Doctors have extracted more than sixty live worms from a patient's eyes during an operation in China. The woman, whose identity has not been revealed, had been experiencing itchy eyes and one day, after rubbing them to relieve the tingling sensation, she was shocked to see that a parasite worm fell out. She was immediately rushed to a local hospital in Kunming, reports the Mirror. Upon examination, medics left shocked when they discovered that the space between her eyeballs and eyelids was crawling with worms. According to local media reports, doctors removed over forty live worms from her right eye and over ten from her left. In total, more than 60 parasites were taken from her eyes. Doctor Guan, who carried out the procedure, said the huge number of parasites made the patient a rare case. Doctors believed she was infected by roundworms, of the Filarioidea type. The infection is typically transmitted through fly bites, the report mentioned. However, the woman thinks she contracted it from dogs or cats, carrying the infectious larvae on their bodies. She believes she might have touched the animals and rubbed her eyes immediately afterwards. Moreover, the report noted that the doctors have asked the woman to return for frequent check-ups, as there might be residual larvae left behind. Doctors also advised her to always wash her hands immediately after touching pets. Meanwhile, a few roundworm species have been observed settling around the conjunctiva of the eye. They are more commonly found in Africa than in China. They can cause eye inflammation, but in some cases, they can cause blindness. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 December,2023 08:05 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSBlood clotting (thrombosis) in the capillary vessels of the lungs is one of the first consequences of severe Covid-19, even preceding the respiratory distress caused by diffuse alveolar damage, according to a study. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, described autopsies of nine patients who died after developing the severe form of the disease showed a clearly typified condition involving alterations to lung vascularisation and thrombosis. For the first time, the study describes sub-cellular aspects of the endothelial damage and associated thrombotic phenomena caused by the infection. It notes the impact of acute inflammation on lung microvascular circulation as the key factor in severe Covid-19, contributing to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. "This study furnished the final proof of what we'd been pointing out since the very start of the pandemic -- that severe Covid-19 is a thrombotic disease. The virus SARS-CoV-2 has tropism for (is attracted to) the endothelium, the layer of cells that lines blood vessels. When it invades endothelial cells, it first affects microvascular circulation," said pulmonologist Elnara Negri, Professor at the University of Sao Paulo's Medical School (FM-USP). "The problem starts in the capillaries of the lungs (the tiny blood vessels that surround the alveoli), followed by clotting in the larger vessels that can reach any other organ," Negri added. In the study, the researchers used transmission and scanning electron microscopy to observe the effects of the virus on lung endothelial cells from severe Covid patients who died. All nine samples obtained by minimally invasive autopsies displayed a high prevalence of thrombotic microangiopathy -- microscopic blood clots in small arteries and capillaries that can lead to organ damage and ischemic tissue injury. The samples came from patients who were hospitalised between March and May 2020, required intubation and intensive care, and died owing to refractory hypoxemia and acute respiratory failure. The researchers found that endothelial injury tended to precede two common processes in cases of respiratory distress: significant alveolar capillary membrane leakage, and intra-alveolar accumulation of fibrin (associated with blood clotting and wound healing). "In Covid-19, the clotting is due to endothelial injury and exacerbated by NETosis (an immune mechanism involving programmed cell death via formation of neutrophil extracellular traps or NETs), dysmorphic red blood cells and platelet activation, all of which makes the blood thicker and causes many complications," Negri said. When the blood is thick and highly thrombogenic, she added, the patient must be kept hydrated, whereas diffuse alveolar damage in acute respiratory distress syndromes due to other causes requires reduced hydration. "Also, the timing and rigorous control of anticoagulation are fundamental," she stressed. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 December,2023 07:59 AM IST | Sao Paulo | IANSResearchers have said that an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) drug could stop many coronavirus diseases, including the SARS-CoV-2 variants when given to infected cells at the right concentration. The researchers have previously shown that a booster drug called -- "cobicistat", which is normally used to reinforce the effect of anti-HIV drugs, could have antiviral properties against a SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating in Europe in early 2020. In the study, published in the journal Antiviral Research, the researchers investigated whether the anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties of cobicistat were maintained against the key variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, including Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). With a death rate of over 30 per cent, MERS-CoV circulates throughout the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia without a vaccine or specific treatment. The researchers also compared cobicistat's effects to those of ritonavir, a structurally similar molecule that is also one of the components of Paxlovid, the current gold standard for antiviral treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Using automated image analysis for screening and parallel comparison of the anti-coronavirus effects of cobicistat and ritonavir, the researchers discovered that cobicistat and ritonavir both act against all eight VOCs of SARS-CoV-2 tested as well as other human coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV. "Our study shows that the CYP3A inhibitors ritonavir and, to a higher extent, cobicistat can be repurposed as broadly effective anti-coronavirus agents at concentrations potentially achievable in vivo by adjusting currently approved dosing regimens," the researchers said. The findings suggested that cobicistat is more effective than ritonavir. Both drugs demonstrated anti-coronavirus activity in vitro at well-tolerated doses that were higher than those currently used for anti-HIV drug booster activity and in Paxlovid. Cobicistat and ritonavir both inhibited coronavirus replication when used at these higher doses, both alone and in combination with other drugs. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 December,2023 07:57 AM IST | San Francisco | IANSSARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19, can last in the lungs of certain individuals for up to 18 months after infection, finds a study. The study, published in the journal Nature Immunology, showed that Covid-19 virus’ persistence appears to be linked to a failure of innate immunity (the first line of defence against pathogens). One to two weeks after contracting Covid, the SARS-CoV-2 virus generally becomes undetectable in the upper respiratory tract. But, some viruses persist in the body in a discreet and undetectable manner after causing an infection. They remain in what are known as ‘viral reservoirs’, even though it remains undetectable in the upper respiratory tract or blood. This is the case for HIV, which remains latent in certain immune cells and can reactivate at any time. It could also be the case for the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes Covid-19, said the team from the Institut Pasteur, who first hypothesised the theory in 2021, and now confirmed it in a preclinical model of a non-human primate. "We observed that inflammation persisted for long periods in primates that had been infected by SARS-CoV-2. We therefore suspected that it could be due to the presence of the virus in the body," explains Michaela Muller-Trutwin, Head of the Institut Pasteur's HIV, Inflammation and Persistence Unit. To study the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the scientists analysed biological samples from animal models that had been infected by the virus. They found that the amount of persistent virus in the lungs was lower for the Omicron strain than for the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. "We were really surprised to find viruses in certain immune cells -- alveolar macrophages -- after such a long period and when regular PCR tests were negative," said Nicolas Huot, researcher in the Institut Pasteur's HIV, Inflammation and Persistence Unit. "What's more, we cultured these viruses and were able to observe, using the tools we developed to study HIV, that they were still capable of replicating." To understand the role of innate immunity in controlling these viral reservoirs, the scientists then turned their attention to NK (natural killer) cells. "The cellular response of innate immunity, which is the body's first line of defence, has been little studied in SARS-CoV-2 infections until now," said Muller-Trutwin. "Yet it has long been known that NK cells play an important role in controlling viral infections." The study shows that in some animals, macrophages infected with SARS-CoV-2 become resistant to destruction by NK cells. While in others, NK cells are able to adapt to infection (known as adaptive NK cells) and destroy resistant cells, in this case macrophages. Innate immunity therefore appears to play a role in the control of persistent SARS-CoV-2 viruses, 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.
10 December,2023 09:17 PM IST | London | IANSConsuming flaxseed can help manipulate the gut bacteria to lower the risk of breast cancer -- one of the most deadly cancers, researchers have demonstrated in a new study. In the study, published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum, flaxseed components called lignans were shown to influence the relationship between gut microorganisms and the expression of mammary gland microRNAs (miRNAs). A subset of these miRNAs regulates the genes involved in breast cancer, including genes that control cell proliferation and migration. "The gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role in modifying many components of our diet to impact human health," said Jennifer Auchtung, Assistant Professor in the Food Science and Technology Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "In this study, we found correlations between diets enriched in flaxseed, cecal microbiota composition and miRNA profiles in the mammary gland that regulate many pathways, including those involved in cancer development. This preliminary study supports further research into the role that the microbiota plays in dietary approaches to reduce risk factors associated with disease," she added. The researchers studied the effects of flaxseed lignans on the microbiota of young female mice. Lignans, fibre-associated compounds found in many foods and particularly plentiful in flaxseed, are associated with reduced breast cancer mortality in post-menopausal women. The researchers found that lignan components generate specific miRNA responses in the mammary gland. miRNAs are short, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by targeting the 3' untranslated region of target mRNAs. To determine whether the relationship between the microbiota and mammary gland miRNAs could be manipulated to reduce the risk of breast cancer, the researchers fed flaxseed lignan components to female mice to determine whether gut cecal microbiota profiles are related to miRNA expression in the mammary gland. The cecum, the first part of the colon, located in the right lower abdomen near the appendix, is believed to have a role in production of short-chain fatty acids and has been proposed to serve as a reservoir of anaerobic bacteria. One flaxseed oil lignan requires microbial processing to release bioactive metabolites, small-molecule chemicals produced during metabolism that influence physiology and disease -- in this case having antitumor effects. The researchers found that the microbiota and mammary gland miRNA are related and that flaxseed lignans modify the relationship to be non-cancer causing. "If these findings are confirmed, the microbiota becomes a new target to prevent breast cancer through dietary intervention," said Elena M. Comelli, Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 December,2023 08:38 PM IST | New York | IANSDuring the winter season, numerous people are grappled with the widespread problem of joint pain. This article aims to highlight the causes of this seasonal joint discomfort and provide guidance on how to manage it effectively. Joint pain is a prevalent issue as winter approaches, predominantly affecting the elderly, and linked to arthritis. Other causes can trigger joint and muscle discomfort during the colder months, impacting individuals of all ages. This discomfort could potentially hinder your daily activities. In the chilly winter months, muscles are prone to spasms, and joints often constrict and stiffen. Another contributing factor is a deficiency of vitamin D, which is common during this season due to limited exposure to sunlight. This lack of sunlight results in insufficient production of vitamin D in the body, which can lead to muscle and joint pain. If you suddenly find yourself in extremely cold temperatures, your joints may be directly impacted due to the disruption of blood circulation in the tissues around the joint. The fall in the temperature and barometric pressure can negatively impact your joints. Such changes can cause the cartilage and lining membrane to swell, increase the sensitivity of pain receptors in the joints, tighten ligaments and muscles, reduce joint activity due to decreased movement, and disrupt the flow of nourishing fluid within the joint. These factors contribute to a heightened likelihood of experiencing joint discomfort, stiffness, and limited movement, particularly after periods of rest such as waking up in the morning. Tips to tackle joint pain in winter Maintain a consistent exercise routine: Pain, stiffness or soreness shouldn't deter you from maintaining your fitness regime during winter. Your joints will benefit from regular low-impact activities. Try to do stretching at home, gymming, yoga or even walking at least 5 days a week for 45 minutes. Maintain an optimum weight to keep joint pay at bay. Ensure you stay warm: Try to layer yourself to prevent body pain. It is a good idea to use a heating pad when required as suggested by the doctor. Incorporate more Omega-3 in your diet: Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce joint inflammation and prevent stiffness, especially when consumed regularly. To ease joint discomfort during the colder months, include Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds and avocados in your meals. A well-rounded diet consisting of lean proteins, high fiber content, refined carbohydrates, and low saturated fats can promote better bodily functions during winter. Hydrating throughout the day can alleviate winter-related discomforts while consuming easily digestible foods like vegetables is essential. Eating vegetables such as cucumbers and carrots can facilitate waste elimination from the body. Massages are also beneficial in pain management: Some of the pain originates from joints, while other parts come from surrounding muscles. So, take massages after consulting the doctor. Hydration is key: And it becomes even more critical during winter. People often remember to drink more water during warm sunny weather, but neglect hydration in winter which leads to dehydration-induced fatigue and aches due to dry air conditions. Aim for at least 12 glasses of water daily. (Dr Nitish Arora, Consultant Trauma, Limb Reconstruction, Deformity Correction & Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai)
10 December,2023 06:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Globally, pelvic floor dysfunction remains one of the largest unaddressed issues in women’s healthcare. According to a report by Indian Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction in postpartum women was 20.7 per cent, out of which urinary incontinence was 10.6 per cent. The study conducted by Dr Mili Rohilla and Dr Shakun Tyagi highlights that one out of five women undergo pelvic issues post-delivery, underscoring the need to address women’s pelvic health. In response to this, Kegel exercises have emerged as an essential tool to combat pelvic issues that include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and other related conditions.With factors like pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, constipation, ageing and lifestyle disorders – the pelvic muscles undergo strain and turn weaker over time. Kegels provide a proactive and non-invasive solution to these myriad problems not just for women but men as well. To put it simply, Kegel refers to clench-and-release exercises meant to strengthen pelvic muscles. They play a crucial role in firming up the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. But, here’s a catch! Yasmin Karachiwala – A Mumbai-based celebrity fitness trainer emphasises that you cannot overdo Kegels as it may lead to more damage than good. “The trick is to put enough pressure to contract and expand the muscles and not contract them too tight!” Who can benefit from Kegels?1. Those who experience slight urine leakage during activities such as sneezing, laughing or coughing (stress incontinence).2. People who encounter a strong, sudden urge to urinate just before releasing a significant amount of urine (urinary urge incontinence).3. Anyone suffering from stool leakage (faecal incontinence). Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises has been shown to effectively alleviate and prevent pelvic health issues, affirms Spoorthi S., a fitness expert from cult.fit. As more women become cognizant of the importance of pelvic floor health, the practice of Kegel exercises is becoming increasingly relevant given their sedentary ways of lifestyles. What’s good is that Kegels can be practiced anywhere, at any moment. Locating the pelvic floor muscles for KegelsFor womenSpoorthi shares that nailing Kegels means finding your pelvic floor muscles and working them the right way. One method to locate these muscles for women involves gently inserting a clean finger into the vaginal canal and engaging the vaginal muscles around the finger.Another approach is to identify the muscles by attempting to interrupt the flow of urine midstream. The muscles involved in this action constitute the pelvic floor muscles. “Familiarise yourself with the sensation of these muscles contracting and relaxing,” remarks Spoorthi.However, it's important to note that this method should be used solely for instructional purposes. It is not advisable to frequently interrupt urination or regularly perform Kegel exercises with a full bladder, as incomplete bladder emptying may increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).If uncertainty persists about whether the correct muscles have been located, consulting with a gynaecologist is recommended. They may suggest the use of a vaginal cone, an object inserted into the vagina, relying on pelvic floor muscles to maintain its position.Another valuable technique for identifying and isolating pelvic floor muscles is biofeedback training. During this process, a medical professional will either insert a small probe into the vagina or place adhesive electrodes on the external area of the vagina or anus. Participants are then prompted to perform a Kegel, with a monitor displaying whether the correct muscles were engaged and the duration of the contraction.For menMen often encounter similar challenges in pinpointing the correct set of pelvic floor muscles. To locate them, one technique involves attempting to contract the muscles in the rectum — ensuring that the muscles of the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs remain relaxed.Another effective method is to engage the muscles responsible for preventing the release of gas. If difficulties persist, practising the interruption of urine flow can be helpful. Like with women, this proves to be a reliable method for identifying pelvic floor muscles, but it is advised not to make it a regular practice.For men struggling to locate these muscles independently, biofeedback is a beneficial option. Seeking guidance from a doctor may also be worthwhile if self-identification proves challenging.Step-by-step guide to performing Kegel exercisesEngage in contraction exercises by following these steps:Choose your positionBegin by lying on your back to familiarise yourself with contracting the pelvic floor muscles. Once comfortable, practice the exercises while sitting and standing.Contract and relaxContract your pelvic floor muscles for 3 to 5 seconds, then relax for an equal duration. Repeat this contract/relax cycle 10 times. Ensure that other muscles, such as the abdomen, legs, or buttocks, remain relaxed. Detect any unwanted abdominal action by gently placing a hand on your belly.Extend the timeGradually increase the duration of both contractions and relaxations. Progress to 10-second cycles, focusing on controlled and deliberate movements.Aim highStrive to incorporate at least 30 to 40 Kegel exercises into your daily routine. Distribute them throughout the day rather than performing them all at once. These inconspicuous exercises can be seamlessly integrated into moments like waiting at a stoplight, riding an elevator or standing in a grocery line.DiversifyEnhance your routine by incorporating short, 2 to 3 second contractions and releases, often referred to as "quick flicks." This variation adds diversity to your pelvic floor muscle training.Safety tips:1. If you experience discomfort in your abdomen or back following a Kegel exercise session, it indicates incorrect execution. Always ensure that, even while contracting your pelvic floor muscles, the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and sides stay relaxed.2. Ensure to release tension in your pelvic floor muscles between each Kegel contraction. This interval is integral to the routine, and skipping it is crucial to prevent injury. 3. Keep the muscles in your stomach, back, thighs and buttocks relaxed during Kegel exercises, concentrating solely on your pelvic floor. 4. Maintain normal breathing and refrain from holding your breath during Kegels. 5. Avoid practising Kegel exercises while urinating, as this can potentially weaken the pelvic floor and pose risks to your kidneys and bladder.6. Avoid excessive strain during Kegel exercises. Overworking the muscles may lead to fatigue, rendering them incapable of performing their essential functions
10 December,2023 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviMaternal inflammation during pregnancy may be associated with anxiety and depression, and aggression in children, according to a study. While inflammation is a normal bodily response to injury or infection, the team wanted to learn whether factors linked to inflammation during pregnancy might be associated with dysregulation in children. “Dysregulation” in this context refers to children's attention, anxiety and depression, and aggression being measurably different from what is typically expected at their age. More youth with dysregulation (35 per cent) were born to mothers with prenatal infections compared with 28 per cent of youth without dysregulation. Other maternal factors studied, including being overweight before pregnancy, attaining less education, and smoking during pregnancy, were associated with higher likelihoods of childhood dysregulation. Children and adolescents who had a parent or sibling with a mental health disorder were also more likely to experience dysregulation. “Addressing factors and treating conditions associated with behaviour challenges may help improve outcomes for these children,” said Jean Frazier, of the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. The study also found that boys were more often affected than girls. Researchers used the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) to measure aggressive behaviour, anxiety/depression, and attention problems in children. Approximately 13.4 per cent of children and adolescents in the study met the criteria for the CBCL Dysregulation Profile. This study included 4,595 participants (ages 6-18 years) across the 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.
09 December,2023 08:58 PM IST | New York | IANS
Sleeping naked is not just a personal choice, but actually a promoter of good health. Although some may shy away, even in solitude, others eagerly embrace the opportunity. Aniruddha Gangar (24) (name changed for privacy reasons) a Goregaon resident and photographer by profession calls the experience of sleeping naked ‘heavenly’. “The kind of sound sleep I get when sleeping naked is incomparable. It’s the best way to relax, especially after a stressful day at work.” Gangar, originally from Goa, recently shifted to Mumbai and stays with one of his relatives. He shares that due to space constraints and lack of privacy in a city like Mumbai, he waits to be left alone at home for days. Although Gangar loves to sleep naked when alone, he adds, “I usually prefer to sleep without any clothes on during summers, but I try to avoid doing the same during monsoons and especially winters.” He says it makes him more vulnerable to catching cold. For Borivali resident Reema Gunjal (26) (name changed for privacy reasons), a user experience designer, sleeping naked is a new experience. Although she admits to it being relaxing, one that she would like to do quite often, she says, “It is still a bit embarrassing, being a woman, even if I am alone in the room.” “Feeling shy is so deeply ingrained in women” adds Gunjal, “that most of the time I wake up in the middle of the night only to put my clothes on and go back to sleep.” Speaking about the positive impacts, Gunjal says, “On nights that I sleep naked, I wake up feeling rested and fresh the other day.” Feeling relaxed is not the only health benefit sleeping naked offers. Mid-day Online spoke to Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, to explore the various health benefits of this practice. Sexual and reproductive health Sleeping naked is beneficial for sexual as well as reproductive health. It enables the body to breathe freely, preventing excessive sweating and creating a more comfortable sleeping environment. In terms of sexual health, cooler temperatures near the genital area can improve sperm production in men and allow to maintain proper vaginal pH in women. Sleeping naked can contribute to an improved self-image and body acceptance. By embracing our natural state without constraints or coverings, one can get more comfortable with their body and less self-conscious, thereby boosting self-esteem. Benefits for women and men Sleeping naked allows the body to manage its temperature. Women often experience fluctuations in body temperature throughout their menstrual cycles. During this time, sleeping without clothing can help maintain an optimal temperature by promoting air circulation. Additionally, sleeping naked can also improve vaginal health. Wearing tight underwear or pyjamas can lead to a warm and moist environment, which may lead to the overgrowth of bacteria or yeast infections. By allowing the genitals to breathe freely during sleep, women can cut down the risk of such vaginal infections. Speaking on the health benefits of sleeping naked for men, Siddhartha adds that a significant number of men prefer sleeping naked due to the feeling of freedom that comes from shedding clothing before hitting the sheets. By sleeping in their natural state, without any fabric constraints, men feel more connected to their bodies and enter a total state of comfort which can ultimately lead to better sleep quality. Moreover, sleeping naked allows for improved air circulation around the body, keeping temperatures cooler throughout the night. Added benefits for couples Sleeping skin-to-skin enhances intimacy and strengthens the emotional bond between partners. The physical contact that comes with being naked in bed releases oxytocin, often referred to as the love hormone, which promotes feelings of closeness and trust. This intimate connection can help couples feel more connected during sleep, leading to overall improved relationship satisfaction. When we sleep, our body temperature naturally decreases to promote restfulness. Wearing pyjamas can disrupt this process by trapping heat in our bodies and causing discomfort or even night sweats. Sleeping naked ensures that neither partner is overheated or restricted, resulting in more peaceful nights of slumber. Further, Siddhartha says, “Sleeping naked in the same bed can lead to couples embracing their own bodies as well as their partner's without any kind of judgment or inhibition.” Tips to get comfortable sleeping naked Although majority of men do feel comfortable sleeping naked, most women don’t. According to Siddhartha, for most women in India, young too, it is hard to sleep naked even when alone due to societal constraints and cultural norms. “Women thus avoid sleeping without clothes altogether.” If you wish to sleep naked but are too shy to do so, Siddhartha suggests some easy tips 1. Use blinds or curtains that provide complete darkness. This will help reduce any apprehension about potential observers. 2. Invest in high-quality bedding made from breathable materials like cotton or bamboo to enhance comfort while staying cool throughout the night. 3. Remember that your personal comfort should take precedence over societal expectations. For those who just can’t get themselves to sleep naked, Siddhartha says, “It is totally okay.” She also suggests a few alternatives that can offer similar benefits that sleeping naked does. 1. Opt for loose-fitting and breathable materials that allow for air circulation. Natural fabrics like cotton are ideal choices as they provide a comfortable temperature throughout the night. 2. Avoid tight elastic bands or constrictive outfits. They help promote better blood flow, preventing discomfort or restless sleep. One can choose cotton pants or t-shirts, co-ords, nightwear or gowns. 3. Use fabrics that are skin-friendly. Remember, finding appropriate clothing for sleep is all about personal comfort and preference. 4. Keep in mind that the goal is to create an environment conducive to relaxation that helps to get a sound sleep at night. Hygiene precautions When it comes to sleeping naked, there are a few safety measures and hygiene factors that should be followed by everyone. It is important to ensure that the room temperature is conducive to sleeping without clothes. The body needs to stay within a certain temperature range for optimal sleep. If it's too cold or too hot, this can disrupt your rest. One must also maintain complete cleanliness when it comes to bedding. Sleeping naked involves direct skin contact with your sheets and pillowcases, so it’s crucial to keep them clean. Sweat and bacteria present on the fabric promote the growth of allergens and irritants that could cause discomfort or skin issues. Wash and change your bedding from time to time to prevent any dust allergies and rashes.
09 December,2023 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Aakanksha AhireDid you know, that a large number of people require intestinal transplants? The intestines may fail to sufficiently process and absorb food, thus failing to meet the body's nutritional needs. This condition is known as intestinal failure. Dr Gaurav Chaubal, Director of Liver, Pancreas, Intestine Transplant Program and HPB Surgery, Global Hospitals, Parel sheds light on the importance of small intestine transplants. A surgical procedure, the small bowel transplant, involves transferring small intestines from a living or deceased donor to a recipient. This transplant might be necessary for individuals with certain congenital conditions. In children, these conditions include necrotising enterocolitis, malabsorption syndromes, and motility disorders. On the other hand, adults might need this procedure due to mesenteric ischemia, volvulus, or invasive mesenteric tumours. These patients typically experience malnutrition and progressive weight loss. To manage these symptoms, they often need artificial nutrition which is costly and can lead to severe complications such as potentially fatal infections. Types of intestinal transplant For patients suffering from intestinal failure, the preferred method of treatment is an intestinal transplant. This involves the surgical removal of the unhealthy section of the small intestine and replacing it with a healthy one from a donor. In cases where the disease is confined only to the small intestine without any liver failure, this procedure can be a vital lifeline for patients whose condition has become critical due to irreversible intestinal failure. On the other hand, when both liver and intestines fail, combined liver and intestine transplantation is performed. Here, both diseased organs are surgically removed and replaced with healthy ones from a donor. The primary reason for liver failure in these instances is complications arising from intravenous nutrition or TPN. Without undergoing transplantation, patients suffering from both intestinal and liver failures while continuing on TPN are generally expected to survive between 6 to 12 months. When two or more internal abdominal organs, including the intestines, are failing, a multivisceral transplantation is carried out. The procedure might involve transplanting organs such as the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, intestine, and liver. This intricate operation can be lifesaving for individuals suffering from combined abdominal organ failure due to diseases like Gardner's syndrome (familial colorectal polyposis), a precancerous colorectal disorder, and intestinal pseudo-obstruction (a reduced capacity of the intestines to move food along). The recuperation period post-transplant typically spans two to three weeks. Following the transplant, patients can resume normal life activities and dietary habits. A successful outcome is achieved in seventy-five per cent of patients who can eventually stop relying on artificial nutrition. Types of tests done before the transplantBlood group and HLA typing. Laboratory tests: Automated blood count (CBC), hepatic and renal function tests, coagulation profile. Serologic tests: CMV, EBV, HIV, as well as hepatitis A, B, and C Radiographic evaluation of the entire gastrointestinal tract to determine actual bowel length and function (transit time) Duplex Doppler sonography of the intraabdominal vascular system (abdominal aorta, superior mesenteric artery, portal vein, superior mesenteric vein). Conventional angiography is not routinely done and is only required for selected patients. Liver biopsy (only for patients with clinical evidence for total parenteral nutrition-induced liver dysfunction to assess the need for a simultaneous liver transplant) Assessment for the presence of infectious foci (including dental and ENT consults) Additional organ system-specific investigations as dictated by pathology results of the aforementioned evaluation process (e.g., coronary angiography, pulmonary function tests, creatinine clearance). Screening before transplantation is a process that both donors and recipients must go through. The purpose of this screening is to confirm the organ's suitability for transplantation by ensuring it is healthy. Additionally, it checks if the recipient has any medical issues that would prevent them from undergoing a transplant. The transplant procedureThe transplantation of the small intestine can occur independently or in conjunction with other organs such as the liver, stomach, or pancreas. This surgical process can be quite intricate. The procedure involves a surgeon extracting the unhealthy portion of the recipient's small intestine and substituting it with a healthy segment from a donor. The blood vessels of both parties are then interconnected, and the donor's intestinal piece is linked to the recipient's digestive system. A section of the transplanted intestine is attached to an ileostomy which is an opening leading from the abdominal wall to the skin. This allows for the assessment of transplant functionality and the detection of potential issues. Over time, this opening may typically be sealed up. As long as this ileostomy exists, bodily waste is expelled through it into a pouch. Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.
09 December,2023 06:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMore than a third of women worldwide are likely to experience a long-term health problem such as depression, low back pain, among others, caused by childbirth, according to a new study published on Friday in The Lancet Global Health. The study shows a high burden of postnatal conditions that persist in the months or even years after giving birth, affecting about 40 million women each year. These include pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), affecting more than a third (35 per cent) of postpartum women, low back pain (32 per cent), anal incontinence (19 per cent), urinary incontinence (8 per cent-31 per cent), anxiety (9 per cent-24 per cent), depression (11 per cent-17 per cent), perineal pain (11 per cent), fear of childbirth (tokophobia) (6 per cent-15 per cent), and secondary infertility (11 per cent). "Many postpartum conditions cause considerable suffering in women's daily life long after birth, both emotionally and physically, and yet they are largely underappreciated, underrecognised, and underreported," said Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO. "Throughout their lives, and beyond motherhood, women need access to a range of services from health-care providers who listen to their concerns and meet their needs -- so they not only survive childbirth but can enjoy good health and quality of life," Dr. Allotey said. The study, based on a literature review spanning the last 12 years, showed that there are no recent high-quality guidelines to support effective treatment for 40 per cent of the 32 priority conditions analysed. The team called for greater attention to the long-term health of women and girls -- after and also before pregnancy. The researchers call for greater recognition within the health care system of the common problems, many of which occur beyond the point where women typically have access to postnatal services. Effective care throughout pregnancy and childbirth is also a critical preventive factor, they argued, to detect risks and avert complications that can lead to lasting health issues after birth. 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,2023 12:15 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
