Page 286 - Health Medical Pharma

Overdose of Vitamin A may up bone fracture risk

Over-supplementing Vitamin A in your diet may decrease bone thickness, leading to weak and fracture-prone bones, a new study claims.

'Liquid ecstasy' use may lower IQ: Study

Regular use of a party drug 'liquid ecstasy' can cause changes in the brain leading to lower IQ, and increased stress and anxiety, a study has found. GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), also known as 'G' or 'liquid ecstasy', is a central nervous system depressant. It is used extensively in clubs, and private house parties. It produces an initial feeling of euphoria in users, but it can also cause sleepiness, and users easily tip into a coma. Some regular recreational users will often fall into a coma, which can require hospital treatment. To understand the effects of GHB on the brain, scientists from the Amsterdam UMC in Netherlands, recruited 27 GHB users who had experienced multiple GHB-induced comas (with a minimum of 4 comas), 27 GHB users who had never had a coma, and 27 volunteers who had used drug combinations (polydrug), but had never used GHB. Each person was asked to complete an adult reading test as proxy for IQ, anxiety, depression and stress questionnaires and they performed ...

'First bio-electronic medicine developed'

Scientists say they have developed the first bioelectronic medicine -- an implantable, biodegradable wireless device that speeds nerve regeneration and improves the healing of a damaged nerve. Researchers at the Washington University in the US developed a device that delivers regular pulses of electricity to damaged peripheral nerves in rats after a surgical repair process, accelerating the regrowth of nerves in their legs and enhancing the ultimate recovery of muscle strength and control. The size of a dime and the thickness of a sheet of paper, the wireless device operates for about two weeks before naturally absorbing into the body, according to the study published in the journal Nature Medicine. The researchers envision that such transient engineered technologies one day could complement or replace pharmaceutical treatments for a variety of medical conditions in humans. The technology, called "bioelectronic medicine," provides therapy and treatment over a clinically relevant ...

Too much vitamin A may increase bone fracture risk: Study

Consuming too much vitamin A may decrease bone thickness, leading to weak and fracture prone bones, according to a study conducted in mice. The study, published in the Journal of Endocrinology, found that sustained intake of vitamin A, at levels equivalent to 4.5-13 times the human recommended daily allowance (RDA), caused significant weakening of the bones. It suggests that people should be cautious of over-supplementing vitamin A in their diets, said researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Vitamin A is important for numerous biological processes including growth, vision, immunity and organ function. Our bodies are unable to make vitamin A but a healthy diet including meat, dairy products and vegetables should be sufficient to maintain the body's nutritional needs. Some evidence has suggested that people who take vitamin A supplements may be increasing their risk of bone damage, researchers said. Previous studies in mice have shown that short-term overdosing of vitamin

West Nile, Zika virus can lead to gut problems: Study

Viruses such as West Nile and Zika that target the nervous system in the brain and spinal cord also can disrupting bowel movement and causing intestinal blockages, a study has found.

Steel Authority of India gets revision in credit ratings

From CARE Ratings

Does asthma contribute to childhood obesity epidemic?

In a recent study, scientists have found that asthma could give rise to childhood obesity epidemic.The University of Southern California study showed that beyond wheezing and shortness of breath, asthma can lead to bodies that make young people more susceptible to other health problems later in life.Senior author Lida Chatzi said asthma and obesity pack a one-two punch against children's health, which raises concerns about a public health crisis due to their prevalence."Asthma is a chronic childhood disorder and if it increases the risk of obesity, we can advise parents and physicians on how to treat it and intervene to help young children grow up to enjoy healthy, adult lives," Chatzi said.For two decades, scientists have documented the parallel epidemics of childhood asthma and obesity, with focus on how obesity is a risk factor for asthma. In adults, obesity is an important risk factor for new asthma, especially among women, but the relationships appear to differ in children. Few ..

New milestone for AIDS Healthcare Foundation

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organisation, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017 and now operates in 41 countries, announced that it has surpassed a big milestone in its history.At the beginning of this month, AHF is providing HIV/AIDS medical care and/or services to more than one million patients-1,004,228 patients worldwide as of last week-in the US, Europe, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia.AHF's Asia Bureau, one of AHF's five global bureaus, now provides lifesaving care and services in 9 of the 41 countries that AHF operates in globally including Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam."Over one million lives in AHF's care-the most momentous achievement in the 31-year history of AIDS Healthcare Foundation and an achievement proudly shared by many, many dedicated staff, board members, partner organizations, volunteers, family, friends-and patients," said Michael Weinstein, AHF's ...

This drug may affect your IQ!

According to a new research, regular use of the party drug GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate), which is often placed in alcoholic beverages, is associated with brain changes including negative effects on long-term memory, working memory, IQ, and higher levels of stress and anxiety.GHB also known as 'G' or 'liquid ecstasy', is a central nervous system depressant. It is used extensively in clubs, but also in private house parties. It produces an initial feeling of euphoria in users, but it can also cause sleepiness, and users easily tip into a coma.Despite its limited recreational use, GHB overdose and coma is the third most common drug-related cause for emergency medical attendance, after heroin and cocaine, and this trend is increasing.To understand the effects of GHB on the brain, a team of scientists from the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, recruited 27 GHB users who had experienced multiple GHB-induced comas (with a minimum of 4 comas), 27 GHB users who had never had a coma,

Surgeries at 3,500 metres: AIIMS takes quality healthcare to Leh

Forty-eight-year-old Stanzin Rigzin's left knee-joint has been aching of late, making it difficult for her to walk with ease. But her village has only a government clinic and no orthopedic expert. So, one morning, she took the first bus from her village in Turtuk, a little over 200 km from Leh, and arrived at the Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh around 8.30 a.m.

Weight loss lowers breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women

In a recent study of postmenopausal women, participants who lost weight had a lower risk of developing invasive breast cancer than those who maintained or gained weight.The findings suggest that weight loss may help lower postmenopausal women's breast cancer risk.Although obesity has been strongly related to breast cancer risk, studies examining whether weight loss might reduce postmenopausal women's risk have provided mixed results.To examine the issue, Rowan Chlebowski, MD, Ph.D., of the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, and his colleagues analyzed information on 61,335 women participating in the World Health Initiative Observational Study who had no prior breast cancer and had normal mammogram results. The women's body weight, height, and body mass index were assessed at the start of the study and again 3 years later.During an average follow-up of 11.4 years, there were 3,061 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed."Our study indicates that moderate,

Excessive vitamin A may increase risk of bone fractures

Turns out, consuming too much vitamin A may decrease bone thickness, leading to weak and fracture-prone bones.A new study, undertaken in mice, found that sustained intake of vitamin A, at levels equivalent to 4.5-13 times the human recommended daily allowance (RDA), caused significant weakening of the bones, and suggests that people should be cautious of over-supplementing vitamin A in their diets.Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that is important for numerous biological processes including growth, vision, immunity and organ function. Our bodies are unable to make vitamin A but a healthy diet including meat, dairy products and vegetables should be sufficient to maintain the body's nutritional needs.Some evidence has suggested that people who take vitamin A supplements may be increasing their risk of bone damage.In this study, Dr Ulf Lerner and colleagues from Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, report that mice given lower doses of vitamin A, equivalent to 4.5-13 ...

Second Skripal poisoning suspect is Russian GRU agent: Bellingcat

Investigative group Bellingcat on Monday identified the second suspect in the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal as a trained military doctor employed by Russia's GRU military intelligence agency. "We have now identified 'Alexander Petrov' to be in fact Dr Alexander Yevgenyevich Mishkin, a trained military doctor in the employ of the GRU," the British-based group said in a report published on its website.

Meghalaya Congress legislator dies in Delhi

Former Meghalaya Power Minister and senior Congress legislator, Clement Marak, died in a private hospital in New Delhi on Monday evening after a prolonged battle with cancer, party sources said. He was 58.

Wipro healthcare arm partners for state health scheme

Wipro GE Healthcare on Monday tied up with two partners for developing a medical device and training community workers to support the government's ambitious National Health Protection Scheme -- 'Ayushman Bharat'.

Docs used 2500-year-old technique of Sushruta to reconstruct Afghan woman's nose

Doctors at a city hospital have reconstructed the nose of a gunshot victim from Afghanistan using over 2500-year-old techniques described by Sushruta, the father of surgery. Shamsa, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, was shot four years ago. Though she was fortunate to have survived the attack, she lost most part of her nose and the ability to breathe and smell, Ajaya Kashyap, Medical Director of KAS Medical Centre and MedSpa said. She was suffered the injury when she was 24-years-old and was about to get married and settle down. The family later travelled all the way to India so that she can undergo a plastic surgery for her nose, the doctor said. Explaining the surgical approach Kashyap said, "We often fail to take pride in the fact that some of the most advanced and modern surgical procedures, like plastic surgery, have their roots in India like Sushruta's techniques." "They are so precise and scientifically accurate that they could be used even today for nose and

Need to empower nurses, midwives as they play vital role in providing basic health services: Choubey

Union minister Ashwini Choubey said on Monday that there is a need to empower nurses and midwives as they play a vital role in providing basic medical services. The MoS for Health also said they need to be perceived as equal partners in the health care sector. "To meet the future needs of the growing health care sector and constantly increasing disease burden, there is a need to empower our nurses and perceive them as equal partners in health care," Choubey said after inaugurating the second BRICS Nurses Forum hosted by Indian Nursing Council here. He said the government was committed to develop the capacities of health care professionals, especially nurses and has taken several necessary steps towards improved governance in India's public health system, through establishment of robust recruitment, selection, promotion and transfer policies for our nurses. "The government is determined for making significant improvements in nursing and midwifery education and services in the light ..

FIR against Joint Director Health Services for corruption

A magisterial inquiry has been initiated against Joint Director Health Services Dr Avijit Basu following an FIR about corruption charges against him in Hailakandi sadar police station by students' organisation PSOYF. Additional Deputy Commissioner (incharge of Health) EL Fairheim immediately instituted the probe and directed circle officer Hailakandi Tridip Roy to inquire into the allegations of corruption against Dr Basu and submit a report to him. Circle officer Roy submitted a report to ADC Fairheim Monday in which he corroborated the charges of corruption levelled against Dr Basu by the students' organisation on Saturday, official sources said. The findings of the magisterial inquiry report is stated to have been sent to the health authorities in Guwahati for initiating action against Dr Basu. A case has also been filed by the district administration against the Joint Director at Hailakandi Sadar police station on Sunday. The Hailakandi district administration headed

Health ministry confirms 22 Zika cases in Rajasthan

The Health Ministry on Monday confirmed 22 cases of Zika virus in Rajasthan, stressing that precautionary measures are being taken by the Centre followed by daily monitoring.

Diabetes may begin over 20 years before diagnosis: Study

Early signs of type 2 diabetes can be identified more than 20 years before diagnosis, according to a study. Researchers, including those from Shinshu University in Japan, tracked over 27,000 non-diabetic adults (average age 49 years) between 2005 and 2016. They found that increased fasting glucose, higher body mass index (BMI) and impaired insulin sensitivity were detectable up to 10 years before the diagnosis of diabetes as well as prediabetes. "As the vast majority of people with type 2 diabetes go through the stage of prediabetes, our findings suggest that elevated metabolic markers for diabetes are detectable more than 20 years before its diagnosis," said Hiroyuki Sagesaka from Aizawa Hospital in Japan, who led the study. Previous research suggests that risk factors like obesity and elevated fasting glucose may be present up to 10 years before someone is diagnosed with diabetes. However, the time point at which individuals who go on to develop diabetes and those who don't first ...