World's population reaches 7 billion
LUCKNOW, India, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- India marked the arrival Monday of girl named Nargis as the world's symbolic 7 billionth citizen, the Plan India child rights group said.
The United Nations had estimated that Oct. 31 would mark the day when the world population reached 7 billion.
Nargis was born as the first child to Ajay and Vinita Yadav in Mall village near Lucknow, capital of the northern Uttar Pradesh State, the Times of India reported.
The state is the most populous state in India, which has the world's second highest population after China. The baby weighed 6.6 pounds, the Times of India reported.
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/10/31/Worlds-population-reaches-7-billion/UPI-89821320059305/#ixzz1cQn8PEGd
Monday, October 31, 2011
Silent killer arsenic poisons lives in Ballia
The UP government has invested Rs 1,700 crore in mitigation measures but a recent report by a national-level monitor (NLM) has drilled holes in these efforts to contain the problem. Of the 873 UP districts that have alarmingly high arsenic content in groundwater, Ballia alone has 310 affected villages. This is just the tip of the iceberg since several areas have not even been surveyed yet, Chakraborty says. "The source of arsenic is the Himalayas and arsenic will be found in all those areas, in varying quantities, where Himalaya-fed rivers flow. My team recently lifted 10 water samples from Ballia district in which arsenic content was more than 1,000 ppm. There are about 500 million people at risk across UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Bangladesh," he warn
Read more:The TOI
The UP government has invested Rs 1,700 crore in mitigation measures but a recent report by a national-level monitor (NLM) has drilled holes in these efforts to contain the problem. Of the 873 UP districts that have alarmingly high arsenic content in groundwater, Ballia alone has 310 affected villages. This is just the tip of the iceberg since several areas have not even been surveyed yet, Chakraborty says. "The source of arsenic is the Himalayas and arsenic will be found in all those areas, in varying quantities, where Himalaya-fed rivers flow. My team recently lifted 10 water samples from Ballia district in which arsenic content was more than 1,000 ppm. There are about 500 million people at risk across UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Bangladesh," he warn
Read more:The TOI
OCLC Online Computer Library Center
Founded in 1967, OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world's information and reducing the rate of rise of library costs. More than 72,000 libraries in 170 countries and territories around the world have used OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend and preserve library materials.OCLC and its member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat—the OCLC Online Union Catalog.
WorldCat is a global network of library-management and user-facing services built upon cooperatively-maintained databases of bibliographic and institutional metadata. WorldCat enhances productivity across the full range of library workflows—from cataloging to resource sharing to discovery and delivery—by intelligently reusing contributed data, and makes library resources more visible on the Internet by distributing data across a growing number of partner services and Web technologies.
To know more log in to;http://www.oclc.org/
Founded in 1967, OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world's information and reducing the rate of rise of library costs. More than 72,000 libraries in 170 countries and territories around the world have used OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend and preserve library materials.OCLC and its member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat—the OCLC Online Union Catalog.
WorldCat is a global network of library-management and user-facing services built upon cooperatively-maintained databases of bibliographic and institutional metadata. WorldCat enhances productivity across the full range of library workflows—from cataloging to resource sharing to discovery and delivery—by intelligently reusing contributed data, and makes library resources more visible on the Internet by distributing data across a growing number of partner services and Web technologies.
To know more log in to;http://www.oclc.org/
Friday, October 28, 2011
living books about life
Funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), and published by Open Humanities Press (OHP) (http://openhumanitiespress.org), Living Books About Life is a series of curated, open access books about life -- with life understood both philosophically and biologically -- which provide a bridge between the humanities and the sciences. Produced by a globally-distributed network of writers and editors, the books in the series repackage existing open access science research by clustering it around selected topics whose unifying theme is life: e.g., air, agriculture, bioethics, cosmetic surgery, electronic waste, energy, neurology and pharmacology.
Visit:http://www.livingbooksaboutlife.org/
Funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), and published by Open Humanities Press (OHP) (http://openhumanitiespress.org), Living Books About Life is a series of curated, open access books about life -- with life understood both philosophically and biologically -- which provide a bridge between the humanities and the sciences. Produced by a globally-distributed network of writers and editors, the books in the series repackage existing open access science research by clustering it around selected topics whose unifying theme is life: e.g., air, agriculture, bioethics, cosmetic surgery, electronic waste, energy, neurology and pharmacology.
Visit:http://www.livingbooksaboutlife.org/
World Stroke Day is observed on October 29
Every six seconds, regardless of age or gender – someone somewhere will die from stroke.
The “1 in 6” campaign celebrates the fact that not only can stroke be prevented, but that stroke survivors can fully recover and regain their quality of life with the appropriate long-term care and support. The two-year campaign aims to reduce the burden of stroke by acting on six easy challenges:
1. Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol.
2. Be physically active and exercise regularly.
3. Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now.
6. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and how to take action.
Read more:www.worldstrokecampaign.org/
Every six seconds, regardless of age or gender – someone somewhere will die from stroke.
The “1 in 6” campaign celebrates the fact that not only can stroke be prevented, but that stroke survivors can fully recover and regain their quality of life with the appropriate long-term care and support. The two-year campaign aims to reduce the burden of stroke by acting on six easy challenges:
1. Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol.
2. Be physically active and exercise regularly.
3. Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now.
6. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and how to take action.
Read more:www.worldstrokecampaign.org/
News Digest
Aspirin can be handy for Lynch Syndrome carriers often called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
NEW DELHI: Aspirin, the drug used by millions of people to protect their heart, has been found to drastically reduce colorectal cancer rates among those, who have an increased hereditary risk.
The first randomized controlled trial ( RCT) to assess aspirin's effect on cancer prevention has shown a reduction in colorectal cancer incidence of over 60% in patients at genetically increased risk who use aspirin for long.
The findings of the study, involving 43 centres in 16 countries that followed about 1,000 patients in some cases for over 10 years, have been published in "The Lancet" on Friday.
Off-the-mark health policies make killer diseases a ritual
The encephalitis dance of death in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar's bordering districts looks set to cross all previous records this year. With 2-3 weeks still left in the 'season', the country-wide death toll is nearing the 1,000-mark, of which UP itself has a staggering toll of nearly 500. More than 80% of those killed are children below 10 years belonging to poor families from the rural hinterland.
This is a tragedy in itself. But what will you call it if it was almost foretold, a scenario already predestined by past actions? Neglect? Indifference? Ignorance?
Q&A'The 1000 Genomes Project can`t become a basis for discrimination'
Eric Green , director of the US National Human Genome Research Institute, has played a key role in research aimed at decoding the human genome. He is now involved in the '1000 Genomes' research project which collects, studies and profiles the genetic maps of several diverse population groups, this complex data's destination being the public domain.
Misleading drug ads to come under scanner
New Delhi: Tall claims made by drug advertisements in India are under scrutiny.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has called all state drug controllers and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to address this "serious menace of misleading medical ads" in the next Drug Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting to be held on November 14.
The DCGI intends to discuss ways to curb ads that make unsubstantiated claims that take "the gullible public for a ride". Union health ministry officials said such ads could prove lethal, if patients take drugs being influenced by publicity campaig
Read more : TOI
British scientists create blood in the laboratory that could be used in transfusions in just two years
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2053829/Artificial-blood-stem-cells-used-transfusions-just-years.html#ixzz1c3pJF1sJ
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Pillbox-beta Pill Identification System
Pillbox was developed to aid in the identification of unknown solid dosage pharmaceuticals. The system combines high-resolution images of tablets and capsules with appearance information (imprint, shape, color, etc.) to enable users to visually search for and identify an unknown solid dosage pharmaceutical.
This system is designed for use by emergency physicians, first responders, other health care providers, Poison Control Center staff, and concerned citizens.
The system enables users to identify solid dosage forms based on physical criteria: imprint (characters or number printed on a medication), shape, color, size, and scoring. Users are shown thumbnail images of possible matches. These images are continually updated as the user enters additional information.
Once a solid dosage form has been identified, additional information is provided, including brand/generic name, ingredients, and the National Drug File identification number. Links are provided to NLM drug information resources, such as drug labels (DailyMed) and the Drug Information Portal, which searches all NLM drug information resources.
Pillbox is currently under development and is not intended for clinical use.
Read more at:http://pillbox.nlm.nih.gov/index.html
This system is designed for use by emergency physicians, first responders, other health care providers, Poison Control Center staff, and concerned citizens.
The system enables users to identify solid dosage forms based on physical criteria: imprint (characters or number printed on a medication), shape, color, size, and scoring. Users are shown thumbnail images of possible matches. These images are continually updated as the user enters additional information.
Once a solid dosage form has been identified, additional information is provided, including brand/generic name, ingredients, and the National Drug File identification number. Links are provided to NLM drug information resources, such as drug labels (DailyMed) and the Drug Information Portal, which searches all NLM drug information resources.
Pillbox is currently under development and is not intended for clinical use.
Read more at:http://pillbox.nlm.nih.gov/index.html
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Don’t mix lauki with other vegetable juices
NEW DELHI: The verdict on yoga guru Baba Ramdev's weight loss drink, lauki juice, is out.First, slice a piece from lauki (bottle gourd), taste if it's better. If it's bitter, discard it immediately, says an expert panel commissioned by the Indian Council of Medical Research ( ICMR).
The panel - headed by professor S K Sharma, who is the head of department of medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences - warns against a common practice of mixing juices of other vegetables with lauki. The new recommendation says "Lauki juice should not be mixed with any other juice".
It adds "A small piece of lauki should be tasted before extracting the juice to ensure that it's not bitter. After consumption of lauki juice, if there is any discomfort like nausea, vomiting, the person should immediately be rushed to the nearest hospital."
Read more at: The Times of India
NEW DELHI: The verdict on yoga guru Baba Ramdev's weight loss drink, lauki juice, is out.First, slice a piece from lauki (bottle gourd), taste if it's better. If it's bitter, discard it immediately, says an expert panel commissioned by the Indian Council of Medical Research ( ICMR).
The panel - headed by professor S K Sharma, who is the head of department of medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences - warns against a common practice of mixing juices of other vegetables with lauki. The new recommendation says "Lauki juice should not be mixed with any other juice".
It adds "A small piece of lauki should be tasted before extracting the juice to ensure that it's not bitter. After consumption of lauki juice, if there is any discomfort like nausea, vomiting, the person should immediately be rushed to the nearest hospital."
Read more at: The Times of India
Human Development Report 2011: Gujarat fares poorly on malnutrition levels
New Delhi: After coming in for some lavish praise from a US think tank report for his state on the path of growth and development, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi should have reasons to worry, going by the findings of the India Human Development Report 2011.
The report, released by the Centre yesterday, finds Gujarat performing poorly on two key social indicators. 44.6% of children below the age of five suffer from malnutrition whereas nearly 70% of the children in the state suffer from anaemia. The results are bad enough considering states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have fared better than Gujarat on malnutrition levels.
Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/human-development-report-2011-gujarat-fares-poorly-on-various-indicators-143405&cp
New Delhi: After coming in for some lavish praise from a US think tank report for his state on the path of growth and development, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi should have reasons to worry, going by the findings of the India Human Development Report 2011.
The report, released by the Centre yesterday, finds Gujarat performing poorly on two key social indicators. 44.6% of children below the age of five suffer from malnutrition whereas nearly 70% of the children in the state suffer from anaemia. The results are bad enough considering states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have fared better than Gujarat on malnutrition levels.
Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/human-development-report-2011-gujarat-fares-poorly-on-various-indicators-143405&cp
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
World Osteoporosis Day: October 20,2011
Wake-up call on weak bones
NEW DELHI: Here is something that should send couch potatoes among girls to the running track. A study has established the link between loss of bone density and a sedentary life. The study conducted on 186 girls from Delhi University - including those who are into sports - shows that only 1% of non-sportswomen meet the recommended dietary allowance for calcium, a major factor for bone strength.
Their exposure to sunlight is also less than required, putting them at higher risk for bone loss after they turn 50. On World Osteoporosis Day, being observed on Thursday, doctors advise that girls should exercise more and eat healthy during adolescence because that is the time when bones develop. Decline in bone strength starts after age 30. "Approximately 40% of bone acquisition takes place during adolescence, which protects against post-menopausal osteoporosis or bone loss. Our study highlights the need for girls to indulge in physical activity and focus on a healthy diet during this period so that they develop strong bones.
Fragility fractures in women and bone loss is common these days," said Dr Nikhil Tandon, professor endocrinology and metabolism at AIIMS, who headed the study. Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, and Institute of Home Economics, DU, also participated in the study.
Source: Extract from TOI
Wake-up call on weak bones
NEW DELHI: Here is something that should send couch potatoes among girls to the running track. A study has established the link between loss of bone density and a sedentary life. The study conducted on 186 girls from Delhi University - including those who are into sports - shows that only 1% of non-sportswomen meet the recommended dietary allowance for calcium, a major factor for bone strength.
Their exposure to sunlight is also less than required, putting them at higher risk for bone loss after they turn 50. On World Osteoporosis Day, being observed on Thursday, doctors advise that girls should exercise more and eat healthy during adolescence because that is the time when bones develop. Decline in bone strength starts after age 30. "Approximately 40% of bone acquisition takes place during adolescence, which protects against post-menopausal osteoporosis or bone loss. Our study highlights the need for girls to indulge in physical activity and focus on a healthy diet during this period so that they develop strong bones.
Fragility fractures in women and bone loss is common these days," said Dr Nikhil Tandon, professor endocrinology and metabolism at AIIMS, who headed the study. Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, and Institute of Home Economics, DU, also participated in the study.
Source: Extract from TOI
News Digest
MCD downplaying dengue spread?
NEW DELHI: If the numbers shared with TOI by six private hospitals (including a hospital chain) are any indicator, the dengue outbreak in the capital this season is far more serious than what MCD is willing to admit. These hospitals alone have reported 1,284 cases while the civic body's tally is 463 cases, including four deaths.
This when MCD admits that more than 500 out of the 600 registered nursing homes and hospitals in the capital are not reporting cases to it - indicating that the reporting system for dengue is totally dysfunctional. Proper reporting of dengue cases is crucial for initiating targeted fogging operations.
Risk of breast cancer in younger women on rise
The risk increases with age. Most cases are found in women over 40, though the number of younger women developing breast cancer is currently on the rise .
Nip in the air, but don't let virus catch you
NEW DELHI: The cases of viral fever, upper respiratory infection and allergy due to change in weather are on the rise in the national capital. With the onset of winter, there is wide variation in the day and the night temperature which, doctors say, is most suitable for bacterial growth and transmission of viral infection. The elderly and the children are more at risk of getting infected. The doctors said people should avoid crowded places, frequently wash their hands and consult a physician if fever and sore throat last for more than 48 hours.
Malaria vaccine almost here
NEW DELHI: An effective vaccine against malaria - the first for any parasitic disease, is a step closer to reality.The first ever widescale trial of the candidate vaccine RTS,S prevented clinical malaria in 56% of five- to 17-month-old children it was tried on over a period of one year. It also prevented severe malaria in 47% of cases after three doses of RTS,S.
The trial was conducted at 11 trial sites in seven countries across sub-Saharan Africa. This data comes out of the first 6,000 children aged 5 to 17 months, over a 12-month period following vaccination. This is one of the final stages in evaluating the efficacy and safety of the vaccine candidate in infants and young children on a large scale before regulatory file submission.
Bill Gates called this discovery a "huge milestone" in the fight against malaria.
Malaria wanes globally, not in India
NEW DELHI: About one-third of all malaria-affected countries are expected to eliminate the vector-borne disease in the next 10 years.However, for the South-East Asia region the future isn't that bright.
Maldives is the only country among the 11 nations in the region that has eliminated malaria, while Sri Lanka and Korea are in the pre-elimination stage. The remaining eight countries, including India, are trying to control regular outbreaks.
To know more read my favorite The Times of India
NEW DELHI: If the numbers shared with TOI by six private hospitals (including a hospital chain) are any indicator, the dengue outbreak in the capital this season is far more serious than what MCD is willing to admit. These hospitals alone have reported 1,284 cases while the civic body's tally is 463 cases, including four deaths.
This when MCD admits that more than 500 out of the 600 registered nursing homes and hospitals in the capital are not reporting cases to it - indicating that the reporting system for dengue is totally dysfunctional. Proper reporting of dengue cases is crucial for initiating targeted fogging operations.
Risk of breast cancer in younger women on rise
The risk increases with age. Most cases are found in women over 40, though the number of younger women developing breast cancer is currently on the rise .
Nip in the air, but don't let virus catch you
NEW DELHI: The cases of viral fever, upper respiratory infection and allergy due to change in weather are on the rise in the national capital. With the onset of winter, there is wide variation in the day and the night temperature which, doctors say, is most suitable for bacterial growth and transmission of viral infection. The elderly and the children are more at risk of getting infected. The doctors said people should avoid crowded places, frequently wash their hands and consult a physician if fever and sore throat last for more than 48 hours.
Malaria vaccine almost here
NEW DELHI: An effective vaccine against malaria - the first for any parasitic disease, is a step closer to reality.The first ever widescale trial of the candidate vaccine RTS,S prevented clinical malaria in 56% of five- to 17-month-old children it was tried on over a period of one year. It also prevented severe malaria in 47% of cases after three doses of RTS,S.
The trial was conducted at 11 trial sites in seven countries across sub-Saharan Africa. This data comes out of the first 6,000 children aged 5 to 17 months, over a 12-month period following vaccination. This is one of the final stages in evaluating the efficacy and safety of the vaccine candidate in infants and young children on a large scale before regulatory file submission.
Bill Gates called this discovery a "huge milestone" in the fight against malaria.
Malaria wanes globally, not in India
NEW DELHI: About one-third of all malaria-affected countries are expected to eliminate the vector-borne disease in the next 10 years.However, for the South-East Asia region the future isn't that bright.
Maldives is the only country among the 11 nations in the region that has eliminated malaria, while Sri Lanka and Korea are in the pre-elimination stage. The remaining eight countries, including India, are trying to control regular outbreaks.
To know more read my favorite The Times of India
Monday, October 17, 2011
Global Mental Health
Published October 17, 2011
The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health 2011 follows up on the pioneering set of papers published by the journal in 2007. It tracks progress over the past four years, and adds information to provide an indispensible resource for health workers and policymakers. The subjects of the papers were chosen after consultation with the Movement for Global Mental Health, an international coalition of professionals and the public that is committed to improving access to mental health care and promoting the human rights of people affected by mental illness worldwide.
Read more:http://www.thelancet.com/series/global-mental-health-2011
World Mental Health Day (October 10), is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.
The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health 2011 follows up on the pioneering set of papers published by the journal in 2007. It tracks progress over the past four years, and adds information to provide an indispensible resource for health workers and policymakers. The subjects of the papers were chosen after consultation with the Movement for Global Mental Health, an international coalition of professionals and the public that is committed to improving access to mental health care and promoting the human rights of people affected by mental illness worldwide.
Read more:http://www.thelancet.com/series/global-mental-health-2011
World Mental Health Day (October 10), is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Country's first robotic liver surgery on donor saves kid
TNN Oct 16, 2011, 02.58AM IST
NEW DELHI: For the first time in India, a robot (Da-Vinci) was used successfully for liver transplant. Doctors at Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon have performed the robotic surgery to take out a portion of the liver of the donor to be transplanted in a four-year-old child suffering from liver cancer.
TNN Oct 16, 2011, 02.58AM IST
NEW DELHI: For the first time in India, a robot (Da-Vinci) was used successfully for liver transplant. Doctors at Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon have performed the robotic surgery to take out a portion of the liver of the donor to be transplanted in a four-year-old child suffering from liver cancer.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Indian Academy of Sciences:open access repository
Indian Academy of Sciences has build up an Open Access Repository of publications of Fellows of the Academy. It attempts to collect, preserve and disseminate the intellectual output available as publications by its Fellows in peer-reviewed journals.Under the subject category "medicine" it reveals 3409 records.
To find more click: Indian Academy of Sciences repository
Indian Academy of Sciences has build up an Open Access Repository of publications of Fellows of the Academy. It attempts to collect, preserve and disseminate the intellectual output available as publications by its Fellows in peer-reviewed journals.Under the subject category "medicine" it reveals 3409 records.
To find more click: Indian Academy of Sciences repository
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The final version of World Development Report 2011: Conflict, Security, and Development is now available online.
Women's participation in workforce lowest in South Asia: WB
NEW DELHI: With one million girls 'missing' in India, a World Bank report has cautioned that this continued economic gap between men and women could spell disaster for the country. Female labour force participation is South Asia (including India) is among the lowest in the developing world.
Source : TOI
Number of people affected by TB dropped in 2010
NEW DELHI: First the good news -- the number of people who fell ill with tuberculosis globally dropped to 8.8 million in 2010, after peaking at nine million in 2005. However, in India, the disease still wreaked havoc. It infected over 15 lakh people in 2010 and killed over three lakh.
According to new data, published on Wednesday in the WHO 2011 global tuberculosis control report, India's case detection rate in 2010 was just about 60%. What's most worrying is that 73,000 of the notified new TB cases were already multi drug resistant. Of this less than 3,000 were detected.
Women's participation in workforce lowest in South Asia: WB
NEW DELHI: With one million girls 'missing' in India, a World Bank report has cautioned that this continued economic gap between men and women could spell disaster for the country. Female labour force participation is South Asia (including India) is among the lowest in the developing world.
Source : TOI
Number of people affected by TB dropped in 2010
NEW DELHI: First the good news -- the number of people who fell ill with tuberculosis globally dropped to 8.8 million in 2010, after peaking at nine million in 2005. However, in India, the disease still wreaked havoc. It infected over 15 lakh people in 2010 and killed over three lakh.
According to new data, published on Wednesday in the WHO 2011 global tuberculosis control report, India's case detection rate in 2010 was just about 60%. What's most worrying is that 73,000 of the notified new TB cases were already multi drug resistant. Of this less than 3,000 were detected.
World Arthritis Day :12th September
In 2003, the European League Against Rheumatism, in collaboration with worldwide organizations representing persons with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, created World Arthritis Day. This observance aims to increase awareness of arthritis and to influence policies that can reduce the burden of arthritis.
The theme of this year's World Arthritis Day (October 12, 2011) is Move to Improve. Physical activity is a key self-management strategy for persons with arthritis and is proven to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life . The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults, including those with arthritis, engage in 150 minutes or more per week of at least moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity and do muscle-strengthening exercises at least 2 days per week. Adults with arthritis who cannot meet these recommendations are encouraged to do what physical activity they can, because some is better than none.
Read more at : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In 2003, the European League Against Rheumatism, in collaboration with worldwide organizations representing persons with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, created World Arthritis Day. This observance aims to increase awareness of arthritis and to influence policies that can reduce the burden of arthritis.
The theme of this year's World Arthritis Day (October 12, 2011) is Move to Improve. Physical activity is a key self-management strategy for persons with arthritis and is proven to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life . The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults, including those with arthritis, engage in 150 minutes or more per week of at least moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity and do muscle-strengthening exercises at least 2 days per week. Adults with arthritis who cannot meet these recommendations are encouraged to do what physical activity they can, because some is better than none.
Read more at : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Monday, October 10, 2011
Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI)
The Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI), hosted at the ICMR's National Institute of Medical Statistics (NIMS), is a free and online public record system for registration of clinical trials being conducted in India.
Source: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php
Source: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php
Sunday, October 9, 2011
GB Pants emergency block to be restarted
New Delhi: Delhi government has decided to restart G B Pant Hospital's state-ofthe-art emergency block,which was commissioned before Commonwealth Games but was not functioning due to shortage of staff.Delhi Health Minister AK Walia has said that they have cleared new recruitments as shortage of manpower there had led to the closure of the hospital.
Source: TOI
New Delhi: Delhi government has decided to restart G B Pant Hospital's state-ofthe-art emergency block,which was commissioned before Commonwealth Games but was not functioning due to shortage of staff.Delhi Health Minister AK Walia has said that they have cleared new recruitments as shortage of manpower there had led to the closure of the hospital.
Source: TOI
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Steinman's immunotherapy key to prolong life span of pancreatic cancer patients
NEW DELHI: The world may soon find a way to prolong the life span of patients suffering from the lethal adeno carcinoma of the pancreas.
And the answer may come from the work of none other than Canadian cell biologist Ralph Steinman, who was diagnosed with the disease four years ago and died of it on September 30.Steinman discovered dendritic cells in 1973 that regulate and adapt the immune system's defence mechanisms. This had laid the foundation for immunotherapy.
Adeno carcinoma is an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. Those diagnosed with it live for only about 12 months because most of them are diagnosed in the final stages. Four years ago, Steinman started a clinical trial of his dendritic-cell based immunotherapy in which he was the only patient.
"It didn't cure him, but it may have prolonged his life which is a big enough step. Dendritic cells are being tried on several types of cancer and works by increasing the immunity of cells in our body that kills the tumour cells," said professor Vinod Raina, who heads the medical oncology department at AIIMS.
In these cases, patients can live for even upto 20 years, thanks to the latest drugs and if the pancreas is removed.
"The biggest problem with pancreatic cancer is that there are hardly any tests for early diagnosis. Most patients come to us in the last stage. The survival rate is lower for patients diagnosed at later stages - less than 2% of patients diagnosed once their cancer has spread to other parts of the body," Dr Raina said.
NEW DELHI: The world may soon find a way to prolong the life span of patients suffering from the lethal adeno carcinoma of the pancreas.
And the answer may come from the work of none other than Canadian cell biologist Ralph Steinman, who was diagnosed with the disease four years ago and died of it on September 30.Steinman discovered dendritic cells in 1973 that regulate and adapt the immune system's defence mechanisms. This had laid the foundation for immunotherapy.
Adeno carcinoma is an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. Those diagnosed with it live for only about 12 months because most of them are diagnosed in the final stages. Four years ago, Steinman started a clinical trial of his dendritic-cell based immunotherapy in which he was the only patient.
"It didn't cure him, but it may have prolonged his life which is a big enough step. Dendritic cells are being tried on several types of cancer and works by increasing the immunity of cells in our body that kills the tumour cells," said professor Vinod Raina, who heads the medical oncology department at AIIMS.
In these cases, patients can live for even upto 20 years, thanks to the latest drugs and if the pancreas is removed.
"The biggest problem with pancreatic cancer is that there are hardly any tests for early diagnosis. Most patients come to us in the last stage. The survival rate is lower for patients diagnosed at later stages - less than 2% of patients diagnosed once their cancer has spread to other parts of the body," Dr Raina said.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
PubMed Health — A Growing Resource for Clinical Effectiveness Information
PubMed Health specializes in reviews of clinical effectiveness research, with easy-to-read summaries for consumers as well as full technical reports. Clinical effectiveness research finds answers to the question “What works?” in medical and health care.
PubMed Health is a service provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) is the world's largest medical library. It has millions of books and journals about all aspects of medicine and health care on its shelves. Its electronic services deliver trillions of bytes of data to millions of users every day.The NLM was founded in 1836 and is part of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is a division of the NLM. It creates resources for researchers, particularly large-scale research in human genetics.The NCBI also provides public access to information through resources like PubMed. PubMed includes abstracts—short technical summaries—of more than 20 million scientific articles in medicine and health.
PubMed Health is based on systematic reviews of clinical trials. These clinical effectiveness reviews can show what treatments and prevention methods have been proven to work—and what remains unknown.
PubMed Health provides summaries and full texts of selected systematic reviews in one place. The reviews were generally published or updated from 2003. There is also information for consumers and clinicians based on those reviews.
Search at:PubMed Health
PubMed Health is a service provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) is the world's largest medical library. It has millions of books and journals about all aspects of medicine and health care on its shelves. Its electronic services deliver trillions of bytes of data to millions of users every day.The NLM was founded in 1836 and is part of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is a division of the NLM. It creates resources for researchers, particularly large-scale research in human genetics.The NCBI also provides public access to information through resources like PubMed. PubMed includes abstracts—short technical summaries—of more than 20 million scientific articles in medicine and health.
PubMed Health is based on systematic reviews of clinical trials. These clinical effectiveness reviews can show what treatments and prevention methods have been proven to work—and what remains unknown.
PubMed Health provides summaries and full texts of selected systematic reviews in one place. The reviews were generally published or updated from 2003. There is also information for consumers and clinicians based on those reviews.
Search at:PubMed Health
News Digest
Helpline launched on World Heart Day
NEW DELHI: Feeling that piercing pain in your chest? Don't panic. Now you can dial a special helpline number - 01123282328 - and get professional guidance on ECG and other tests to assess cardiovascular risk. Health minister A K Walia launched the helpline on Thursday- World Heart Day.
Dr Prem Aggarwal, senior cardiologist and president of the National Medical Forum - who has started this service - says that 105 hospitals and nursing homes are linked to the helpline.
Kids to break silence with chip implant ;children didn't have cochlea,now audio-verbal therapy will be a vital cure ..
Living on the edge
MUMBAI: As many as 72 per cent of sexually active young people across the country have had sex with new partners without any protection, an international survey says.
At least 40 per cent of the youth polled in India say they had problems accessing contraceptives when they needed, while 36 per cent said they knew a close friend/ family member who has had an unplanned pregnancy.Nearly a one-third got wrong information about contraception from friends...
India will roll out world's largest drive against NCDs
NEW DELHI: As many as 26 "mini interventions" will make up the world's largest programme to combat Non Communicable diseases (NCDs) that will be launched by India soon...
How to switch your health insurer
With health insurance portability you can shift to a new insurer without losing the benefits of the existing policy. Here's what you should know
Most people tolerate bad service from their health insurers because they don't want to lose out on the benefits of the existing policy if they move to another insurer. So far, switching insurers has meant that you are considered a new customer and have to go through the requisite waiting period of one to four years after buying the policy to cover your pre-existing diseases. However, from 1 October, health insurance portability has come into effect, which allows you to switch insurers without losing the benefits of your existing policy.
Plan panel mulls 2 nurses for every doctor
NEW DELHI: India plans to fix the acute shortage of nurse by 2025. The Planning Commission's high-level expert group on health has set a target to have a minimum of two nurses and one auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) for every available allopathic doctor.
Now, the nurse: doctor ratio in India is 1.05:1, and that of nurses and midwives to a doctor is 1.53:1.
The group, headed by Dr K Srinath Reddy, in its latest report on universal health coverage has recommended opening of 382 new nursing schools and 58 nursing colleges in 216 underserved districts across 15 states.
NEW DELHI: Feeling that piercing pain in your chest? Don't panic. Now you can dial a special helpline number - 01123282328 - and get professional guidance on ECG and other tests to assess cardiovascular risk. Health minister A K Walia launched the helpline on Thursday- World Heart Day.
Dr Prem Aggarwal, senior cardiologist and president of the National Medical Forum - who has started this service - says that 105 hospitals and nursing homes are linked to the helpline.
Kids to break silence with chip implant ;children didn't have cochlea,now audio-verbal therapy will be a vital cure ..
Living on the edge
MUMBAI: As many as 72 per cent of sexually active young people across the country have had sex with new partners without any protection, an international survey says.
At least 40 per cent of the youth polled in India say they had problems accessing contraceptives when they needed, while 36 per cent said they knew a close friend/ family member who has had an unplanned pregnancy.Nearly a one-third got wrong information about contraception from friends...
India will roll out world's largest drive against NCDs
NEW DELHI: As many as 26 "mini interventions" will make up the world's largest programme to combat Non Communicable diseases (NCDs) that will be launched by India soon...
How to switch your health insurer
With health insurance portability you can shift to a new insurer without losing the benefits of the existing policy. Here's what you should know
Most people tolerate bad service from their health insurers because they don't want to lose out on the benefits of the existing policy if they move to another insurer. So far, switching insurers has meant that you are considered a new customer and have to go through the requisite waiting period of one to four years after buying the policy to cover your pre-existing diseases. However, from 1 October, health insurance portability has come into effect, which allows you to switch insurers without losing the benefits of your existing policy.
Plan panel mulls 2 nurses for every doctor
NEW DELHI: India plans to fix the acute shortage of nurse by 2025. The Planning Commission's high-level expert group on health has set a target to have a minimum of two nurses and one auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) for every available allopathic doctor.
Now, the nurse: doctor ratio in India is 1.05:1, and that of nurses and midwives to a doctor is 1.53:1.
The group, headed by Dr K Srinath Reddy, in its latest report on universal health coverage has recommended opening of 382 new nursing schools and 58 nursing colleges in 216 underserved districts across 15 states.
Soon, a jab that can help grow a new knee
LONDON: Coming soon, jab that will let arthritis sufferers grow a new knee or hip joints, say British scientists.
A team, led by Newcastle University , claims the injection will "revolutionize" the treatment of osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition -- in fact, given in a person's 40s or 50s, just as arthritis begins, the jab could remove the need for hip or knee replacements in some cases.
Andrew McCaskie at Newcastle University said, "Every patient has their own 'repair kit' . Whereas joint replacement uses metal and plastic to replace the severely damaged joint, we're trying to treat at an earlier stage and assist the body to repair itself."
Arthritis is caused by wear and tear of cartilage that helps our joints take the strain of bending , lifting, gripping and kneeling . With no cure, painkillers and physiotherapy are the main forms of treatment. Joint replacement surgery can help, but it is a complicated and not successful in all cases.
The new technique, which could be in use within five years, will harness the power of stem cells -- "master cells" that can turn into other cell types --in patients who are still in their prime.
LONDON: Coming soon, jab that will let arthritis sufferers grow a new knee or hip joints, say British scientists.
A team, led by Newcastle University , claims the injection will "revolutionize" the treatment of osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition -- in fact, given in a person's 40s or 50s, just as arthritis begins, the jab could remove the need for hip or knee replacements in some cases.
Andrew McCaskie at Newcastle University said, "Every patient has their own 'repair kit' . Whereas joint replacement uses metal and plastic to replace the severely damaged joint, we're trying to treat at an earlier stage and assist the body to repair itself."
Arthritis is caused by wear and tear of cartilage that helps our joints take the strain of bending , lifting, gripping and kneeling . With no cure, painkillers and physiotherapy are the main forms of treatment. Joint replacement surgery can help, but it is a complicated and not successful in all cases.
The new technique, which could be in use within five years, will harness the power of stem cells -- "master cells" that can turn into other cell types --in patients who are still in their prime.
Superbug threat haunts again
Although the health ministry has denied any threat by superbug NDM-1 alleged to be found in Delhi's sewage and drinking water, former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) chief N.K. Ganguly recently said that the superbug's presence and ill-effects have been confirmed.
"Do not underestimate the superbug," Ganguly said at the first forum on bacterial infections in the capital. He added: "Considering the hospital waste that goes into Delhi's sewage water, many studies have confirmed that the multi-drug resistant superbug is present in Delhi's environment. It is the most deadliest bug roaming around."
Reports from a British Medical journal had earlier alleged the presence of a bacteria with multi-drug resistant gene -- New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) -- that was resistant to almost all antibiotics.
Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/superbug-threat-haunts-again/1/153779.html
Although the health ministry has denied any threat by superbug NDM-1 alleged to be found in Delhi's sewage and drinking water, former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) chief N.K. Ganguly recently said that the superbug's presence and ill-effects have been confirmed.
"Do not underestimate the superbug," Ganguly said at the first forum on bacterial infections in the capital. He added: "Considering the hospital waste that goes into Delhi's sewage water, many studies have confirmed that the multi-drug resistant superbug is present in Delhi's environment. It is the most deadliest bug roaming around."
Reports from a British Medical journal had earlier alleged the presence of a bacteria with multi-drug resistant gene -- New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) -- that was resistant to almost all antibiotics.
Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/superbug-threat-haunts-again/1/153779.html
Bone donation
New Delhi: Bone donation is yet to catch up among Indians.Though globally,bone is the second most commonly transplanted tissue after blood,not many Indians have come forward to pledge their bones.This is taking a toll on the country's only fullfledged bone bank at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
Since its inception in 1999,the bank has recorded just about 13 cadaver donations.This year,till September,the bank has received just two donations while in 2010,it received one and in 2009,none.
According to Dr Malhotra,professor of orthopedics at AIIMS,in the last five years,the bank has received just nine donations.He told TOI: We are facing an acute shortage of bones.Lack of awareness is a major problem...
Read More@Times of India
New Delhi: Bone donation is yet to catch up among Indians.Though globally,bone is the second most commonly transplanted tissue after blood,not many Indians have come forward to pledge their bones.This is taking a toll on the country's only fullfledged bone bank at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
Since its inception in 1999,the bank has recorded just about 13 cadaver donations.This year,till September,the bank has received just two donations while in 2010,it received one and in 2009,none.
According to Dr Malhotra,professor of orthopedics at AIIMS,in the last five years,the bank has received just nine donations.He told TOI: We are facing an acute shortage of bones.Lack of awareness is a major problem...
Read More@Times of India
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2011
Bruce A. Beutler, Jules A. Hoffmann, Ralph M. Steinman
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2011 was divided, one half jointly to Bruce A. Beutler and Jules A. Hoffmann "for their discoveries concerning the activation of innate immunity" and the other half to Ralph M. Steinman "for his discovery of the dendritic cell and its role in adaptive immunity".
The discoveries of the three Nobel Laureates have revealed how the innate and adaptive phases of the immune response are activated and thereby provided novel insights into disease mechanisms. Their work has opened up new avenues for the development of prevention and therapy against infections, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Source:nobelprize.org
Bruce A. Beutler, Jules A. Hoffmann, Ralph M. Steinman
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2011 was divided, one half jointly to Bruce A. Beutler and Jules A. Hoffmann "for their discoveries concerning the activation of innate immunity" and the other half to Ralph M. Steinman "for his discovery of the dendritic cell and its role in adaptive immunity".
The discoveries of the three Nobel Laureates have revealed how the innate and adaptive phases of the immune response are activated and thereby provided novel insights into disease mechanisms. Their work has opened up new avenues for the development of prevention and therapy against infections, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Source:nobelprize.org
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Total Sanitation Campaign
NEW DELHI: With India facing the slur of topping the global list in open defecation, the Centre is keen to put the sanitation programme back on the centrestage by sensitizing the population about public hygiene.
The Union rural development ministry along with states will organize a month-long campaign from October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, to create awareness for its flagship scheme of Total Sanitation Campaign.
According to a UNICEF survey, 58% of the world's population practicing open defecation lives in India while China and Indonesia come a distant second by accounting for just 5% of the world numbers. Pakistan is down to third with 4.5%, tied with Ethiopia.
The numbers are astounding as the prosperity of liberalized India does not seem to translate into better sanitation.
Read more @ Times of India
NEW DELHI: With India facing the slur of topping the global list in open defecation, the Centre is keen to put the sanitation programme back on the centrestage by sensitizing the population about public hygiene.
The Union rural development ministry along with states will organize a month-long campaign from October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, to create awareness for its flagship scheme of Total Sanitation Campaign.
According to a UNICEF survey, 58% of the world's population practicing open defecation lives in India while China and Indonesia come a distant second by accounting for just 5% of the world numbers. Pakistan is down to third with 4.5%, tied with Ethiopia.
The numbers are astounding as the prosperity of liberalized India does not seem to translate into better sanitation.
Read more @ Times of India
Saturday, October 1, 2011
'Prenatal chemo safe for babies'
NEW DELHI: Now, would-be mothers undergoing chemotherapy can rest easy.
A study has confirmed that chemotherapy during pregnancy does not cause developmental problems in children born later.
A new research - to be presented at the ongoing 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress - says children born after their mothers were treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy appear to be unaffected by the experience in terms of development of their mental processes and the normal functioning of their hearts.
Professor Frederic Amant will tell the Congress, "This is the first time children of 18 months and older have been examined after chemotherapy during pregnancy and the news is reassuring in respect of the effects of chemotherapy on cognitive and cardiac outcomes." However, he will say that a significant number (47) of the 70 children born from 68 pregnancies were delivered pre-term and the researchers found that prematurity but not chemotherapy affect these children's cognitive development significantly.
NEW DELHI: Now, would-be mothers undergoing chemotherapy can rest easy.
A study has confirmed that chemotherapy during pregnancy does not cause developmental problems in children born later.
A new research - to be presented at the ongoing 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress - says children born after their mothers were treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy appear to be unaffected by the experience in terms of development of their mental processes and the normal functioning of their hearts.
Professor Frederic Amant will tell the Congress, "This is the first time children of 18 months and older have been examined after chemotherapy during pregnancy and the news is reassuring in respect of the effects of chemotherapy on cognitive and cardiac outcomes." However, he will say that a significant number (47) of the 70 children born from 68 pregnancies were delivered pre-term and the researchers found that prematurity but not chemotherapy affect these children's cognitive development significantly.
AIIMS opens geriatric OPD
NEW DELHI: Elderly people visiting AIIMS for medical help won't have to move around from one department to another any more. They can now go to the new geriatric OPD, which will have a multi-disciplinary team of doctors.
The geriatric OPD at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) - the first service being introduced under the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) - was inaugurated by Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday.
3-level underground parking at AIIMS
NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad laid the foundation stone of a three-level underground parking at AIIMS campus on Saturday. The parking will have space for 450 cars and is expected to provide some respite to the thousands of patients and visitors who have to jostle for space now. According to hospital authorities, the parking project costing Rs 50 crore (approx) is likely to be completed by October next year. Another proposal to build a brand new private ward with a separate underground parking facility has also been approved by the ministry, said hospital sources.
Six AIIMS-like medical institutes
NEW DELHI: The government intends to set up six AIIMS-like medical institutions in different states and Rs 847 crores have been released so far for them.
Stating this in the Rajya Sabha in reply to a written question, health and family welfare minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government has set a deadline to make medical colleges at six sites functional from academic year 2012-13 and hospitals by the year 2013-14.He said the government had approved the setting up of six AIIMS-like institutions in Bihar (Patna), Chhattisgarh (Raipur), Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal), Orissa (Bhubaneswar), Rajasthan (Jodhpur) and Uttarakhand (Rishikesh) under the first phase of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
Construction of medical colleges and hospital complexes at all the six AIIMS-like institutions in first phase has started and is in full swing, he said the Rajya Sabha. Residential complex at Jodhpur and Raipur has been completed and work is in progress at remaining sites, he said.
Azad said the sites for setting up AIIMS-like institutions have been identified on the basis of various socio-economic indicators like human development index, literacy rate, population living below poverty line, per capita income and health indicators like population-to-bed ratio, prevalence rate of serious communicable diseases, infant mortality rate etc.
NEW DELHI: Elderly people visiting AIIMS for medical help won't have to move around from one department to another any more. They can now go to the new geriatric OPD, which will have a multi-disciplinary team of doctors.
The geriatric OPD at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) - the first service being introduced under the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) - was inaugurated by Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday.
3-level underground parking at AIIMS
NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad laid the foundation stone of a three-level underground parking at AIIMS campus on Saturday. The parking will have space for 450 cars and is expected to provide some respite to the thousands of patients and visitors who have to jostle for space now. According to hospital authorities, the parking project costing Rs 50 crore (approx) is likely to be completed by October next year. Another proposal to build a brand new private ward with a separate underground parking facility has also been approved by the ministry, said hospital sources.
Six AIIMS-like medical institutes
NEW DELHI: The government intends to set up six AIIMS-like medical institutions in different states and Rs 847 crores have been released so far for them.
Stating this in the Rajya Sabha in reply to a written question, health and family welfare minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government has set a deadline to make medical colleges at six sites functional from academic year 2012-13 and hospitals by the year 2013-14.He said the government had approved the setting up of six AIIMS-like institutions in Bihar (Patna), Chhattisgarh (Raipur), Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal), Orissa (Bhubaneswar), Rajasthan (Jodhpur) and Uttarakhand (Rishikesh) under the first phase of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
Construction of medical colleges and hospital complexes at all the six AIIMS-like institutions in first phase has started and is in full swing, he said the Rajya Sabha. Residential complex at Jodhpur and Raipur has been completed and work is in progress at remaining sites, he said.
Azad said the sites for setting up AIIMS-like institutions have been identified on the basis of various socio-economic indicators like human development index, literacy rate, population living below poverty line, per capita income and health indicators like population-to-bed ratio, prevalence rate of serious communicable diseases, infant mortality rate etc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
