Page 364 - Health Medical Pharma

Highly lethal viruses hijack cellular defences against cancer

A lethal virus has been discovered, which has the capability of hijacking cellular defence against cancer.The recently-discovered Henipaviruses, considered to be highly lethal, can hijack cellular defences against cancer. They are among the deadliest viruses known to man and have no effective treatments.The viruses include Hendra, lethal to humans and horses, and the Nipah virus, a serious threat in East and Southeast Asia. They are on the World Health Organization Blueprint list of priority diseases, which need urgent research and development activities.Keeping in view the extent of damage it can cause, Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) researchers have identified a new mechanism used by Henipaviruses in infection, and potential new targets for antivirals to treat them. Their findings may also apply to other dangerous viruses.A collaboration of scientists, led by Gregory Moseley, found that Henipaviruses hijack a mechanism used by cells to counter DNA damage .

Over 150 genes linked to irregular heartbeat condition identified

Scientists have used Big Data to identify more than 150 as-yet unknown genetic risk factors for atrial fibrillation, an advance that could potentially improve early detection and treatment.

Even low air pollution levels can alter heart structure

People exposed to even low levels of air pollution have changes in the structure of the heart, similar to those seen in the early stages of heart failure, a study has found. The researchers from Queen Mary University of London in the UK looked at data from around 4,000 participants in the UK Biobank study, where volunteers provided a range of personal information, including their lifestyles, health record and details on where they have lived. Participants also had blood tests and health scans, and heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) was used to measure the size, weight and function of the participants' hearts at fixed times. The study, published in the journal Circulation, found a clear association between those who lived near loud, busy roads, and were exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or PM2.5 - small particles of air pollution -and the development of larger right and left ventricles in the heart. The ventricles are important pumping chambers in the heart and, although these ...

Bacteria can sense amino acids

A new study has concluded that bacteria can sense amino acids and regulate their metabolism in response to the available nutrients.Researchers at the University of Leicester said that gathering knowledge about such bacteria could help in the development of drugs and antibiotics to combat a range of diseases, including tuberculosis.They have identified functions of a specific protein (Kinase G) that allow groups of bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis to detect amino acids in their surroundings, allowing the bacteria.This protein is found in a large and important group of bacteria that includes the causative agent of tuberculosis in humans, as well as bacteria important for food and antibiotic production. The research identified the types of nutrients that can be sensed (aspartate and glutamate) as well as the sensor protein that recognises the nutrients.This understanding of how bacteria detect and respond to amino acids in their local environment provides useful information to

Electronic skin tattoos could monitor health

Chinese scientists have developed skin-like electronic tattoos, that could be used to monitor health parameters such as blood pressure and body temperature in real time. The graphene-based electronic tattoo developed by scientists from Tsinghua University in China can be easily transferred onto various surfaces such as the human skin, leaves and silk. Graphene, a super thin material with excellent flexibility and conductivity, is an ideal material for electronic skin, researchers said. It could also be attached to masks and throats to measure body signals such as breathing, heartbeat and voice, according to the research published in the journal ACS Nano. The electronic skin exhibits high sensitivity and long-term stability. It can withstand higher temperatures and is comfortable to wear, 'Xinhua' reported. With laser scribing technology, the pattern of the graphene-based electronic skin can be personalised, a feature that will help future commercialisation. The electronic skin has ...

MAHE signs MoU with International Red Cross

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Committee of the Red Cross -Geneva on sharing knowledge in niche areas where both partners look forward to multiple areas of collaboration. The MoU was signed in Manipal on August 2, a release from the Academy said here today. The ICRC would, for the first time in the sub-continent, share its experience on 'weapon wounded in surgery,' a module designed for post-graduates and faculty in surgery and allied specialties. Other areas of co-operation proposed were joint conferences and seminars, innovations and humanitarian forensics, the release said. Those present from MAHE at the MoU signing ceremony included Vice Chancellor Dr H Vinod Bhat, pro-vice chancellors Dr Poornima Baliga, Dr Narayana Sabhahit, registrar and KMC dean Dr Pragna Rao. The Indian delegation that represented ICRC-Geneva included deputy medical co-ordinator Dr Anjum Soni, finance and ..

Hundreds of Philippine mums in show of support for breast-feeding

Hundreds of Philippine mothers simultaneously nursed their babies in public today, some of them two at a time, in a government-backed mass breastfeeding event aimed at combating child deaths. About 1,500 women, some of them wearing tiaras and superhero T-shirts, sat on the vast floor of a Manila stadium and let their babies suckle to the beat of dance music. "Breastfeeding is love. It is difficult, but we do it for love," said Abegirl Limjap, a pregnant 38-year-old property manager in a "Super Mom" superhero costume as she nursed her two boys, one aged five and the other 11 months. The annual event aims to draw public support for a government campaign to get more mothers to switch to breast milk from infant formula, organiser Rose Padua told AFP. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund recommend that children be given breast milk within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for their first six months. Globally however, three in five babies ..

Novel tattoo-like electronic skin can help monitor health

Chinese scientists have developed a graphene-based tattoo-like electronic skin or e-skin, which could function as a wearable electronic device to monitor health.

Hookah or cigarette, what's more harmful?

The debate on whether smoking a cigarette or Hookah is more harmful has been an endless one. However, researchers may have finally found an answer to the same.Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have found that smoking Hookah for 30 minutes resulted in the development of cardiovascular risk factors similar to that of cigarette smoking, thereby implying that smoking Hookah is more hazardous to one's health.They measured measuring heart rate, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, blood nicotine and exhaled carbon monoxide levels in 48 healthy, young Hookah smokers before and after 30 minutes of smoking.It was found that a single session of Hookah smoking increased heart rate by 16 beats per minute and blood pressure; and significantly increased measures of arterial stiffness, a key risk factor in the development of cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack or stroke.The increase in arterial stiffness was comparable to data seen from cigarette smokers after ...

India's CPWD to build psychiatric hospital in South Sudan

After constructing the Afghan Parliament building in Kabul, India's Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has now taken up the challenging task of building a Rs 120 crore psychiatric-care hospital in war-ravaged South Sudan's capital Juba.

Air pollution may lead to changes in heart structure

Researchers have found that people exposed to even low levels of air pollution can have changes in the structure of the heart, similar to those seen in the early stages of heart failure.

Life is granted once: Coping with the VHL genetic defect (First Person)

After several misdiagnosis and other dilemmas, 10 years ago I was diagnosed with a very rare disease, hardly known in India, called VHL or Von Hippel Lindau, during my landmark liver transplant.

Par panel asks health min to expedite setting up of anti-retroviral treatment centres

A parliamentary panel has asked the Health Ministry to take necessary steps to speed up the process of establishing and linking anti-retroviral treatment centres for the HIV-infected across the country. This will provide consistent access to "affordable and efficacious" medication regime for the treatment of HIV positive patients, it said. The panel has also asked the ministry to devise a mechanism for providing an expanded access to subsidised anti-retroviral therapy for poor people, orphan and destitute children infected with HIV. The Committee on Petitions on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in its 56th report presented in Parliament asked the ministry to apprise it within three months about the steps taken. "Keeping in view the urgent need for the affordable treatment of HIV positive patients in the country, the committee reiterates its earlier recommendation and urges the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen its network and take necessary steps to speed up

Viruses can alter human body's response to vaccines, pathogens

Turns out, viruses with slower impact tend to alter the human body's response to vaccines and pathogens alike.A research conducted at the University of California has shown that low levels of cytomegalovirus (CMV) have a significant impact on microbe and immune cell populations and how the immune system responds to the influenza vaccine."Subclinical CMV infection alters the immune system and the gut microbiota in the host and that impacts how we respond to vaccines, environmental stimuli, and pathogens. This study highlights the role of these silent, latent viral infections that are totally asymptomatic," said Satya Dandekar, a lead researcher.CMV is a common virus that infects as many as 90 per cent of adults in Africa and 70 per cent in the U.S. and Europe. However, researchers have labeled CMV to be not dangerous, except for those with compromised immune systems.While the vast majority of CMV infections are subclinical, that does not mean the virus is inert.Researchers found that ..

Older people recognize their mistakes less often: Study

As people grow older, they become less adept at recognizing their own mistakes, suggests a study that can shed new insight into how ageing adults perceive their decisions and view their performance.

Sun Pharma recalls over 5.2k units of testosterone cypionate injections from US

The US arm of the domestic drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is recalling over 5.2 thousand units of testosterone cypionate injections from the American market, the latest enforcement report of the US health regulator has said. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc is recalling 5,215 units of 10 mL vials testosterone cypionate injections in the strength of 200 mg/mL, on account of "presence of particulate matter: organic and inorganic compounds detected in vials of product," the report said. The injections were manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries at its Halol facility, it added. As per the report by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), the ongoing voluntary nationwide recall is a class II recall. According to the US health regulator, a class II recall is initiated in a situation "in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health .

UK unveils new organ donation plan to address Indian-origin shortages

The UK government today announced new plans to change the law for organ and tissue donation to address the urgent need for organs within Indian-origin communities in the country. The proposed new system of consent for organ and tissue donation is expected to come into effect in England in 2020 as part of a drive to help black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people desperately waiting for a life-saving transplant. Under the new presumed consent system, those who do not want to donate their organs will be able to record their decision on the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) Organ Donor Register (ODR). "Organ donation is of course a deeply personal choice, and for many, their faith will play an important factor in their decision," said Jackie Doyle-Price, UK's Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Mental Health and Inequalities. "We want to make it much easier for people to record and share their decision with friends, families and to NHS staff so that they can be ...

Apollo-Medics tie up for UP's largest quaternary care hospital

In a major boost to the healthcare infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, a collaboration between Apollo Hospitals and Medics Super Speciality Hospital was announced here on Saturday.

How much is your DNA worth? Race on to unlock value in genetic data

The trend raises has worries among campaigners about data security and privacy

Heavy drinking, abstinence from alcohol may up dementia risk

Middle aged people who abused alcohol or abstain from it may be at a higher risk of developing dementia, according to a study.