A diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3 fatty acids, combined with fish oil supplements, can significantly reduce the growth rate of prostate cancer cells in men with early-stage disease, claims a study. The research by the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences offers new evidence that changes in diet can play a crucial role in slowing down the growth of cancer cells in patients who are undergoing regular monitoring of cancer but have not yet begun medical intervention. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, “suggest that something as simple as adjusting your diet could potentially slow cancer growth," said Dr. William Aronson, Professor of Urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. The dietary changes may help “extend the time before more aggressive interventions are needed”, the researcher said. To determine whether diet or supplements can play a role in managing prostate cancer, the team conducted a prospective clinical trial. They included 100 men with low-risk or favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer who chose active surveillance. Participants were randomly assigned to either continue their normal diet or follow a low omega-6, high omega-3 diet, supplemented with fish oil, for one year. Participants in the intervention arm received dietary personalised counseling to create a favorable balance of their intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fats and make participants feel empowered to control how they change their behavior. They were also given fish oil capsules for extra omega-3s. The control group did not get any dietary counseling or take fish oil capsules. The results showed that the low omega-6, omega-3 rich diet and fish oil group had a 15 per cent decrease in the Ki-67 index, while the control group saw a 24 per cent increase. The ki-67 index indicates how fast cancer cells are multiplying -- a key predictor of cancer progression, metastasis, and survival. Aronson noted that the study shows that “dietary changes may help slow cancer growth, potentially delaying or even preventing the need for more aggressive treatments”. However, he cautioned that further research is necessary to confirm the long-term benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and lowering omega-6 in managing prostate cancer. 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
15 December,2024 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWhile oat, almond, and soy milk have emerged as popular alternatives to cow’s milk, a new study showed it may be lacking in proteins and essential amino acids. Over the last decade, these plant-based beverages have also seen remarkable growth in the global market due to their environmentally-friendly approach. But extensive processing is causing chemical reactions that cut down the protein quality and, in some cases, produce cancer-causing compounds, claimed researchers from the University of Copenhagen. Lead author Professor Marianne Nissen Lund, from the varsity’s Department of Food Science said that plant-based drinks cannot “replace cow’s milk” in terms of “proper nutrition”. In the study, the team examined 10 different plant-based drinks and compared them with cow’s milk to understand whether chemical reactions during processing affect their nutritional quality. Lund stated that “plant-based drinks undergo more intense heat treatments than the milk to extend their shelf life” -- known as ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment, This triggers a chemical reaction between protein and sugar -- called “Maillard reaction” -- and reduces the nutritional quality of the proteins. Further, she noted that while most plant-based milks contain significantly less protein than cow’s milk, the heat treatment also “leads to the loss of some essential amino acids”. Notably, the heat treatment may also produce cancer-causing compounds, said the expert in the paper, published in Food Research International journal. The researchers found acrylamide in four of the plant-based drinks made from almonds and oats. Acrylamide is a known carcinogen that is also found in bread, cookies, coffee beans, and fried potatoes, including French fries. While acrylamide was found at low levels, posing no danger, its consumption “in small amounts from various sources, could add up to a level that does pose a health risk,” Lund said. Also Read: Flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for five days: 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
15 December,2024 07:23 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSInfluenza or flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days, scientists have warned. The new Stanford University study comes at a time when outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cattle have raised concerns about the potential for a new pandemic. “This work highlights the potential risk of avian influenza transmission through consumption of raw milk and the importance of milk pasteurisation," said study senior author Alexandria Boehm from the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the Stanford School of Engineering. Proponents of raw milk claim that it leaves more beneficial nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics than in pasteurised milk, and can boost immune and gastrointestinal health. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tied raw milk to over 200 outbreaks of illnesses, and warns that germs, such E. coli and Salmonella, in raw milk present “serious” health risks, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters, explored the persistence of a strain of human influenza virus in raw cow’s milk at typical refrigeration temperatures. The flu virus, called H1N1 PR8, survived and remained infectious in the milk for up to five days. “The persistence of infectious influenza virus in raw milk for days raises concerns about potential transmission pathways,” said study co-lead author Mengyang Zhang, a postdoctoral scholar in civil and environmental engineering. “The virus could contaminate surfaces and other environmental materials within dairy facilities, posing risks to animals and humans.” Notably, the researchers found that flu virus RNA – molecules that carry genetic information but are not considered a health risk – remained detectable in the raw milk for at least 57 days. By comparison, pasteurisation completely destroyed infectious influenza in the milk and reduced the amount of viral RNA by almost 90 per cent, but didn’t eliminate the RNA entirely. The findings underscore the importance of improving monitoring systems, particularly as bird flu continues to spread among livestock, according to the study’s authors. 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.
14 December,2024 11:27 AM IST | New York | IANSDeveloping antidepressant medications that target cells in the gut may open a novel path towards effective treatment of mood disorders like depression and anxiety, finds a study. Targeting gut cells may open new ways to reduce depression and anxiety. These gut-targeting medications may also lead to fewer cognitive, gastrointestinal, and behavioral side effects for patients and their children than current treatments. “Antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft that raise serotonin levels are important first-line treatments and help many patients but can sometimes cause side effects that patients can’t tolerate,” said Mark Ansorge, Associate Professor of clinical neurobiology at Columbia University Vagelos. Ansorge noted that the study, published in the journal Gastroenterology, suggests that limiting these drugs “to interact only with intestinal cells could avoid these issues”. Further, the team noted that the novel approach may also help pregnant women, without exposing the child. Antidepressants that raise serotonin (called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) -- the first-line pharmacological treatments for anxiety and depression for over 30 years -- are known to cross the placenta and increase problems related to mood, cognitive, and gastrointestinal later in childhood. On the other hand, leaving depression untreated during pregnancy “also comes with risks to the children,” Ansorge said. “An SSRI that selectively raises serotonin in the intestine could be a better alternative.” Notably, Serotonin is also produced outside the brain, largely in cells that line the intestines. “In fact, 90 per cent of our bodies’ serotonin is in the gut,” said the team. This knowledge raises the possibility that increasing serotonin signaling in the gut may impact gut-brain communication and ultimately mood, they noted while testing its possibility in mice. They found that increasing intestinal serotonin reduces anxiety, and depressive behaviors in mice “These results suggest that SSRIs produce therapeutic effects by working directly in the gut,” Ansorge said. The animals also displayed none of the cognitive or gastrointestinal side effects commonly seen in patients taking SSRIs or in mice with increased serotonin signaling throughout their entire bodies. 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 December,2024 04:34 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSEvery 10 micrograms per cubic metre of air increase in annual exposure to fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is associated with an 8.6 per cent increased risk for mortality across India, finds a study on Thursday. The study, published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health, revealed that long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution concentrations higher than the 5 micrograms per cubic meter annual average recommended by the WHO is potentially associated with 1.5 million deaths a year in India. The findings showed that the 1.4 billion people in India live in areas with PM2.5 concentrations above that recommended by the WHO guidelines. "High levels of annual PM2.5 exposures are observed in India causing a huge mortality burden (not limited to cities that are highlighted during the extreme pollution episodes), signaling the need for systematic and not symptomatic approach,” said Suganthi Jaganathan, doctoral researcher, Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART), Ashoka University. The study observed that the risk is high even at lower levels of air pollution. This indicates the need to reduce air pollution levels across the country. Unlike previous studies, this study used PM2.5 exposure from a fine spatiotemporal model built for India and annual mortality counts reported across all districts of India. During the study period (2009 to 2019), 25 per cent of all deaths (about 1.5 million deaths a year) were attributed to annual PM2.5 exposure higher than the WHO guideline. About 0.3 million annual deaths are also attributed to annual exposure to PM2.5 above the Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The exposure-response function revealed a higher incremental risk for mortality at lower PM2.5 concentrations and leveling off at higher PM2.5 concentrations. “Delhi may get the headlines, but this is a problem all over India, and nationwide efforts are needed. Coal-burning electric plants need scrubbers, crop burning needs to be limited, and most importantly, we need urgent measures to protect population health,” said Joel Schwartz, Professor, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and principal investigator from the US for the CHAIR-India consortium. The study was led by the CHAIR-India consortium, established in May 2019, comprised of leading Indian academic institutions such as the Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART) at Ashoka University, the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) and global institutions like Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden), Harvard University, Boston University, among others. 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 December,2024 04:17 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colon cancer, incidence rates among adults aged 25-49 are rising across the globe, but India shows the lowest rate among 50 countries, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal The Lancet Oncology, showed early-onset CRC are rising in 27 of 50 countries/territories worldwide. Of these 20 have seen a faster rise in early-onset. In 14 other countries, including the US, rates are increasing in young adults while stabilising in those 50 years and older. India, on the other hand, has shown the lowest incidence rate both in terms of early onset and among older adults. “The increase in early-onset colorectal cancer is a global phenomenon,” said lead author Dr. Hyuna Sung, senior principal scientist, of cancer surveillance research at the American Cancer Society. Sung stated that the trend was previously seen only among high-income Western countries, but now it’s widespread. The study aimed to examine contemporary CRC incidence trends in young versus older adults using data through 2017 from 50 countries/territories. Chile, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Ecuador, Thailand, Sweden, Israel, and Croatia reported a faster rise in early-onset CRC among men than women. However, young women experienced faster increases in England, Norway, Australia, Türkiye, Costa Rica, and Scotland. In 13 countries with increasing trends in both age groups, the annual percentage increase in young compared to older adults was larger in Chile, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Croatia, and Finland, smaller in Thailand, Martinique, Denmark, Costa Rica, and similar in Türkiye, Ecuador, and Belarus. For the last five years, the incidence rate of early-onset CRC was highest in Australia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, the US, and the Republic of Korea (14 to 17 per 100,000) and lowest in Uganda and India (4 per 100,000). Sung urged the need for innovative tools to prevent and control cancers linked to dietary habits, physical inactivity, and excess body weight. The expert also called for raising awareness of the trend and the distinct symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss among young people to boost diagnosis.
12 December,2024 04:00 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSMumbai doctors have successfully treated a 34-year-old woman, Seema Ravikanth Patil, for a rare and complex heart condition known as Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm (SOVA). The patient, diagnosed with multiple congenital aneurysms, underwent a meticulously planned surgical procedure that has given her a new lease on life. It was done by the team of experts at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre was led by Dr Pavan Kumar, a renowned cardiovascular surgeon, along with cardiologist Dr Nitin Gokhale and cardiac anaesthesiologist Dr Namrata Kothari. Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm (SOVA) is an exceptionally rare condition, characterised by the abnormal expansion of the aortic root due to weak elastic tissue. Aneurysms of the Sinus of Valsalva are observed in approximately 0.09 per cent of the general population and are often associated with congenital heart defects. They predominantly arise from the right coronary sinus (70 per cent of cases), followed by the non-coronary sinus (25 per cent), with occurrences from the left coronary sinus being extremely rare. While individual SOVAs are uncommon, multiple aneurysms are even rarer, with only 18 reported cases globally, six of which have occurred in India. Patil’s congenital condition posed significant risks, including the potential for rupture, which can be life-threatening without early intervention. Hailing from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, Patil had been struggling with breathlessness for a long time. Her condition worsened, and she was admitted to the hospital in an emergency. Tests, including an echocardiogram and CT scan, showed severe leakage in her aortic valve and some abnormal bulging in the aorta. This complicated issue required advanced care, hence family decided to bring her to Mumbai were they came to know about Dr Pavan. The team at the hospital performed a complex surgical procedure to repair the aneurysms, restoring normal cardiac function and providing the patient with a new lease on life. Dr. Pavan said,"This patient came in with a serious heart condition. Her tests showed she had two large aneurysms and a leaking aortic valve. After talking to patients, she revealed that she had been experiencing migraines for the past 10 years and was receiving local treatment. However, it turned out her pain was not from migraines but from the leaking aortic valve.” He explained that advanced imaging showed two aneurysms. One is in the Left Coronary Sinus of Valsalva, measuring 4.5 x 3.5 x 3 cm, which presses on the left coronary artery. The other is in the Right Coronary Sinus of Valsalva, measuring 3.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm. There is also a complete regurgitation problem with her aortic valve, making surgery urgent. The Mumbai-based doctor further explained that the patient had three complex heart surgeries at once, which took seven hours. The surgeries included fixing a left coronary sinus aneurysm, closing a right coronary sinus aneurysm, and replacing a severely leaking aortic valve. The left ASOV procedure was particularly difficult due to the tight space between the left coronary ostium and the left ASOV. To create more space, doctors used a new technique that involved flipping the left aortic leaflet towards the left ASOV. This method made it safer to replace the aortic valve and repair the left ASOV. The patient recovered well after the surgery and was discharged in stable condition. She will have regular follow-ups to monitor her heart health. He noted that they faced a unique challenge because multiple aneurysms are rare and complicated to treat. The left aneurysm was pressing on the coronary artery, and fixing it needed great precision. Using advanced imaging and surgical techniques, the team successfully repaired the aneurysms and replaced the damaged valve. This case was very rare and complex, as aneurysms of the Sinus of Valsalva are uncommon, and having multiple ASOVs is even rarer. These aneurysms can burst at any moment, leading to serious complications. The innovative technique they used was vital for protecting the coronary arteries and ensuring a successful outcome. Dr. Kumar expressed pride in their team's work and highlighted the advanced care provided at Lilavati Hospital. Dr Niraj Uttamani, chief operating officer at Bandra hospital, said, “This case highlights the importance of expertise and innovation in treating rare and complex cardiac conditions. Lilavati Hospital continues to set benchmarks in advanced heart care, offering hope to patients with challenging diagnoses. Awareness of rare and complicated conditions often goes unnoticed, leading to delays in patients reaching the hospital for timely treatment. In this case, Lilavati Hospital has operated free of cost, providing the patient with a new lease on life.” The Maharashtra native expressed her gratitude to the team at Lilavati Hospital, saying, “I am thankful to the doctors for giving me a second chance at life. Their expertise and care have been life-changing.”
12 December,2024 03:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMulund resident Babu Michael received a new lease of life after a team of Mumbai doctors from Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre successfully performed a complex surgery, in what they are calling a groundbreaking medical achievement. The doctors conducted a simultaneous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) on 63-year-old Michael. It is a complex dual procedure, which they say is a first in India, and highlights the hospital's expertise in complex medical procedures. The case also underscores the growing challenge of managing coexisting cardiovascular and liver diseases, a trend on the rise globally. Michael was diagnosed with cirrhosis seven years ago after secondary to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition affecting one-third of India's population and increasingly linked to liver cancer. In 2021, he underwent a focussed radiation therapy (SBRT) for liver cancers, a treatment he required again in April 2024. While the tumours were partially controlled, his liver function began to decompensate, necessitating a liver transplant. During his pre-transplant evaluation, it was detected that he has significant blockage in his left main coronary artery. Dr Rahul Chhabria, associate director, Emergency Cardiology said the coronary blockages require revascularisation with surgery prior to his liver transplant and that he was not a candidate for angioplasty as he had complex anatomy of his left main vessel and also it would have postponed his liver transplant. This presented a complex dilemma: delaying the transplant to address the heart condition risked further cancer progression and liver deterioration, while performing either surgery alone carried significantly elevated risks due to the combined impact of both diseases. The doctors came up with the initial plan considering a live donor transplant, but after careful evaluation, prioritising donor health and recognising the potential for recipient instability during such a complex procedure, the team decided against this approach. Michael was then placed on the waiting list for a DDLT understanding the uncertainties and potential wait times associated with cadaveric donation. Hope arrived unexpectedly with the selfless generosity of the family of a 47-year-old deceased donor, turning their tragic loss into a life-saving gift for Michael. This prompted a rapid mobilisation of the hospital's resources, with intensive care units and social workers working tirelessly to facilitate the complex logistical and medical preparations. The intricate surgical process began with Dr. Upendra Bhalerao, consultant cardiac surgeon, performing a beating-heart, off-pump CABG. This technique aimed to minimise surgical trauma and optimise Michael's condition for the subsequent transplant. Dr. Bhalerao emphasised the high-risk nature of the procedure and the need for meticulous precision to ensure Michael's readiness for the liver transplant. Following a period of close observation to ensure stability and the absence of bleeding, the green light was given for the liver transplant. The transplant team, led by Dr. Shailesh Sable, Dr. Pravin Agrawal, Dr. Vibha Varma, and Dr. Vivek Shetty, then commenced the complex procedure. The anesthesia team, comprising Dr. Mohit Rohra, Dr. Nikhil Konde, and Dr. Savi Shah, played a crucial role in maintaining hemodynamic stability and managing Michael's physiological parameters throughout both surgeries, performed within a time duration of 12 hours . Remarkably, Michael tolerated both procedures well. He was taken off the ventilator on the second day and made a steady recovery, being discharged home after two weeks with both his heart and new liver functioning normally. The critical care team led by Dr Shruti Tandan, diligently looked after the patient’s well-being in the pre-operative and post-operative period in the hospital “In the era of modern medicine , we often stretch the limits. Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in patients with NAFLD and it is important to screen patients for a silent heart involvement. This is one of such cases wherein a simultaneous very high risk dual surgery were performed by multidisciplinary team effort , careful planning and flawless execution. Mr Babu can live a normal life and we all feel satisfied about it,” commented Dr Aabha Nagral, director gastroenterology, chief hepatologist and Liver transplant physician at Jaslok Hospital, who managed the patient over the last 7 years. “This pioneering case underscores the importance of thorough pre-transplant evaluations, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the life-saving potential of organ donation. It also highlights the increasing need for innovative approaches to manage complex cases involving coexisting conditions, particularly in the context of the rising prevalence of NAFLD and cardiovascular disease” stated Dr Shailesh Sable, director liver transplant programme at Jaslok Hospital. Speaking about the case Dr Upendra Bhalerao, consultant & coordinator cardiovascular thoracic Surgery mentioned “This was a very high risk and challenging procedure and the surgery also need to be performed well in time so as to make him suitable for liver transplant . The procedure was performed as beating heart of pump coronary artery bypass surgery. The cardiac surgical team was very diligent in maintaining hemodynamic stability , perioperative bleeding control and perfect outcome.” Delighted with the result, Mithila Michael, the daughter expressed, “After knowing the extent of his liver and heart problem, we thought it is impossible for him to survive with a good life. The team at Jaslok has put in Herculean effort to get his heart fixed and liver transplanted. We are extremely grateful for the support and effort and sincerely admire the dedication and team effort. We are also thankful for the donor family for their noble act of donating the liver to my papa." Addressing the media, she added, "It was a very difficult time for us especially because I don't live with my family because I live overseas. I saw how my father was losing upper body mass and it is not only my father but also the family that was stressed. I want to thank all the doctors at Jaslok Hospital for their effort." With the global trend of the challenge of managing coexisting cardiovascular and liver diseases, Dr Nagral speaking exclusively to mid-day explained, "Liver cirrhosis raise the possibility of tumour in people because liver cirrhosis is a pre-cancerous condition and therefore it has been recommended that all patients with cirrhosis should have an ultrasonography and a tumour marker called AFP ( alfafetoprotein) every six months for their lifetime so that these can be picked up early and treated. Waiting for symptoms to develop from a tumour may be too late to treat the tumour." With a case like Michael's, she emphasises, "The possibility of heart attack increases in people with liver disease as the commonest cause of death in patients with fatty liver disease is from heart disease. Therefore it is important to screen them for coronary artery disease." Adding to Dr Nagral, Dr Bhalerao speaking to mid-day added, "Patients with liver cirrhosis and fatty liver often have obesity , diabetes and hypertension as associated conditions - together called as Metabolic syndrome. "This increase chances of developing blockages in coronary arteries causing heart attacks," concludes the Mumbai-based doctor highlighting the complexity of Babu Michael's case.
12 December,2024 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoIn a rare medical case of 49 year old Manpreet Kaur, who suffered from Granulosa cell tumor in her ovary successfully underwent surgery to remove her 9.2 kg tumour, lasting over 10 hours and losing over 1.5 litres of blood. According to Dr MD Ray Department of Oncology Surgery, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS Delhi, "This kind of complicated recurrent cancer patient should not be considered inoperable unless it is explored by an experienced cancer surgeon with an expert Onco anaesthetic team in a high volume centre." "But with the patience and expertise it was done ultimately. Total blood loss was 1.5l and duration of surgery - 10 hours. Weight of the tumor is 9.2kg , the patient doing fine and her overall survival would be increased." Dr Ray explained On possible treatment and challenges involved for stage 4 rare ovarian cancer cases, he said that doctors have to be very cautious while using the technique, one must have expertise. "Ultimately, we made it possible, and that patient is doing very nice. We are very, absolutely happy for that." Dr Ray said. "Any kind of cancer, when it occurs, particularly it involves multiple organs, you can't get the access to deal with this tumour, because you have to dissect the intestine. Sometimes you have to dissect the maximum length of the intestine, bladder and apart from the bowel, different involve work there and great vessels. So this kind of challenge is there. So it's not easy to take the decision whether you should go or not, but in an expert center, expert surgeon, expert anesthesia team and high volume center, that is practically possible," the doctor said. He further said that such a case should not be declared as a 'palliative case' due to its complexity, and understanding that in certain situations, such treatment is possible. "The message is this kind of patient, because the surgery is the only mainstay of treatment, thereby, without exploration by the expert and high volume center, one should not declare as like this is a palliative case. Surgery cannot be possible, but surgery is possible in this kind of high volume center." Dr Ray explained. 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 December,2024 09:46 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIIndia has seen significant progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality rates, according to the latest World Malaria report, from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday. Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable. The report showed that the number of estimated malaria cases in India decreased to 2 million cases in 2023 from 6.4 million in 2017 (69 per cent decrease). Similarly, the estimated malaria deaths decreased to 3,500 from 11,100 (68 per cent decrease) during the same period. As a result, “India exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group officially in 2024”, the WHO said. The HBHI approach is a targeted malaria response that is used in several countries to accelerate the pace of malaria elimination in countries with high malaria burden. India joined the HBHI initiative in July 2019. The HBHI initiative was launched in four states in India: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Further, the report showed that in 2023, India accounted for half of all estimated malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region, followed by Indonesia, which accounted for just under one-third. The Region had eight malaria endemic countries in 2023 -- accounting for 4 million cases and contributing 1.5 per cent of the burden of malaria cases globally. Just over 48 per cent of all estimated cases in the region were due to P. vivax. However, from 2000 to 2023, malaria cases reduced by 82.4 per cent, from 22.8 million in 2000, and incidence reduced by 87.0 per cent, from 17.7 to 2.3 per 1000 population at risk, the report said “The decrease can mainly be accounted for by a decrease in India of 17.7 million estimated cases and a decrease in incidence by 93 per cent, from 20 to 1.5 per 1000 population at risk,” the WHO reported. At the same time, India and Indonesia accounted for about 88 per cent of all estimated malaria deaths in this region in 2023. Notably, Bhutan and Timor-Leste, from the Region, reported zero malaria deaths since 2013 and 2015, respectively, while Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free in 2016. “The progress follows the highest ever political commitment by Member countries, matched by tangible actions and unstinted efforts over the years down to the sub-national level,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia. “However, accelerated efforts against malaria must continue, to eliminate the disease in countries where malaria persists, and to sustain the progress in countries where the disease is on the decline or has been eliminated,” she added. Globally, the WHO data reveals that an estimated 2.2 billion cases of malaria and 12.7 million deaths have been averted since 2000, but the disease remains a serious global health threat, particularly in the WHO African Region. In 2023, there were an estimated 263 million cases and 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide -- representing about 11 million more cases in 2023 compared to 2022, and nearly the same number of deaths. “An expanded package of lifesaving tools now offers better protection against the disease, but stepped-up investments and action in high-burden countries are needed to curb the threat,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Also Read: Climate change responsible for 19 per cent of rising dengue cases, finds 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 December,2024 03:09 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe winter weather can significantly affect the skin, leaving it dry, flaky and sensitive. The cold air and low humidity can worsen skin health while causing a range of skin-related issues. The seasonal shift calls for a change in skincare practices and routines. “During winter, people are often seen complaining about worsening skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. The lower levels of sunlight in winter can impact your skin leading to vitamin D deficiency,” informs Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon at The Esthetic Clinics. Skincare tips for winter She shares the following tips to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and glowing during the cold weather: Stay hydrated from within: If you want healthy and glowing skin, make sure you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, and you can even try eating fruits like watermelon due to its water content. Additionally, stews, soups, and herbal teas can not only help you stay hydrated but also provide you with much-needed warmth during the colder months. Skip extremely hot showers: Who doesn’t love taking hot, steamy showers during the winter? While it might be tempting to do so, prolonged exposure to hot water can be harmful for your skin. Over time, it can strip the skin of natural oil, making it look dry and extremely rough. Moisturise your skin: Ditching moisturisers during winter is a big no-no. As the temperature drops, it becomes vital to moisturise your skin. Look for moisturisers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter and ceramides. These ingredients provide intense hydration to your skin while strengthening the skin barrier. Don’t forget your SPF: It’s a common myth that you only need to apply sunscreen during the summer or when the sun is too bright. Sunscreen needs to be applied every day, even during the days when sun rays aren’t too strong. Go for broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 for better coverage and UV protection. Also Read: Ultimate bridal skincare guide: Say ‘I do’ to radiant skin on your big day
10 December,2024 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
