Page 175 - Health Medical Pharma
Gene discovery may lead to new treatments for osteoarthritis
Scientists have uncovered 52 new genetic changes linked to osteoarthritis which they say may help develop new treatments for the disabling condition. An international team of scientists, including those from the University of Sheffield in the UK, analysed the genomes of over 77,000 people with osteoarthritis. The findings, published in the journal Nature Genetics, revealed new genes and biological pathways linked to osteoarthritis, which doubles the number of genetic regions associated with the disease. They could also help identify starting points for new medicines and highlight opportunities for existing medicines to be evaluated in osteoarthritis, researchers said. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which a person's joints become damaged, stop moving freely and become painful. There is no disease-modifying treatment for osteoarthritis. The disease is managed with pain relief medications and often culminates in joint replacement surgery, which has variable ...
Body size may influence women's lifespan more than men's
A new study has claimed that body size -- height and weight -- of women influence their lifespan far more that it does that of men.The study was published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.The findings indicate that while physical activity is linked to longevity in both sexes, the more time men spend being physically active add to their chances of reaching old age, while 60 minutes a day was associated with the best chance for women for longevity.The study also finds that while average life expectancy has risen over the past few decades, it has recently started to plateau in some developed nations, with increasing levels of obesity and physical inactivity thought to be behind the trend.While previous research has looked at the associations between weight (BMI), physical activity, and reaching old age, most combined both sexes or focused only on men. However, women and men's lifespan differ, which may be influenced by factors like hormones, genes and or ...
IILM University Organizes an Expert Session on Mental Health and Positive Psychology by Dr. Samir Parikh
/ -- The Centre of Emotional Intelligence and Department of Psychology at IILM University Gurugram hosted Dr. Samir Parikh, an eminent Psychiatrist and the Director of Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare for a session on Mental Health and Positive Psychology. Dr. Parikh spoke about the how mobile technology has impacted the mental health of youngsters today. He encouraged the budding psychologist students in the audience to focus on strengths of people instead of weaknesses. Dr. Parikh threw light on how community interaction played a key role as an advocate and ambassador of mental health awareness and how every budding mental health expert needs to be ethical, a social activist and a role model even in their personal space. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/811398/Dr_Samir_Parikh_IILM_University.jpg ) Being the motivator that he is, Dr Parikh emphasized the importance of reading and being updated by the recent literature. He motivated the .
Experiment for gene-edited babies illegal: China
The experiments conducted by scientist He Jiankui, which have led to the birth of the world's first gene-edited twins, have been termed as illegal by Chinese authorities."The case has been initially identified as an explicitly state-banned human embryo-editing activity for reproductive purposes conducted by He Jiankui," CNN quoted the Guangdong Province Health Commission as stating.Investigators from the commission further added that Jiankui had conducted the experiments "in pursuit of personal fame and fortune, with self-raised funds and deliberate evasion of supervision and private recruitment of related personnel."Furthermore, Chinese authorities believe that the scientist forged ethical review documents and blood tests to find a way around the ban on assisted reproduction for HIV-positive patients, CNN reported while quoting state media.The authorities have stated that Jiankui and all the others involved in the experiments will be "dealt with seriously according to the law, and if
Apollo nears deal to buy RPC Group for over $3.8 billion: WSJ
(Reuters) - Private equity company Apollo Global Management LLC is in advanced talks to buy Europe's biggest plastics packaging maker RPC Group Plc for more than $3.8 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
RUJ group to set up super speciality hospital in Jaipur
Rajendra and Ursula Joshi (RUJ) group on Monday announced to set up a 150-bedded multi-super-specialty hospital here in the next two years. "We are looking to invest Rs 150-200 crore to set up the hospital which will provide healthcare services with super specialties into critical care, CTVS, cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, gastroenterology with a backup of nephrology, endocrinology among others, Dr Nalin Joshi, the Managing Director of RUJ Hospitals Private Limited said here. He said that it will deliver mainly to west zone of Jaipur which lacks multi super specialty services and care.
Our genes affect where fat is stored in our bodies: Study
Researchers have found that whether you store your fat around the trunk or in other parts of your body is highly influenced by genetic factors.
WHO lists 10 threats to global health in 2019
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed out 10 global health threats for 2019, adding that millions of lives will be at risk if these threats are not addressed. The United Nation's public health agency, thus, is starting a new five year strategic plan- the 13th General Programme of Work. According to the WHO, the plan focuses on a triple billion target that includes ensuring 1 billion more people benefiting from access to universal health coverage, 1 billion more people being protected from health emergencies and 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being.Here is the list of health issues that need urgent attention, according to the global health body:Air pollution and climate change: This year, air pollution is considered as the greatest environmental risk to health. Microscopic pollutants in the air can damage the lungs, heart and brain, killing 7 million people prematurely every year from diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart and lung ...
Himachal CM, Nadda perform ground breaking ceremony of AIIMS
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday performed ground breaking ceremony of 750-bed AIIMS in Kothipura near here.
SAD smells corruption in Punjab's move to privatize rural health services
Alleging corruption in the move by the Punjab government to privatize rural healthcare services, the Shiromani Akali Dal on MOnday demanded a high-level probe into it.
Acceptance of eIFU for Medical Device a Welcome Move: MTaI
Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), which represents leading research-based medical technology companies with significant investments in India, today welcomed the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Gazette notification on acceptance of eIFU (Electronic Instructions for Use) for Medical Device and Equipment and said that the regulation is in line with governments push for digitalization to reduce the use of Paper.Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on January 15, 2019, published the Gazette notification on acceptance of eIFU for Medical Device and Equipment. "The acceptance of eIFU for Medical Device and Equipment puts India's regulatory specifications in line with the practices of some of the advanced countries like Singapore, USA and countries of Europe and will improve users access to more detailed up-to-date information," said Mr. Pavan Choudary, Chairman and Director General, MTaI.MTaI further said that the inclusive approach of CDSCO and Health Ministry in ...
Right kind of questions need to be asked about sexual orientation, gender identity
A recent study suggests that while patients are open to being asked about their sexual orientation and gender identity in primary care, there is a need to set a stage for such questions so that they include a range of options.According to the researchers involved in the study, understanding the social determinants of health, including gender identity and sexual orientation, is important for providing better health care as these are linked with subsequent outcomes. However, they also pointed out that many transgender and gender-diverse people have negative experiences in health care that affect their overall health. During the study, researchers asked questions on sexual orientation and gender identity. They offered a survey to 15,221 patients. A total of 90 per cent of 14,247 respondents answered questions about sexual orientation and gender identity.The researchers also interviewed 27 patients of diverse age, gender identity, education level, language and immigration status to ...
Only 13% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions appropriate: Study
Researchers have found that only 13 per cent of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions were appropriate.
Zydus receives USFDA tentative approval for Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules
Esomeprazole belongs to the group of medicines termed as proton pump inhibitors. Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid secreted by the stomach. The drug is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in some people taking pain medicines, treat patients with stomach infection (Helicobacter pylori) along with certain antibiotics and long-term treatment of conditions where stomach makes too much acid.
Natural ways to boost immunity in children (Health Notes)
It is natural for parents to protect their children from any harm, including the endless array of germs they are exposed to every day.
Siddaganga seer's health improves, still on ventilator support
Shivakumara Swami, the main pontiff of Sree Siddaganga Mutt, health has slightly improved in past hours, his doctor said on Monday.The 111-year-old Lingayat has been put on ventilator support after his condition deteriorated due to a lung infection which he developed after an operation on December 8, which was carried out to treat his liver and bile duct infection. Dr Parameshwar, who is treating Swami, told media here: "He is looking slightly better now. We have also approached doctors from BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals for better treatment. We are trying hard to make everything alright. Devotees should stay patient."Shivakumara Swami is considered to be one of the most esteemed religious and social practitioners of the Lingayat-Veerashaiva faith of Lingayatism. Owing to the seer's health condition, former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa cancelled his engagements and rushed to Tumkuru.Security arrangements have been made outside the Siddaganga Mutt, where the 111-year-old seer is ...
New stem cell approach may help treat diabetes: Study
Scientists have tweaked the technique for turning human stem cells into insulin-secreting beta cells and shown that the resulting cells are more responsive to fluctuating glucose levels in the blood. Stem cells can be transformed into cells that produce insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar, according to the study published in the journal Stem Cell Reports. However, there is a major challenge: the amount of insulin produced by these cells is difficult to control. The researchers at the Washington University in the US transplanted the beta cells into mice that could not make insulin. They found that the new cells began secreting insulin within a few days, and continued to control blood sugar in the animals for months. "We have been able to overcome a major weakness in the way these cells previously had been developed. The new insulin-producing cells react more quickly and appropriately when they encounter glucose," said Jeffrey R Millman, an assistant professor at the ...
Novel hope for stem cell approach to treat diabetes
The researchers, from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said that when they transplanted the beta cells into mice that could not make insulin, the new cells began secreting insulin within a few days, and they continued to control blood sugar in the animals for months.
Brain training app improves users' concentration: Study
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have designed a new 'brain training' game designed to improve users' concentration.Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen, in their book, The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World, point out that with the emergence of new technologies requiring rapid responses to emails and texts, young people, including students, are having shorter attention spans and are frequently becoming distracted.This difficulty in focusing attention and concentrating is made worse by stress from a global environment that never sleeps and also frequent travel leading to jet lag and poor quality sleep.Professor Barbara Sahakian from the Department of Psychiatry, said, "We've all experienced coming home from work feeling that we've been busy all day, but unsure what we actually did," adding, "Most of us spend our time answering emails, looking at text messages, searching social media, trying to multitask. But instead of getting a lot done, we sometimes struggle .
Novel brain training app may improve users' attention
Cambridge researchers have developed a new brain training game, which they say improves users' concentration and could provide an 'antidote' to the daily distractions that we face in a busy world. With the emergence of new technologies requiring rapid responses to emails and texts and working on multiple projects simultaneously, young people are having more problems with sustaining attention, according to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience. This difficulty in focussing attention and concentrating is made worse by stress from a global environment that never sleeps and also frequent travel leading to jet lag and poor quality sleep. "We have all experienced coming home from work feeling that we've been busy all day, but unsure what we actually did," said Professor Barbara Sahakian from the University of Cambridge in the UK. "Most of us spend our time answering emails, looking at text messages, searching social media, trying to multi-task. But instead