An analysis of blood samples from patients of chronic fatigue syndrome has revealed substances, or 'biomarkers', indicating the condition -- a finding which is seen as a "concrete step" towards developing a diagnostic blood test. Researchers from Cornell University, US, said that in the absence of lab tests for diagnosing the condition, doctors have to rely on patients reporting symptoms such as exhaustion, dizziness, disturbed sleep and 'brain fog'. The team explained that when a cell dies, it leaves behind marks or "fingerprints" -- genetic material released into blood plasma, tissue injury and signs of other biological processes. "By reading the molecular fingerprints that cells leave behind in blood, we've taken a concrete step toward a test for (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) ME/CFS," said Iwijn De Vlaminck, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Cornell University and co-senior author of the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "This study shows that a tube of blood can provide clues about the disease's biology," De Vlaminck said. From blood samples collected from patients of chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy people, the researchers sequenced RNA particles in blood plasma released due to cell damage and death. About 700 significant differences between the RNA material of the two study groups were found, revealing signs of a dysregulation in the immune system and exhaustion of T-cells (which help fight infections), among others, in patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The results were also used in developing an artificial intelligence model, which "achieved an accuracy of 77 per cent" in detecting signs specific to chronic fatigue syndrome. The accuracy rate may not be high enough for a diagnostic test yet, but it is a substantial leap forward in the field, the researchers said. Chronic fatigue syndrome "affects a lot of different parts of the body. The nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system. Analysing plasma gives you access to what's going on in those different parts," said co-senior author Maureen Hanson, professor in the department of molecular biology and genetics, Cornell University. 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
13 August,2025 01:02 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIWomen with Down syndrome have more advanced signs of Alzheimer's disease than men do, according to research. However, the average age of Down syndrome diagnosis is the same for both men and women, said the University of California, Irvine. The study suggests that women with Down syndrome may carry a higher burden of beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau -- two hallmark Alzheimer's proteins -- than men. It was particularly high in the occipital lobe in women with sporadic Alzheimer's disease -- the more common, late-onset form of Alzheimer's that occurs without a clear genetic cause. This insight points to the need for more sex-specific approaches in both Alzheimer's research and treatment planning, especially in the design of clinical trials. "Understanding selective vulnerabilities within the brain and how these differ in women versus men will help us to better navigate treatment outcomes. We're learning the importance of modifiable risk factors, which include accounting for sex-specific risk," said lead author Elizabeth Andrews, doctoral candidate at the varsity. Alzheimer's disease is the primary cause of death for individuals with Down syndrome, who are genetically predisposed to develop the condition earlier in life. While previous studies observed that women with Down syndrome may live longer with dementia than men with Down syndrome, few have looked closely at whether the underlying brain pathology differs by sex. In this study, the researchers examined postmortem brain samples and measured levels of beta amyloid and tau. The findings, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, can shape how we understand and approach treatments for Alzheimer's in this population and beyond. "If women with Down syndrome are further along in disease progression at the time of diagnosis, it could change how we time interventions and interpret outcomes in clinical trials," said Elizabeth Head, Professor of pathology at UC Irvine. "This research could help tailor therapies more effectively, not just for people with Down syndrome, but for the broader Alzheimer's population as well," Head 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
13 August,2025 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSFor Mumbaikars, the vada pav is an emotion and the quintessential roadside snack that simply cannot be replaced with any other street food. Available for a bare minimum of Rs 12 onwards, the street food encompasses the complete essence of the city’s love for batata vadas and pav. In fact, even as TasteAtlas featured Mumbai on its list of '100 Best Food Cities in the World' in July, the city's Vada Pav also made it to the list of '50 Best Sandwiches in the World' showcasing its global reach. It comes from the simplicity of the ingredients and process that often make it easy for many people to start their own stalls, that may make it one of the most popular street foods in the city. While it is a favourite among the common man, there are many including those focused on their health and fitness who avoid it or eat it on their cheat days. Even as others consume it, Mumbai health experts express need for restrain and caution while still making the most of it. Health benefits of vada pavsAfter samosas along with the jalebi recently came into the spotlight because of an advisory, mid-day spoke to Mumbai dietitians not only about samosas but also about the health benefits of vada pavs. Gulnaaz Shaikh, who is the chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, explains, “Although vada or vada pav is hardly a 'healthy' food, it does provide some energy, because at the very least, it contains some carbohydrates from the pav and a bit of protein in the form of the gram flour and potato. However, the cooking process would add a lot of unhealthy fat, particularly if the vendor is reusing oil for frying. So, the overall nutritional value is quite limited." On the other hand, Fauziya Ansari, who is the dietitian at Apollo Spectra Hospital, says even though Mumbaikars love vada or vada pav because it is tasty, appealing, and tantalises one’s taste buds, it doesn’t have any health benefits. While it may seem disappointing for lovers of the street food, she further explains, “The vada is deeply fried and difficult to digest. It can cause acidity or even bloating. Vada pav’s pav is often made from refined flour (maida), which offers little nutrition and can spike blood sugar. So, those who eat vada pav frequently can experience inflammation in the body, weight gain, and cholesterol problems. It is better to limit eating vada or a vada pav.” Keeping emotion aside, Shaikh and Ansari keep health and benefits of the food at the centre. However, Amreen Sheikh, the chief dietitian at Fortis Hospital Mulund, believes there is middle ground in the understanding of whether a vada pav can be healthy or not. She explains, “An authentic vada pav cannot be considered as a “health food”. It does provide some energy and some micronutrients, but deep-fried vada is rich in saturated fat and calories. Pav is made from refined flour which has very little fibre. In short, vada pav is a source of some carbs and vitamins but with high oil content, and little fibre; it's not something healthy but can be an occasional indulgence.” Getting innovative with the vada pavSo, how does one continue to enjoy the vada pav frequently without giving it up? The answer lies in making it at home, if you have the time, and if you love experimenting. Sheikh suggests, “Instead of frying, you can air-fry or bake the vada that will reduce the amount of oil and saturated fat. Replace maida-based pav with whole wheat or multigrain buns that are high in fibre and provide necessary nutrients. You can also add vegetables like peas, spinach or beetroot to the potato filling; this would not only bring new flavours but also more vitamins and minerals. Finally, you could use less salt to reduce sodium intake.” While this may seem difficult for loyalists, making these tweaks can be a good start in a healthier direction. Ansari says you can also replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for more fibre and a lower glycemic load. “Using less masala or spice makes it suitable for people with acidity or diabetes. Try to consult the dietitian or a nutritionist and look for healthy options to enjoy it guilt-free,” she adds. On the other hand, Shaikh says if you are open to the idea of changing its form, then you can even wrap it in a multigrain roti. “Add some veggies like lettuce, cucumber, or tomato to boost fibre. If you're looking for a snack alternative, boiled corn with spices or a small portion of poha with veggies is a better choice." Finding hope in street foodAnsari says it will not be possible for the street vendor to cater to the needs of each and every individual as they prepare these things in bulk. It is also why she say eating vada or a vada pav once in six months is still okay, then you can avoid chutneys, make sure the vada is not reheated or re-fried. Try to avoid pav, eat a small-sized vada, or share with someone if you want to cut down calories and just satisfy your taste buds. Try to choose a vendor who has various options for vada stuffing, such as sweet potato instead of potato. While some of you may think this is all possible in an alternate universe, and you cannot let go of anything when expressing your love for vada pavs, the dietitians say you can follow a checklist to help you out. Here some factors to keep in mind while eating vada pavs: Check your oil: This is important! Ask if they use fresh oil for frying each day; reusing oil can lead to formation of harmful trans fats Check if the pav is covered: While it is important to check the oil, it is also equally essential to check if the pav is covered at all times Observe hygiene practices: Seek out food vendors who use gloves or tongs when handling food and keep cooked ingredients separate from raw ones. If there are no gloves, the vendors should have clean hands and serving utensils Opt for busy hours: Ensure to purchase during peak hours of the day when food is probably just made, rather than food that’s sitting out and gathering bacteria Check surroundings: Avoid vendors/carts that are near open drains or where flies cluster; food should be covered properly and not exposed Chutneys: Ensure chutneys are kept in clean, closed containers and stored well (ideally covered, refrigerated, and kept away from dust/ flies) Eat a small-sized vada or share with someone: If you want to cut down calories and just satisfy your taste buds Vendor with unique stuffing: Try to choose a vendor who has various options for vada stuffing, such as sweet potato instead of potato. “It's okay to enjoy these snacks once in a while, but a little awareness can go a long way in avoiding tummy issues or long-term health concerns,” Shaikh concludes.
13 August,2025 12:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoThere has been a surge in preterm births in India, prompting concern among doctors. Experts are witnessing an uptick in a greater number of babies born before the full term of pregnancy, which can lead to serious health issues. For the uninitiated, preterm birth refers to the delivery of a baby before completing 37 weeks of gestation. These babies often have underdeveloped organs, especially lungs, and may struggle with breathing, feeding, maintaining body temperature, or fighting infections. “The causes are high maternal stress or chronic health conditions, multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets), infections during pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, and poor nutrition or inadequate prenatal care. Complications of preterm birth can include long-term issues like vision and hearing problems, developmental delays, or even serious conditions like cerebral palsy in extreme cases,” says Dr Pooja Chaudhary, consultant - Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Laparoscopic surgery at Motherhood Hospitals in Greater Noida. Dr Chaudhary adds, “Nowadays more women are delaying pregnancy into their late 30’s, Modern lifestyle habits, rising maternal age, and increased cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and diabetes are contributing significantly to preterm deliveries. Chronic stress also plays a major role in preterm deliveries. We observe some pregnant women ignore the warning signs and not take up antenatal checkups seriously. Mothers understand that regular check-ups, stress management, and proper nutrition throughout pregnancy are the need of the hour. It is imperative for pregnant women to exercise caution when it comes to their health. Follow the instructions given by the doctor only for a smooth pregnancy journey.” Dr. Akshay Mehta, senior consultant - Neonatology & Paediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals, Greater Noida. said, “We are seeing a 41 per cent rise in preterm babies over a span of six years requiring NICU care, because preterm births are at a higher risk of breathing issues, feeding intolerance, long term issues like vision loss , hearing impairment or even development delays and in certain extreme cases, condition like cerebral palsy can develop and managing these fragile newborns demands precision and constant monitoring. Many tend to suffer from respiratory, cardiac, kidney, and liver problems and need constant support. While medical advances have improved survival, the emotional stress and financial burden on families can be overwhelming. This is why preventing preterm births through regular antenatal care is just as important as ensuring expert neonatal support after delivery.” Both the experts -- gynecologist and peadiatrician come together to identify the high-risk pregnancy which can lead to a preterm birth in the future, this holistic approach helps in identifying and treating the mother and the child with utmost care. Experts track the preterm birth risk through regular ultrasounds, blood pressure monitoring, insulin tests and cervical health and cervical length scams. Pregnant women who show signs of early contraction, fluid leakage or unexplained pains should seek immediate care. Preterm birth is not just a neonatal issue, it starts with mothers’ health and how well the pregnancy is managed. Preventive health checks play a key role in managing it. Keeping a check on nutrition, stress, blood pressure, diabetes or conditions like PCOS is very important. The experts recommend couples who are planning pregnancy, especially those in or above 30s to seek preconception counselling and follow medical advice closely. Protecting a newborn’s future starts long before birth with timely care of the mother.
13 August,2025 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCats with dementia share brain changes similar to humans with Alzheimer’s disease, offering a valuable model for studying the condition, according to a study on Tuesday. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh in the UK discovered a build-up of the toxic protein amyloid-beta in the brains of cats with the condition -- one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease. Many older cats develop dementia, leading to behavioural changes such as increased vocalisation -- or meowing -- confusion and disrupted sleep -- symptoms similar to those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease. “The findings offer a clearer picture of how amyloid beta may lead to age-related brain dysfunction and memory loss in cats,” said Robert I. McGeachan, corresponding author, from the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the varsity. “Scientists studying Alzheimer’s disease in the past have relied heavily on genetically modified rodent models. Rodents do not naturally develop dementia, and studying cats with dementia has the potential to advance knowledge and help develop treatments for both cats and people,” he added. The team examined the brains of 25 cats of different ages after they had passed away, including those with signs of dementia. Powerful microscopy images revealed a build-up of amyloid-beta within the synapses -- connections between brain cells -- of older cats and cats with dementia. Synapses allow the flow of messages between brain cells and are vital to healthy brain function. Their loss strongly predicts reduced memory and thinking abilities in humans with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the results published in the European Journal of Neuroscience. The research team also found evidence that astrocytes and microglia -- types of support cells in the brain -- engulfed or ‘ate’ the affected synapses. This process, called synaptic pruning, is important during brain development but can contribute to synapse loss in dementia. The findings will not only help to understand and manage dementia in cats but, given their similarities, could also contribute to the development of future treatments for people with Alzheimer’s disease, the team 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.
13 August,2025 10:26 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSA team of US scientists showed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help detect early larynx or voice box cancer from the sound of the patient’s voice. Cancer of the voice box is an important public health burden. In 2021, there were an estimated 1.1 million cases of laryngeal cancer worldwide, and approximately 100,000 people died from it. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol abuse, and infection with human papillomavirus. The prognosis for laryngeal cancer ranges from 35 per cent to 78 per cent survival over five years when treated, depending on the tumour’s stage and its location within the voice box. Now, researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University showed that abnormalities of the vocal folds can be detected from the sound of the voice using AI. Such ‘vocal fold lesions’ can be benign, like nodules or polyps, but may also represent the early stages of laryngeal cancer. These proof-of-principle results open the door for a new application of AI: namely, to recognise the early warning stages of laryngeal cancer from voice recordings, said the team in the paper published in the journal Frontiers in Digital Health. “Here we show that with this dataset we could use vocal biomarkers to distinguish voices from patients with vocal fold lesions from those without such lesions,” said Dr Phillip Jenkins, postdoctoral fellow in clinical informatics at Oregon. In the study, Jenkins and team analysed variations in tone, pitch, volume, and clarity with 12,523 voice recordings of 306 participants from across North America. A minority were from patients with known laryngeal cancer, benign vocal fold lesions, or two other conditions of the voice box: spasmodic dysphonia and unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The researchers focused on differences in a number of acoustic features of the voice: for example, the mean fundamental frequency (pitch); jitter, variation in pitch within speech; shimmer, variation of the amplitude; and the harmonic-to-noise ratio, a measure of the relation between harmonic and noise components of speech. They found marked differences in the harmonic-to-noise ratio and fundamental frequency between men without any voice disorder, men with benign vocal fold lesions, and men with laryngeal cancer. They didn’t find any informative acoustic features among women, but it is possible that a larger dataset would reveal such differences. Variation in the harmonic-to-noise ratio can be helpful to monitor the clinical evolution of vocal fold lesions, and to detect laryngeal cancer at an early stage, at least in men, the researchers 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
12 August,2025 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn a remarkable case of recovery, Ashfaq, a 19-year-old boy from Mauritius defied the odds after suffering a severe foot injury in a road accident. Initially advised for a below-knee amputation due to the extent of his injuries, the Mauritian's story took a dramatic turn for the better because of regenerative therapy. It all happened when he was riding as a rear passenger on a motorbike when a motor vehicle rammed into them. The impact severely crushed his right foot, trapping it between two vehicles in March 2025. Despite wearing a helmet and taking necessary safety precautions, he suffered multiple fractures and a major soft tissue injury. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Mauritius, where emergency wound cleaning, debridement, and stabilisation of his foot were performed with ligation of vessels and suturing. Subsequent CT scans revealed the gravity of his condition: shattered bones, displaced fragments, joint dislocations, and a large soft tissue hematoma. The local medical team suggested surgery but warned of a high likelihood of tissue death, ultimately leading to amputation. Faced with this grim prospect, Ashfaq sought alternatives and reached out to StemRx in Mauritius, which then referred him to their main centre in Navi Mumbai for specialised regenerative care. At the city hospital, a multidisciplinary team created a tailored, non-surgical treatment protocol. Over four months, Ashfaq underwent a combination of regenerative therapies, repeated wound care, antibiotics for infection control, skin and bone grafting, and sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). As a part of the treatment, the MDI therapy works by mimicking the body’s natural insulin release pattern. It supports faster tissue and bone healing. It also reduces inflammation, limits harmful fat byproducts, improves blood circulation, and even helps nerve recovery.” Dr Pradeep Mahajan, who is a regenerative medicine researcher and founder of the hospital, said, “ He travelled via flight on a stretcher along with his father in March 2025, with a hope to save his leg from amputation and to walk again. On arrival, he had a destroyed foot, shattered bones, and tissue damage, which made it impossible to walk. This innovative approach promotes faster tissue and bone healing by reducing inflammation, improving blood circulation, and supporting nerve recovery. With consistent therapy and careful monitoring, Ashfaq’s wounds healed, bones began to realign, and tissue regenerated. Not treating a foot crush injury on time would lead to permanent tissue and muscle damage, infection/gangrene, or even life-threatening complications like crush syndrome and foot amputation. Most importantly, amputation was avoided, and the young man regained function in his foot, a once-unlikely outcome. Dr Mahajan added, “Ashfaq’s case showcases the immense potential of regenerative medicine, especially for trauma patients without underlying health complications. With technologies like MDI, previously hopeless cases may now end in full recovery and not loss. This success not only gave Ashfaq his leg and independence back but also stands as a beacon of possibility for others suffering similar traumatic injuries. He is now able to walk, climb stairs, and has no difficulty in doing everyday tasks. The patient is advised to avoid excessive strain, wear protective footwear, maintain a healthy diet, continue physiotherapy, and practice good hygiene. The patient travelled back to Mauritius on his feet, via flight, and uses no walker for any support while walking.” “When the doctors in Mauritius told me I might lose my leg, my heart sank. I felt like my whole world had come crashing down. I kept thinking about how I would live, how I would move forward with one leg? The thought of amputation haunted me every second. I was shattered, hopeless, and couldn't see a future. But coming to StemRx was like finding light in complete darkness. Dr. Mahajan and his team didn’t just save my foot; they gave me back my strength, dignity, and the belief that miracles do happen. I will be forever grateful for this second chance at life,” said a teary-eyed Ashfaq.
12 August,2025 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThis Raksha Bandhan was more than just a celebration of sibling love because it became a symbol of life, sacrifice, and hope for two children in Mumbai. In the quiet corners of the hospital’s paediatric ward, a young girl gently tied a rakhi on her 11-year-old brother’s wrist – not just as a ceremonial gesture, but as a tribute to the life she helped save. Diagnosed with a rare and severe condition called Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), the young boy had spent much of his childhood battling infections, undergoing painful treatments, and living under the constant threat of complications. His lungs were severely damaged, and he was dependent on monthly immunoglobulin infusions just to survive. The boy's only hope for a cure was a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), which is a complex and high-risk procedure. In what the family considers divine intervention, the boy’s sister turned out to be a perfect 100 per cent HLA match — an extremely rare occurrence. Displaying courage beyond her years, she became the stem cell donor for her brother and unknowingly embodying the true essence of Raksha Bandhan—love, safeguarding and selfless giving. The boy underwent a challenging BMT journey at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital in Mahalaxmi under the guidance of Dr Chintan Vyas, senior consultant Paediatric Oncology, Haemato-Oncology & BMT and his multidisciplinary team at the hospital. The case was medically complex due to previous infections and lung damage, and emotionally intense as the patient was being raised by a single mother. Despite financial hardships, the hospital, with the help of social workers and donors, ensured the family received full support for the procedure. Owing to meticulous pre-transplant planning, infection management, and collaborative input from pulmonology experts, the transplant was carried out smoothly. The patient required no ICU stay, experienced no major complications, and was discharged in a healthier, infection-free state within weeks. Six months post-transplant, the boy has been weaned off immunoglobulin therapy, his lungs have significantly recovered, and he is thriving—studying, playing, and living like any other child his age. “This is more than a clinical success,” said Dr Vyas. “It’s a story of unmatched and inspiring resilience—a young boy fighting a life-threatening disorder, a single mother overcoming financial struggles, and a sister’s selfless gift. It’s a reminder that with timely care and support, even rare and severe disorders like CVID can be cured through BMT.” Dr. Zubin Pereira, facility director at hospital added, “This case exemplifies the power of multidisciplinary care, cutting-edge medical treatment, and above all, family commitment. It showcases what’s possible when determination meets medical excellence. We’re proud to have played a part in giving this young boy a second chance at life.” This Raksha Bandhan, the rakhi on his wrist wasn’t just a thread of love—it was a symbol of survival, courage, and a future once thought impossible.
12 August,2025 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPsoriasis, the autoimmune skin condition, can also affect the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis, which may cause severe joint damage if not diagnosed and treated on time, warn experts. Psoriasis causes inflammation in the skin, resulting in dry, itchy, scaly patches, primarily on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back. This happend because the body’s immune system becomes overactive, causing an overproduction of skin cells. However, in some people, the same immune reaction also attacks the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis. Speaking on the condition, Dr Shafiuddin Nadvi, orthopedic surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Mumbai, states, “Psoriatic arthritis is often missed or misdiagnosed because patients assume their joint pain is unrelated to their skin condition. Three in 10 patients aged 35-65 diagnosed with psoriasis come with the complaints of joint pain and have the chance of suffering from psoriatic arthritis.” Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis If not diagnosed and treated early, psoriatic arthritis can lead to various health complications. “It is a progressive condition, and without timely treatment, there will be severe joint damage and dependence on family members for doing daily activities,” says Dr Srisanat Rao, joint and hip replacement surgeon at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai. The condition may also lead to joint deformities or permanent stiffness. Given its severity, it is essential to watch out for symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. “The symptoms experienced can be joint pain, especially in fingers, toes, knees, or ankles, morning stiffness that lasts more than 20 minutes, swelling of fingers and toes, fatigue, and reduced range of motion,” informs Dr Nadvi. Management of psoriatic arthritis Early intervention is key to managing the condition. Proper medication, lifestyle changes, and physiotherapy can help prevent long-term complications. “Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication, disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), and biologics that help slow joint damage. Regular exercise, joint-friendly movement, stress management, and a balanced diet can also help reduce flare-ups,” shares Dr Nadvi. Dr Rao adds, “Regular monitoring and timely management can help preserve joint function and improve the quality of life of patients. Psoriasis patients should follow the guidelines given by the doctor.” The health experts stress that regular screenings for joint symptoms are essential to catch the condition early. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
12 August,2025 08:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBlowing into a conch might be more effective in easing symptoms of sleep apnoea -- in which one faces trouble breathing properly during sleep -- compared to deep breathing exercises, according to researchers from Jaipur in Rajasthan. Obstructive sleep apnoea is marked by muscles in the throat which relax and narrow one's airways during sleep, thereby impacting breathing and oxygen levels in the blood. This results in a poor quality of sleep and fatigue or sleepiness during the day. The team, led by researchers from the Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute, looked at 30 people, aged 19-65 and having moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal Open Research, randomly assigned about half of the people to be trained in conch blowing, and they practised for a minimum of 15 minutes, five days per week. The rest were asked to perform a deep-breathing exercise. Blowing into a conch is a traditional yogic breathing exercise, lead researcher Dr Krishna K Sharma, director and head of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Department, Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute, explained. After a follow-up period of six months, the researchers "observed greater improvement in sleepiness with 34 per cent reduction in (daytime sleepiness)" in the conch-blowing group. Conch blowing was also associated with improved oxygen levels in blood during sleep, with participants reporting a better quality of night-time sleep. "(Conch blowing) involves a deep inhalation followed by a forceful, sustained exhalation through tightly pursed lips. "This action creates strong vibrations and airflow resistance, which likely strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, including the throat and soft palate -- areas that often collapse during sleep in people with (obstructive sleep apnoea)," Dr Sharma said. The standard line of treating the common sleep disorder involves a 'continuous positive airway pressure' machine -- or 'CPAP', in which pressured air is delivered to a patient via a mask to keep airways open and prevent an 'apnoea', or a break in breathing. "While effective, many patients find (CPAP) uncomfortable and struggle to use it consistently. In my clinical practice, several patients reported feeling more rested and experiencing fewer symptoms after regularly practising shankh blowing," Dr Sharma said. This led to designing a scientific study to "rigorously test whether this simple, ancient practice could serve as a meaningful therapy for people with (obstructive sleep apnoea)," the pulmonologist said, adding that a larger trial involving more hospitals is being planned. Sophia Schiza, head of the European Respiratory Society's group on sleep disordered breathing and a professor at the University of Crete in Greece, said, "This is an intriguing study that shows the ancient practice of shankh blowing could potentially offer a (obstructive sleep apnoea) treatment for selected patients by targeting muscles training." "A larger study will help provide more evidence for this intervention which could be of benefit as a treatment option or in combination with other treatments in selected (obstructive sleep apnoea) patients," added Schiza, not involved in the study. 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
11 August,2025 06:32 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIWomen who experienced being stalked are more than 40 per cent likely to develop heart disease and stroke, according to an alarming study on Monday. About 1 in 3 women have been stalked at some point in their lives, according to data on intimate partner violence collected by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study, published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation, noted that common forms of violence against women, such as stalking or stalking harassment behaviours, such as receiving unsolicited correspondence, that make them fearful, are rarely discussed in cardiovascular research. “The link between stalking and cardiovascular disease may be due to psychological distress, which may disrupt the nervous system, impair proper blood vessel function, and negatively affect other biological mechanisms,” explained researchers from Harvard University in the US and the University of British Columbia in Canada. Notably, the study also found that women who obtained a restraining order for protection had a 70 per cent increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A restraining order is a legal document that seeks to limit contact between a victim and perpetrator. Obtaining a restraining order was considered a sign of severe violence. The findings, based on data for more than 66,000 women, average age 46, analysed stalking, restraining orders, and heart disease or stroke development among participants from 2001 to 2021. The analysis found that, overall, nearly 12 per cent of the women in the study reported that they had been stalked, while nearly 6 per cent of them said they had obtained a restraining order. About 3 per cent of all women studied reported new-onset heart disease or stroke during the 20 years of the study. The increased risks for heart attack and stroke associated with stalking and restraining orders remained despite the existence of other self-reported cardiovascular risk factors, such as health and lifestyle behaviors, medications, health conditions, childhood abuse, and symptoms of depression. “Stalking is often seen as a form of violence that does not involve physical contact, which may make it seem less serious,” said Rebecca B. Lawn, a research associate in epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. But it can be "chronic" and may lead to significant changes in women, she added. Lawn said more research, as well as training for health care professionals, is needed to understand the link between stalking or obtaining a restraining order and women’s cardiovascular health. “We also need to increase awareness about the potential health harms of experiencing violence and provide women with help and resources,” she 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
11 August,2025 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
