An 82-year-old retired army officer from Pune, who was bedridden for a year due to severe pain in his back, was given a new lease of life by the doctors at a hospital in Thane. The man who was honoured by the President of India for serving in 1962 and 1971 wars, had been in excruciating pain till then but found relief after the spine surgery. The Punekar's neck and back pain increased as the days passed thereby affecting his normal life. He was brought to KIMS Hospitals Thane on a wheelchair suffering with extreme pain. After thorough examination, Dr Kapil Khandelwal, who is the consultant for Neuro Surgery at the hospital, diagnosed him with lumbar canal stenosis. It is a condition where the lower spine space decreases resulting in spinal cord and nerve compression. He had unstable spinal bones which led to constant nerve supply pressure making movement uncomfortable and practically impossible. The patient had earlier approached many doctors before arriving at the Thane hospital. However, considering his age and an existing cardiac condition, most of them did not want to operate. Although he was not diabetic, his overall health profile made for a high-risk surgery. In spite of the hurdles, the team performed a detailed evaluation and went ahead with the surgery. The patient had a complex spine operation in the form of an L3/L4 discectomy with an L4/L5 Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF). The surgery was successful and the patient began recovering immediately. He could stand up and walk with assistance the day after. He spent just five days in the hospital after surgery. Though his stitches are yet to be removed, he remains steady on the road to recovery and will regain his strength. Due to the nature of the case, the operation was undertaken by a traditional open surgical method instead of the minimally invasive technology available with the doctors. The surgery was performed by a team of doctors led by Dr Khandelwal, Dr. Amogh Zavar, who is a consultant spine surgeon, and supported by Dr Dipesh Pimple, consultant neurologist, and the anesthesia team. The team had to take all precautions considering the patient's heart condition and age while performing the procedure. Dr Khandelwal explained, "In older patients, especially those with multiple comorbidities, the decision to operate must be taken with significant caution. Every case needs to be assessed independently. With detailed preoperative evaluation, intra-operative planning and appropriate post-operative care, we can safely operate in high-risk conditions. This case demonstrates the outcome that can be realised when clinical planning, collaboration, and teamwork come together. It highlights that quality of life should be at the forefront of patient care. Even if the patient is aged, we can achieve a good outcome when we have a combine and planned approach."
14 July,2025 03:51 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentDietary approaches like intermittent energy restriction (IER), time-restricted eating (TRE), and continuous energy restriction (CER) can all improve blood sugar levels and body weight in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a study. Although researchers identified improved HbA1c levels, and adverse events were similar across the three groups, the IER group showed greater advantages in reducing fasting blood glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering triglycerides, and strengthening adherence to the dietary interventions. IER typically involves periods of reduced calorie intake. It differs from intermittent fasting (IF) as it involves periods of complete or near-complete food abstinence. The research directly compared 5:2 intermittent energy restriction with 10-hour time-restricted eating in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. “The findings provide scientific evidence for clinicians to choose appropriate dietary strategies when treating such patients," said Haohao Zhang, Ph.D., chief physician at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, China. The study involved 90 patients who were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to the IER, TRE, or CER group, with consistent weekly caloric intake across all groups. A team of nutritionists supervised the 16-week intervention. Of those enrolled, 63 completed the study. There were 18 females and 45 males, with an average age of 36.8 years, a mean diabetes duration of 1.5 years, a baseline BMI of 31.7 kg/m², and an HbA1c of 7.42 per cent. At the end of the study, there were no significant differences in HbA1c reduction and weight loss between the IER, TRE, and CER groups. However, the absolute decrease in HbA1c and body weight was greatest in the IER group. Compared to TRE and CER, IER significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and triglycerides and increased the Matsuda index, a measure of whole-body insulin sensitivity. Uric acid and liver enzyme levels exhibited no statistically significant changes from baseline in any study group. Two patients in the IER group and the TRE group, and three patients in the CER group, experienced mild hypoglycemia. The IER group had the highest adherence rate (85 per cent), followed by the CER group at 84 per cent and the TRE group at 78 per cent. Both the IER and CER groups showed statistically significant differences compared with the TRE group. Zhang said these findings highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of dietary interventions for people who have obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study is presented at the ongoing ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, US. 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
14 July,2025 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSDo not follow Hollywood movies on how people get heart attacks, researchers have warned, saying that the portrayals of someone clutching their chest and collapsing dramatically are misleading and shouldn’t be expected. Ann Eckhardt, a nursing professor and researcher at The University of Texas at Arlington in the US said that ‘The Hollywood Heart Attack’, unfortunately, is not real life. “It’s not always intense. Sometimes it’s just discomfort that doesn’t feel quite right, so people tend to wait to see a doctor. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to have negative consequences after your heart attack,” Eckhardt said in an article published in the journal Heart & Lung. Eckhardt and her colleagues are working to set the record straight by first understanding how the public perceives chest pain. The team explored the common misconceptions about heart attack symptoms. Many patients don’t experience the dramatic, big-screen version of a heart attack. Instead, symptoms can be complex and even mild. Another widespread myth, the researchers note, is that heart attacks look drastically different in men versus women. “We used to say men have typical symptoms and women have atypical symptoms,” Eckhardt said. “We’re trying very hard to move away from that language now. The most common symptom for men and women is chest-related. We created confusion by saying women are somehow completely different.” Changing public perception isn’t easy, but it’s a mission that drives Eckhardt and her colleagues. Three years ago, she helped develop the “Chest Pain Conception Questionnaire” to help determine how everyday people view heart attacks. The study revealed that nearly 75 per cent of respondents had consumed heart attack information through sources like TV or movies, highlighting the need for clearer, more accurate educational materials on chest pain and related symptoms. “We often tell people chest pain is a symptom of a heart attack, but what we don’t tell them is what they might actually feel,” Eckhardt said. “For a lot of people, it’s not pain in the traditional sense. It’s more discomfort, pressure, tightness. They just don’t feel quite right, but they can’t really put their finger on it.” That uncertainty often causes people to delay seeking medical attention. “The longer you wait, the more likely it is you’ll have irreversible damage to the heart,” Eckhardt said. “So, if we can determine what people think a heart attack will be like, perhaps we can help the medical community better triage and ask questions. It’s not just ‘Are you having chest pain’; it’s also ‘Do you have any discomfort, pressure, tightness, squeezing'.” 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
14 July,2025 11:17 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS‘Love hormone’ oxytocin may play a protective role in mood disturbances triggered by sleep loss and hormonal shifts during key reproductive transitions like postpartum and menopause, say researchers. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School studied the combined impact of sleep interruption and estrogen suppression on mood and oxytocin levels in healthy premenopausal women. Their findings suggest that oxytocin may help reduce the negative mood effects brought on by fragmented sleep, which is an often-overlooked consequence of reproductive transitions. “We found that oxytocin levels rise in response to stress-related sleep disruption, and that women with higher oxytocin levels before disrupted sleep experienced less mood disturbance the next day,” said Irene Gonsalvez, associate psychiatrist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and instructor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. These results point toward oxytocin as a potential biological buffer during periods of hormonal and emotional vulnerability. Women frequently experience disrupted sleep during the postpartum and menopausal periods that are associated with sharp hormonal fluctuations. Yet, these disturbances are often minimised or seen as routine inconveniences. The study provides new biological evidence that such sleep interruptions are linked to meaningful changes in emotional health, and that oxytocin may serve as an important protective factor. In the study, 38 healthy premenopausal women completed two 5-night inpatient protocols: one during a natural hormonal state and another after estradiol suppression. After two nights of uninterrupted sleep, researchers fragmented participants’ sleep for three nights to simulate patterns commonly experienced during postpartum and menopause. Mood disturbance and oxytocin levels were assessed throughout. Findings indicated that sleep interruption significantly increased both mood disturbance and oxytocin levels, and that higher oxytocin levels before sleep disruption were linked to reduced mood disturbance the following day. Higher incidences of mood disturbance associated with sleep disruptions were also linked to increased oxytocin levels the next day. “Millions of women struggle with mood symptoms during reproductive transitions, yet treatments often focus narrowly on antidepressants or hormone therapy,” Gonsalvez said. “Understanding oxytocin’s potential as a natural mood modulator could help us better support women’s mental health during these times.” The study was presented at ‘ENDO 2025’, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco. 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
14 July,2025 10:38 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe recent move by the Ministry of Health to install sugar and oil boards in government offices as well as schools is an excellent step towards developing healthier workplaces and building a healthy India, said experts on Saturday. Taking to social media platform X, ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition informed that the Ministry of Health “has urged all govt offices to prominently display Sugar Boards” in the push for building healthier workplaces. The boards consist of informative posters and digital boards highlighting the harmful impacts of the amount of sugar and oil present in popular food items, including samosas, kachori, pizza, pakoras, banana chips, burgers, soft drinks, and chocolate pastries. It also displays the effects of these foods on the human body as well as shares the recommended amounts of fat and sugar for individual intake. “Excellent step to create awareness about hidden fat and sugar in foods. Clear, front-of-pack labelling of ultra-processed foods and diversifying diets through Public Distribution System (PDS), school meals will also support this move for healthy India,” said Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The FSSAI noted that the move is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a healthier India! It added that the “innovative behavioural change strategy” will help tackle the “widespread promotion of sugar and oil boards”. “These boards are vital in helping everyone make informed choices and stop obesity,” said FSSAI on X, adding that it will also help boost its Eat Right India (ERI) movement. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reduced intake of added sugar throughout one's life. In both adults and children, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10 per cent of total energy intake. The UN health body suggests a further reduction of the intake of free sugars to below 5 per cent of total energy intake. In May, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a directive to schools to install "sugar boards" in schools. Health experts noted that the public health measure also aligns with global nutrition goals, and will help India fight the menace of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, told IANS that excessive consumption of sugar and oil, along with lack of physical activity, is a major driver of obesity and NCDs. “Early nutritional awareness is crucial. Providing clear labelling and dietary education in schools empowers children to make healthier food choices before these chronic conditions set in,” Jayadevan said. “Sugar hides in beverages, fruit juices, and processed snacks, while oil, a calorie-dense substance, is heavily used in fried foods, fast food, and even home cooking. Promoting moderation in their use is an important step in preventing NCDs across the population,” he told IANS. 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
13 July,2025 02:26 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPeople who suffered from mucormycosis and recovered continue to battle long-term health effects of the fungal infection, such as facial disfigurement and speech difficulty, found an ICMR study. There was an uptick in cases of mucormycosis, a rare infection also known as 'Black Fungus', during the COVID-19 pandemic. Published last month in Clinical Microbiology and Infection, a leading microbiology journal, the study found that 14.7 per cent of 686 hospitalised mucormycosis patients died within a year, with most deaths occurring during initial hospitalisation. Critical predictors of poor survival included involvement of the brain or eyes, intensive care admission, poor glycaemic control, and comorbid conditions. Conversely, patients who received both surgical treatment and combination antifungal therapy had significantly higher survival rates, said Dr Rizwan Suliankatchi Abdulkader, from ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), the lead author of the study. "But survivors often faced disfigurement and psychological distress, with more than 70 per cent reporting at least one clinical sequela (complication or disability) and a substantial proportion experiencing loss of employment," Rizwan said. "These are not abstract complications. Facial disfigurement, impaired speech, anxiety, and loss of livelihood are lived realities for many survivors. It is time for India to move beyond life-saving interventions and focus on life-restoring systems of care, including mental health support and rehabilitation," he said. Led by Rizwan and the All-India Mucormycosis Consortium, the study assessed survival, treatment outcomes, and post-recovery quality of life among hospitalised patients in India. This large-scale study, covering 686 patients from 26 tertiary hospitals across the country, is the first of its kind to offer long-term, prospective data on this critical public health concern. As a part of the study, 686 patients who had contracted mucormycosis between March and July 2021 were followed up for one year. Of the 686, 80 per cent (549) also had COVID-19. The prevalence of mucormycosis varies significantly, from 0.01 to 2 cases per million in developed countries to 140 cases per million in India and similar nations, with incidence approximately 80 times higher in India. Despite advances in medical care, mucormycosis remains a highly lethal and debilitating condition. "This study reinforces the pressing need to ensure access to timely diagnosis, surgical interventions, and combination antifungal therapy in all parts of India," said Dr Manoj Murhekar, Director of Chennai-based ICMR-NIE. "We cannot overstate how essential high-quality, multidisciplinary care is for patients battling mucormycosis, especially given the irreversible complications they face if treatment is delayed," said Murhekar, a senior author of the study. Spanning the length and breadth of India, the study involved institutions from nearly every region, capturing a diverse and realistic picture of mucormycosis management in both urban and rural populations. Rizwan stressed, "This is not just a story of numbers. Behind every data point is a person who struggled with pain, disfigurement, and long-term disability. Our duty as clinicians and public health professionals is to reduce not just mortality but also the suffering that comes with survival. "India has a disproportionately high burden of this disease. Our health systems must be better prepared." The research comes at a time when India is still grappling with the long-term fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which mucormycosis surged dramatically. As the global community turns its attention to pandemic preparedness and health system resilience, the study serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges posed by neglected fungal diseases. "We hope our findings will serve as a call to action for policymakers, hospital administrators, and clinicians. Mucormycosis is not just a complication of COVID-19. It is a disease that demands long-term clinical attention, public health surveillance, and above all, compassion in care," Rizwan 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
13 July,2025 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIWomen with type 2 diabetes are nearly twice as likely as men to have undetected heart damage, according to a new study by Leicester researchers.The research is a detailed investigation into coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) to uncover sex-specific risk patterns in people with no signs of heart disease.CMD is a form of early, silent heart damage caused by impaired blood flow in the heart's smallest vessels. Using advanced MRI scans and data taken from four studies conducted at the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), researchers found that 46 per cent of the women with type 2 diabetes had signs of CMD, compared to just 26 per cent of the men."We're seeing early warning signs of heart disease that aren't picked up through routine checks, and it's women who seem to be most affected," said NIHR Research Professor at the University of Leicester, Gerry McCann, lead investigator of the study."What makes this study remarkable is that all participants were asymptomatic, which means they had no diagnosed heart problems, no chest pain, and no shortness of breath. Yet the scans told a different story."Dr Gaurav Gulsin, co-author and NIHR Clinical Lecturer, added: "The study also found that the drivers of CMD differ by sex. In women, CMD was most strongly linked to higher body weight (BMI). However, in men, higher blood pressure was the more significant factor."This suggests we may need to rethink how we assess cardiovascular risk and that women and men could warrant sex-specific treatments." 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
13 July,2025 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIIntermittent fasting, a buzzword that refuses to die down unlike other fleeting diet trends, is popularly believed to be an effective eating pattern for weight management. It is also said to have potential benefits for digestive health and metabolic functions. People who follow this pattern regularly cycle between periods of eating and voluntary fasting. This is usually adopted in different ways like restricted eating time (for example: 8 hours eating, 16 hours fasting), alternative-day fasting or the 5:2 approach (unrestricted eating for 5 days and restricting calories on 2 non-consecutive days). While most diets focus on ‘what’ one eats, this method delivers health benefits based on ‘when’ one eats. According to a recent study published in the BMJ journal, intermittent fasting was found to be as effective in weight loss as traditional dieting methods like calorie counting. Besides weight management, there are other health benefits of intermittent fasting, Mumbai-based dietician Mansi Padechia highlights, “This method can improve gut health by reducing acidity risk and bloating as it gives some space to the body during periods of fasting. It can also reduce skin inflammation, leading to glowing skin and less puffiness. Eating at odd times of the day often affects digestive and metabolic health. Intermittent fasting solves this problem and facilitates mindful eating decisions.” Given these benefits, people are increasingly adopting this eating pattern in their everyday life. However, a lesser-known aspect of intermittent fasting is its impact on brain health. Does intermittent fasting have cognitive benefits? Among other effects, this eating pattern also has potential cognitive benefits, say health experts. Dr Manish Chhabria, senior consultant - Neurology at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, states, “Intermittent fasting shows promising effects on brain health and function by enhancing neuroplasticity, improving cognitive function, and potentially reducing cognitive decline.” He further explains that this fasting method can initiate beneficial metabolic and cellular changes. “It may lead to an increased production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is key for learning and memory, and can also help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress,” Dr Chhabra adds. Jinal Patel, dietician at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai, also highlights the inflammation-reducing effects of intermittent fasting. She shares, “This method can be beneficial for the brain by reducing inflammation, promoting the growth of new nerve cells, and improving brain plasticity. It can help boost memory, focus, and protect against age-related cognitive decline.” Additionally, during longer fasting hours, the body produces ketones, which are an efficient fuel source for the brain and have anti-inflammatory properties, thus leading to health benefits. Some studies also suggest that intermittent fasting may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. However, the experts warn that while this eating pattern has potential neuroprotective effects, more research is needed to study detailed impact. Apart from physiological changes in the brain, Padechia highlights this method of fasting may also enhance mental clarity and self-control. Can intermittent fasting lead to brain fog? While intermittent fasting is believed to have cognitive benefits, it may take time for the body to adjust to this eating pattern, leading to symptoms of brain fog. Brain fog refers to symptoms and effects that may impact your thinking and other cognitive functions. “Intermittent fasting may cause brain fog in the initial days due to hunger, low energy, or blood sugar fluctuations. However, many people report improved mental clarity and focus once the body adapts,” Patel explains. She emphasises that this is not the case with every person, and it differs based on factors like individual health, diet quality, and fasting duration. “Listening to your body is key. Not everyone experiences brain fog. So, if you experience the same, consult an expert,” the dietician states. Dr Chhabra, on the other hand, states that intermittent fasting has dual effect on brain fog. “Intermittent fasting can both contribute to and eliminate brain fog-like state, with early stages often associated with temporary cognitive effects, while longer adherence and proper nutrient intake may improve brain function and reduce symptoms,” he states. Tips to adopt intermittent fasting safely To avoid any harmful effects on brain and overall health, one needs to follow some basic steps while adopting intermittent fasting. “One has to start slowly, stay hydrated, eat balanced meals rich in nutrients during eating windows, and avoid skipping sleep. If you feel dizzy, tired, or confused, stop and consult a doctor. Don’t just follow it because your favourite celebrity is doing it or it is promoted on social media,” Patel remarks. Further, Padechia states two essential things one should assess before adopting intermittent fasting: 1. Know your body well: Always assess you condition properly and know where your discomfort lies. Sometimes, intermittent fasting can also have adverse effects. For example, for people with blood sugar-related issues, going too long without eating may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). 2. Know your situation: Assess your lifestyle before choosing your approach towards intermittent fasting. Ensure that you have the time and accessibility to have proper meals during the eating periods. The experts caution that this fasting pattern may not be suitable for everyone and also have adverse health effects if not adopted after careful consideration and examination. Hence, it is advisable to consult an expert before opting for intermittent fasting. Nutritional guidelines to enhance brain health Apart from intermittent fasting, one can adopt other diet methods and consume specific nutrients to boost brain health. Patel recommends the following: 1. A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil can be chosen for improving brain health. 2. Opt for omega-3 sources such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. 3. Stay hydrated. 4. Bid adieu to processed foods and added sugars, and ensure regular meals to maintain steady energy and focus. 5. Ensure the diet is loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead of samosas, vada pav, bhajiyas, and other namkeens. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
12 July,2025 05:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainA team of scientists in Australia, led by those of Indian origin, has developed a new once-a-week injectable drug that could transform the lives of more than eight million people living with Parkinson's disease, potentially replacing the need for multiple daily tablets. Frequent dosing is a burden, especially for elderly patients or those with swallowing difficulties, leading to inconsistent medication levels, more side effects, and reduced effectiveness. To address this, the team from the University of South Australia (UniSA) developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa -- two key medications for Parkinson's -- over an entire week. The biodegradable formulation is injected under the skin or into muscle tissue, where it gradually releases the medication over seven days, noted the researchers in the paper published in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research. The newly developed injectable could significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient adherence, said lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg, from UniSA's Center for Pharmaceutical Innovation. "Our goal was to create a formulation that simplifies treatment, improves patient compliance, and maintains consistent therapeutic levels of medication. This weekly injection could be a game-changer for Parkinson's care," Garg said. "Levodopa is the gold-standard therapy for Parkinson's, but its short lifespan means it must be taken several times a day." The injectable gel combines a US FDA-approved biodegradable polymer, PLGA, with Eudragit L-100, a pH-sensitive polymer, to achieve a controlled and sustained drug release. The team noted that the release of both levodopa and carbidopa steadily over a week could help maintain consistent plasma levels and reduce the risks associated with fluctuating drug concentrations. Extensive lab tests confirmed the system's effectiveness and safety. More than 90 per cent of the levodopa dose and more than 81 per cent of the carbidopa dose were released over seven days. Notably, the implant degraded by over 80 per cent within a week and showed no significant toxicity in cell viability tests. In addition, the formulation can be easily administered through a fine 22-gauge needle, minimising discomfort and eliminating the need for surgical implantation. Garg said the technology could also be adapted for other chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, and chronic infections that require long-term drug delivery.
12 July,2025 12:10 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSGerman researchers have developed two novel antibiotics that have shown promise for millions of patients with tuberculosis (TB), leading to lesser side effects than the currently available treatments. The drugs, sutezolid, and delpazolid, have demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity and a notably better safety profile compared to the currently used linezolid, with the potential to replace this current cornerstone in the treatment of drug-resistant TB. Two international clinical studies on the antibiotics published in two peer-reviewed articles in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases showed that both sutezolid and delpazolid are safe, effective, and potential alternatives to linezolid in the treatment of TB. “Seeing fewer side effects with sutezolid and delpazolid is a significant step forward -- it brings us closer to TB therapies that are both effective and easier for patients to tolerate,” said Dr. Ivan Norena, medical team lead at the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at LMU University Hospital Munich. Linezolid was introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, as part of the BPaLM regimen, also comprising bedaquiline, pretomanid, and moxifloxacin, as the standard recommended 6-month treatment for patients with multidrug-resistant TB -- reducing the duration from the previous standard 18 months. However, linezolid was found to be problematic for patients as it showed significant toxicity. Prolonged exposure to linezolid, much longer than the originally intended use for bacterial skin infections, frequently leads to serious adverse events like anemia or optical neuropathy. “Despite its effectiveness, linezolid is simply too toxic for many patients. We urgently need safer alternatives in this antibiotic class,” said PD Dr Norbert Heinrich, from the varsity. Both sutezolid and delpazolid are members of the oxazolidinone class, like linezolid, but are less toxic for patients. In the Phase 2b clinical trials, both drugs were tested in combination with bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin, making them the first trials to use these specific four-drug combinations. The studies, conducted in South Africa and Tanzania, showed that in patients with drug-sensitive pulmonary TB, both drugs are safer and more tolerable for patients than linezolid would be. “These findings suggest that both drugs may offer safer treatment options for TB patients, particularly those requiring longer courses of therapy,” said the researchers. 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.
12 July,2025 10:17 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSHigh levels of toxic metals like lead and arsenic in breast milk may impair growth in infants, according to an alarming study. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants under six months of age. However, tt can also be a potential route of exposure to toxic metals and other contaminants that may impair neurological development and immune function, said the researchers from the University of Arizona in the US. The team focussed on Mayan women in Guatemala's Lake Atitlán watershed region, and found concentrations of arsenic and lead that exceeded World Health Organization safety standards in breast milk in mothers. "Detecting toxic metals in breast milk is deeply concerning and highlights the potential role of environmental pollution in undermining child development," said Sandra Rodríguez Quintana, a postdoctoral research associate at varsity. "Our work calls for interventions to protect maternal and child health and understand how environmental concentrations of metals may be contributing to stunting and other health issues," Quintana added. Guatemala has the highest rate of impaired growth, or stunting, in the Western Hemisphere. Stunting is frequently attributed to poor nutrition and infections. Many studies have linked high levels of metals in drinking water to developmental, neurological, and learning problems in young children, but this is the first study to demonstrate an association with stunting in the Americas. For the study, published in in the journal Environmental Pollution, the research team studied 80 mothers and their infants from four different Lake Atitlán communities. The scientists analysed breast milk samples from the mothers and measured the infants' lengths. They found that higher breast milk concentrations of arsenic, barium, beryllium and lead were associated with impaired growth of infants in these communities. The researchers also found higher concentrations of arsenic and barium in drinking water, which was identified as the major reason for toxic elements in breast milk. "Drinking water contaminated with toxic elements such as arsenic and pathogenic microbes imposes a serious burden on public health, especially for the developing child," the team 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.
12 July,2025 09:33 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
