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Climate change can affect immune system: Study

Global warming is capable of inflicting more harm than we think it does. According to a recent study, heat waves can reduce the body's immune response to flu. Climate change may affect the future of vaccinations and nutrition, suggests recent study.The climatic phenomenon is predicted to reduce crop yields and nutritional value, as well as widen the ranges of disease-spreading insects. However, the effects of heat waves on immunity to influenza had not been studied before.As part of the study, researchers investigated how high temperatures affect mice infected with influenza virus.The study was conducted by University of Tokyo."Flu is a winter-season disease. I think this is why no one else has studied how high temperatures affect flu," said Takeshi Ichinohe, lead researcher of the study. The influenza virus survives better in dry, cold air, so it usually infects more people in winter. However, Ichinohe is interested in how the body responds after infection.The researchers housed ...

'Seek-and-destroy' therapy may help treat prostate cancer: Study

A new 'seek-and-destroy' gene therapeutic system may potentially treat prostate cancer in the future, according to a study. The system halted the majority of prostate tumours in the laboratory models, according to researchers at the University of Strathclyde and the Beatson Institute in the UK. The system was used against two types of prostate tumour, causing 70 per cent of one type and 50 per cent of the other to vanish over a period of one month. These results, published in the journal Drug Delivery, are a promising start for the system as it continues its progress towards the clinic. Prostate cancer is the fourth most widespread cancer in the world, the second most common in men and the most commonplace in Europe and North America, researchers said. It causes the death of 300,000 patients worldwide each year and its incidence has continually increased over the last two decades, they said. "Although some treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can be effective against ..

No hard and fast rule when it comes to resuming sexual activity after childbirth: Study

Resuming sexual activity after pregnancy isn't easy, especially for mothers experiencing postpartum pain, fatigue and stress. Yet, many couples are led to believe there is a point at which they can restart sexual intercourse, which according to a recent study, is not actually the case.As part of the research, participants of the study retold their conversations with their doctors about postpartum sex. "Among participants, the most frequent recommendation from health providers was to resume sex after the six-week postpartum visit," said Andrea DeMaria, lead author of the study.The finding of the study were published in the Journal of Culture, Health and Sexuality.He further explained, "Contrarily to the medical suggestions, we found some women were ready before six weeks due to personal and partner desire, while other women expressed difficulties resuming sex, including pain and exhaustion from caring for a new baby."The finding of the study suggested that health care providers should

Telangana: 330 positive swine flu cases reported

Telangana has seen an alarming rise in the number of swine flu cases with at least 330 people tested positive for the infectious seasonal influenza. Speaking to ANI, Director of Institute of Preventive Medicine, Telangana, Dr Shankar, said: "As the temperature is falling down, swine flu cases are increasing in the state. In the last month, we have tested 1,656 swine flu samples of which 307 turned out to be positive. This month, we have tested 246 samples of which 23 were positive. After reviewing the situation, we are alerting the state officials and instructing them to follow proper medication."Swine flu cases generally rise in the winter season and a majority of people contract the disease in the month of December and January. Rajasthan is among the states, which has been reporting a large number of swine flu cases.Swine flu is an infection caused by one of several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country.H1N1 virus spreads when ..

Here's why the body may reject lung transplants

A study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has identified, in mice, a process that may prevent antibody-mediated rejection in lung transplants and lead to the development of therapies to treat this form of rejection.The risk of organ failure and death following a lung transplant is high, particularly compared with the outcomes of transplant patients who receive new hearts, kidneys or livers.This often happens due to lung rejection, which occurs when cells in the patient's immune system perceive the donor as a foreign threat.One particularly deadly form of rejection -- called antibody-mediated rejection -- remains difficult to diagnose after a lung transplant and is mostly unreceptive to available treatments.This process has been observed in more than 10 per cent of lung transplant recipients and occurs when a type of white blood cell, called B cells, from the recipient produces antibodies against the donor lung.The study is published February .

Technological innovations in healthcare need to be backed by robust policy framework: Bhushan

Technological innovations in healthcare need to be backed by a robust policy framework, said Indu Bhushan, the CEO of the government's ambitious scheme Ayushman Bharat. He said technology has become the backbone of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), helping make the entire system cashless and paperless. Speaking at the 2nd Health Tech India, 2019, organised by Confederation of India Industry (CII), Bhushan said with over 50 crore population coming under the purview of healthcare, technology is going to become an even bigger market in healthcare. However, he cautioned that technology would cost money and therefore, both healthcare providers and other stakeholders should be prepared to balance this high cost as financial allocation would be needed. "Technological innovations in healthcare need to be backed by a robust policy framework," he emphasised. The 2nd edition of Health Tech India, under 23rd International Engineering and Trade Fairs, is being held ..

Sharif diagnosed with kidney stones

Pakistan's jailed former prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was diagnosed with kidney stones as he underwent various medical tests at a hospital here after being shifted from the Kot Lakhpat jail. Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term over graft charges, was shifted to the Services Hospital here from Kot Lakhpat jail on Saturday and underwent various medical tests to ascertain severity of different diseases he is suffering from. Sharif underwent CT scan and ultrasound to assess the level of his kidney problem while blood tests were conducted to profile his heart issues, a hospital official said on Monday. "The tests have detected a stone in Sharif's left kidney," said Dr Mahmood Ayaz, adding the medical board will examine the test reports and prescribe medicines. To a question about his duration of stay in hospital, he said: "We cannot say anything about duration of his stay in the Services Hospital till result of all tests come and his treatment begins in the light of that." Strict

World Cancer Day: Sonali Bendre shares how to deal with disease with positivity

Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre, who is a cancer survivor, on World Cancer Day, urged everyone to understand the illness and live each moment, every day.She took to her Instagram account to share a powerful message on battling the life-threatening disease with caution, awareness and positivity. The actor posted a monochrome photo of herself along with a message.She began her post by saying that the "C" word is such a dreaded word, that it was important to designate a special day for it to help people deal with the disease and spread awareness for the same."World Cancer Day… who would have thought it would become such a thing… but it has! And just the mere mention of the C word brings dread in the hearts of anyone who hears it. We fear it so much that we'd rather not talk about it… which is why it's important to have a day where we pull out the band aid and help us deal with this disease," she wrote.She described how she too was scared but realised soon enough that burying her head in ..

Swine flu cases in Delhi cross 1,000-mark

As many as 1,011 cases of swine flu (H1N1) were reported from various hospitals in the national capital till Sunday, according to a data released by the government on Monday.

Will provide latest cancer medicines to patients in state for free: Rajasthan health minister

Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma Monday said the government will include the latest medicines used in cancer treatment in the list of free medicines so as to provide them to cancer patients in the state. Sharma made the announcement while addressing a function here on the World Cancer Day at the SMS auditorium here. The minister said changed lifestyle, stress and disturbed routine were some of the reasons behind an increase in instances of lifestyle diseases. He said excessive use of chemicals fertilisers and pesticides in farming was resulting in diseases like cancer. Sharma also highlighted the government's works and efforts in the health sector. The principal of SMS medical college, Dr Sudhir Bhandari, and other doctors were also present on the occasion.

Novel technique could provide early lung cancer diagnosis

Researchers have developed a new technique that has the potential to identify specific lung cancer markers at the earliest possible stage in a convenient and reusable way.

Swine flu death toll in country rises to 226, over 6,000 test positive

The death toll in the country this year due to swine flu has soared to 226 with the H1N1 virus claiming 31 more lives in a week till Monday, while the number of those affected crossed the 6,000 mark with Rajasthan topping the list with 34 per cent of the total number of cases. According to a Union health ministry data, Delhi, which till January 28 was third in the number of swine flu cases after Rajasthan and Gujarat, is now in the second position registering 1,011 cases, with 479 new cases recorded in the last one week, Even though at least 14 deaths have taken place in the national capital -- three in Safdarjung Hospital, 10 in Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and one in AIIMS -- due to the viral disease, these do not reflect in the data of the Union health ministry for the city. A total of 6,601 people have tested positive for the disease in the country till Monday with 2,030 getting infected in the last seven days, the ministry data revealed. Rajasthan has recorded 85 deaths and 2,263 ..

Common protein form linked to cardiac, metabolic diseases: Study

A form of protein, clusterin, has been associated with many different facets of cardiometabolic syndrome risk through its actions in the liver, suggests a new research study.

Infertility treatment linked with slightly higher pregnancy complications risk: Study

Women who have undergone infertility treatment, such as in-vitro fertilisation, are more likely to experience severe pregnancy complications, according to a new research.

Govt committed towards affordable treatment of cancer: PM

Prime Minster Narendra Modi Monday said his government is committed towards ensuring early detection and affordable treatment of cancer. On World Cancer Day, the PM also appreciated research on cancer, saying it will go a long way in ensuring a healthier planet. "Today, on #WorldCancerDay we reiterate our commitment towards ensuring early detection and affordable treatment of cancer. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat (health scheme) have a strong emphasis on providing quality healthcare and ensuring cancer-free lives," he tweeted. He hailed all those who are valiantly fighting the disease. "Millions are inspired by their remarkable zeal," he said. "I also appreciate those researching on aspects of cancer treatment. Their efforts will go a long way in ensuring a healthier planet," he wrote.

Tahira, Sonali urge people to fight, not fear cancer

On the occasion of World Cancer Day on Monday, actress Sonali Bendre Behl and filmmaker Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, who are battling cancer, urged people not to be "afraid" of the disease.

Infertility treatment linked with slightly higher risk of pregnancy complications

A new research now finds that women who have undergone infertility treatment, such as in vitro-fertilization, are more likely to experience severe pregnancy complications.The research was published in the magazine CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).The pregnancy complications include severe postpartum haemorrhage, admission to the intensive care unit and sepsis.The background rate in Canada of any severe complication is approximately 10 to 15 for every 1,000 births. Maternal deaths are even rarer, occurring in 10 or fewer per 1,00,000 births in Canada. During pregnancy, such complications are often sudden and difficult to predict. It is important to identify women who may be at risk for these "near miss" events so that worse outcomes, including death, may be averted.Speaking about it, lead author Dr Natalie Dayan, said, "We found that the women who received infertility treatment, especially in vitro fertilization, were about 40 per cent more likely to experience a severe ...

WHO asks countries to implement policies that prioritise cancer prevention

Health systems must provide cancer screening, detection and diagnosis at all levels of care, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday, while urging the Member Sates to implement policies that prioritise cancer prevention across sectors. In 2018, 18.1 million new cases of cancer developed worldwide, while around 9.6 million people died from the disease. Seventy per cent of those deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, including those of the WHO South-East Asia Region, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Poonam Khetrapal Singh said. "Inadequate access to cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment is the primary cause. In 2017, just 30 per cent of low-income countries reported having appropriate cancer treatment services available. "That compares to more than 90 per cent of high-income countries. Just 26 per cent of low-income countries meanwhile reported having pathology services generally available in the public sector, leading to late diagnosis and a lower ...

Dads are happier parents than moms: Study

Fathers experience more well-being from parenthood than mothers do, according to a study of over 18,000 people. Past studies have considered whether people with children have greater well-being than those without kids. However, few have considered the relative happiness of fathers and mothers, according to the study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. Researchers from the University of California (UC) Riverside in the US and colleagues analysed three separate studies totalling more than 18,000 people to determine whether fathers or mothers experience greater happiness from their parenting roles. Across the three studies, researchers looked at measures of well-being that included happiness, well-being, depressive symptoms, psychological satisfaction, and stress. "Fathers may fare better than mothers in part due to how they spend their time with their children," said Katherine Nelson-Coffey, who worked in UC Riverside psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky's lab

Fathers are happier parents: Study

Fathers experience more well-being and satisfaction than mothers in their parenthood and even when interacting with their children, a new study suggests.