The act of donating blood is simple, safe, and can make a huge impact on the needy ones, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Blood Donor Day on Saturday. World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on 14 June every year, serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. Nadda urged people to fight myths and misinformation related to blood donation and to donate blood. “World Blood Donor Day brings us together to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood. It saves millions of lives worldwide by supporting those who need it most. Yet, many people hesitate due to misinformation and fear,” Nadda said, in a post on social media platform X. World Blood Donor Day brings us together to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood. It saves millions of lives worldwide by supporting those who need it most. Yet, many people hesitate due to misinformation and fear. Let’s use this day to break the myths and… pic.twitter.com/VZDMCpAHUl — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 14, 2025 “Let’s use this day to break the myths and encourage more people to donate. This year's theme, 'Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives,' reminds us that blood donation is simple, safe, and can make a huge impact,” he added. The Union Minister urged people to "unite for this social cause and be part of something truly life-changing". “On this #WorldBloodDonorDay, let’s salute the selfless heroes whose noble act gives others a second chance at life. One donation can make all the difference. Donate blood, be the reason someone lives,” added Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, on X. The Health Ministry also encouraged people to come out and donate blood. In a post on X, the ministry explained that people between the age of 18 and 65 years old, weighing at least 45 kg and having a haemoglobin level above 12.5 g/dL can safely donate blood. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system. It was first organised in 2004, by the World Health Organization (WHO). 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 June,2025 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSMaternal exposure to pollution, particularly during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, can affect specific brain structures of unborn babies in the womb, according to a study. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, showed that the changes were linked to brain imbalances, loss of motor coordination, and slow development. "During mid to late gestation, the foetal brain enters a key phase of its development, making it particularly vulnerable to external factors such as pollution," Payam Dadvand, a researcher at Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) in Spain. "As clinicians, we are now seeing compelling evidence that even in pregnancies that appear healthy by all conventional measures, factors such as air pollution can subtly affect foetal brain development," added Elisa Llurba and Lola Gómez-Roig, clinicians at the Hospital de Sant Pau and BCNatal-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, respectively. For the study, the researchers analysed data collected between 2018 and 2021 from 754 mother-foetus pairs. A specialised ultrasound that allows the analysis of foetal brain shape and structures -- transvaginal neurosonography -- during the third trimester showed that prenatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM2.5), and black carbon led to an increase in the volume of various brain cavities that contain cerebrospinal fluid. Specifically, direct associations were identified between exposure to these pollutants and increased volume of the lateral ventricles, located in each brain hemisphere, as well as an enlargement of the cisterna magna, a cavity located at the lower part of the brain. An increase in the width of the cerebellar vermis -- the central part of the cerebellum, essential for balance and motor coordination -- was also detected. The results also suggested less maturation of the brain. "The point is that these differences, although small at the individual level, are indeed relevant from a population perspective, as they inform us about how pollution affects the foetal brain and its vulnerability to environmental exposures," said Laura Gómez-Herrera, ISGlobal researcher. The researchers emphasised the need for further studies to confirm the findings and stressed the need for increased awareness and education, both within the health community and across society. 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 June,2025 09:49 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe way one breathes could possibly serve as their "nasal fingerprints", researchers said after their study could identify individuals based solely on their breathing patterns with a nearly 97 per cent accuracy. "You would think that breathing has been measured and analysed in every way. Yet we stumbled upon a completely new way to look at respiration. We consider this as a brain readout," said author Noam Sobel of Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science. The findings of the study, published in the journal Current Biology, also showed that one's "respiratory fingerprints" correlated with their body mass index, sleep-wake cycle, levels of depression and anxiety, and even behavioral traits. Therefore, breathing patterns could offer a window into their physical and mental health, the authors said. They explained that study idea birthed from the knowledge that the brain processes an odour while inhaling -- which made the team wonder 'since every brain is unique, wouldn't each person's breathing pattern reflect that?'. For the study, nearly 100 healthy young adults were fitted with a lightweight wearable device -- that the researchers developed -- and asked them to go about their daily lives. Using soft tubes placed under the participants' nostrils, the device tracked nasal airflow continuously for 24 hours. "We found that we could identify members of a 97-participant cohort at a remarkable 96.8 per cent accuracy from nasal airflow patterns alone," the authors wrote. "In other words, humans have individual nasal airflow fingerprints," they wrote. The high levels of accuracy remained consistent across tests conducted over a two-year period -- a performance that was comparable to voice recognition technologies, the researchers said. "I thought it would be really hard to identify someone because everyone is doing different things, like running, studying, or resting. But it turns out their breathing patterns were remarkably distinct," said author Timna Soroka of the Weizmann Institute of Science. Further, these respiratory fingerprints were related with a person's "physiological states, such as levels of arousal and body-mass index, and cognitive traits, such as levels of anxiety, levels of depression and behavioural tendencies". For example, the participants scoring high on anxiety measurements were found to have shorter inhales and varied more in the pauses between breaths while sleeping. While none of the participants met the clinical criteria for diagnosis of mental of behavioural conditions, the study results suggest that a long-term monitoring of nasal airflows could offer insights into physical and emotional well-being, Soroka said. "We intuitively assume that how depressed or anxious you are changes the way you breathe. But it might be the other way around. Perhaps the way you breathe makes you anxious or depressed. If that's true, we might be able to change the way you breathe to change those conditions," Sobel said. Breathing exercises, such as deep breathing, aimed at combating stress and calming the nervous system focus on manipulating one's breath patterns. 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 June,2025 06:41 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWhile children are largely thought to be less susceptible to Covid-19's serious effects on the lungs, a global study has indicated that in children suffering from severe infection with SARS-COV-2 virus, the health risks may go beyond the acute viral infection and can harm the heart. Scientists from Harvard University (US) and Murdoch University (Australia) analysed blood samples from 147 children across different Covid. Their study identified significant metabolic disruptions that affect how the body processes fats (triglycerides and cholesterol) critical to healthy heart structure. "This research challenges the widespread assumption that children are largely unaffected by Covid-19 based on the relatively mild respiratory effects,” said lead researcher Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Director of The Australian National Phenome Centre. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the team measured 1,101 metabolites. The findings, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, showed that children with Covid and related MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children) had major shifts in blood metabolic patterns, some of which include shifts in cardiovascular disease risk markers. MIS-C affects multiple organ systems and may cause considerable cardiac damage, including myocardial and vascular changes. The similarities were found between the molecular signatures of MIS-C and Covid in children, with the MIS-C patients being more severely affected. "A minority of children experience a more severe immunologically driven form of the disease (MIS-C) that is associated with longer-term gastrointestinal effects and cardiovascular disease," said Nicholson. Despite milder clinical respiratory symptoms, children’s metabolic disturbances mirrored those seen in severe adult Covid patients, indicating a shared inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2, suggesting potential long-term health impacts. “We now need to do more research into the possible longer-term effects of Covid-19 in children” added Professor Julien Wist from the varsity. 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 June,2025 05:59 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSBlood transfusion is the cornerstone of effective healthcare and emergency responses, said Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia on Friday, ahead of the World Blood Donor Day. World Blood Donor Day is marked annually on June 14. This year the theme is “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.” The day honours the silent heroes among us -- voluntary, unpaid blood donors -- whose simple yet powerful act of donating their blood saves countless lives each day. Wazed noted that to build resilient national health systems it is essential to have the critical and continuous need for safe blood and blood products. Yet many people, especially in low- and middle-income countries, do not have access to safe and timely transfusion services. “Blood transfusion is a cornerstone of effective healthcare and emergency response. From mothers experiencing complications during childbirth, to children suffering from severe anaemia to patients undergoing surgery or living with chronic blood disorders like thalassemia, haemophilia, and sickle-cell disease -- blood saves lives,” said the Regional Director. “In crisis situations, such as natural disasters or conflict, timely access to safe blood is often the difference between life and death,” she added. Wazed said that strong national systems and a stable base of voluntary, unpaid donors who are willing to give blood regularly are key to achieving universal access to safe blood. Meanwhile, the Regional Director noted that all countries in the WHO South-East Asia have developed national blood policies aligned with the global health body’s recommendations on blood safety. These policies advocate for nationally coordinated blood transfusion services based on 100 per cent voluntary non-remunerated blood donations (VNRD), and adherence to national or internationally recognised blood standards. “Currently, nearly 50 per cent of our Member States have achieved close to 100 per cent VNRD coverage, contributing significantly to the blood supply required for national health systems. Across our region, approximately 82 per cent of all donated blood is sourced from voluntary, unpaid donors, reflecting strong community engagement and donor motivation,” Wazed said. Further, Wazed stated that all blood collected in the SE region is screened for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and tested for the necessary serological parameters. She urged all governments, health authorities to renew support for national blood transfusion programmes. “On World Blood Donor Day 2025, let us remember that each blood donation is not just a medical act -- it is an act of compassion, commitment, and hope. It is a lifeline to someone, somewhere, who may never meet their donor, but whose life was touched forever,” Wazed 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 June,2025 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWomen are at a higher risk of hip fractures when compared to men. This increased risk is largely attributed to hormonal shifts and lower bone density in women. The sudden drop in estrogen after menopause leads to bone loss, weakening the structure of bones and making them more prone to breaks and fractures. Hence, women above 50 need to understand their risk and take early precautions to maintain bone health. Dr Aashish Arbat, orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon at Jehangir Multispeciality Hospitals in Pune has observed that in the last two months, about two to three women aged above 55 have undergone hip replacement surgery. He highlights that approximately 20 per cent of post-menopausal women are at risk of hip fractures. Shedding light, Dr Arbat explains, "A hip fracture is often caused by a fall or minor trauma in weakened bones. The hip joint consists of the upper part of the femur (thigh bone), and when this breaks, it takes a toll on one’s mobility. Hence, one will be unable to do the daily activities with ease. The symptoms include sudden pain in the hip or groin, inability to bear weight on the leg, stiffness, bruising, and visible shortening or rotation of the leg. The complications can be immobility, infections, blood clots, and in some cases, permanent disability or loss of independence. Hip fractures are commonly seen in postmenopausal women due to low estrogen levels, which play a vital role in maintaining bone strength. Estrogen drop leads to weaker bones. Women naturally have lower bone density than men, making their bones more fragile and prone to fractures as they age.” Dr Arbat added, “So, the treatment involves surgery, followed by rehabilitation, physiotherapy. Currently, the advanced SuperPATH technique offers a novel, minimally invasive way for total hip replacement. It uses a smaller incision and causes less damage to muscles and tissues, which means faster recovery, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay for patients. This method helps reduce the chances of common post-surgery issues like hip dislocations and infections. Preserving muscles and tendons, the technique allows for more natural joint movement and helps in accurate implant placement, which improves long-term results. Patients often recover quickly, with no major movement restrictions, and can return to normal activities, including walking independently and sitting cross-legged, soon after surgery. Thanks to its safety and effectiveness, this technique has helped us successfully treat more patients while ensuring comfort and high satisfaction.” However, prevention remains the best approach. “Maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and getting bone density tests as one ages are important steps. For postmenopausal women, doctors may also consider prescribing bone-strengthening medications. Also, home safety measures to prevent falls like installing handrails and using proper lighting can go a long way in avoiding such injuries and improving the quality of life,” Dr Arbat shares. Dr Alok Pandey, consultant - knee & hip surgeon, Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai added, "Post-menopausal women tend to have hormonal imbalances and lower levels of estrogen are linked to Osteoporosis. The best treatment for it is prevention. Taking vital measures such as routine intake of calcium postmenopausal women, and regular strength training exercises irrespective of age or gender. Vitamin D3 is a Hormone that helps in calcium transportation from blood to bone whose deficiency can lead to deranged calcium metabolism leading to Osteoporosis. Treatment usually starts with a bone-mineral density score report. If the BMD score is very low, the patient will need injectable drug therapy which is commonly available now like Teriparatide or Denusumab for the management of Osteoporosis. Moderate disease will need continued intake of Calcium with D3 and exercises. Mild disease will respond to physiotherapy only." The patients, he says, will need surgical intervention if the bone is fractured as the majority of hip fractures need. The surgeon will decide the best option available for different types of hip fractures. Wise, wrist, and spine fractures need fixation surgeries depending on the severity of the collapse. Those with Osteoporosis must be proactive regarding their well-being and adhere to the instructions given by the surgeon.
13 June,2025 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMost of us have grown up disliking bitter gourd, popular known as karela, but come monsoon season, Mumbai health experts say it is important to consume the vegetable we dislike so much for more than one reason. Jinal Patel, dietitian, Zynova Shalby Hospital, explains, "During the monsoon, it's essential to eat light, easily digestible vegetables. Try bitter gourd (karela) and bottle gourd (lauki) as they aid in digestion and immunity. Tinda (apple gourd), turai (ridge gourd), and parwal (pointed gourd) are water-rich and easy on the stomach. Always wash vegetables thoroughly and cook them well to avoid infections common during those rainy days." While it is difficult to include them in your every day meals, the health experts say there is more than one way to include it in common dishes. With the monsoon season underway, mid-day spoke to Patel and Suvarna Sawant, chief dietitian & HoD, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital about the benefits of eating gourd during the rainy season. They not only highlight the different gourds that are beneficial during the season, but also highlight the importance of eating gourds for health benefits. What are the different vegetables that people can eat during monsoon?Sawant: During the monsoon, we should prefer vegetables that are seasonally available and help in digestion. Among these, gourds—including bottle gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd, ash gourd, and particularly bitter gourd—are commonly used across all regions. Gourds typically have high water content, low in calories, and easy to digest, making them suitable for a highly humid, monsoon season. What are the benefits of eating gourds during monsoonPatel: Gourds like bottle gourd, ridge gourd, and bitter gourd when cooked not to be consumed raw due to toxins are light, easy to digest, and help prevent digestive issues that are a common occurrence during the rainy season. They are rich in water and fiber, keep the body hydrated, and help regulate bowel movements. Their detoxifying properties support immunity and reduce the chances of infections. What are the benefits of bitter gourd?Patel: It has antioxidant and antidiabetic properties and helps with blood purification. It is also packed with polyphenols and lowers the inflammation in the body. It promotes liver health, boosts immunity. It also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, zinc, and potassium, and can help to maintain stronger bones. Bitter gourd is rich in water content and keeps you hydrated. Sawant: Bitter gourd is rich source of vitamin C, folic acid, beta-carotene and contains vital minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and iron. Among all gourds, bitter gourd is the most efficient for immune support and antioxidant activity. While bottle gourd or ridge gourd are milder and more hydrating, bitter gourd offers targeted benefits, especially for blood sugar management and liver health. Is there any difference in the benefits as compared to other gourds?Patel: According to various studies, bitter gourd has many health benefits. It is especially known for regulating blood sugar levels, making it a good option for those with diabetes. While other gourds mainly aid digestion and hydration, bitter gourd also has strong anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties because of the presence of antioxidants. However, eat it in the quantity recommended by the doctor only. Sawant: Bitter gourd can also pose risks if consumed excessively or without proper care. Eating it raw may lead to gastrointestinal issues, including cramps or diarrhea, and in rare cases, even hypoglycemia in individuals already on blood sugar medication. Pregnant women and people with glucose regulation issues should consult their dieticians before consuming bitter gourd. Ideally, consume it in moderate, cooked forms only. Lastly, what are the dishes that people can make with bitter gourd to make it interesting?Patel: Healthy dishes with bitter gourd include stuffed karela with onions, karela stir-fry with lentils, or bitter gourd chips baked or air-fried can be a good snack option. You can also make a light bitter gourd soup. Try to seek the help of an expert who will guide you on how to incorporate it into your daily diet. Sawant: To make bitter gourd more palatable during monsoons, it can be stir-fried with onions and jaggery to balance its bitterness, or stuffed with a spiced lentil filling and shallow fried. In some regions, thin slices of the bitter gourd are air-fried or baked till crisp and consumed as chips. For a healthier twist, bitter gourd juice blended with apple or cucumber can be a good detox drink.
12 June,2025 08:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoA team of US scientists has discovered a specific group of brain cells that could explain why people with memory problems often overeat. The team showed that people who also keep forgetting about recent meals can trigger excessive hunger and can lead to disordered eating. Researchers from the University of Southern California showed that the group of brain cells can create memories of meals, encoding not just what food was eaten but when it was eaten. During eating, neurons in the ventral hippocampus region of the brain become active and form what the team of researchers call “meal engrams” -- specialised memory traces that store information about the experience of food consumption. While scientists have long studied engrams for their role in storing memories and other experiences in the brain, the new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, identified engrams dedicated to meal experiences. “Meal engrams function like sophisticated biological databases that store multiple types of information such as where you were eating, as well as the time that you ate,” said Scott Kanoski, Professor of biological sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Kanoski added that the findings could eventually inform new clinical approaches for treating obesity and weight management. Current weight management strategies often focus on restricting food intake or increasing exercise, but the new research suggests that enhancing meal memory formation could be equally important. The research team used advanced neuroscience techniques to observe the brain activity of laboratory rats as they ate, providing the first real-time view of how meal memories form. The meal memory neurons are distinct from brain cells involved in other types of memory formation. When researchers selectively destroyed these neurons, lab rats showed impaired memory for food locations but retained normal spatial memory for non-food-related tasks, indicating a specialized system dedicated to meal-related information processing. The study revealed that meal memory neurons communicate with the lateral hypothalamus, a brain region long known to control hunger and eating behaviour. When this hippocampus-hypothalamus connection was blocked, the lab rats overate and could not remember where meals were consumed. 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 June,2025 01:12 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSSuffering from metabolic syndrome? A handful of almonds daily may help improve your health, according to a study. People with metabolic syndrome have at least three of the conditions like abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, low levels of "good" cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides. Scientists at Oregon State University (OSU), US, showed that eating 2 ounces of almonds -- about 45 nuts -- daily led to signs of better cardiometabolic and gut health. The research, published in the journal Nutrition Research, is important because almost 40 per cent of the US adult population is estimated to have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome has also recently been linked with cognitive dysfunction and dementia. "Evidence suggests that people with metabolic syndrome are three times as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke and twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease compared to people without this condition," said Emily Ho, director of OSU’s Linus Pauling Institute. "Poor diet and inactivity contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, and gut health and chronic inflammation may also play roles," Ho said. For the study, the team devised a 12-week clinical trial involving two groups of people aged 35-60 with metabolic syndrome. One group ate 320 calories worth of almonds every day. The other ate crackers with the same caloric value but without many of the healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients found in almonds. At four weeks and again at 12 weeks, blood samples from the almond snackers showed, as expected, a marked increase in vitamin E -- an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in almonds. In addition to vitamin E, almonds have polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, fibre, polyphenols, biotin, copper, potassium, and magnesium. The researchers also saw changes in other important health biomarkers among people in the almond group, including declines in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (often referred to as "bad" cholesterol), and waist circumference. Almond snacking also appeared to help limit gut inflammation, an indicator of gut health. 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 June,2025 06:18 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWith Covid-19 taking over our lives in the last five years, it has changed our perspective on life. While some have promised to live life to the fullest, others have become a little cautious about htheir health. While it is difficult for sick people and their families to find hope, there are others out there battling the odds to live life with the help of doctors in the city. As many people visit Mumbai to get treated for their diseases, these inspiring stories of resilience are not only inspiring but also about the commendable medical expertise in India. 42-year-old man gets second chance at life after rare interstate intestine transplantEarlier this week, doctors at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital gave a new lease of life to a 42-year-old man from rural Maharashtra by successfully performing a rare small intestine transplant. The organ, retrieved from a cadaveric donor in Delhi, travelled over 1,400 kilometers to Mumbai in just four-and-a-half hours. The family of the 21-year-old female donor, who was pronounced brain dead at a private hospital in Delhi after a road traffic accident, consented to donate her organs. Two years ago, Mr Siddheshwar Dake from Beed in Maharashtra began experiencing persistent abdominal pain and severe cramps. Despite consulting several hospitals across the Marathwada region, he received an inconclusive diagnosis ranging from ulcers to cancer. His condition continued to deteriorate. Earlier this year, he was admitted to a private hospital in Sambhajinagar, where his family learned about the specialised Liver, Intestine, and Pancreas OPD run by Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in the city. They consulted Dr. Gaurav Chaubal, Director – HPB Surgery & Liver and Multi-Organ Transplant, at Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai. Explaining the case, Dr Gaurav Chaubal, director - HPB Surgery & Liver and Multi-Organ Transplant, Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai, said, “A CT scan revealed that the patient’s small intestine had lost its blood supply and turned gangrenous. Subsequent investigations diagnosed the patient with Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) thrombosis caused by a hypercoagulable state—an increased tendency for blood clots to form. Immediate intervention was required to prevent a life-threatening situation. We performed an emergency surgery to remove the affected segment. In such cases, a small intestine transplant is the only curative solution.” With no suitable living donor in the family, Dake was placed on the national cadaveric transplant waiting list. One month later, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) notified the hospital of a potential donor in Delhi. Dr Aditya J. Nanavati, associate director – HPB Surgery, Liver & Multi-Organ Transplant, Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai, explained, “Upon receiving the alert from NOTTO, the organ retrieval team flew to Delhi with all necessary equipment. The retrieval procedure was conducted promptly upon arrival. Our network hospitals, Max Hospital Shalimar Bagh and BLK-Max Hospital supported us in managing logistics, including ambulance services, police clearances, and expedited tissue cross-matching. The precision process was a result of coordinated teamwork.” After completing the retrieval and necessary protocols, the team transported the intestine to Mumbai via a specially arranged green corridor. The organ reached Nanavati Max Hospital within 10 minutes of landing. The transplant was completed successfully within eight hours, well within the organ’s viability window. Mr. Dake was discharged within three weeks in a stable condition and is recovering well. Adding, Dr. Vivek Talaulikar, chief operating officer (Western Region), Max Healthcare said, “This rare interstate transplant demonstrates the crucial role of precise coordination in organ transplantation. Each step—from aviation logistics and ground transport to immunological testing—was meticulously planned by the team of Nanavati Max Hospital and the network hospitals of Max Healthcare." Small intestine transplants are among the rarest forms of solid organ transplantation in India. Intestinal transplants are performed only in highly specialised centers due to the complexity of the procedure and the challenges of post-operative care. Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, due to its vast experience and clinical expertise, has emerged as one of the busiest referral centres for Intestine Transplantation for patients from particularly South-East Asia and also the rest of the world. Mumbai hospital saves 30-week premature baby with major congenital anomalyJaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, in a rare and complex case involving surgical and intensive care management, successfully treated a 30-week-old premature infant born with low birth weight (1.3 kg) and a Type C Tracheo-oesophageal Fistula (TEF). This congenital condition causes an abnormal connection between the windpipe and the food pipe, leading to excessive salivation and a high risk of choking and lung infection. The medical team at Jaslok Hospital performed a single-stage corrective surgery followed by oesophageal dilatation, marking a first-of-its-kind achievement in such a delicate case. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the multidisciplinary team, the baby is now stable, is exclusively breastfed, weighs 1.8 kg, and is ready to be discharged. Born in Vapi in Gujarat, the infant faced life-threatening complications due to the condition, and the parents contacted Dr Fazal Nabi, Director Paediatrics at Jaslok Hospital for higher treatment options. Considering the complexity of the case Dr Fazal Nabi himself travelled to Vapi to fetch the baby to ensure the safety during the transport and the baby was brought to Jaslok Hospital under his expert monitoring with artificial ventilation. Baby was immediately admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where Dr. Fazal Nabi took charge of his treatment. On arrival, the baby was placed on ventilator support, given haemodynamic stabilization with inotropes, and started on intensive sepsis management. Later, pediatric surgeon Dr. Nargish Barsivala, paediatric Surgeon at Jaslok Hospital was consulted who advised the most appropriate approach will be a one-stage surgery once the baby is stable. On the 3rd day, Dr Barsivala performed a one-stage corrective surgery, involving ligation of the fistula and end-to-end oesophageal anastomosis, after which the baby was moved to the intensive care unit. In the period following the surgery, the team faced another problem of intestinal movement. Because of prematurity and low birth weight the intestines were not moving properly. Baby was on (NG) Nasogatric tube feeding along with partial TPN. The baby had problems of swallowing also. Nasogastric Tube Feeding was given for about a month and then a decision was taken for performing Feeding Gastrostomy and the NG tube was removed. However, even after a month, the baby continued to have difficulty swallowing. To address this challenge, a gastrostomy procedure was performed. The team opted for a high-risk oesophageal dilatation procedure using the smallest available dilator. Dr. Pankaj Dhawan, Consultant Gastroenterology at Jaslok Hospital carried out this delicate procedure, with crucial support from the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, led by Dr. Fazal Nabi along with Dr Barsivala and Anaesthesia team. Gradually, the baby began swallowing on his own, leading to the removal of the NG tube. Dr Fazal Nabi, director – Paediatrics, at the hospital said, “When the baby was brought in, he was struggling — tiny, fragile, and in urgent need of care. From stabilising him on arrival to managing post-surgical complications, every step had to be timed and tailored. The oesophageal dilatation was particularly challenging, but the team worked in perfect sync. Watching him now, feeding on his own and ready to go home, is a reminder of why we do what we do. It was a team effort from start to finish, and I am grateful for the critical support” Dr Nargish Barsivala, consultant – paediatric surgery at the hospital, said, “Operating on a premature baby weighing just over a kilo is never easy. The tissues are extremely delicate, and the margin for error is almost zero. But given the nature of the condition, waiting wasn’t an option. We decided to go ahead with a single-stage repair, knowing the risks but also the long-term benefits. The successful outcome was made possible by the precise surgical expertise, expert anaesthesia support by Dr Rajani Prajish and assisting help from Dr Kotawala and the surgical residents. Expressing gratitude, Trupti, who is the mother of the baby said, "My baby is a precious baby born after 8 years of marriage with IVF support. When my baby was born so early and so fragile, I feared the worst. However, the care and dedication shown by the doctors and staff at Jaslok Hospital gave me hope. I truly believe that without their expertise and compassion, my child would not be here today.” The hospital's Chief Medical Officer Dr Milind Khadke, mentioned “It is the clinical excellence and cutting-edge technology behind saving a 30-week premature baby with Tracheo-oesophageal fistula—a rare, life-threatening condition. Despite low birth-weight and under 50% survival odds, the landmark surgery showcases the hospital’s advanced neonatal care and surgical expertise, achieving a remarkable medical breakthrough.” The family is now receiving comprehensive guidance on caring for the premature infant at home, including safe feeding practices, medication schedules, and vital warning signs to watch for.
11 June,2025 04:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentResearchers have identified genetic factors that trigger symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and anxiety. The international study led by King’s College London, UK, examined how individuals’ varying sensitivity to environmental factors can influence levels of ADHD symptoms, autistic traits, anxiety and depression symptoms, psychotic experiences and neuroticism. Researchers from 23 universities around the world combined data from up to 21,792 identical twins (10,896 pairs) from 11 studies to discover genetic variants linked with environmental sensitivity. This is the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) of identical twins to date. They identified several genetic factors that were linked with differences in environmental sensitivity within identical twin pairs. The interaction between these genetic factors and environmental exposures could explain differences in susceptibility to psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions, said the researchers in the paper, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. “Differences in individuals’ sensitivity to life experiences can explain why the same negative or positive experiences may have varying effects on people’s mental health, depending on their genetic makeup. Our findings suggest that specific genetic variants influence how environmental exposures impact psychiatric and neurodevelopmental symptoms,” said Dr Elham Assary, Postdoctoral Researcher at King’s. Among the genetically identical twins, the researchers found that genes linked with growth factors -- biological molecules that play important roles in neurodevelopment, immune function, and the central nervous system -- were associated with variation in autistic traits. Genes related to reactivity to stress were linked to variation in depression symptoms. Genes involved in regulating catecholamines -- a group of hormones involved in response to stress -- were linked to variation in psychotic-like experiences, the team said. “These findings confirm that genes influence psychiatric and neurodevelopmental traits partly through affecting how people respond to the world around them. Some people are more sensitive to their circumstances, and this can be positive in good circumstances but can make life more challenging than for others in stressful circumstances,” said Professor Thalia Eley, Professor of Developmental Behavioural Genetics at King’s. 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 June,2025 03:16 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
