Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Affecting more than 300 million people worldwide, asthma is a significant public health concern that can severely impact an individual's quality of life if not properly managed. Although the exact cause of asthma is multifactorial—ranging from genetic predisposition to environmental triggers—the underlying mechanisms involve immune system dysregulation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and chronic inflammation. Conventional asthma treatment usually includes inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers, and biologic agents targeting specific immune pathways like IgE or interleukin-5. These therapies help control inflammation, relax airway muscles, and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. While these medications are effective for many patients, they often require lifelong use and do not fully address the systemic factors contributing to asthma progression. With advancements in medical science and biotechnology, new pathways have emerged in the field of asthma disease treatment. Precision medicine is gaining attention, especially in severe and treatment-resistant cases, where biologic therapies tailored to a patient’s unique immunological profile are showing encouraging outcomes. Moreover, stem cell-based therapies and immunomodulatory approaches are being studied for their potential to repair damaged lung tissues and restore immune balance. Another evolving area in the asthma disease treatment landscape is the identification of endotypes—biological subtypes of asthma defined by specific molecular and cellular mechanisms. Understanding these endotypes allows for more accurate and effective treatment decisions, enabling physicians to target the root cause of the disease rather than simply alleviating symptoms. Embracing Regenerative and Holistic Treatments for Asthma At AMSA Biotech, we are dedicated to developing and delivering next-generation therapies that not only manage symptoms but aim to correct the underlying mechanisms of chronic diseases. For asthma, this means integrating advanced biologic research with holistic treatments for asthma that support long-term respiratory health and immune regulation. Regenerative strategies, such as those using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are being investigated for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in patients with asthma. Preclinical studies suggest that MSCs can reduce airway inflammation, decrease mucus production, and promote tissue repair in the lungs. This opens a promising window for cellular approaches to asthma treatment, particularly in cases that are not adequately controlled by conventional drugs. In parallel, holistic treatments for asthma are gaining recognition in comprehensive care models. These treatments consider the patient's overall lifestyle, environmental exposure, diet, and stress levels. Nutritional support with anti-inflammatory foods, breathing techniques like Buteyko and pranayama, allergen avoidance, and even gut microbiota modulation are all part of integrative asthma care aimed at improving the patient’s resilience and respiratory health naturally. Furthermore, exosome-based therapies—utilizing extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells—are also under scientific investigation for their potential to carry regenerative signals to inflamed lung tissues. Exosomes may help in reducing chronic airway inflammation without the risks associated with systemic immunosuppressive drugs, making them a viable component of future asthma disease treatment protocols. At AMSA Biotech, we believe that successful asthma treatment must be comprehensive, evidence-based, and personalized. Our research focuses on combining regenerative technologies with lifestyle-based interventions to address not only the symptoms but the root biological causes of asthma. This multi-dimensional approach is designed to enhance patient outcomes, reduce dependency on steroids, and ultimately lead to better long-term control of the condition. In summary, the future of asthma treatment lies in the fusion of scientific innovation and holistic care. With continued research and patient-centered solutions, AMSA Biotech is committed to transforming the way asthma is managed—helping individuals breathe easier, live better, and move toward a healthier, more resilient future.
08 July,2025 09:33 AM IST | MumbaiPeople relishing tea, pakoras and other seasonal delicacies while enjoying the weather outside is common during the monsoon season, but so is the risk of contracting infections due to unhygienic or unsafe food and water. The risk of certain diseases like dengue, malaria and leptospirosis increases during the monsoon. Another illness that sees a surge during the rainy days is typhoid, or typhoid fever, which is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It usually spreads through the ingestion of contaminated food and water. If not diagnosed and treated on time, the condition can also prove to be life-threatening. Hence, it becomes essential to watch out for warning signs of the disease. Symptoms of typhoid According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some common symptoms of typhoid are prolonged high fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhoea, and in some cases, rashes. If a person or their family members observe these symptoms, they should immediately contact a doctor to confirm the diagnosis through medical tests. Risk factors Poor sanitation and lack of access to safe food and drinking water are major risk factors of typhoid. Additionally, children are more at risk of contracting the infection. Prevention tips Typhoid is usually treated through antibiotics, and supportive care if required. However, one can reduce the risk of contracting the infection, especially during the monsoon season, through some simple steps. The WHO lists the following prevention tips: 1. Ensure food is properly cooked and still hot when served. 2. Avoid raw milk. It is advisable to consume pasteurised or boiled milk. 3. Boil water before drinking, especially if its safety is questionable. 4. Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming. 5. Follow proper hand hygiene. In June 2025, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had issued an advisory stating precautionary measures to protect oneself from monsoon-related diseases. Also Read: BMC issues guidelines as Mumbai sees rise in Vector borne diseases in June According to the health advisory, here are some steps that can be taken to prevent water-borne diseases like typhoid: 1. Avoid consuming street food. 2. Drink boiled water. 3. Wash hands or use hand sanitiser before eating. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical professional for personalised guidance.
07 July,2025 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHaving a planned caesarean section during delivery could be related to an increased risk of leukaemia -- a blood cancer -- later in the child's life, compared with an emergency C-section, a study has found. A C-section delivery of a child involves making a surgical cut in the mother's abdomen and uterus. The need for delivering via a C-section can be planned or arise as an emergency during labour. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet said that exposure of a baby to vaginal bacteria in an emergency C-section -- which usually begins as a vaginal delivery -- could be why planned C-sections carry an increased risk of certain diseases, compared to emergency ones. "We don't want mothers to feel anxious about medically indicated C-sections. But when this result is combined with other study results showing that the risk of later asthma, allergies, or type 1 diabetes increases in children born by planned C-section, there is reason to discuss C-sections that are not medically indicated," lead author Christina-Evmorfia Kampitsi, researcher at Karolinska Institutet, said. The study, published in The International Journal of Cancer, looked at nearly 25 lakh children born in Sweden during 1982-1989 and 1999-2015 from the Medical Birth Register. More than 3.75 lakh of these (15.5 per cent) were born by a C-section, of which 1,495 later developed leukaemia -- a cancer affecting blood and bone marrow. Overall, children born by a C-section were seven per cent more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, compared to those born vaginally. However, compared to an emergency C-section, birth via a planned C-section was associated with a 21 per cent higher risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common form of childhood leukaemia. "We observed an increased (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) risk among children delivered by planned C-section (of 21 per cent)," the authors wrote. Emergency caesarean sections usually begin as a vaginal delivery, which causes stress for the baby and exposure to vaginal bacteria if the amniotic sac has ruptured, they said. A foetus grows and develops in an amniotic sac during pregnancy. However, in planned C-sections -- usually performed before labour has started naturally -- the baby does not experience this stress and is not exposed to vaginal bacteria, the team said. The difference in exposure to vaginal bacteria and immunological factors thereof may help the increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a planned -- and not emergency -- C-section, the researchers added. The findings help contribute towards understanding what causes acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. 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 July,2025 02:58 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIExcess weight may increase the risk of developing breast cancer among postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), published on Monday. Higher body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society CANCER, unravels how the risk differs among women with and without cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. It showed that each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with a 31 per cent higher risk of breast cancer in women who developed cardiovascular disease during follow-up and a 13 per cent higher risk in women without cardiovascular disease. The development of type 2 diabetes did not seem to affect breast cancer risk: women with or without type 2 diabetes had a similarly elevated breast cancer risk related to higher BMI. “The findings of this study could be used to inform risk-stratified breast cancer screening programmes,” said a team led by Heinz Freisling, from the WHO’s specialised cancer research team, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The team analysed data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and UK Biobank on 168,547 postmenopausal women who did not have, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease when they agreed to participate. After a median follow-up of 10.7 years in EPIC and 10.9 years in UK Biobank, 6,793 postmenopausal women developed breast cancer. Further, the study noted that the combination of overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and cardiovascular disease was estimated to lead to 153 more cases of breast cancer per 100,000 people per year than expected. “This study should also inspire future research to include women with a history of cardiovascular diseases in weight loss trials for breast cancer prevention,” Freisling said. The link between excess weight and increased cancer risk is well established. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for 12 cancers, including uterine, kidney, liver, and colorectal cancer. A recent study, published in the journal Nature Communications, showed that that overweight and obese women are more likely to be diagnosed with larger tumours and more advanced-stage breast cancer. 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 July,2025 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSHospitalisations due to severe Covid-19 infection, a family history of sudden deaths, as well as lifestyle behaviours are some of the reasons behind the unexplained sudden death, according to a study led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The peer-reviewed study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research explored factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India. It showed that Covid vaccination was not responsible for sudden and unexplained deaths seen among young and healthy individuals. The study was conducted in 2023, following anecdotal reports of sudden, unexplained deaths in India's apparently healthy young adults, which were linked to Covid-19 infection or vaccination. "Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India. Past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, and certain lifestyle behaviours increased the likelihood of unexplained sudden death,” the researchers said. Using a multicentric matched case-control model, the researchers included 729 cases and 2,916 controls from 47 tertiary care hospitals across India. The cases were apparently healthy individuals aged 18-45 years without any known co-morbidity, who suddenly (were seen apparently healthy 24 hours before death) died of unexplained causes between October 2021 and March 2023. Four controls were included per case matched for age, gender, and neighbourhood. The team interviewed/perused records to collect data on Covid vaccination or infection and post-Covid conditions, family history of sudden death, smoking, recreational drug use, alcohol frequency and binge drinking, and vigorous-intensity physical activity two days before death/interviews. “The results showed that receiving at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine lowered the odds for unexplained sudden death,” the researchers said. Two doses, further, lowered the odds of unexplained sudden death. On the other hand, “past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, binge drinking 48 hours before death, use of recreational drug or substance and performing vigorous-intensity physical activity 48 hours before death were positively associated”, the team 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
07 July,2025 11:23 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSOne in every four school-going adolescents is at risk of developing mental health illness, according to a recent study, that stressed the need for early interventions. The study, led by researchers at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in Puducherry, called for significant intervention at school and home. “Adolescence is a crucial period during which biological and psychosocial changes occur in an individual. One-fourth of the adolescents were found to be at risk of mental health illness, so periodic screening could be done at schools, for early identification and proper treatment of mental disorders,” said researchers including Kavita Vasudevan, Head of Community Medicine at the institute. The study aimed to determine and compare the prevalence and risk factors associated with mental health illness among urban and rural adolescents in Puducherry. The study included adolescents aged 13-17 years attending government schools in urban and rural Puducherry and screened them for mental health status. The findings, published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, showed that among 329 adolescents, 25.5 per cent are found to be at risk of mental health illness. The kids from urban areas scored higher in terms of hyperactivity and emotional symptoms compared to rural ones. Among those at risk of mental health illness, a significant difference between urban and rural areas was seen concerning variables like family monthly income and parent’s occupation. Behaviour change and deterioration in academic performance were the most common presentation as perceived by the teachers. The researchers called for early recognition and intervention to boost health outcomes. “Intervention should be made at all levels including school teachers and family members and make them aware of the importance of mental health status,” the team said, while also suggesting life skill education to deal with mental health issues. 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 July,2025 01:17 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWomen's mental and physical health took a severe toll than men during the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, finds a study. The study, published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, showed that psychological distress increased for both women and men during the pandemic, with women experiencing a greater rise. The link between health behaviours and mental health weakened for women during the pandemic, with a healthy lifestyle no longer showing a significant connection to mental health. In contrast, these relationships remained consistent for men. Before the pandemic, health behaviours offered greater protective benefits for women's mental health, but during the pandemic, this protective effect became stronger for men, revealed researchers from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. "We found that women reported poorer overall changes in health behaviours than men during the pandemic. Specifically, women reported fewer days of fruit consumption and smaller reductions in alcohol intake. We also found that psychological distress increased for both women and men during the pandemic, with women experiencing a greater rise," said Professor Paul McNamee, who led the research at the University of Aberdeen. To understand whether the pandemic had differing effects on the health behaviours of women and men, the team analysed national data from January 2015 to March 2023 to compare results pre- and post-pandemic. They found that women were more negatively affected by the pandemic than their male counterparts. "The adverse changes in women's health behaviours compared to men persist through to May 2023, suggesting longer-term effects were likely worsened by financial pressures during this period. It's important we keep tracking these trends," said Dr. Karen Arulsamy from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, who was also part of the study. The research called for targeted interventions as during times of heightened stress, women from lower socio-economic backgrounds with caregiving responsibilities have limited ability to maintain levels of social engagement and face more challenges in engaging in healthier behaviours. 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 July,2025 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSUS researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) model that significantly outperforms current clinical guidelines in identifying patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death. The AI system, known as Multimodal AI for Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk Stratification (MAARS), integrates cardiac MRI images with a wide range of patient health records to detect hidden warning signs, offering a new level of precision in cardiovascular risk prediction, Xinhua News Agency reported. The study, published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research, focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -- one of the most common inherited heart conditions and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people. "Currently we have patients dying in the prime of their life because they aren't protected and others who are putting up with defibrillators for the rest of their lives with no benefit," said senior author Natalia Trayanova, a researcher focused on using AI in cardiology, at Johns Hopkins University. "We have the ability to predict with very high accuracy whether a patient is at very high risk for sudden cardiac death or not," Trayanova added. Clinical guidelines used in the US and Europe currently have an estimated accuracy of only 50 per cent in identifying at-risk patients. In contrast, the MAARS model demonstrated an overall accuracy of 89 per cent, and 93 per cent for patients aged 40 to 60 -- the group at the greatest risk. The AI model analyses contrast-enhanced MRI scans for patterns of heart scarring -- something that physicians have traditionally found difficult to interpret. By applying deep learning to this previously underused data, the model identifies key predictors of sudden cardiac death. "Our study demonstrates that the AI model significantly enhances our ability to predict those at highest risk compared to our current algorithms and thus has the power to transform clinical care," said co-author Jonathan Chrispin, a Johns Hopkins cardiologist. The team plans to further test the new model on more patients and expand the new algorithm to use with other types of heart diseases, including cardiac sarcoidosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
05 July,2025 11:41 AM IST | New York | IANSScientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a new low-cost sensor that can help detect toxic sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas responsible for respiratory irritation, asthma attacks, and long-term lung damage, at extremely low concentrations, said the Ministry of Science and Technology on Friday. CeNS, Bengaluru is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry. SO2 is a toxic air pollutant commonly released from vehicles and industrial emissions, and even minute exposure can cause serious health issues and long-term lung damage. It is hard to detect before it has an adverse effect on health. While real-time monitoring of SO2 levels is essential for human health and environment existing technologies are often expensive, energy-intensive, or unable to detect the gas at trace levels. The team fabricated the sensor by combining two metal oxides -- nickel oxide (NiO) and neodymium nickelate (NdNiO3), through a simple synthesis process. “While NiO acts as the receptor for the gas, NdNiO3 serves as the transducer that efficiently transmits the signal, enabling detection at concentrations as low as 320 ppb, far surpassing the sensitivity of many commercial sensors,” said the researchers, led by Dr. S. Angappane. Angappane and team also developed a portable prototype that incorporates the sensor for real-time SO2 monitoring. “The prototype features a straightforward threshold-based alert system that activates visual indicators, green for safe, yellow for warning, and red for danger, allowing easy interpretation and response, even by users without scientific expertise,” said the researcher, in the paper published in the journal Small. The sensor is compact and lightweight, which makes it suitable for use in industrial areas, urban locations, and enclosed spaces where continuous air quality monitoring is necessary. ‘With its high sensitivity, portability, and user-friendly operation, this sensor system offers a practical solution to monitor and manage SO2 pollution, supporting public health and environmental safety,” said the team, while highlighting the potential of material science to create accessible technologies for real-world challenges. 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 July,2025 10:10 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSWhile medical advances are boosting the survival rate of cancer in childhood, the survivors could be at a higher risk of developing severe Covid-19 as adults, according to a new study published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health-Europe on Friday. The study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden showed that health risks may remain long after treatment has ended. The results show that childhood cancer survivors had a lower risk of contracting Covid but were 58 per cent more likely to develop severe disease if they did become infected. Severe Covid was defined as the patient receiving hospital care, intensive care, or death related to the infection. "It is important to understand that even though these individuals were not infected more often, the consequences were more serious when they did become ill," said Javier Louro, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Environmental Medicine at Karolinska. The team investigated how adult childhood cancer survivors in Sweden and Denmark were affected by the Covid pandemic. The study included over 13,000 people who had been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20 and who were at least 20 years old when the pandemic began. They were compared with both siblings and randomly selected individuals from the population of the same gender and year of birth. The differences in risk were particularly clear during periods of high transmission, such as when new virus variants such as alpha and omicron spread rapidly. "Our results suggest that childhood cancer survivors should be considered a risk group in future pandemics or other health crises," Louro, said. "This could involve prioritising them for vaccination or offering special protection during periods of high transmission," the researcher 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 July,2025 09:49 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSA team of US researchers has identified a genetic mutation that increased the risk of humans getting cancer, paving the way for new treatments for the deadly disease. Researchers from the University of California Davis, US, explain why certain immune cells in humans are less effective at fighting solid tumours compared to non-human primates. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, revealed a tiny genetic difference in an immune protein called Fas Ligand (FasL) between humans and non-human primates. This genetic mutation makes the FasL protein vulnerable to being disabled by plasmin -- a tumour-associated enzyme. This vulnerability seems unique to humans and is not found in non-human primates, such as chimpanzees. "The evolutionary mutation in FasL may have contributed to the larger brain size in humans,” said Jogender Tushir-Singh, Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. “But in the context of cancer, it was an unfavorable tradeoff because the mutation gives certain tumours a way to disarm parts of our immune system,” Tushir-Singh added. FasL is an immune cell membrane protein that triggers a programmed cell death called apoptosis. Activated immune cells, including CAR-T cells made from a patient’s immune system, use apoptosis to kill cancer cells. The UC Davis team discovered that in human genes, a single evolutionary amino acid change -- serine instead of proline at position 153 -- makes FasL more susceptible to being cut and inactivated by plasmin. Plasmin is a protease enzyme that is often elevated in aggressive solid tumors like triple-negative breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. This means that even when human immune cells are activated and ready to attack the tumor cells, one of their key death weapons -- FasL -- can be neutralised by the tumour environment, reducing the effectiveness of immunotherapies. The findings may help explain why CAR-T and T-cell-based therapies can be effective in blood cancers but often fall short in solid tumours. Blood cancers often do not rely on plasmin to metastasize, whereas tumors like ovarian cancer rely heavily on plasmin to spread the cancer. Significantly, the study also showed that blocking plasmin or shielding FasL from cleavage can restore its cancer-killing power. That finding may open new doors for improving cancer immunotherapy. By combining current treatments with plasmin inhibitors or specially designed antibodies that protect FasL, scientists may be able to boost immune responses in patients with solid tumours. “Humans have a significantly higher rate of cancer than chimpanzees and other primates. There is a lot that we do not know and can still learn from primates and apply to improve human cancer immunotherapies,” said Tushir-Singh. “Regardless, this is a major step toward personalising and enhancing immunotherapy for the plasmin-positive cancers that have been difficult to treat,” he 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 July,2025 09:40 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
