While uncontrolled diabetes is unfolding as a silent crisis in India, resulting in organ damage and failure, metabolic surgery can help prevent it, according to a doctor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi on Wednesday, December 10. India is already known as the diabetes capital of the world, but Dr. Manjunath Maruti Pol, additional professor, Department of Surgery at AIIMS, New Delhi, shared that uncontrolled diabetes is surging complications such as kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, neuropathy, and retinopathy, among others. In India, 70 million people suffer from diabetes, and 50 per cent of them have uncontrolled diabetes, shared the doctor, noting that the worldwide criteria for HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar control) is 7. But in India, it is 7.5. "Uncontrolled diabetes can be defined as when HbA1C levels continue to remain at 7.5 despite taking 3 or more than 3 medicines and controlling diet and lifestyle for at least 2 years," Pol said. He stated that HbA1c is inversely related to the occurrence of complications. In other words, if HbA1c increases, organs will begin to fail in a short duration, leading to death. "Surgery is now an internationally recommended treatment for selective uncontrolled Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)," the expert said. Surgery as a treatment for diabetes was formally recognised in 2016 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). How it is doneAccording to the guidelines, this surgery can be performed on patients aged 18 to 65 years. Unlike Type-1 diabetes, where surgery is conducted on the pancreas, the surgery for uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes is done on the stomach and intestine. "The stomach is made small and small intestine is joined, with this, the stomach is sized like a tube, the size of that stomach varies depending on the metabolic profile of the patient, and small intestine, we join that small tube, so that the food goes directly to the intestine, bypassing the duodenum,” Pol said. So when the food goes directly there, there are certain GLP or hormone release, in a physiological dose and rhythm, time, quantity, he added, noting that the surgery halts the damage. "In our own retrospective analysis, we have performed over 100 surgeries, with 35 per cent on patients with uncontrolled Type-2 diabetes. All of them are currently off diabetes medications,” the expert stated. He lauded the rapid pace of improvement post-surgery. Many patients show near-normal blood sugar levels from the first post-operative day, proving that the benefits are weight-independent. “The cost of the surgery, done via laparoscopy or robotic, is between Rs 3 and 6 lakhs,” Pol said, adding that the benefits are indeed significant. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 December,2025 10:46 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSScientists from Kolkata-based Bose Institute have created GlowCas9 -- a CRISPR protein that lights up while performing gene editing -- to help boost treatment of genetic diseases and cancer, said the Ministry of Science and Technology on Wednesday. While CRISPR-Cas9 had been designed to cut and correct DNA with accuracy, scientists could not observe Cas9, the molecular surgeon, in living cells in real time, as traditional detection methods relying on fixing or breaking open cells make it impossible to track the process as it unfolds. With the newly engineered CRISPR protein, scientists could observe the Cas9 enzyme as it enables them to edit genomes using the CRISPR-Cas9 system for treating genetic diseases, including cancer. “Gene therapy could be a permanent cure for many life-threatening hereditary diseases. Developing effective, affordable, and safe gene therapy methods remained a challenge for decades,” said the Ministry. “Tracking gene editing as it happens or watching the molecular machinery as it works, cutting, repairing, and rewriting DNA inside living cells can help monitor CRISPR operations in living cells and tissues without destroying them,” it added. The finding led by Dr. Basudeb Maji, from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), opens a new chapter in the visualisation and tracking of genome engineering. Arkadeep Karmakar, a Ph.D. researcher in Maji’s lab, designed GlowCas9 -- a bioluminescent version of Cas9 that glows inside cells, by fusing Cas9 with a split nano-luciferase enzyme derived from deep-sea shrimp proteins. “These inactive enzyme pieces reconnect when Cas9 folds correctly, producing light. This is because when the pieces are brought to close proximity, they can reassemble to restore enzymatic activity and produce a visible signal akin to the gentle light of fireflies,” stated the researchers in the study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition. The glowing activity allows scientists to monitor CRISPR operations in living cells, tissues, and even plant leaves --without harming them. The team found that GlowCas9 is very stable and maintains its structure and activity at higher temperatures compared to the conventional enzyme. Such sturdiness is important for gene therapy, where stable Cas9 delivery can greatly increase treatment success. GlowCas9 also increases the precision of homology-directed repair (HDR) -- a DNA repair process crucial for fixing hereditary mutations that are linked to genetic diseases like sickle cell anaemia, and muscular dystrophy. GlowCas9 can also be tracked in plant systems, hinting at safe, non-transgenic applications in crop improvement, the researchers said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 December,2025 10:36 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS | Nascimento PintoIndians may be consuming adequate protein on average, but nearly half of it is coming from low-quality cereal sources, according to a new study released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The analysis, based on the latest 2023-24 NSSO Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, highlights deep nutritional imbalances and widening diet-related inequalities across expenditure groups. While Indians consume an average of 55.6 grams of protein per day at home, nearly 50 per cent of this intake comes from cereals such as rice, wheat, maida, and suji, far higher than the National Institute of Nutrition's (NIN) recommended 32 per cent. Pulses account for only 11 per cent of total protein intake, well below the 19 per cent recommended, the study reported. India's protein intake has increased only slightly over the past decade, yet it remains adequate. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation of India, average daily per capita protein intake rose from 60.7 g to 61.8 g in rural areas and from 60.3 g to 63.4 g in urban areas between 2011-12 and 2023-24. India's protein intake has increased only marginally over the past decade, but disparities remain pronounced. The top 10 per cent of households consume 1.5 times more protein than the poorest. Animal-based protein consumption shows the widest gap: the poorest rural households meet only 38 per cent of the recommended intake of eggs, fish, and meat, while the richest exceed requirements, according to a CEEW report. Milk consumption shows a similar pattern, with only one-third of the recommended level among the poorest, compared with over 110% among the highest expenditure groups. India's diet remains heavily skewed toward cereals and cooking oils, with both contributing to significant nutritional imbalance. Nearly three-fourths of all carbohydrates come from cereals, and direct cereal intake continues to be 1.5 times the RDA, reinforced by the widespread availability of subsidised rice and wheat through the PDS in lower-expenditure deciles. Coarse grains such as jowar, bajra, and ragi have experienced the steepest decline in at-home consumption, with per capita consumption falling by nearly 40 per cent over the past decade, resulting in Indians meeting barely 15 per cent of the recommended intake. At the same time, the proportion of households consuming more than 1.5 times the recommended fat intake has more than doubled in the last decade, with higher-expenditure households consuming almost twice as much fat as lower-expenditure groups. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 December,2025 09:58 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIDoctors in Bengaluru have achieved a major medical milestone by successfully performing a rare and highly complex robotic double valve replacement using the latest-generation Da Vinci Xi Surgical System on an elderly woman giving her a new lease of life. The procedure was led by Dr Sathyaki Nambala, renowned cardiac surgeon and chief of Robotic Cardiac Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru. This landmark surgery marks a significant advancement in bringing complex multi-valve replacement into the domain of minimally invasive, robotic-assisted cardiac care in India. Although robotic double valve replacement was reported in India over a decade ago, those early attempts were limited to first-generation robotic systems. The patient, a 53-year-old elderly woman, presented with severe destruction of both the aortic and mitral valves due to infective endocarditis. She also suffered from multiple comorbidities, including rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and a prior stroke, making her a high-risk candidate for conventional open-heart surgery. Given the complexity, the surgical team opted for a minimally invasive robotic approach using the Da Vinci Xi Surgical System. A simultaneous aortic and mitral valve replacement with bioprosthetic valves was successfully performed under transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance. The entire surgery was completed through small keyhole incisions, without the need for a midline sternotomy.The patient was extubated and mobilised within 12 hours, transferred to the ward shortly thereafter, and discharged on the third postoperative day. At her one-week follow-up, she remained asymptomatic and in good health, highlighting the safety, precision, and patient-centric advantages of robotic cardiac surgery even in high-risk cases. Dr Nambala, National Director, Robotic Cardiac Surgery, Apollo Hospitals said, “This achievement represents a major milestone not only for the hospital, but for the cardiac surgery community in Asia. While robotic double valve replacement has been attempted in the past, performing it today with next-generation robotic platforms introduces an entirely new level of precision, control, and safety. This evolution has allowed us to reinvent what is possible in complex multi-valve surgery through a truly minimally invasive approach.” Dr. Girish B. Navasundi, Director Cath Lab & Senior Consultant – Cardiology, at the hospital, added, “The success of this procedure highlights how advanced robotic technology is redefining the landscape of cardiac surgery. It demonstrates the immense potential of minimally invasive, robotic-assisted interventions in managing complex valvular heart disease safely and effectively—ensuring reduced surgical trauma, minimal blood loss, and faster recovery for patients.” Akshay Oleti, CEO of the hospital in Karnataka, stated, "Dr Sathyaki and his team reached this milestone through their unmatched experience of over 3,000 minimally invasive cardiac procedures and more than 600 robotic cardiac surgeries.”
10 December,2025 05:31 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentIntegrating universal screening for depression in India's primary healthcare system could be expected to generate a net savings of Rs 291 billion to Rs 482 billion, a study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia has estimated. Researchers, including those from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, said the savings is equivalent to 0.19 per cent to 0.32 per cent of the country's gross domestic product. People aged 20 and older would be cheaper to screen than those above 30, the study found. The researchers also noted that the screening programme could save money if at least 60 per cent of patients receiving treatment go through public healthcare facilities. Current practices involve 'opportunistic diagnoses' -- in which diagnosis is incidental, such as through tests done for other reasons -- and managing patients showing symptoms of the mental disorder. Cashless healthcare services related to 22 procedures of the mental disorder specialty, including intellectual disability, schizophrenia and autism, are available to those eligible under the health benefit package of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), according to a March 2025 statement by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The study indicates "substantial public health and economic benefits" of integrating population-based depression screening into the primary healthcare system, the researchers said. The findings also support the case for a primary healthcare oriented-health system, they added. Data from National Mental Health Survey and the National Sample Survey, along with those from previously published studies were analysed. "The (universal depression screening) program is expected to generate net savings of Rs 291 billion (USD 3.7 billion) to Rs 482 billion (USD 6.1 billion), equivalent to 0.19 per cent to 0.32 per cent of GDP," the authors wrote. "Expanding coverage to individuals aged 20 years and above, along with ensuring high diagnostic accuracy through quality training and supportive supervision, will be key to sustaining and maximising the programme's impact," they added. The population-based screening is also projected to reduce depression-related suicides by about 15 per cent yearly, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention in averting fatal outcomes, the authors said. "Our analysis strongly supports the adoption of a universal two-step screening strategy for depression, using PHQ-2 (questionnaire) followed by PHQ-9 within India's government primary healthcare system," they said. Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and 9 are designed for screening, diagnosing and monitoring depression severity in adults, and used widely around the world in diverse settings, including primary care and research. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2025 11:51 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIFrom limited exposure to sunlight to reduced physical activity, there are a number of changes in lifestyle during the colder months, that lead to an increased susceptibility to illness especially among seniors. As winter grips the nation, it becomes critical to maintain a balanced diet to ensure the well-being of seniors. With the winter season underway, health experts outline the common nutritional deficiencies, and dietary challenges faced by seniors, such as decreased appetite, limited mobility, and dehydration. They also delve into the importance of key nutrients to focus on, and practical tips that can be incorporated in daily routines. Common nutritional deficienciesDuring these colder months, our body's ability to fight off infections can weaken, increasing the risk of various ailments. Beyond respiratory health concerns, flu, and sinus infections, winter can pose unique dietary challenges for seniors. Decreased sunlight exposure, and changes in appetite can impact their nutritional intake. “Lack of movement during winters is also observed among seniors which can lead to weight gain, digestive issues such as constipation, indigestion and unhealthy gut,” explains Edwina Raj, head of services - clinical nutrition and dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru. Understanding these common dietary challenges is essential for ensuring that seniors receive the proper nourishment they need. Vitamin D deficiencyMost seniors prefer to stay indoor during winter season that prevents them from exposing to sunlight which may result in low Vitamin D levels. Low levels of Vitamin D reduce the absorption of calcium in our body which is crucial in ageing population and disrupts various mechanism involved leading to deficiency. Protein deficiencyThe process of ageing itself increases the burden of muscle loss which worsen by not eating adequate protein in your diet. DehydrationThis chilled weather does not make you feel thirsty and to avoid visiting rest room frequently or changing adult diapers, seniors choose to drink less water which may anticipate urinary tract infections, dehydration and constipation. Essential fatty acid deficiencyNutrient deficiencies related to essential fats such as omega 3 are commonly observed due to poor quality diets, lack of interest in preparation and awareness among elderly are commonly observed but cold weather can aggravate their body aches and joint pain which can be controlled through anti-inflammatory property of omega 3 an antioxidant-rich foods. Dietary essentials to consume dailyFortunately, we can significantly improve our winter well-being through a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and a balanced diet. Swati Mohapatra, chief dietician, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar outlines dietary essentials and their sources that should be consumed by seniors daily. IronEssential for oxygen transport and preventing issues like anaemia and fatigue. Iron is commonly found in green leafy vegetables, jaggery, eggs, fish, millets, and dates. Vitamin CBoosts immunity, aids iron absorption, and provides antioxidant protection. It is advised to maintain a healthy intake of citrus fruits, amla, and leafy vegetables. FibreImproves digestion, reduces the risk of heart disease, and helps regulate blood sugar. Including complex carbs with fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, millets, vegetables and fruits would be helpful to even boost the intake of good quality nutrients too that combats stress, controls blood glucose, can manage weight with better digestive health. Vitamin DCritical for calcium absorption and bone health. Milk products, ragi, leafy vegetables, fish, eggs, and nuts should be consumed daily by seniors. HydrationStaying hydrated is essential in winter, even though you may not feel as thirsty. Water is a vital nutrient to keep one hydrated and flush out toxins which will keep your infection at bay. Dehydration can worsen existing health conditions. Aim for glasses of water or fluids daily. Protein and healthy fatsInclude adequate sources of protein that prevent you from muscle degradation with regular exercise. These are crucial for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. Good sources of protein and healthy fats are nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, chicken, legumes, pulses, millets, rice bran oil, and olive oil. Anti-inflammatory and fermented foodsAnti-inflammatory rich foods such as omega 3 and antioxidant rich foods such as nuts, seeds, fish, vegetable oils, turmeric, pepper, mild spices, fruits and vegetables are beneficial for overall health. Yogurt, fermented foods can benefit you with probiotic which can maintain good gut health. 5 tips for maintaining a balanced diet It is not uncommon to experience appetite changes with progressing age. With age, there may be decline in both appetite and taste sensitivity, making it harder for seniors to consume enough nutrients. Ensuring adequate nutrition is paramount, as nutritional deficiency might lead to muscle loss, impact bone health, cause weakness and affect overall energy levels,” states Dr Sreenivasa D, consultant - gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Hebbal. She shares five practical tips to help seniors achieve their nutrition goals: 1. Aiming for five smaller meals a day rather than three large meals, to help increase food intake without overwhelming the digestive system.2. Limiting fluids during meals but ensuring adequate water intake throughout the day to stay hydrated.3. Including protein-rich snacks, like nuts or yogurt, between meals to boost protein intake.4. Consuming a colourful diet that includes different fruits, vegetables, and nuts regularly to make meals more appealing, even if appetite is reduced.5. Using nutritional supplements (if needed) like protein shakes between meals to help meet nutritional needs. Eight strategies for managing digestive issuesConstipation is a common concern among seniors, especially during the winter months. To manage this issue, it’s important to address both physical and lifestyle factors. Dr Sreenivasa recommends the following lifestyle modifications:1. At least 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to promote healthy digestion.2. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to support bowel function.3. Include 1 to 2 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to increase fibre intake, which helps prevent constipation.4. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to help regulate digestion and overall health.5. Elevating the feet while sitting on the toilet can help in easier bowel movements, especially if using a Western-style toilet.6. If these lifestyle changes don’t provide relief, fibre supplements or gentle laxatives like psyllium (isabgol) may help. 7. Avoid stimulant laxatives, as they can lead to dependency. 8. If there are signs of severe constipation, weight loss, or blood in stools, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Healthy winter recipes for seniorsThe best kind of meal is one which leverages the nutritional prowess of seasonal vegetables. Mohapatra shares a few simple yet nutritious recipes for seniors that are ideal for winter: Easy to digestDishes like mixed lentil and vegetable khichri, dalia khichri, curd rice, soups, and stews. Flavourful and nutritiousExplore options like turmeric milk, ginger lemon tea, steamed fish, palak or methi paratha, missi roti, ragi pudding, ragi cake, ragi idli, millet khichri, and sprout chilla.
09 December,2025 05:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalThe Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed the state government's notification mandating one-day menstrual leave a month for working women. The November 9 notification made provision for one day paid menstrual leave per month to women employees aged between 18 and 52 years working in permanent, contractual and outsourced jobs. The stay was granted by a bench of Justice Jyoti M based on a petition filed by Bangalore Hotels' Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems. The petitioners contended that the Karnataka government did not consult them before making such provisions. The menstrual leave was meant for women working in all industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Plantation Workers Act, 1951, Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966, and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961. On December 2, the government had ordered the granting of one day of menstrual leave every month to female government employees of the state with immediate effect. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 December,2025 04:46 PM IST | Bengaluru | PTIMumbai doctors are seeing more women report Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) cases during and after pregnancy. Pregnant and new mothers should watch for symptoms like leg swelling or pain and seek timely medical help. Early diagnosis and simple preventive measures can significantly reduce complications. With increasing awareness about maternal health, it is necessary to pay attention to another silent yet dangerous condition, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The condition occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins, usually in the legs, which can become life-threatening if the clot travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Pregnancy naturally increases the risk because of hormonal changes, reduced mobility, and pressure on veins from the growing uterus. Timely intervention is key to managing this condition. DVT is a condition where blood thickens and forms clots in the deep veins, blocking normal blood flow. “During pregnancy, the body’s clotting tendency increases to prevent bleeding during childbirth, but this also raises the risk of abnormal clot formation. Other factors like long periods of sitting, cesarean delivery, obesity, and dehydration further contribute to DVT risk. The symptoms are swelling in one leg, pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh, and warmth or redness over the affected area. Pregnant and postpartum women should be alert to symptoms like swelling, pain, or heaviness in the legs. DVT is preventable if recognized early, and prompt medical evaluation can save lives,” said Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar. Dr Surabhi further added, “DVT is diagnosed through Doppler ultrasound, which helps detect clots in the deep veins. Management involves blood-thinning medications prescribed under medical supervision. In pregnancy, doctors tailor treatment carefully to ensure both the mother's and the baby’s safety. To prevent this condition, stay active with light walking or prenatal exercises. Avoid sitting for long periods; stretch legs frequently. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear compression stockings if advised by your doctor. Report any leg pain or swelling immediately. While pregnancy brings joy, it also demands careful attention to maternal health. Awareness of DVT and timely medical guidance can prevent serious complications, ensuring a safe journey to motherhood and recovery after delivery.” Dr. Anagha Chhatrapati, senior consultant Gynecologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, explains, "Pregnant women are not only at risk of hypertension, gestational diabetes, but also DVT. There is a higher risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in pregnant women as the body becomes more prone to clotting to prevent bleeding during childbirth. In pregnant women, reduced mobility, pressure from the growing uterus on leg veins, and hormonal changes further slow blood flow, raising the chances of DVT. The symptoms seen in women are leg swelling, warmth, redness, and persistent pain, usually in one leg. Early management consists of prompt medical evaluation, Doppler scans, and safe anticoagulant medicines to be able to help women stay healthy and mobile. Staying active, hydrating well, and avoiding long periods of sitting are simple steps recommended for pregnant."
09 December,2025 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA total of 2,501 new confirmed cases, including 12 deaths due to mpox, were reported from 44 countries in October, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday. The latest situation report for the multi-country outbreak of mpox showed that all clades of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) continue to circulate. When mpox outbreaks are not rapidly contained, and human-to-human transmission is not interrupted, there is a risk of sustained community transmission. “In October 2025, 44 countries, across all WHO regions, reported a total of 2,501 new confirmed mpox cases, including 12 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR] 0.5 per cent),” the WHO report said. Twenty-one countries in Africa reported active transmission of mpox in the last six weeks (from October 12 to November 23), with 1,734 confirmed cases, including 10 deaths. Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda reported the highest number of cases, with Mali reporting mpox for the first time. New imported cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV were reported among travellers in Belgium, Germany, Greece, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. A total of 43 new confirmed cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV have been reported across six WHO regions, between September 5 and November 24, outside areas where sustained community transmission of this virus strain has been occurring. In four of these regions (the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Western Pacific), 24 cases reported no recent international travel, suggesting local transmission. Based on this, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the US are now considered to be experiencing community transmission of clade Ib MPXV. In addition, travel-related cases continue to be reported in many countries. Among the 43 cases, half (22) were documented among men who have sex with men, while other cases were linked to travel to countries with known community transmission of clade Ib MPXV, or secondary to travel-related cases (household contacts and/or sexual partners). However, the “WHO assesses the public health risk posed by clade Ib MPXV as moderate for men who have sex with men with new and/or multiple partners, and the risk to the general population as low,” the global health agency said. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral infectious disease that spreads through close contact. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain. It spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 December,2025 01:34 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSAn immune and cancer cell-targeting antibody therapy has shown potential to eradicate residual traces of deadly blood cell cancer, multiple myeloma, according to interim results from a clinical trial. The trial included 18 patients who underwent up to six cycles of treatment with the antibody linvoseltamab. On highly sensitive tests, none of the patients had detectable disease, revealed the study presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in Orlando, US. The preliminary success suggests linvoseltamab -- a bispecific antibody -- could allow patients to avoid bone marrow transplants, which involve intense, high-potency chemotherapy. It also points to the long-term potential to improve patients’ odds against this disease. “These patients received modern and effective, up-front treatment that eliminated 90 per cent of their tumour,” said lead researcher Dickran Kazandjian, from the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. “Usually, patients like these would receive high-dose chemotherapy and transplant. Instead, we give them a treatment with the drug linvoseltamab,” Kazandjian added. The researchers called the results so far “extremely impressive” and said the disappearance of the lingering myeloma cells bodes well for patients’ futures. While the new therapy can keep the disease away for years, the possibility of it returning cannot be eliminated. Multiple myeloma arises from antibody-producing immune cells called plasma cells. These cancerous cells build up, interfering with normal blood cells and causing damage. There is no established cure. The researchers noted that linvoseltamab binds to CD3, a protein on the T cells that destroy cancerous cells, and to a second target, BCMA, a protein on multiple myeloma cells. By bringing these two types of cells into contact, the antibody invigorates the body’s immune response to the cancer. In the study, a few patients experienced side effects, including decreases in white blood cells called neutropenia and upper respiratory infections, but all these events fell within an acceptable safety profile, according to Kazandjian. Based on its performance so far, researchers hoped that linvoseltamab could offer patients more durable responses than transplants, perhaps providing long-term control over the disease -- a “functional cure.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 December,2025 01:33 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSChildren who spend more than 30 minutes on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are likely to experience a gradual decline in their ability to concentrate, according to a study of more than 8,000 children from around age 10 through age 14. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Oregon Health & Science University in the US investigated a possible link between screen habits and symptoms related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They followed 8,324 children aged 9-14 in the US for four years, with the average time children spent on social media, watching TV/videos, and playing video games -- from approximately 30 minutes a day for 9-year-olds to 2.5 hours for 13-year-olds. Children who spent a significant amount of time on social media platforms, such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Messenger, gradually developed inattention symptoms, revealed the findings. In the study, the average time spent on social media rose from approximately 30 minutes a day for 9-year-olds to 2.5 hours for 13-year-olds, despite the fact that many platforms set their minimum age requirement at 13. The study, published in Pediatrics Open Science, however, found no such association among children watching television or playing video games. “Our study suggests that it is specifically social media that affects children’s ability to concentrate,” said Torkel Klingberg, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet. “Social media entails constant distractions in the form of messages and notifications, and the mere thought of whether a message has arrived can act as a mental distraction. This affects the ability to stay focused and could explain the association,” Klingberg added. The association was not influenced by socioeconomic background or a genetic predisposition towards ADHD. In addition, children who already had symptoms of inattentiveness did not start to use social media more, which suggests that the association leads from use to symptoms and not vice versa. The researchers found no increase in hyperactive/impulsive behaviour. While the effect on concentration was small at the individual level. At a population level, however, it could have a significant impact, they said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 December,2025 11:38 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
