Having a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism and ADHD could be related with a nearly five times higher chance of dying before age 25, compared to those without, according to a study conducted in New Zealand. While relative risk between the two groups is high, it is important to remember that deaths in this group remain rare, said lead author Nick Bowden, from the University of Otago's department of paediatrics and child health. Symptoms of neurodevelopmental conditions can emerge in early childhood, impairing one's development in skills such as language, communication or behaviour. Social communication and behaviour is affected in autism, while ability to pay attention and focus on a task and emotion regulation is impaired in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using the StatsNZ database, the researchers followed nearly nine lakh children born between 1995 and 2009 until 2019. About 40,000 (4.5 per cent) of the total had a neurodevelopmental condition, identified from hospital records, specialist mental health services, disability support databases, or through prescriptions. "Mortality risk was significantly higher (4.67 times) for youth with NDCs (neurodevelopmental conditions) compared with those without NDCs," the authors wrote in the study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics. Death risk was also found to be higher among females with neurodevelopmental conditions, compared to females without. The risks also varied according to the condition -- doubling for children with ADHD and a more than eight-fold risk for learning and motor disorders, the researchers said. Causes for death also differed by condition, with medical causes posing the greatest risk -- about 12 times higher compared to those without neurodevelopmental conditions, the team found. The higher risk of deaths due to medical causes points to challenges faced in managing health problems that can occur simultaneously in the affected individuals -- such as respiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal conditions, said co-author Dr Colette Muir, developmental paediatrician at Starship Child Health in Auckland. A study published in January this year in the British Journal of Psychiatry suggested a reduced life expectancy among adults who were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. Researchers from the University College London estimated that men having the condition may live about seven years fewer than men in the general population and women nine years fewer. 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
07 November,2025 04:30 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe 40s age group marks a pivotal and high-risk decade for women's breast health. Defined by significant hormonal shifts, demanding careers, and active family lives, this decade requires women to navigate confusing bodily changes while maintaining vigilance for subtle cancer signs. Medical guidance is moving beyond routine screening, emphasising the critical need for women to proactively understand their bodies, know their individual risk profiles, and advocate for personalised care. While October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year, India also observes National Cancer Awareness Day on November 7, and there can never be enough awareness around any type including breast cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the seriousness of this challenge, noting that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2022 alone, an estimated 2.3 million women were diagnosed globally, resulting in approximately 670,000 deaths. This highlights the importance of early detection and tailored screening protocols, particularly as women enter this high-risk decade. This comprehensive guide, featuring insights from leading surgical oncologists, delves into personal risk assessment, modern self-awareness techniques, the complexities of breast density, and the often-missed red flags—empowering women to take charge of their health during this critical phase.Assessing your personal risk profileAn accurate risk assessment is the starting point for personalised breast care. Dr Vidhi Shah, consultant, breast oncology surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, stresses the importance of evaluating key factors such as:1. Family history: Especially first-degree relatives with breast cancer.2. Reproductive factors: Age at first period and childbirth.3. Genetic predisposition: The presence of a genetic mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2.Shah notes that while only 5 to 10 per cent of breast cancers are genetic, a confirmed mutation significantly impacts screening protocols. She explains, "If someone is BRCA-positive, screening typically starts earlier and follows a more intensive schedule—for example, alternating between a mammogram and an MRI every six months."Even without a confirmed mutation, a strong family history may warrant earlier screening. Shah advises, "If a close relative has tested positive or was diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age, screening should begin five years prior to the age at which the relative was diagnosed." For most women, screening starts at the age of 40, but for those with strong risk factors, it may begin at 35 years or earlier.The shift to breast self-awareness (BSA)The method for self-checking has evolved from rigid, monthly checks to a continuous state of Breast Self-Awareness (BSA). Shah clarifies the modern, medically recommended approach, "The modern approach to self-examination focuses on breast self-awareness rather than rigid, scheduled monthly checks. The goal is to understand what is 'normal' for your own body so that any new or unusual changes can be detected early."These unusual changes include new lumps, thickened areas, size/shape changes, skin dimpling, redness, or nipple discharge. Rather than a fixed day, Shah suggests, “Rather than adhering to a fixed day each month, women are encouraged to check their breasts regularly and intuitively, ideally at a consistent time in their menstrual cycle when hormonal fluctuations are minimal. During the seven days following your period, breast fullness and tenderness are typically reduced, making this the most recommended time to perform a self-examination."Hormonal masking and overlooked red flagsThe hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause once you turn 40 years and through the decade can be deceptive. Dr Bhavisha Ghugare, senior consultant surgical breast oncology at HCG Cancer Centre in Borivali, highlights how perimenopausal symptoms like breast tenderness and glandular changes can mask malignancy, "Women often attribute changes like fullness, pain, or small nodules to hormonal variations. But what we want women to watch for are non-cyclic changes—those that persist beyond their menstrual cycle.”Beyond the well-known lump, Ghugare stresses several commonly overlooked red flags, "Often, women overlook signs such as skin dimpling, puckering, redness, or an orange-peel-like texture, which could indicate underlying malignancy. Similarly, nipple inversion, scaling, crusting, spontaneous discharge (especially if blood-stained), or persistent localised pain are red flags.”Knowing one's baseline—how the breasts normally look and feel—is key to identifying even small deviations early.The hidden challenge of breast densityBreast density is a critical, yet often under-discussed, factor in detection, particularly for women in their 40s. Dense breast tissue not only increases cancer risk but can also hide tumours on a standard mammogram because both appear white.Ghugare explains this ‘masking effect’, "Many women in their 40s have dense breasts due to ongoing hormonal activity. Knowing your breast density is vital—it should be mentioned in your mammogram report. If you have dense breasts, talk to your doctor about what additional screening you might need.”She emphasises that for women with dense breasts, a strong family history, or genetic predisposition, relying solely on an annual mammogram may not be enough. “Supplemental imaging such as breast ultrasound, digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammogram), or breast MRI can help detect cancers that a standard mammogram may miss,” Ghugare advises.Need for self-advocacy “During an annual health check-up after 40, women should be proactive in discussing their breast health to ensure that screening recommendations are tailored to their individual risk profile. Personalised screening starts with an open and informed conversation with your doctor,” says Shah. She recommends women to be prepared to ask key questions, including:1. How to do a proper breast self-exam.2. Whether genetic testing is appropriate.3. If screening should begin earlier due to family history.4. What symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.5. What should be the recommended frequency of clinical breast examinations or imaging.Lifestyle modificationsWhile not all breast cancers can be prevented, lifestyle plays a major role in lowering overall risk. In your 40s, adopting sustainable habits can have a lasting protective impact. Shah notes that lifestyle plays a major role in lowering overall risk. Protective measures include:1. Avoiding tobacco use entirely.2. Limiting alcohol consumption.3. Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.4. Engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week).Ghugare concludes with an empowering message for women entering this critical decade. She says, “Your 40s are the decade to be breast-aware, not breast-anxious. Listen to your body, track what’s normal for you, and never hesitate to ask for clarity or additional tests. Awareness, not fear, is your best defence.”
07 November,2025 01:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalThe awareness around stuttering in India is growing every day but there are still many misconceptions around it that adults have to deal with on a daily basis. However, there is a lot that can be done to help those people who live with it, especially when they are growing up as children. Every year, October 22 is observed as International Stuttering Awareness Day or International Stammering Awareness Day, to raise awareness about the speech challenge, that is known to affect one percent of the world’s population. While it is seen across ages, it starts early as a child for many, and with Children’s Day around the corner as it is celebrated in India on November 14, there is still a lot more to be done to create awareness about it. What is stuttering? For the uninitiated, stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder that tends to interrupt the natural flow of talking. A child who stutters may repeat sounds, syllables, or words; stretch out certain sounds; or experience blocks where no sound comes out. Dr Jagdish Kathwate, consultant neonatologist and paediatrician at Motherhood Hospital Kharadi Pune, explains, “Many children go through a phase of stuttering while learning to speak, but persistent speech blocks or repetition may need professional attention. So, parents know that early support can help children communicate confidently and overcome speech difficulties. Read on to know more about this and seek timely intervention.” He further explains, It is commonly seen in children aged 2-6 years. This is the time when their language skills are rapidly developing. While many children outgrow it, some continue to stutter into adolescence or adulthood if not addressed early. The causes of stuttering can be genetic, speech and language development, as the child’s brain may process speech and language differently, causing disruptions in fluency.” It is the not only these early challenges but also the pressure to speak correctly or in stressful situations that may worsen stuttering. Differences in how the brain coordinates speech muscles may play a role when it comes to stuttering, the Pune-based expert adds.Causes, symptoms and effectsThe causes of stuttering are not fully understood but few factors play a role like genetic factors, speech and language development, emotional and environmental factors like stress, pressure to speak perfectly, neurophysiological differences like how the brain coordinates the muscles for speech and family communication style like fast paced or interruptive conversations at home sometime might increase chances of stuttering.Some of the common symptoms are as follows: 1. Repetition of sounds or words2. Prolonged sounds or pauses while speaking3. Difficulty starting a word or sentence4. Tension in the face, lips, or neck when trying to speak5. Avoiding speaking situations or showing frustration while talkingUntreated stuttering can often lead to low self-esteem, social anxiety, or fear of speaking in public. Children may withdraw from conversations, struggle academically, or develop communication-related insecurities that persist into adulthood. If stuttering lasts for more than 6-8 months, or worsens over time, or is accompanied by distress, then parents should approach a speech therapist for help. The therapist will give the child some exercises, teach pronunciation to improve the speech. This will be done by regular sessions that can help the child deal with stuttering. Can stuttering be treated?Dr Kathwate says seeking help from a certified speech and language therapist at the first sign of persistent stuttering is the easiest way to manage it. However, there is a lot more to understand before that. Dr Chhya Vaja, internal medicine expert at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Tardeo in Mumbai says stuttering in children is more common than many parents realise. She further explains, “Moreover, it’s important to understand that it isn’t a sign of low intelligence or poor parenting. It happens when the brain’s speech and language systems don’t perfectly sync, causing the child to repeat sounds, stretch words, or pause frequently while speaking. Stress, fast speech, or pressure to ‘speak properly’ can make it worse, which is why creating a calm and patient environment is key.” Tips for parents with children who stutter Parents often make the mistake of finishing their child’s sentences or correcting them too quickly, says Dr Vaja, which can add to their frustration and anxiety. “Instead, listen patiently, maintain eye contact, and let them finish at their own pace. With early speech therapy, most children learn to manage stuttering effectively and gain confidence in communication. Therapy focuses on slowing down speech, using breathing techniques, and building self-assurance. The goal isn’t fluent speech; it’s helping the child feel heard, relaxed, and supported. When children feel understood rather than judged, their confidence improves, and speech becomes more natural over time. So, seek help from an expert without any delay. It is possible to overcome stuttering,” she adds. Sharing tips to manage it better, Dr Kathwate shares, “Let your child speak without interruption or correction. Don’t pressurise the child or scold him/her. Praise the child’s efforts instead of criticising him/her.” With timely therapy, family support, and patience, majority of children will be able to tackle stuttering and become confident as they grow. So, parents, seek timely intervention.
06 November,2025 07:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoEvery year, Diwali is a festival that is widely celebrated across India. Known to as the "Festival of Lights", it brings joy and togetherness but not without its fair share of smoke and noise pollution, which only gets worse for people who are already suffering from related diseases. In the days following the celebrations, many individuals, particularly between 35-65 years, experience a surge in respiratory problems. Exposure to smoke, dust, and particulate matter from fireworks, combined with seasonal pollution, can exacerbate underlying conditions and lead to new illnesses. Experts urge people to be aware of warning signs and seek timely medical care to avoid serious complications. Diwali is indeed exciting, but many people can experience respiratory issues that can be a matter of concern. Post-Diwali pollution impacts respiratory health, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. After Diwali, exposure to smoke, dust, and fine particulate matter from fireworks, along with seasonal air pollution, can irritate the lungs and worsen existing respiratory conditions. These environmental triggers can also lead to new problems such as asthma flare-ups, bronchitis, or even pneumonia if timely precautions aren’t taken. Dr Tanvi Bhatt, pulmonologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai says, “We see a sharp rise in cases of asthma flare-ups, COPD exacerbations, bronchitis, and even pneumonia during this period. Asthma causes wheezing and difficulty breathing, COPD leads to long-term airflow obstruction, bronchitis triggers a persistent cough and mucus, and pneumonia is a severe lung infection that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Patients should not ignore symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or fever, as early intervention can prevent severe complications and improve recovery outcomes. About 40 per cent of people experience respiratory problems after Diwali. Four out of 10 people between 45-55 years come with cough and breathlessness linked to pneumonia, three come with asthma flare-ups, two with bronchitis, and around one with triggered COPD and are advised prompt management.” Dr Tanvi added, “Limit outdoor exposure during heavy smog or firework days, use N95 masks in high pollution areas, keep windows closed and air purifiers on at home, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke and seek medical help immediately if you experience a persistent cough, fever, or breathing difficulty. Take charge of your respiratory health, prevent pneumonia and other critical issues, and save your lungs." “Air pollution after festivals like Diwali may seem unavoidable, but simple precautions can save lives. Around 30 per cent of people experience respiratory problems post-Diwali. Of every 10 patients aged between 45-55 years, three come with cough and breathlessness linked to pneumonia, two with asthma flare-ups, one with bronchitis, and another with triggered COPD, while the rest may suffer from congestion, sore throat, or cold. Families should closely monitor vulnerable members, especially children and the elderly, and seek prompt medical care. Using masks outdoors, staying hydrated, limiting exposure to smoke, and maintaining clean indoor air are simple yet effective steps to protect health and prevent avoidable complications,” concluded Dr Tushar Rane, internal medicine expert at Apollo Spectra in Mumbai.
06 November,2025 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a story that redefines resilience and medical triumph, a 37-year-old woman Lallianpuii from Aizawl in Mizoram, has achieved the extraordinary, she conceived naturally twice, first in 2023 and again in 2025, after undergoing two kidney transplants, in Kolkata. Lallianpuii was first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease over a decade ago and underwent her first kidney transplant in 2012. After developing graft rejection, she required a second transplant in 2020. Despite the physical and emotional challenges of lifelong immunosuppressive therapy, she defied all odds by conceiving naturally twice. During her first pregnancy in 2023, Lallianpuii gave birth to a healthy baby girl after a carefully monitored journey that drew admiration from her medical team. Just two years later, in 2025, she once again conceived naturally and delivered a healthy male baby weighing 3.2 kg through cesarean section at 36+6 weeks. Both pregnancies were free of major complications, with her kidney function remaining stable throughout. Both her high-risk pregnancies were meticulously managed and delivered by of Dr. Rohit Rungta, senior consultant, Nephrology, and Dr. Shilpita Banerjee, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass in Kolkata marking an exceptionally rare and inspiring feat in medical science. While discussing her case, Dr Rungta, shared, “Pregnancy in a kidney transplant recipient is rare and complex, as patients are on lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. What makes Lallianpuii’s case extraordinary is that she conceived naturally not once, but twice, after two transplants. Both pregnancies were carefully managed to maintain kidney function and ensure normal fetal development. It’s an inspiring example of determination, medical teamwork, and hope.” Dr Banerjee, who handled both the pregnancies, shared, “Managing consecutive pregnancies in a renal transplant recipient is rare and requires meticulous coordination. We had to balance her medications, protect the transplanted kidney, and closely monitor the baby’s growth. Her courage and trust in the medical process made these outcomes possible.” Expressing her joy, Lallianpuii shared, “After battling kidney failure and going through two transplants, I never imagined becoming a mother, even once. But with Dr. Rungta and Dr. Banerjee’s care and constant support, I have now been blessed with two beautiful children. They gave me not just medical care but hope and confidence to dream again.” Her journey stands as a beacon of hope for women with chronic illnesses, proving that with medical expertise, perseverance, and faith, even the most impossible dreams can come true, not just once, but twice.
06 November,2025 01:33 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentAntimicrobial peptides can control pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli -- a major cause of foodborne diseases -- and can also act as an alternative to antibiotics to help combat increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antimicrobial peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, have the potential to kill harmful bacteria without inducing resistance to antibiotics. The findings show that antimicrobial peptides have the potential to improve food safety and protect public health without relying on antibiotic use. “Antimicrobial peptides have the potential to be alternatives to antibiotics and thereby could mitigate antibiotic resistance,” said corresponding study author Gireesh Rajashekara, Professor at College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “These peptides not only can kill Salmonella but also other related bacterial pathogens such as E. coli, so they could be really valuable in controlling a broad range of pathogens,” he added. The researchers conducted their study to identify antibiotic alternatives to control Salmonella in chickens. Salmonella is one of the major causes of foodborne illnesses in the US, and chickens and chicken products (eggs and meat) have been considered the main vehicles of Salmonella infection in humans. In the new study, published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum, researchers identified a set of antimicrobial peptides that could kill many different types of Salmonella in test tubes, then showed they could also kill Salmonella in chickens. The antibacterial activity of the peptides is likely due to their effect on Salmonella membranes. The researchers said the peptides retain their activity upon exposure to heat and protease treatments, characteristics necessary for the use of antimicrobial products in the poultry industry. “We identified 2 antimicrobial peptides that kill many different types of Salmonella and also reduce Salmonella load in chickens,” Rajashekara said. The expert noted that their next step "is to test these peptides in chickens on a large scale, optimise their delivery in water and/or feed, understand better how they kill Salmonella, and explore more peptides like these for their anti-Salmonella activity.” 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 November,2025 12:57 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA new study has highlighted a sharp rise in metabolic and lifestyle-related risk factors among professionals aged 30 to 40. The findings show that obesity, abnormal lipid levels, and early glucose irregularities are becoming common in this age group, indicating that lifestyle diseases are setting in earlier than expected. The insights, by by Indian digital healthcare company Medibuddy, drawn from data analysed for 14,192 individuals aged 30–40 years, revealed that 59 years were obese and 19 years were overweight, reflecting a high body mass index (BMI) burden. Dyslipidaemia was also common, with 38 per cent showing borderline or high triglycerides, 30 per cent recording borderline or high total cholesterol, and 45 per cent displaying low HDL (good cholesterol). Glycaemic analysis showed that 25 per cent were pre-diabetic and 7 per cent diabetic, while a small fraction already showed signs of high blood pressure. When compared with national data, where obesity prevalence stands at 28.6% and diabetes at 11.4 per cent (ICMR–INDIAB 2021), these findings point to an earlier onset of metabolic risks among urban professionals. The overlap of weight, cholesterol, and glucose changes in this age group suggests that the 30s are becoming a critical decade for health management. The data also points to a growing pattern of metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These include obesity, abnormal cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, hypertension, and a larger waist circumference. The overlap of these risk factors signals that many young professionals are on the verge of developing metabolic syndrome. If left unaddressed, these early warning signs can progress into serious health complications in later years, affecting both longevity and quality of life. “This trend is particularly concerning because it appears during the phase of highest productivity, when individuals should ideally be at their healthiest,” said Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, head of Medical Operations with the digital healthcare company. “The data clearly show that lifestyle-related risks are emerging earlier than ever. Obesity, cholesterol imbalance, and pre-diabetes are increasingly common among professionals in their 30s, a phase that should ideally be one of peak productivity and health. Early screening and sustained behaviour change through nutrition guidance, physical activity, and stress management can make a tangible difference. Corporate India has an opportunity to turn the tide by integrating proactive, preventive health initiatives into workplace wellness strategies.” The data suggest that long working hours, irregular eating habits, limited physical activity, and stress are key contributors to this trend. Easy access to processed foods and a lack of exercise are adding to the risk burden. The findings highlight the need for preventive healthcare over reactive treatment. Annual metabolic screenings from the age of 25, including BMI, cholesterol, and glucose checks, can help detect early warning signs. Regular screenings, supported by nutrition counselling, fitness programmes, and health coaching, can help individuals make lasting lifestyle changes. Building a healthy and resilient workforce is now more important than ever. Addressing metabolic syndrome early through regular screening, lifestyle modification, and preventive care can help protect India’s working-age population from long-term health and productivity losses. As lifestyle-related diseases appear at younger ages, organisations can play a vital role in promoting preventive care, encouraging active habits, and ensuring access to expert-led wellness support. Early action can help safeguard both employee wellbeing and workplace productivity.
05 November,2025 07:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA team of researchers from Japan has successfully treated spinal fractures in animal models using stem cells from fatty tissue. The team from the Osaka Metropolitan University used stem cells extracted from adipose -- the body’s fatty tissue -- to treat spine fractures in rats similar to those caused by osteoporosis in humans. These cells offer the advantages of being easy to collect, even from elderly individuals, and causing little stress to the body, suggesting a non-invasive way of treating bone diseases. Bone regeneration and strength were significantly improved in rats transplanted with the adipose tissue (ADSCs). The genes involved in bone formation and regeneration were also activated. The study was published in Bone and Joint Research. “This study has revealed the potential of bone differentiation spheroids using ADSCs for the development of new treatments for spinal fractures,” said Yuta Sawada, a student at the varsity's Graduate School of Medicine. “Since the cells are obtained from fat, there is little burden on the body, ensuring patient safety. This simple and effective method can treat even difficult fractures and may accelerate healing,” added Dr. Shinji Takahashi. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become brittle and prone to fractures. Among osteoporosis-related fractures, compression fractures of the spine -- known as osteoporotic vertebral fractures -- are the most common type of fracture and pose a serious problem, leading to a need for long-term care and a significant decline in quality of life. The team used stem cells, which are multipotent, meaning that they can be differentiated into many different cell types. They developed ADSCs into bone-differentiated spheroids -- three-dimensional spherical clusters -- and combined it with beta-tricalcium phosphate, a material widely used for bone reconstruction, to successfully treat rats with spinal fractures. “This technique is expected to become a new treatment that helps extend the healthy life of patients,” Takahashi 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.
05 November,2025 01:18 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSWhile obesity is a known risk factor for heart disease, a new study showed that the ratio of a person's waist measurement compared to their height is more reliable than body mass index (BMI) at predicting the risk. The finding, published in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas, could reshape how clinicians and the public assess cardiovascular risk, especially for people who don't meet the classic definition of obesity. "Higher BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio at baseline were all associated with higher risk of developing future cardiovascular disease -- until we adjusted for other classic risk factors, such as age, sex, smoking, exercise, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol," said lead author Thiago Bosco Mendes, from the University of Pittsburgh, US "When we did that, only waist-to-height ratio held as a predictor," Mendes said. Researchers analysed data from 2,721 adults who had no cardiovascular disease at baseline and were followed for more than five years. Much of that predictive power is concentrated among individuals with a BMI under 30, which is below the classic threshold for obesity, who may not realise they are at risk for cardiovascular disease. BMI doesn't account for fat distribution or distinguish between harmful, visceral fat and protective, subcutaneous fat. By contrast, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), calculated by dividing waist circumference by height, directly reflects central obesity, which is more closely linked to heart disease. That means that people with a BMI lower than 30, but a WHtR over 0.5, may be at higher risk of future coronary artery calcification, a key marker of cardiovascular disease, even in the absence of other risk factors, the study showed. "Using waist-to-height ratio as a cardiovascular screening tool could lead to earlier identification and intervention for at-risk patients who might otherwise be missed," said senior author Marcio Bittencourt, Associate Professor of Medicine at Pitt. "It's a simple and powerful way to spot heart disease risk early, even if a patient's weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure all seem normal," Bittencourt added. 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 November,2025 12:59 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSResearchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have studied hidden blood markers to find diabetes risk, paving the way for early detection and more personalised treatments. India is often called the diabetes capital of the world, with an estimated 101 million adults currently living with the condition and another 136 million at risk with prediabetes. Current tests like fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, capture only a fraction of the complex biochemical disruptions underlying the disease and cannot always predict who faces the greatest risk. The team from IIT Bombay used metabolomics -- the study of small molecules in the blood -- to find biochemical patterns that could help identify patients at risk of diabetes. Metabolites are tiny molecules present in the body that reflect the ongoing activity in cells. By analysing them, hidden shifts in body chemistry that precede clinical symptoms can be detected. “Type 2 diabetes is not just about high blood sugar. It disrupts amino acids, fats, and other pathways in the body. Standard tests often miss this hidden activity, which may often begin years before the onset of clinical symptoms,” said Sneha Rana, doctoral scholar from IIT B. For the study, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, the team collected whole blood samples from 52 volunteers at Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad between June 2021 and July 2022. The participants included 15 healthy controls, 23 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 14 patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Using two complementary techniques -- liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) -- the team scanned for nearly 300 metabolites. They found 26 metabolites that differed between diabetic patients and healthy controls. Some were expected, such as glucose, cholesterol, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (a short-term marker of blood sugar). But others, like valerobetaine, ribothymidine, and fructosyl-pyroglutamate, had not been linked to diabetes before. “This suggests that diabetes is a much broader metabolic disorder beyond just glucose dysregulation,” said Prof. Pramod Wangikar from the varsity. The team found that biochemical patterns could also help identify diabetic patients at risk of kidney complications. When comparing patients with kidney disease to the other groups, the team identified seven metabolites that steadily increased from healthy to diabetic kidney disease patients. These included sugar alcohols like arabitol and myo-inositol, as well as ribothymidine and a toxin-like compound called 2PY, which accumulates when the kidneys are damaged. 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 November,2025 12:59 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSDoctors in Chennai have successfully treated a 58-year-old woman suffering from severe kidney disease (on dialysis), liver problems, and advanced heart disease, using India’s first indigenously developed Mitral Clip device—MyClip. This marks a major milestone in making advanced cardiac care accessible and affordable in India. For three years, the patient struggled with severe breathlessness, swollen feet, and extreme fatigue, unable to carry out daily activities. She was diagnosed with severe Mitral Regurgitation (MR)—a heart valve condition where blood leaks backward in the heart, causing worsening symptoms and heart failure risk. Traditional treatment options like open-heart surgery or heart transplant were too risky and were not taken under consideration due to her age and other health problems. Medicines alone were not enough. A new hope with MyClipThanks to the “Make in India” initiative, Meril, an Indian medical technology company, recently launched the MyClip mitral valve repair device after receiving the Medical Certification Board’s regulatory approval. Previously, only imported devices were available, which were unaffordable for most Indians. Life-changing procedureProf. Dr Ajith Pillai, chief cardiologist & HOD at Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, performed the minimally invasive MyClip procedure. Without the need for open-heart surgery, the device was placed via a small tube through a blood vessel. The patient’s symptoms improved dramatically—she is now able to manage and enjoy her daily routine. Why this mattersAround 1.5 million Indians suffer from severe mitral regurgitation, many of whom are elderly and have complex health issues. In Tamil Nadu alone, thousands face similar challenges, with limited treatment options. Expert’s perspectiveDr Pillai commented, “Patients with severe mitral regurgitation are often at high surgical risk due to age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, frailty, or co-existing kidney, lung, and liver problems. If untreated, MR has devastating outcomes—more than 50 per cent may not survive, and one-year mortality can be as high as 57 per cent. For such patients, this non-surgical MyClip procedure offers a life-saving alternative.” The "Make in India" breakthroughUntil recently, only US-made mitral clips were available in India, but their high cost made them unaffordable for most patients. In June 2025, the Indian company Meril launched the indigenously developed MyClip after receiving regulatory approvals.
04 November,2025 07:58 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
