Page 162 - Health Medical Pharma
Cancer genetics: Beyond hereditary cancer (Health Notes) (February 4 is World Cancer Day)
The gene is a unit of inheritance of our DNA that determines our characteristics including physical, behavioural and clinical and the term 'hereditary' means passed from the genes of a parent to the child. In cancer genetics, often these terms are used interchangeably.
Researchers find new clues to control HIV
An international team of researchers is harnessing the immune system to reveal new clues that may help in efforts to produce an HIV vaccine.SFU professor Mark Brockman and co-authors from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa have identified a connection between infection control and how well antiviral T cells respond to diverse HIV sequences.According to Brockman, HIV adapts to the human immune system by altering its sequence to evade helpful antiviral T cells.He says, ""So to develop an effective HIV vaccine, we need to generate host immune responses that the virus cannot easily evade."Brockman's team has developed new laboratory-based methods for identifying antiviral T cells and assessing their ability to recognise diverse HIV sequences."T cells are white blood cells that can recognize foreign particles called peptide antigens," says Brockman, adding that there are two major types of T cells--those that 'help' other cells of the immune system, and those that kill ...
Scientists discover molecules which can protect neurones against degeneration
Scientists from the University of Sheffield in the UK have identified new messenger molecules shuttled between cells which could help to protect the survival of neurones potentially leading to new treatments for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). MND or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disorder in which the nerve cells -- neurones -- controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow undergo degeneration and die. The disorder affects 5,000 adults in the UK and there is currently no cure. The pioneering research has discovered the role of a small molecule which can regulate large signalling cascades and significantly improve the survival of neurones something which will help pave the way to identify and develop new therapies for neuro-degenerative diseases. Approximately 10 per cent of the MND cases are inherited. The remaining 90 per cent cases are caused by complex genetic and environmental interactions, which are currently not well
Excess use of toothpaste by kids leads to tooth decay: Study
Many young kids who use toothpaste more than needed are at an increased risk of dental fluorosis when they get older, warns a new study.
NHRC notice to Har govt over hospital working 'without paediatrician, ventilator'
The NHRC Friday issued a notice to the Haryana government over reports that a general hospital in Panipat is allegedly working without any paediatrician and ventilator. Reportedly, the hospital has been "functioning without any paediatrician for the past two months" while it is mandatory to have a paediatrician and two doctors on round-the-clock duty. There are only four nurses posted against the required strength of eight, an official statement said. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has observed that the content of the media report are "disheartening" and, if true, amount to violation of human rights. "The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that the special neonatal care unit (SNCU) at the general hospital in Panipat is working without any paediatrician and ventilator," the rights panel said in a statement. Three neonates died on Monday, while 33 had died in 2018. Last year saw the unit virtually turn into a referral centre with 351 neonates being ...
34 swine flu deaths in Gujarat this year so far
As many as 34 persons have died due to swine flu in Gujarat since January 1, 2019, with three deaths recorded Friday, officials said. The state has recorded 737 cases of swine flu in the last one month. "Three patients died due to swine flu today, two in Rajkot and one in Vadodara," health officials said in a release. This took the death toll due to the disease since the beginning of 2019 to 34, the release said. Forty-one new cases were registered Friday. Of the total of 737 swine flu cases, 413 patients were cured and discharged while 290 others were undergoing treatment at various hospitals. The rise in swine flu cases was due to the cold weather, health officials said.
Delhi health dept panel examining 'swine flu' deaths reported by hospitals: Official
A panel of the city's health department is examining the swine flu death cases reported by various hospitals, to ascertain if H1N1 infection was the cause of fatalities, a senior official said. Meanwhile, 43 fresh cases have been reported in the national capital, taking the total number of cases to 660 for the month of January, he said. While 13 deaths due to swine flu have been reported at two Centre-run hospitals here this year, but the Delhi health department has not made public any fatality due to it yet. "A committee under the health department is examining the cases, if the deaths were caused by swine flu. The report will come out by Monday or Tuesday, so we will get a clear picture," the official told PTI. According to senior officials at Safdarjung Hospital, three deaths due to swine flu have been recorded this season while RML Hospital has reported 10 fatalities. Nine of the 10 people who died at RML Hospital were from Delhi, and the other one from outside the city, officials
Jaitley hopes to be back soon
"I am much better now. You won't have to wait very long," remarked Union Minister Arun Jaitley who is in New York convalescing after a surgery.
Lupin launches NaMuscla in Germany, UK
Drug firm Lupin Friday said it has launched NaMuscla, an orphan drug used for the treatment myotonia in adults in Germany and the United Kingdom. An orphan drug is a synthetic pharmaceutical which remains commercially undeveloped. NaMuscla, designated an orphan drug by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), is the first treatment to be licensed across the EU for the symptomatic treatment of myotonia in adults, with non-dystrophic myotonic (NDM) disorders, the company said. Myotonia refers to a neuromuscular condition in which the relaxation of a muscle is impaired. The launch of the drug in Germany and the UK follows the European Commission's approval of the product on December 18, 2018, Lupin said in a statement. The product will be commercialised in Germany by Hormosan Pharma GmbH, a full subsidiary of Lupin Ltd, and in the UK by Lupin Healthcare (UK) Ltd, it added. "NaMuscla is the first licensed therapy for myotonia across the EU and offers an effective treatment option for patients
Fruits, veggies may lower early death risk in dialysis patients: Study
Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of premature death in patients undergoing hemodialysis, a study claims. The findings, published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN), suggest that more studies are needed to fine-tune dietary recommendations for patients with kidney failure. Higher fruit and vegetable intake is linked with lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the general population, but kidney failure patients on hemodialysis are often discouraged from this type of diet due to its potential to cause a buildup of potassium. Researchers, including those from the University of Bari, Italy and University of Sydney in Australia evaluated the association of fruit and vegetable intake with all-cause, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular mortality among adults treated with hemodialysis. "Although diet is a key component of self-management and provides an important opportunity for a collaborative ...
Surgery kills 2.1 mn in low, middle-income nations: Lancet
Every year 2.1 million people in the low and middle income countries die within 30 days post surgery, reveals a new study published in The Lancet.
Significant measures to help poor and marginal population of our country, says Dr. Alok Roy
A populistic Budget with an eye on election. Hopefully, this will be good to both sides.We can see significant measures to help poor and marginal population of our country. We wish best to both-policy makers and people of our country, said Dr. Alok Roy, Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals.About MedicaMedica Hospitals, one of the major and fast-growing chain of hospitals in Eastern India today, has built and managed numerous healthcare facilities across the Eastern region over the past few years. The healthcare chain launched its operations with Medica North Bengal Clinic (MNBC) in Siliguri in 2008, and soon followed up with its flagship Hospital - Medica Superspecialty Hospital (MSH) - in Kolkata in 2010. The group has now footprints in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar and Assam.
Fruit, vegetable intake may lower death risk in dialysis patients
A higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of premature death in patients undergoing hemodialysis, finds a new study.
Availing free treatment under Ayushman Bharat scheme helped 10 lakh people save Rs 3,000 cr: Goyal
Availing treatment free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (AB-PMJAY) has helped around 10 lakh people save Rs 3,000 crore since its launch in September, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said while presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Friday. He said the government has been providing drugs at cheaper prices through Jan Aushadhi stores and lakhs of poor and middle-class people are also benefiting from reduced prices of essential medicines, cardiac stents and knee implants. "Earlier, a poor man used to be in dilemma whether to fulfil daily needs of the family or save the life of an ailing member. This situation has deeply pained our prime minister. We launched the world's largest healthcare programme, Ayushman Bharat, to provide medical treatment to nearly 50 crore people," Goyal said. "Already close to 10 lakh patients have benefited for medical treatment which would have cost them Rs 3,000 crore through free treatment made available under the ...
Special airlift for baby flamingos in peril in South Africa
A special airlift for thousands of baby flamingos is under way in South Africa as drought has put their breeding ground in peril. A reservoir that hosts one of southern Africa's largest flamingo populations is drying up. The flamingo eggs are losing their cool, moist protective cover and their inner membranes are hardening, making it difficult for chicks to peck their way out. Predators such as meerkats, dogs and hawks are nearby, waiting for the exhausted chicks to emerge. The site is littered with the bodies of hundreds of dead chicks. The cheeps of chicks trapped inside overheating eggs can be heard. Local and national groups, along with environmental authorities, have stepped in for the rescue operation swiftly organised online and by word of mouth. Bird experts and veterinarians have pitched in. Local diamond mines paid for an emergency flight to carry the first batch of 900 chicks to the capital, Pretoria. Other batches have been flown to Cape Town and other approved ...
Rivona Naturals Launches Rose Soap
/ -- Rivona Naturals Rose soap, a deeply conditioning body soap made with pure and natural ingredients from the heart of the nature, is the perfect gift one can give to their body this year. Rivona Naturals has understood the need of the consumer to switch to the natural cosmetic options rather than the chemically treated ones. And for the same reason, Rivona Naturals Rose soap has made its entry into the shoppers' market. The new rose soap targets skin problems such as dry skin, dead skin cells, and skin irritation leaving an everlasting smooth skin with the goodness of Rose. Unlike other commercial cosmetic options available in the market, Rivona Naturals Rose soap comprises of pure and natural ingredients that pampers one's skin with utmost care and love. These ingredients include: Rose - Pure rose essential oil will soothe the body and give a rich fragrance to it. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties which make it ideal to treat a number of skin ...
Novo Nordisk's new diabetes drug, outlook lift shares
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Novo Nordisk reported solid growth for its new diabetes drug on Friday and said it would submit a tablet version, a key growth hope, for U.S. approval in the first quarter, lifting the Danish drugmaker's shares.
Treatment for obesity, fatty liver disease in the offing
Scientists say they have discovered 27 new molecules with the potential to treat fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetic nephrotoxicity, as well as heal wounds. These molecules activate a special protein called PPAR-delta, said researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. Scientists developed an algorithm that sifted through a database of 1.56 million molecules and picked out 27 with a strong therapeutic potential, as determined by biologists at the Novartis Genomic (GNF) Institute in San Diego, US. The molecules, described in the journal Scientific Reports, are undergoing pharmaceutical evaluations to treat two main health conditions. The first is fatty liver disease, also known as NASH (non-alcoholic steatoheptatis), researchers said. This disease currently has no cure and is a leading cause of liver cancer in the western world, they said. The second is obesity. PPAR-delta activation has the potential to increase physical endurance and trim waistlines by getting ...
Can medical cannabis help autistic kids?
Cannabis treatment for teenage patients with autism is well-tolerated, safe and effective option to relieve symptoms including seizures, tics, depression, restlessness, researchers say.
Parrikar admitted to AIIMS cancer department
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has been admitted to the cancer department at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).