Crores of devotees are set to assemble for the world's largest religious event Mahakumbh beginning on January 13, 2025, on the holy banks of Sangam in Teerthraj Prayagraj. Besides ensuring a robust pilgrimage framework for pilgrims, the Yogi Adityanath government has placed strong emphasis on their health through the establishment of Netra Kumbh, a special initiative dedicated to eye care. Spread over nine acres, Netra Kumbh targets will examine the eyes of more than 5 lakh devotees and distribute 3 lakh pairs of glasses simultaneously. Moreover, eye patients would also be identified during these examinations who require surgical interventions. They will be facilitated to undergo free operations at hospitals near their homes. This will be possible because of state govt inking agreements with more than 150 hospitals across the country. Kavindra Pratap Singh, chairman of the organising committee of Netra Kumbh, emphasised that for the first time in Mahakumbh history, patients referred by doctors for eye surgeries will be able to receive free operations at a hospital in their home district. "After examination, patients will receive referral cards, one of which will be sent to the respective hospital while the other will go to Saksham, the organising body of Netra Kumbh. Patients or Saksham workers can coordinate the surgeries based on convenience, both during and after the fair," he added. Kavindra Pratap Singh described Mahakumbh as "symbol of social harmony" and highlighted that Netra Kumbh represents a "mass eye treatment Mahayagna" aimed at addressing vision-related issues among devotees. He confirmed that doctors from the Indian Army would also volunteer their services free of cost, offering free examinations, medicines, and refreshments to eye patients. Netra Kumbh was first organised in 2019 and since then has grown substantially. During the 2019 Kumbh, the event entered the Limca Book of World Records by providing glasses to 1.5 lakh people and examining 3 lakh patients. This year, the scale of Netra Kumbh is expected to break the previous records, becoming the largest event of eye examinations and glasses distribution in any religious or medical event worldwide. Dr. Kirtika Agarwal, media coordinator of Netra Kumbh, said that the initiative will be set up in the fair area near Nagvasuki Temple in Sector 6. Netra Kumbh will run daily from January 12 to February 26, excluding the main bathing festival. She further added that approximately 150 doctors from outside the region will provide their services throughout the 45 days of Netra Kumbh, supported by 400 additional medical professionals. On any given day, 40 doctors will operate the Outpatient Department (OPD) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an extension up to 4 p.m. if needed. In addition to 40 doctors in the OPD, there will be more than 500 optometrists, out of which 100 will provide services daily. This combined team of 200 medical professionals and volunteers will be available to examine and treat eye patients daily throughout the fair. Also Read: Luxury tent city to be set up in Uttar Pradesh for Mahakumbh 2025 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,2024 10:05 AM IST | Prayagraj | IANSAs the market for leadless pacemakers grows in India, doctors point out definite advantages of the technology for heart disease patients but also call for more data and analyses on its long-term effects. At the same time, researchers have written about the lack of a national registry tracking pacemaker implants, including conventional ones. A pacemaker helps a heart patient control an irregular heartbeat. In November, Abbott, the US-based healthcare and medical devices company, introduced the AVEIR VR single-chamber ventricular leadless pacemaker in India for treating patients having slow heart rhythms. The device has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, Abbott said in a statement. The AVEIR VR device is implanted directly into the heart's right lower chamber (ventricle) through a "minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure from the groin", thereby requiring no surgical cuts to the chest or wires, it said. Doctors consider a 'leadless' pacemaker an advancement over a conventional wired one, which has been commonly associated with infections. "A leadless pacemaker offers a powerful option for the treatment of people with cardiac arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. Leadless pacemakers address known complications associated with traditional pacemakers," Dr Balbir Singh, group chairman-Cardiac Sciences, Pan Max, and chief of Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology at Max Hospital, Saket, said in the statement. Dr Singh, who recently implanted the AVEIR VR device in a 74-year-old woman, explained that the patient "came in a bad shape with a conventional pacing that had got badly infected". "She was running a high fever and was septic. There were vegetations (infections) on the valves of the heart. The leads, which reach the heart via valves, were infected and with them, the valves. The situation called for urgent intervention," he told PTI. He added that the pacemaker causing trouble was removed surgically and the leadless device implanted, following which the patient is now going about her daily life. Dr Ajay Kaul, chairman of Cardiac Sciences at Fortis Hospital, Noida, said the technology has definite advantages as the leads or wires in conventional pacemakers increase the chances of infection. "Most of the complications with conventional pacemakers were because of the leads -- they go to the heart via the tricuspid valve, where they can cause regurgitation (backflow). These problems are not present with a leadless pacemaker," he told PTI. However, even as patients with a high risk of infection are likely to benefit from leadless pacemakers, being a "new technology", there are concerns, especially those related to its long-term effects, according to Dr Kaul. Research from around the world has documented high success and safety rates, suggesting the leadless device's promise in the field of cardiac pacing, while also calling for clinical trial data to confirm the perceived advantages. Researchers from the UK's Royal Stoke University Hospital reviewed 18 studies that looked at almost 2,500 patients implanted with a leadless pacemaker and found that success rates ranged between 95.5 and 100 per cent. The results were published in 2022 in the Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal. Another trial, titled 'LEADLESS II', that enrolled 200 patients from across the US, Canada and Europe found that the implant success rate was about 98 per cent, with a safety (no complications) of 96 per cent. "The most frequent complications were three cases of cardiac tamponade and three premature deployments," the authors, including those from the Mount Sinai Hospital in the US, wrote in the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC): Clinical Electrophysiology. Cardiac tamponade can be life-threatening and occurs when excess fluid or blood fills the 'pericardium sac' surrounding the heart, preventing the organ from filling and functioning properly. While the technology "shows promise in the field of cardiac pacing", researchers from Emory University's School of Medicine in the US called for more clinical data. "As this technology continues to mature, randomised clinical trials comparing this technology to traditional transvenous pacemakers are needed to confirm or refute the perceived advantage of this technology," the authors wrote in a 2018 review article published in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. Meanwhile, researchers from India pointed out a lack of national data on pacemaker implants, including conventional ones. "More than 20,000 pacemakers are implanted each year in India and the numbers are growing annually. Despite this, there is no national registry in India that collects or tracks data of implanted devices," the authors from Bengaluru's Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research wrote. The 2018 study, which examined the profiles of heart patients undergoing pacemaker implants at the tertiary care centre between 1999 and 2014, was published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. "We need long-term data before we can fully rely on leadless pacemakers," Dr Kaul said. "Although some data is available, which has justified the use of this technology, more evidence is needed, particularly regarding its safety." Other leadless pacemakers available in India are Micra AV, developed by Medtronic, a medical device company headquartered in the US and Ireland, and Abbott's Nanostim. 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,2024 01:32 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIA team of doctors at Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow has removed a rare giant gallbladder, sized over 15 cm, from a 35-year-old woman, giving her a new lease of life. Shalini Tiwari reported to the hospital with severe pain in the abdomen. Her ultrasound revealed a gallstone disease -- hardened deposits in the gall bladder. During her surgery, the doctors found that besides gallstones, her gall bladder was giant-sized. “Per operatively we found out the patient has a giant gallbladder, that is more than 15 cm in size. The normal size of the gallbladder is about 7-8 cm. The surgery called giant cholecystectomy is rare. Only 9 cases have to date been reported worldwide,” Dr. Suramya Pandey, general surgeon at Lucknow Civil Hospital, told IANS on Saturday. The patient was managed efficiently by the team. And the surgery went uneventfully, said the doctor. Pandey noted that Tiwari was discharged after five days, without any post-operative complications. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits just below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. It collects and stores a digestive fluid made in the liver called bile. Giant gallbladder is a rare condition that can be caused by cholecystitis -- a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the gallbladder, gallstones, gallbladder cancer, or other diseases. It can develop in patients of any age and can mimic an abdominal tumour. People with gallbladder problems can experience a sudden, severe, and sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, or the center of the abdomen just below the breastbone. They can also suffer from back pain between the shoulder blades, and pain in the right shoulder, among others. 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. 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,2024 07:15 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSNot only skin and eye infections but cases of allergic cough and cold cases are also rising among adults aged 30-65 due to air pollution. This surge, attributed to the city's worsening air pollution and winter smog, has left experts grappling with an influx of patients seeking relief from persistent allergic coughs and colds that are triggered by an overreaction of the immune system because of environmental irritants. Experts advised to stay indoors when the air quality is poor in the area, wear masks, and use a purifier at home. As the air quality in Mumbai is deteriorating day by day, the increased air pollution is creating havoc on one’s respiratory health. Dr Nimit Nagda, general physician at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar said, “The spike in cases of allergic cough and cold in adults aged 30-65 can be attributed to airborne pollutants and allergens during the smog. These conditions can cause inflammation in the airways, and raise the chances of allergic cough and common cold that can be severe and long-lasting. The winter season in Mumbai typically sees an increase in such cases due to temperature fluctuations. This year, however, the patients' symptoms are not subsiding even with standard medications. 6 out of 10 people daily in OPD with such as persistent coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat, and difficulty breathing. The treatment prescribed is antihistamines and decongestants. Also, take preventive measures such as using air purifiers at home, wearing masks when outdoors, and avoiding prolonged exposure to heavily polluted areas. So, be indoors when the air quality outside is poor to prevent these concerning respiratory problems."Dr C. C. Nair, internal medicine expert, Lilavati Hospital in Bandra adds, “Cool air during winter is more than just frosty air but also respiratory distress. The air pollution consists of particulate matter (PM) and other chemicals that take a toll on one’s respiratory health. 5 out of 10 people aged 35-60 in the OPD have stubborn allergic coughs and colds that need long-term medical attention. Medication, rest, prompt hydration, social distancing, personal hygiene, and hand sanitization will be key measures to tackle these problems. Even children aged 8-12 are complaining of allergic cough and cold and will need prompt intervention. Consult the expert without any delay, get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia, if you have other symptoms such as breathlessness, and get yourself evaluated for asthma and bronchitis and initiate treatment for these conditions.” “Pollution during winter is known to aggravate respiratory problems such as allergic cough and cold. Higher levels of particulate matter and other pollutants tend to irritate and inflame the respiratory tract and weaken the immunity causing respiratory distress. Each day, 3-4 out of 10 people aged 30-65 come with an allergic cough and cold that refuses to subside. Antihistamines, cough syrups, nasal decongestants, and antibiotics will be prescribed to the patients. To prevent allergic cough and cold, wear masks, use a humidifier at home, eat a well-balanced diet, avoid exercising outdoors, practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, and keep windows closed during high pollution periods,” Concluded Dr Chhaya Vaja, Internal Medicine Expert, Apollo Spectra Mumbai.
06 December,2024 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe elderly population currently stands at about 104 million in India which is projected to rise to 319 million by 2050, calling for a unified action to address healthcare challenges, experts said on Friday. Healthy ageing is about fostering physical, mental, and social well-being in order to enable people to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Experts said that the government has been addressing this subject through laudable initiatives but over the years, major issues around elderly healthcare have emerged. “In order to enable older persons to preserve their independence, remain active, and participate completely in their communities throughout their lives, supporting surroundings and policies are needed,” said Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Assocham National Council on CSR, which is the social arm of the industry chamber, during a panel discussion here. Globally, ageing is one of the 21st century's most significant social challenges. In India, with a three-fold increase in elderly population expected over the next two-and-a-half decades and geriatric care still being a relatively new area in healthcare and mainly restricted to cities, “I believe that empowerment of the elderly necessitates active and sustained participation from the corporate sector, civil society, and the government,” said Rajput. According to Padma Shri Professor (Dr) Subhash Manchanda, cardiologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, yoga has the potential to control the common diseases among the elderly, like heart disease, high BP, diabetes and joint problems. “Scientific studies show that yoga can delay brain damage and even may be anti-aging. Hence it is suggested that yoga is a perfect technique for healthy and graceful aging,” he suggested. Professor Vinod Kumar, senior consultant in medicine and former head of Geriatric Clinic, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a man’s dream of graceful healthy aging and a happy old age is achievable through balanced diet without addictions, physical exercise, sound sleep, peace and relaxation, as well as by engaging in active mental, social and spiritual engagement.
06 December,2024 07:13 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSEating five servings of dark chocolate, and not the milk one, a week may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a long-term US study. Published in the BMJ, the researchers also found that increased consumption of milk, but not dark, chocolate was associated with long-term weight gain. Chocolate contains high levels of flavanols (a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables) which have been shown to promote heart health and reduce the risk of diabetes. But the link between chocolate consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes remains controversial due to inconsistent results. In addition, most previous studies have not looked at whether eating dark and milk chocolate – which have different cocoa, milk and sugar content – might have different impacts on the risk of type 2 diabetes. To explore this further, researchers combined data from three long-term US observational studies of female nurses and male healthcare professionals with no history of diabetes, heart disease or cancer when they were recruited. They analysed associations between type 2 diabetes and total chocolate consumption for 192,208 participants, and chocolate subtype (dark and milk) consumption for 111,654 participants over an average monitoring period of 25 years. In the analyses for total chocolate, 18,862 people developed type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for personal, lifestyle, and dietary risk factors, the authors found that people who ate at least five servings a week of any type of chocolate showed a significant 10 per cent lower rate of type 2 diabetes compared with those who rarely or never ate chocolate. In analyses by chocolate subtypes, 4,771 people developed type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for the same risk factors, people who ate at least five servings a week of dark chocolate showed a significant 21 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but no significant associations were found for milk chocolate intake. The researchers also found a 3 per cent reduced risk of type 2 diabetes for each additional weekly serving of dark chocolate. “Clinical trials needed to confirm findings and help identify reasons for dark chocolate’s protective effect,” said researchers. Also Read: Medicinal plant Subabul may aid in diabetes control? IASST study reveals more 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
06 December,2024 01:33 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSEight-hour sleep every night not only rejuvenates the body but also helps brain to store and learn a new language, according to a new study. A team of international scientists, led by the University of South Australia and published in the Journal of Neuroscience, revealed that the coordination of two electrical events in the sleeping brain significantly improves our ability to remember new words and complex grammatical rules. In an experiment with 35 native English-speaking adults, researchers tracked the brain activity of participants learning a miniature language called Mini Pinyin that is based on Mandarin but with similar grammatical rules to English. Mini Pinyin contains 32 verbs and 25 nouns, including 10 human entities, 10 animals and five objects. Overall, the language contains 576 unique sentences. Half of the participants learned Mini Pinyin in the morning and then returned in the evening to have their memory tested. The other half learned Mini Pinyin in the evening and then slept in the laboratory overnight while their brain activity was recorded. Researchers tested their progress in the morning. Those who slept performed significantly better compared to those who remained awake. “This coupling likely reflects the transfer of learned information from the hippocampus to the cortex, enhancing long-term memory storage,” said lead researcher Dr Zachariah Cross. Sleep-based improvements were linked to the coupling of slow oscillations and sleep spindles – brainwave patterns that synchronise during NREM sleep. “Post-sleep neural activity showed unique patterns of theta oscillations associated with cognitive control and memory consolidation, suggesting a strong link between sleep-induced brainwave co-ordination and learning outcomes,” Dr Cross added. Researcher Dr Scott Coussens said the study underscores the importance of sleep in learning complex linguistic rules. “By demonstrating how specific neural processes during sleep support memory consolidation, we provide a new perspective on how sleep disruption impacts language learning,” Dr Coussens said. “Sleep is not just restful; it’s an active, transformative state for the brain.” The findings could also potentially inform treatments for individuals with language-related impairments, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and aphasia, who experience greater sleep disturbances than other adults. Also Read: This term has surpassed ‘demure’ and ‘romantasy’ to be Oxford Word of the Year 2024 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
06 December,2024 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn a remarkable achievement, a team led by Dr Megraj Ingle in Mumbai, has successfully treated a 61-year-old man suffering from a rare and complex swallowing disorder, Achalasia. The patient, who had been struggling with severe difficulty swallowing for two years, found relief through an innovative treatment approach. This successful treatment not only brought immense relief to the patient but also improved his overall health. Two years ago, Suhas R. Mungaker, a resident of Mumbai experienced hiccups while eating which he initially dismissed as something everyone goes through. As time passed, he started to feel a sensation of gagging and the impression that food was getting stuck in his throat. To alleviate this, he would drink water and then attempt to eat again after a brief pause. Eventually, these issues seemed to subside for a while. However, he later began to have heartburn following meals, particularly during the summer months. He started taking antacids and other medications to manage the discomfort. His wife consulted with our family doctor about my ongoing issues with antacids, prompting him to recommend consulting Dr Megraj for further evaluation. Dr Megraj, director and senior consultant of gastroenterology at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel said, “On arrival, the patient was having difficulty eating food and weight loss as well as having chest pain. Done that revealed the presence of the rare condition known as Achalasia (wherein the esophagus is unable to move food and liquids down into the stomach). The endoscopy showed that there were three or four blockages in his esophagus. There was a narrowing of the esophagus close to the stomach. Every time he ate, the food would get lodged in his throat, and even drinking water afterward wouldn’t help as it would also get stuck. He often ended up vomiting the food back up. The endoscopy revealed a structure resembling a bird's beak. It is an uncommon condition due to the inability of the lower oesophagus sphincter to relax. This condition is quite uncommon, affecting only one in a million individuals. We see almost 10-20 yearly and no surgery was recommended." Dr Megraj added, “When was the barium swallow done that showed few hold-ups and the muscle in his oesophagus grew big and was holding his food and the oesophagus has got narrowed near the stomach. It is a procedure in which via endoscope a tunnel is created between layers of oesophagus wall & lower oesophagus muscle is cut. It’s a minimally invasive procedure. Recovery is fast, the day the patient got discharged he was swallowing food properly." “It was petrifying for me when two years ago, I would get hiccups during meals, which I dismissed without any action. It became extremely difficult for me to eat as I was diagnosed with a rare swallowing disorder which was unknown to me. However, I am forever indebted to Dr Megraj Ingle and his team for timely intervention. I can eat my favorite food without any difficulty now," added Mungaker. "At Gleneagles Hospitals, cutting-edge technology and advanced diagnostic tools empower us to tackle even the rarest swallowing disorders with precision and care. Our state-of-the-art equipment, combined with our expert medical team, ensures that patients receive the most innovative and effective treatments available for these complex conditions,” concluded Dr Bipin Chevale, CEO of the Mumbai hospital.
05 December,2024 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLow in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, mushrooms make for an excellent addition to your diet and according to new research, eating just five small mushrooms a day could help combat a range of diseases, including heart disease, cancer and dementia. This is due to two key antioxidants — ergothioneine and glutathione. These substances play a significant role in neutralising damaging 'free radicals', which are implicated in a variety of severe diseases, according to researchers. “What we found is that, without a doubt, mushrooms are highest dietary source of these two antioxidants taken together, and that some types are really packed with both of them,” said Robert Beelman, director at the Penn State Centre for Plant and Mushroom Products for Health in the US. Portobello. Enoki. Porcini. Chanterelle. Stinkhorn. Puffball. Dung Cannon. Hair ice. Or the almost unpronounceable Hydnellum peckii. Try as hard but you can never remember - or pronounce - names of the nearly 14,000 kinds of mushroom found worldwide. You can’t eat them all either as a few are poisonous with macabre names (Deadly Dapperling, Destroying Angels, Death Cap, Autumn Skullcap). A few psychedelic mushrooms are so trippy that countries have tagged them illegal. However, there are several edible ones that are packed with nutrients. According to the Coimbatore-based Mushroom Foundation of India, mushrooms are rich in protein, carbohydrate and vitamins, are low in caloric value and hence are recommended for heart and diabetic patients. They are rich in proteins as compared to cereals, fruits and vegetables; the proteins are retained even after cooking. Since mushrooms possess low caloric value, high protein, high fibre content and high K: Na ratio, they are ideally suited for diabetic and hypertension patients, say researchers. There are eight most popular mushrooms in India, like button mushroom which are small, edible mushrooms with a closed cap and light brown or pale white flesh. It is the most popular mushroom variety grown and consumed the world over. It is good source of essential nutrients such as vitamins (B vitamins, vitamin D), minerals (selenium, copper, potassium), and antioxidants. Oyster mushroom are known for their tender flesh and velvety texture. A cup of raw, sliced oyster mushrooms has only 28 calories, and is low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium and is high on nutrients like niacin, folic acid, vitamins C and B12, and the amino acid ergothioneine. Other varieties found in India are Shiitake mushroom, Cordyceps mushroom, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Reishi mushroom, Turkey Tail mushroom and Chaga mushroom. 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.
05 December,2024 12:52 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA team of researchers from Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platform that can transform the search for molecules promoting healthy ageing. Published in the journal Nature Aging, the research represents a significant step forward in understanding and addressing the biological mechanisms of ageing. The AI platform -- AgeXtend -- is a multimodal geroprotector prediction platform that leverages bioactivity data from known geroprotectors to identify new molecules with the potential to slow ageing. The platform encompasses advanced AI modules capable of predicting geroprotective potential, evaluating toxicity, and identifying target proteins and mechanisms of action. This comprehensive approach ensures both accuracy and safety in the discovery process. “AgeXtend bridges the gap between artificial intelligence and biology, enabling us to not only predict potential anti-aging molecules but also understand how they work,” said Dr. Gaurav Ahuja, senior researcher and co-author of the study. The research demonstrated AgeXtend's remarkable ability to identify the longevity-enhancing effects of well-known compounds such as metformin and taurine, even when these molecules were excluded from the training data. AgeXtend further screened approximately 1.1 billion compounds, uncovering numerous promising candidates that were validated through rigorous experiments on yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, and human cell models. “This platform has immense potential to unlock new pathways for therapeutic interventions in aging and age-related diseases,” Ahuja said. The study also explored natural metabolites from the human microbiome and their role in regulating cellular senescence. This underscores AgeXtend’s versatility and potential to uncover previously unknown mechanisms driving ageing. “AgeXtend is not just a prediction platform; it is a discovery engine. This work opens new possibilities to explore the biological complexity of ageing and find innovative ways to promote health and longevity. It’s an honour to contribute to such transformative research,” said Sakshi Arora, the first author of the study 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.
05 December,2024 12:32 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA study on Wednesday proved a suspected link between poor sleep and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD (formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is the most common liver disorder: it affects 30 per cent of adults and between 7 per cent and 14 per cent of children and adolescents. This prevalence is predicted to rise to more than 55 per cent of adults by 2040. While previous studies have implicated disturbances in the circadian clock and the sleep cycle in the development of MASLD, the new study by researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland showed for the first time that the sleep-wake rhythm in patients with MASLD does indeed differ from that in healthy individuals. In the paper, published in the journal Frontiers in Network Physiology, the team showed that patients with MASLD woke 55 per cent more often at night, and lay 113 per cent longer awake after having first fallen asleep, compared to healthy volunteers. Patients with MASLD also slept more often and longer during the day. “People with MASLD have significant fragmentation of their nightly sleep due to frequent awakenings and increased wakefulness,” said Dr Sofia Schaeffer, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Basel. The team recruited 46 adult women and men diagnosed with either MASLD, or MASH, or MASH with cirrhosis; compared them with eight patients who had non-MASH-related liver cirrhosis. These were also compared with 16 age-matched healthy volunteers. Each study participant was equipped with an actigraph -- to track gross motor activity with a sensor worn on the wrist -- to be worn at all times, which tracked light, physical activity, and body temperature. The results showed that sleep patterns and quality as measured by the actigraph were similarly impaired in patients with MASH, MASH with cirrhosis and non-MASH-related cirrhosis. Further, 32 per cent of patients with MASLD reported experiencing sleep disturbances caused by psychological stress, compared to only 6 per cent of healthy participants. The findings showed that "sleep fragmentation plays a role in the pathogenesis of human MASLD,” said Schaeffer. While it remains unknown whether MASLD causes sleep disorders or vice versa, the underlying mechanism likely involves "genetics, environmental factors, and the activation of immune responses -- ultimately driven by obesity and metabolic syndrome.” 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.
05 December,2024 11:09 AM IST | New DelhiADVERTISEMENT
