Page 40 - Health Medical Pharma
7 key health measures to avoid future risk of heart disease
A recent study states that by following seven healthy measures like proper diet, exercise and many more, might help one predict future risk of cardiovascular diseases.The study was published in the journal, ' AMA Network Open'.The team of researchers, including three from Penn State, studied how seven key health measures were related to people's cardiovascular health over time.They identified five patterns of how well people did or did not do on the seven health measures over time. These patterns were able to help predict participants' future risk of CVD.For example, people who consistently scored well in the seven metrics had a lower chance of CVD than people who did not. The researchers also found that improving these metrics over time was related to a lower risk of CVD in the future.Xiang Gao, one of the researchers of the study suggests that people can help influence their risk of CVD in the future."In our study population, and probably across the world, there are many people who .
Yoga boosts health, mental well being in older adults: Study
Practising yoga can boost muscle strength and balance in older adults as well as improve mental wellbeing, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK reviewed 22 studies that had investigated the effects of yoga on physical and mental wellbeing in older adults. The yoga programmes varied in length from one month to seven months, and duration of sessions ranged from 30 to 90 minutes. Statistical analysis combined the results of the studies to see the effects of yoga compared with no activity, and compared to other activities such as walking and chair aerobics. "A large proportion of older adults are inactive, and do not meet the balance and muscle strengthening recommendations set by government and international health organisations," said Divya Sivaramakrishnan, from University of Edinburgh. "Based on this study, we can conclude that yoga has great potential to improve important physical and psychological outcomes in older adults. Yoga is a gentle activity
New technique can predict complications after larynx cancer surgery
A new technique that illuminates blood flow during surgery that can predict complications and enables surgeons to make adjustments during larynx cancer surgery or recovery to improve outcomes.The study was published in the journal 'Annals of Surgical Oncology'."Radiation damage is something you can't always see. There have been very few examples in the literature that would explain or predict who's going to have a complication," said Matthew E Spector, senior author of the study.Researchers enrolled 41 patients who were undergoing laryngectomy after radiation.After removing the tumour but before closing the throat, anesthesiologists gave the patients an intravenous injection of a type of medical dye, indocyanine green.The dye circulates within about 40 seconds. Surgeons then use laser angiography, which illuminates the dye, allowing them to observe blood flow.The results were clear-cut: patients with lower blood flow had a significantly higher risk of developing a fistula, whereas ...
Smartphone app improves pain control, reduces opiate use after knee surgery: Study
A new study has shown that a smartphone app improved pain control and reduced opiate painkiller use in patients who used the app after total knee replacement surgery.The study is being presented at the meeting 'Euroanaesthesia' (the annual meeting of the European Society of Anaesthesiology) in Vienna, Austria (1-3 June).The more the study participants used the app, the more likely they were to lower pain scores and decrease their use of opioids."These are important findings given the current demands on the healthcare system and the growing misuse of prescription painkillers worldwide", said author Dr Amar Sheombar from Kliniek ViaSana in the Netherlands."Few clinically-tested mobile apps exist with clear measurable goals to guide patients in pain control and opiate use at home after surgery," Sheombar added.To investigate the effect of the app on pain and opiate use, Dutch researchers randomly assigned 71 patients (aged 56-70 years) undergoing total knee replacement the app and usual .
Radio-wave therapy may help combat liver cancer: Study
A novel targeted therapy using radio waves may help block the growth of liver cancer cells anywhere in the body without damaging healthy ones. The research team from Wake Forest School of Medicine in the US delivered radio frequencies to mice that had been injected with human cancer cells to replicate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. The radio frequencies delivered were same as those delivered to patients with HCC in Europe, where the device has been approved for use on people, researchers said in a statement. "Our study showed that the radiofrequency delivered was at low and safe levels. It was actually lower than those generated by holding a cell phone close to the ear," said Boris Pasche, from Wake Forest School of Medicine. The researchers created a hand-held device to deliver cancer-specific, amplitude-modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (AM RF EMF) which are programmed specifically for HCC. The device is about the size of a VHS ...
Childhood adversity may up mental disorder risk: Study
Growing up in poverty and experiencing traumatic events like an accident or sexual assault may increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, a study warns. The research, published in the JAMA Psychiatry, shows that low socioeconomic status (L-SES) and the experience of traumatic stressful events (TSEs) were linked to accelerated puberty and brain maturation, abnormal brain development. "The findings underscore the need to pay attention to the environment in which the child grows. Poverty and trauma have strong associations with behaviour and brain development, and the effects are much more pervasive than previously believed," Raquel E Gur, a professor at University of Pennsylvania in the US. The study was the first to compare the effects of poverty (L-SES) to those who experienced TSEs in the same sample set. The researchers analysed data from of 9,498 participants aged eight to 21 years for the study. They found specific associations of SES and TSE ...
Virtual reality reduces pain and need for intravenous sedation by at least 50 pc: Study
A new study has shown that virtual reality session given to patients before and during locoregional anaesthesia for orthopaedic procedures significantly reduced pain and the requirement for intravenous sedation.The study is being presented at the meeting 'Euroanaesthesia' (the annual meeting of the European Society of Anaesthesiology) in Vienna, Austria (1-3 June).The randomised trial suggested that virtual reality hypnosis distraction (VRHD) could be a valuable drug-free alternative for reducing anxiety and procedure-related pain without the side- effects and longer recovery time associated with traditional intravenous sedation."Given the immersive and distracting nature of the virtual reality experience, this technology has the ability to act as a preventive intervention transforming local anaesthesia into a less distressing and potentially pain-free medical procedure," said Dr Dragos Chirnoaga from CUB Erasmus Hospital, Brussels, Belgium who co-led the research.Along with many ...
Childhood adversity ups risk of mental health disorder
Kids who grow up in poverty and face adverse experiences are at a greater risk of suffering from mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, warn researchers.
Brain zapping can help retrieve forgotten memories
Forgotten memories can be retrieved by stimulating a specific brain region using electrical currents, scientists have found for the first time. The research, published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, shows that the left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in memory recall. "We found dramatically improved memory performance when we increased the excitability of this region," said Jesse Rissman, an assistant professor at University of California, Los Angeles in the US. The left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex is important for high-level thought, including monitoring and integrating information processed in other areas of the brain, Rissman said. This area is located behind the left side of the forehead, between the eyebrow and the hairline. "We think this brain area is particularly important in accessing knowledge that you formed in the past and in making decisions about it," said Rissman. The psychologists conducted experiments with three groups of people ...
WHO probes HIV outbreak in Pakistan's Sindh province
In the wake of the recent HIV outbreak in the Sindh Province of Pakistan, with nearly 700 cases registered thus far, an international team of experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has initiated a probe to ascertain the source of the outbreak.The team, which arrived in the country on Tuesday at the request of the Pakistani government, will also provide its expertise in areas of HIV testing, paediatric HIV treatment and family counselling, reports Xinhua.The outbreak has stirred panic among residents of the area. Dr Masood Solangi, Director General Health Sindh, said that nearly 700 people have been diagnosed with HIV in the city of Ratodero, after the screening of around 2500 people in the past few weeks. Among them, 576 are children aged from neonatal to five years old."The team will work closely with the ministry of health and partners, including the Aga Khan University, Pakistan's Field Epidemiology & Laboratory Training Programme, UNAIDS and Unicef in Larkana," ...
3-month-old to celebrate Eid at home after successful cardiac surgery
Three-month-old Zubiya Fatima who was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease will celebrate her first Eid at home after undergoing a successful cardiac surgery, lasting almost seven hours, a city hospital has claimed. The child from Lucknow was diagnosed with Supracardiac TAPVD (Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage), a type of congenital heart disease, in which pulmonary veins drain into a common chamber behind the heart. Due to this condition, blood coming from lungs does not reach the heart. Zubiya was born to a non-consanguineous couple and was delivered prematurely by caesarean surgery. She had bluish colouration of skin and used to breathe rapidly since one month of age, said Muthu Jothi, Paediatric Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Her parents consulted doctors in their hometown where the infant was diagnosed with Supracardiac TAPVD and was referred to Delhi for treatment, the surgeon said. According to Jothi, Zubiya's condition presented an .
Researchers find a way to retrieve forgotten memory
While the brain is a complex organ to understand, a new study highlights a certain region in the brain which has a key role in recalling memory.The research, published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, suggested that using electrical current to stimulate that region 'left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex', improves people's ability to retrieve memories."We found dramatically improved memory performance when we increased the excitability of this region," said Jesse Rissman, senior author of the study.Left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex is important for high-level thoughts, including monitoring and integrating information processed in other areas of the brain. This is located behind the left side of the forehead, between the eyebrow and the hairline.The psychologists conducted experiments with three groups of people whose average age was 20. Each group had 13 women and 11 men.Participants were shown a series of 80 words on a computer screen. For each word, participants were ...
Doctors surgically create vagina for teenage girl
A 14-year-old girl underwent a rare procedure at the government hospital here in Madhya Pradesh in which doctors created an artificial vagina by using a part of her intestine. The surgical procedure, called as vaginoplasty, had lasted for five hours. Vaginoplasty is any surgical procedure that results in the construction or reconstruction of the vagina. A week after the surgery, the girl, who was admitted in the Maharaja Yeshwantrao Holkar Hospital attached to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College, walked home Saturday. Dr Ashok Laddha, Associate Professor, Paediatric Surgery Department, told PTI that a team of ten doctors had performed the rare surgery. "The girl didn't have the vagina since her birth. Doctors cut a part of her intestine to create the vagina," said Dr Laddha. The girl, who was born in 2005, has been under severe stress in the absence of a reproductive organ, Dr Laddha said. Besides vagina, the girl did not have anus as well. Doctors had conducted three ...
220 young soldiers join Ladakh Scouts regiment of Indian Army
As many as 220 well-trained recruits joined the Ladakh Scouts Regiment of Indian Army as young soldiers at an impressive Attestation Parade in Leh today.The parade organised at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre on Friday was reviewed by Lt. Gen Y K Joshi, General Officer Commanding of Fire and Fury Corps. The General officer is also the Colonel of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and Ladakh Scouts."The young soldiers, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, took oath in unison to serve the nation. The Reviewing Officer congratulated them for the impressive parade and urged them to devote their life in service to the nation as proud soldiers of the Indian Army. He also complimented the parents of the young soldiers on having motivated their wards to join the Regiment," a release by the Defence Ministry said.The General Officer exhorted the young soldiers to continue to strive hard in pursuit of excellence in all spheres and take a solemn vow to uphold the sovereignty of the nation against all ...
A M Naik-established trust to set up hospital in Navsari
Nirali Memorial Medical Trust (NMMT), established by Larsen and Toubro Group Chairman A M Naik, Saturday announced investment of Rs 150 crore to set up a specialty hospital in Gujarat's Navsari. It has tied up with Apollo Hospitals Group, which will operate and manage the 300-bed facility. "It will come up in early 2021. Investment details are being worked out but it should be Rs 150 crore," Naik told PTI on the sidelines of an event. Last year NMMT joined hands with the Tata Trusts to set up a specialty cancer hospital at Navsari. Naik informed that the 150-bed cancer hospital would come up in the second half of 2020. Apollo Hospitals Chairman Prathap C Reddy said that Naik is following in his parents' footsteps by setting up schools and hospitals. "This is something which the country needs. We need to add 1,00,000 beds per year for next five years to meet the country's needs and specially (when) NCDs (Non-communicable diseases) diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, cancer
Veteran industrialist B.M. Khaitan dead at 92
Veteran industrialist and Williamson Magor Group patriarch Brij Mohan Khaitan died on Saturday at his residence here. He was 92.
NMMT to set up multi-speciality hospital in Gujarat
The Nirali Memorial Medical Trust (NMMT) would set up at Navsari in Gujarat a multi-specialty hospital, to be managed by the Apollo Hospitals Group, said a NMMT official here on Saturday.
Nicotine and caffeine withdrawal may lead to unwanted suffering in ICU patients: Study
A recent study has found that withdrawal of Nicotine and Caffeine can cause unwanted suffering to patients in intensive care units (ICUs), leading to unnecessary laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and MRIs.The study is being discussed this year in an annual meeting, 'Euroanaesthesia' in Vienna, Austria."Nicotine and caffeine are some of the most commonly used and highly addictive substances in modern society, but they are often overlooked as a potential source of significant withdrawal symptoms when abruptly discontinued in ICU", explains Maya Belitova, the lead researcher of the study.Several withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and delirium can last for up to 2 weeks. These symptoms resemble conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, and intracranial haemorrhage--this may confuse clinical diagnosis and result in unnecessary tests which can cause discomfort to patients, shelling out a lot of money, and waste of time."In Europe, up to 27 per
Men choose active surveillance for early age prostate cancer instead of treatment
A recent study highlighted that just 15 per cent of men with early age prostate cancer in North Carolina chose strict observation instead of treatment and followed the recommended monitoring guidelines.The study was discussed in the ASCO Annual Meeting.The research findings were drawn from an analysis of 346 men newly diagnosed between 2011 and 2013 with low or intermediate-risk of prostate cancer in North Carolina. Researchers analysed how often men received biopsies and other tests according to the guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.Ronald C Chen, one of the researchers said, "Active surveillance has rigorous guidelines - people need regular PSA tests, they need prostate exams, they need prostate biopsies so you can watch cancer very closely, and you don't lose the opportunity to treat cancer when it starts to grow.""One of the main findings of this study is that in this population-based cohort, not in a clinical trial or purely academic setting, only 15 per .
Study finds how Anaesthesia works in extreme polar region
A recent study states that commonly used anaesthetic drugs will work even if they are exposed to the harsh environmental conditions of the Antarctic.The study was discussed in the meeting, 'Euroanaesthesia' in Vienna, Austria.Anaesthetists can find themselves working in a wide range of situations and challenging conditions where the supply of medicines can be interrupted extreme by environmental factors. This can introduce uncertainties into planning how anaesthetics will be used during a procedure, which in turn can impact patient safety.The team of researchers studied the effects of exposing four commonly used anaesthetic drugs (fentanyl citrate, etomidate, rocuronium bromide and suxamethonium chloride) to Antarctic weather conditions to determine whether these compounds could be safely and reliably used in such conditions.To analyse the impact of environmental factors on anaesthetic drugs, the four selected drugs were subjected to the extreme polar climate of 'Deception Island' in .