researchers from Aalto University in Finland utilised functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity while subjects mulled brief stories related to six different types of love. Parttyli Rinne, the philosopher and researcher who coordinated the study, said that the activation pattern of love is generated in social situations in the basal ganglia, the midline of the forehead, the precuneus and the temporoparietal junction at the sides of the back of the head. “In parental love, there was activation deep in the brain's reward system in the striatum area while imagining love, and this was not seen for any other kind of love,’ Rinne noted. Love for romantic partners, friends, strangers, pets and nature were also part of the study, which was published in the Cerebral Cortex journal, Oxford University Press. The research found that brain activity is influenced not only by the closeness of the object of love, but also by whether it is a human being, another species or nature. “Unsurprisingly, compassionate love for strangers was less rewarding and caused less brain activation than love in close relationships. Meanwhile, love of nature activated the reward system and visual areas of the brain, but not the social brain areas,” it noted. A key surprise for the researchers was that the brain areas associated with love between people ended up being very similar, with differences lying primarily in the intensity of activation. All types of interpersonal love activated areas of the brain associated with social cognition, in contrast to love for pets or nature — with one exception, the study noted. Also Read: Which hurts more: Losing a friend or a lover? We explore
27 August,2024 12:22 PM IST | London | IANSThe World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday launched a six-month global strategic preparedness and response plan to stop the deadly outbreak of Mpox, declared as a public health emergency. The plan aims to curtail “human-to-human transmission of Mpox through coordinated global, regional, and national efforts”. Earlier this month, the global health agency had declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern. The plan spans the six-month starting September 2024-February 2025, and envisions a $135 million funding, the WHO said. It focuses on “implementing comprehensive surveillance, prevention, readiness and response strategies; advancing research and equitable access to medical countermeasures like diagnostic tests and vaccines; minimising animal-to-human transmission; and empowering communities to actively participate in outbreak prevention and control.” The plan also includes strategic vaccination efforts for people at highest risk, to interrupt transmission chains. This includes close contacts of recent cases and healthcare workers. Further, the WHO outlined that at the global level, the emphasis is on leadership, timely evidence-based guidance, and access to medical countermeasures for the most at-risk groups in affected countries. “The Mpox outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries can be controlled, and can be stopped,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. He said that to contain the deadly disease, Ghebreyesus called for a comprehensive and coordinated plan of action between international agencies and national and local partners, civil society, researchers and manufacturers, and our Member States. “The new plan is based on the principles of equity, global solidarity, community empowerment, human rights, and coordination across sectors,” the WHO Chief said. Mpox, a viral zoological disease, is caused by the Monkeypox virus. The current outbreak -- in 14 African countries -- is being driven majorly by the more virulent and deadly Clade Ib. Outside of Africa, Clade Ib is spread to Sweden and Thailand. 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.
27 August,2024 11:26 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Pakistan confirmed its third case of the Mpox variant last week. It is the third in a series of cases being reported from around the world after Sweden, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries in the last month. The rising number has even led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare Mpox, formerly called Monkeypox, as a public health emergency of global concern. In India, experts have come out to suggest screening at the airports. The rising number of cases is especially concerning because even India has seen rising cases of Mpox in the past, particularly in 2022. Ever since then, the WHO has reported 27 cases in India and one death from the disease. Keeping the rising cases in mind, mid-day.com spoke to Dr Chhaya Vaja, internal medicine expert, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, and Dr Honey Savla, internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central to know more about the disease and how it affects people. They not only delve into the causes but also the effects, treatment and severity. What is Monkeypox and how is it caused?Vaja: The Monkeypox virus was discovered in 1958. Even though this disease was named Monkeypox, till that time the main reason behind its occurrence was not known. The first human case of monkeypox was seen in 1970. However, the World Health Organization changed the name of this disease in 2022, following the modern guidelines regarding the naming of diseases. That guideline suggests disease names should avoid offending cultural, social, national, regional, professional, or ethnic groups and was created to minimise unnecessary negative impacts on trade, travel, tourism, or animal welfare. However, the virus that causes the disease still has its historical name. Savla: Mpox (previously referred to as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic infection that is caused by monkeypox virus and results in a rash similar to that of smallpox. However, historically, person-to-person spread outside the household and mortality from mpox are significantly less than for smallpox. The rash of mpox can also be similar in appearance to more common infectious rashes, such as those observed in secondary syphilis, herpes simplex infection, and varicella-zoster virus infection. The WHO has declared it a public health emergency of global concern. Why is the viral infection so deadly?Vaja: There are two types of mumps viruses, Clade 1 and Clade 2. Clade 1 is a more serious disease than the others and can also cause death. Despite this, considering its seriousness it is not right to ignore it. Clade 2 is the cause of the outbreak that started in 2022. However, the symptoms in patients of this Clade 2 are indeed mild and 99 percent of people recover from this disease. Savla: The mortality associated with mpox varies. In the 2023 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where it is prevalent, the estimated case fatality rate is 4 per cent overall, but is 11 per cent in children under five years of age. In earlier studies, the fatality rate in Central Africa was reported as approximately 10 percent, with deaths generally occurring in the second week of illness. Hence, it's a global emergency. Who is most likely to suffer from the disease and why? Is it seen more in males and females?Vaja: Mpox is seen in children and adults. Savla: Most patients diagnosed with mpox reported high-risk sexual behaviour (for example: sex with multiple partners) as a potential risk factor. It is commonly seen in men having sex with men. Direct exposure to animals (including exposure to ill prairie dogs' urine and faeces) without personal protection equipment (PPE) was felt to be the likely source of transmission, although person-to-person transmission could not be entirely excluded. What are the symptoms of Monkeypox and when should people visit the doctor?Vaja: The symptoms include fever, feeling cold, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, muscle and back pain, headache respiratory problems such as sore throat, nasal congestion and cough.Also Read: ‘Chikungunya can be confused with malaria and dengue’: Mumbai doctors highlight symptoms, treatment What are the short-term and long-term effects of Monkeypox?Vaja: The effects of monkeypox include painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever in the short term and severe complications like bacterial infection from skin lesions, mpox affecting the brain (encephalitis), and heart (myocarditis). Savla: Long-term effects will be known in the coming years. Can Monkeypox be treated? If not, how can people take care?Vaja: Antiviral drugs are used to treat monkeypox. Savla: Most immunocompetent patients with mpox have mild disease and will recover without medical intervention. However, some patients may require pain relief medication for pain related to proctitis or tonsillitis. In addition, for conditions like proctitis, stool softeners and sometimes sitz baths may need to be used. Tecovirimat was the agent most commonly used since it was available through an expanded access investigational new drug (EA-IND) protocol held by the CDC. However, data supporting the efficacy of antiviral therapy for patients with mpox are limited. How can people prevent the disease? What are the precautions that people take?Vaja: To prevent Mpox, it is important to get vaccinated. It is necessary to take both its recommended dosages within four weeks. If for some reason there is a delay in getting the vaccine, then it would be better to stay away from infected people. Avoid coming in skin-to-skin contact with people. Especially, do not touch people who are seeing Mpox-like rashes on their hands, face, chest, mouth, etc. Avoid kissing or having sex with people infected with mumps. If you belong to a place where this disease is spreading, avoid touching animals in such places, which carry the mumps virus. Savla: Here are some of the precautions that people can take:1. Skin lesions should be covered with long sleeves, long pants to minimise risk of contact with mpox lesions2. Patients should avoid sharing their used clothes, towels, food, utensils, or face masks with others and should not allow animals to access them.3. Individuals with mpox should wear a well-fitting facemask when around others, even if respiratory symptoms are not present. Ideally, household members should wear a facemask when in the presence of a person with mpox as well.4. Household members providing care to patients with mpox should use disposable gloves for direct contact with lesions.Also Read: 'Rawdogging' travel trend raises alarms: Health experts warn of serious risks Why are there increasing cases in African countries, Sweden and Pakistan? What is the prevalence in India and is there a possibility of it affecting people here?Vaja: From Africa to Sweden and now Pakistan, mpox is spreading across the globe. It is a concerning viral infection that spreads through close contact with the infected person. At least 27 confirmed cases and one death due to Monkeypox have been reported in India since 2022, according to the WHO data. How has monkeypox as a disease of concern evolved since it was first declared a health concern in 2022 by WHO?Vaja: According to WHO data, at least 99,176 cases and 208 deaths from Mpox have been reported in 116 countries since 2022. Can the symptoms of monkeypox be confused with any other disease in India?Vaja: The mpox rash may be similar to chickenpox. Savla: Mpox can be confused with smallpox or chicken pox or shingles. During the 2022 global outbreak, even India reported cases of mpox, albeit of the less deadly Clade 2 type. Initially, infections were reported among some people from Kerala who had a history of international travel. However, later even those without a history of international travel got infected in Delhi.
26 August,2024 05:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoWhile consuming sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas, fruit punch, and lemonade, at home or outside is quite a norm, these may lead to significant harm to health -- from infections in teeth, and kidneys to heart disease, said experts on Monday. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are drinks that contain added sugar or other sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), sucrose, or fruit juice concentrates. These include: non-diet sodas, flavoured juice, sports or energy drinks, sweetened tea, and coffee, among others. “These sweeteners are a major concern that can cause multiple health complications like weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. Along with this, it also leads to a long-lasting impact on the heart, and kidney and also results in dental complications,” Dr. Manish Mittal, Consultant Physician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, told IANS. Additives like fructose, high fructose corn, and brown sugar “increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease”, said Dr Narendra Singhla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. “Consuming high amounts of added sugars can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and insulin resistance. To prevent these risks, opt for unsweetened drinks, and limit sugary beverage intake to less than 10 per cent of daily calorie needs,” he added. A recent study by researchers at Harvard University in the US showed that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may also increase the incidence of and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially among those with diabetes. The study, published in the BMJ, showed that every additional daily serving of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an 8 per cent higher all-cause mortality. “Long-term consumption of these sugar-sweetened beverages can also affect cardiovascular health. People with existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension will be more affected if they consume these drinks daily. If a person already has diabetes, and yet he is using these sweeteners, then diabetes will naturally go out of control and they will be at a double risk,” Mittal said. “Even consuming sugar-free supplements are equally detrimental and have the same side-effects along with impacting gut health,” the doctor said. Singhla suggested choosing natural sources of sweetness, like fruits and vegetables, and being “mindful of hidden sugars in processed foods”. The experts also called for adopting a balanced diet and regular physical activity for better health. Also Read: FSSAI to check microplastic contamination in Indian foods 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
26 August,2024 02:17 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSTime of day when medications are administered can have a significant impact on cancer treatment outcomes, claimed a study. Researchers at Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Germany explained that it is because human bodies follow the cycle set by their internal clock, also known as circadian rhythm. To tailor medication schedules to an individual patient’s body clock, the team developed a method for determining the optimum time of cancer treatment. The method, based on certain breast cancer cell lines, is described in the journal Nature Communications. The internal clock in the human body sets the rhythm for different bodily functions and metabolic processes, such as sleep and digestion. In addition to organs that depend on the body’s clock, individual cells also follow the cycle and respond differently to external influences at different times of the day. “This is hugely important to chemotherapy administered to treat cancer,” said the researchers. Previous studies have shown that chemotherapy is most effective when the tumour cells are dividing. However, this finding has been hardly used at all in clinical treatment to date. The new study aimed to close this gap. They began with triple-negative breast cancer -- a highly aggressive form of breast cancer, with few effective treatments available They cultured cells from patients with triple-negative breast cancer to understand how they respond at different times of day to the medications administered. The researchers identified certain times of the day -- between eight and ten a.m. -- at which cancer cells are most responsive to chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The team could even identify genes crucial to the circadian effects of certain medications. The novel approach can help pave the way for personalised treatments for different types of cancer based on individual circadian rhythms, the team said, while calling out for more research to validate the study results. 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.
26 August,2024 01:01 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA team of scientists has found that even placebos can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression in people remotely. The study, published in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, found that the non-deceptive group showed a significant decrease in stress, anxiety and depression in just two weeks compared to the no-treatment control group. Participants also reported that the non-deceptive placebos were easy to use, not burdensome and appropriate for the situation. For the study, researchers recruited participants experiencing prolonged stress from the pandemic for a two-week randomised controlled trial. The participants interacted with a researcher online through four virtual sessions on Zoom. Those in the non-deceptive placebo group received information on the placebo effect and were sent placebo pills in the mail along with and instructions on taking the pills. Jason Moser, co-author and professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Psychology, said that exposure to long-term stress can impair a person’s ability to manage emotions and cause significant mental health problems long-term. “We are excited to see that an intervention that takes minimal effort can still lead to significant benefits,” Moser added. “This minimal burden makes non-deceptive placebos an attractive intervention for those with significant stress, anxiety and depression.” The researchers are hopeful in the ability to remotely administer the non-deceptive placebos by health care providers. “This ability to administer non-deceptive placebos remotely increases scalability potential dramatically,” said Darwin Guevarra, co-author of the study and postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Francisco. Remotely administered non-deceptive placebos have the potential to help individuals struggling with mental health concerns who otherwise would not have access to traditional mental health services, the researchers noted. 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.
26 August,2024 12:50 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
