The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has modified the surrogacy rules (2022) to let married couples avail an egg or sperm of a donor in case one of the partners has a medical condition. As per the new law, the District Medical Board has to certify that either the husband or wife is suffering from a medical condition necessitating the use of donor gamete. The surrogacy using donor gamete is allowed subject to the condition that the child to be born through surrogacy must have at least one gamete from the intending couple, it stated. Before the passing of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021, restrictions on the definition, process and rights of the intending couple, intending mother, surrogate and child were not established, informs Mr Nitiz Murdia, the co-founder and managing director at Indira IVF. In light of the mushrooming of IVF and surrogacy clinics in India – the regulations to govern the space remained grey. With the upgraded Act now, the following factors have been established: What is the eligibility criteria? For couples 1. The couple must be of Indian origin. 2. The couple must be legally married. 3. The female partner must be between the ages of 23 and 50, while the male partner must be between the ages of 26 and 55 on the day of registration. 4. The couple must not have any surviving child either biologically, through adoption, or via surrogacy. Additionally, they must not have a child who is mentally or physically challenged, or suffering from a life-threatening disorder without a permanent cure. The amendment came after the Supreme Court last year received petitions from women across the country For single women 1. The woman must be of Indian origin. 2. She must be either a widow or a divorcee. 3. She must be between the ages of 35 and 45 years. 4. The woman must not have any surviving child either biologically, through adoption, or via surrogacy. Additionally, she must not have a child who is mentally or physically challenged, or suffering from a life-threatening disorder without a permanent cure. Eligibility to be a surrogate mother: 1. Must willingly agree to become a surrogate mother without any form of force or coercion. 2. Must be willing to engage in altruistic surrogacy, where no financial compensation, fees or remuneration, except for necessary medical expenses and prescribed costs, are provided to the surrogate mother or her dependents. 3. Must have been previously married. 4. Must have at least one child of her own. 5. Must be between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of implantation. 6. Must not have previously served as a surrogate mother and must not have had three unsuccessful attempts at surrogacy. 7. Must not provide her own gametes for the surrogacy process. 8. Must provide consent as required by the relevant laws and regulations. Medical requirements for the intending couple or woman Murdia stresses that the intending couple or woman must have one of the following medical indications necessitating gestational surrogacy: 1. Absence of uterus, congenital absence, or abnormality of the uterus (such as hypoplastic uterus, intrauterine adhesions, thin endometrium or small uni-cornuate uterus) or surgical removal of the uterus due to medical conditions like gynaecological cancer. 2. Intended parent or woman experiencing recurrent failure to conceive after multiple attempts of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), also known as recurrent implantation failure. 3. Multiple pregnancy losses without an identifiable medical cause or unexplained graft rejection attributed to an exaggerated immune response. 4. Any medical condition rendering it impossible for the woman to carry a pregnancy to viability or posing life-threatening risks during pregnancy. In the presence of these conditions, the Act first presented had allowed the use of gametes only from the biological parents to be fertilised and to be used for the purpose of surrogacy. However, there can be other medical indications due to which a female might be unable to produce eggs at all and may also have a dysfunctional uterus. This includes the following: 1. She has Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a disorder that mainly affects the female reproductive system. This condition causes the vagina and uterus to be underdeveloped or absent, although external genitalia are normal 2. She has pre-mature ovarian failure wherein a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs before the age of 40 and transition to menopause What previous surrogacy law stated The Centre had in March 2023 issued a notification banning donor gametes for couples intending to undergo surrogacy. The amendment came after the Supreme Court last year received petitions from women across the country after it allowed a woman with a rare congenital disorder to avail surrogacy with a donor egg. Thus, keeping this in mind, the amendment to allow the use of one donor gamete has been introduced. However, the modified act now eases the constraints faced by couples and single mothers trying to conceive. This can be performed when the District Medical Board certifies that either partner in the intending couple has a medical condition that necessitates the use of a donor gamete. Thus, one of the gametes, either the egg or the sperm, has to be of the couple and the other can be from a donor, upon the vetting of the District Medical Board. However, the amendment does not introduce changes for single women who are widowed or divorced; should they opt for surrogacy, the egg must be their own and they may opt for a donor sperm. Single men do not qualify The law does not allow single men to opt for surrogacy. In India, it is prohibited to determine the sex of a child before it is born and hence, the sex of a child born through assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy is also unknown. The Act’s exclusion of single men may be inspired by the regulations surrounding adoption in India which states that single men may not adopt a girl child. Legal implications The process may be slightly longer and tedious for an intending couple or woman, state experts. Four documents which include a certificate of essentiality, certificate of eligibility of surrogate mother, certificate of eligibility of intending couple or woman, and approval for availing surrogacy from the state ART board have to be produced. Following this, and on a unique case basis only, intending couples would be allowed to use either a sperm or egg donor for surrogacy. Such patients may require assistance from a lawyer to get the documents to apply for surrogacy. Thus, an additional legal cost may be implied for the patient, thereby, increasing the overall cost of treatment. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, adopts a stringent approach to prevent malpractices through measures like prohibiting commercial surrogacy, imposing strict eligibility criteria, and regulating ART clinics. The surrogate mother is entitled to medical expenses during the gestation period and insurance coverage for 36 months. Moreover, the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 has prioritised the safety of donors and especially egg donors, wherein donors have to be between ages 25-35 years, and they can donate eggs only once in their lifetime. It has specified medical insurance for the donors as well. Ultimately, the Acts’ effectiveness in curbing malpractices depends on robust enforcement. Continuous evaluation basis of the ever-evolving healthcare scenario and unique patient cases further helps in creating more stringent and inclusive legislation. Thus, the latest amendment is a testament to the same that protects the fundamental rights of patients.
26 February,2024 10:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi The news of Dangal’s child actress Suhani Bhatnagar’s demise at 19 left the world shocked and baffled. While we are yet to adjust to the news of young individuals succumbing to cardiac arrests, the unfortunate loss of this young actress has brought to light yet another health concern that requires our attention. As per the details issued to the media, Suhani suffered from dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease. When reading about the condition that led to this tragic incident, two terms were used quite often – autoimmune disease and inflammatory disease. We asked the concerned health experts what these terms mean, who all are at risk of such diseases, their health implications and the necessary treatments. What are autoimmune diseases? Dr Puneet Mashru, consultant-rheumatologist, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital elucidates, “Your immune system typically protects you from diseases and infections by creating specific cells to target foreign pathogens (organism that causes disease) when it detects their presence. Normally, your immune system can distinguish between foreign cells and your body's cells. However, in the case of an autoimmune disease, this process goes awry. Your immune system mistakenly identifies parts of your body, such as your joints or skin, as foreign invaders. Consequently, it releases proteins called auto-antibodies, which attack and damage healthy cells instead of protecting them.” Expanding on the same, Dr Rohini Samant, consultant rheumatologist, P. D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim states, “This means that the body’s immune system which is meant to counter external elements like microorganisms /allergens has gone overboard and is attacking oneself. If untreated, this may lead to damage to vital organs like lungs, kidneys, heart or liver, eventually leading to death.” What are inflammatory diseases? Dr Preeti Nagnur, consultant rheumatologist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, comments, “Inflammatory diseases are a group of conditions characterised by the body's immune response causing inflammation in various parts of the body. In cases of chronic inflammatory diseases, this response becomes dysregulated and can cause damage to healthy tissues. One key feature of inflammatory diseases is the presence of certain proteins called cytokines that play a significant role in regulating inflammation. Imbalance in these cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation and contribute to the development of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma.” How are autoimmune diseases different from inflammatory diseases? According to Nagnur autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases are often confused as they share common symptoms but differ from each other. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Inflammatory diseases are caused by a response to an external threat like infection or injury, resulting in acute inflammation as a defence mechanism. One way to differentiate between autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is through diagnostic tests that identify specific antibodies in autoimmune conditions. These tests are crucial in determining whether the immune system is attacking self-tissues or responding to an external threat. Understanding the distinction between autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment decisions. Rheumatologists or immunologists are trained to treat such diseases. What are the common types of autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body, from the skin to the joints to internal organs. Though almost any organ can be affected, Dr Pradeep Hasija, consultant, cardiology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, spells out two major patterns of autoimmune diseases. 1. Organ-specific autoimmune disease - In this the expression of autoimmunity is restricted to specific organs of the body, such as the thyroid (graves’ disease), pancreas (type 1 diabetes mellitus), intestine (coeliac disease), colon (crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), nerve fibres (multiple sclerosis), lacrimal and salivary glands (sjogren syndrome), joints (rheumatoid arthritis). 2. Systemic autoimmune diseases - Many body tissues are affected, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affecting multiple organs involving joints, skin, kidneys, and nervous system. Likewise, dermatomyositis affects predominantly skin and muscles. Hasija goes on to clarify, “The unfortunate demise of the ‘Dangal’ actress at the young age of 19 has brought autoimmune diseases into focus in recent times. Though complete medical details have not been shared in the media, such rapid progression of disease requiring ventilatory support suggests severe affection of lungs or weakness of respiratory muscles and probably heart (myocarditis) in the inflammatory process.” Mashru adds, “Anyone can develop this condition, but it most commonly occurs in children aged five to 15 and adults aged 40 to 60. Dermatomyositis tends to affect women more often than men.” Key symptoms of dermatomyositis may include 1. Muscle weakness, stiffness, or soreness, leading to difficulty climbing stairs, sitting and getting up from chairs, and raising arms overhead. Over time, weakness can progress to involve the oesophagus, causing swallowing difficulties. 2. Rashes may occur on sun-exposed areas, upper eyelids, knuckles, and fingers. In some cases, the lungs may be affected, leading to lung fibrosis and shortness of breath. 3. Associated symptoms can include inflammation in the joints, fever, and unexplained weight loss. If someone experiences persistent rashes accompanied by weakness, it is important to consult a doctor for evaluation of dermatomyositis. Diagnosis of dermatomyositis typically involves blood tests such as CPK (creatine phosphokinase), SGOT and SGPT as well as imaging studies like MRI of muscles, electromyography (EMG), and sometimes muscle biopsy. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing the symptoms and preventing complications associated with dermatomyositis The most common type of autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in affected joints, causing significant discomfort and limiting mobility for individuals with this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly associated with older adults, but it can also affect individuals in younger age groups. Another prevalent autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis (MS), characterised by the immune system attacking the protective covering of nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. This causes symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination. Multiple sclerosis can affect individuals across a wide age range, but it most commonly manifests in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly targets and damages its own tissues, leading to inflammation and harm in various organs such as joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Fatigue, skin rashes, fevers, and joint pain or swelling are common symptoms. SLE is seen in the age group of 15-45. “The less common but more serious ones, often with multisystem involvement, are systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory myositis (like dermatomyositis), primary Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis, and scleroderma,” states Samant of P. D Hinduja Hospital. Further, speaking about inflammatory diseases, Nagnur of Wockhardt Hospitals states, “Inflammatory diseases can manifest in various forms, with some of the most common types including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and asthma. IBD encompasses conditions like crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, characterised by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Asthma involves inflammation of the airways, resulting in breathing difficulties and wheezing. The causes of inflammatory diseases involve a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune system dysfunction.” The terms autoimmune and inflammatory disease are often used interchangeably. What are the common causes of autoimmune and inflammatory disease? “It’s unknown what specifically causes autoimmune disorders. People who have certain genes may be more likely to have autoimmune disorders. Although genes contribute, they alone are insufficient to trigger an autoimmune disease. Environmental triggers, including infections, certain medications, smoking, and UV light exposure, are also believed to contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases,” says Mashru of Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital. Why diagnosis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is difficult? “Diagnosing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can be a complex and challenging process due to the wide range of symptoms that can mimic other conditions,” says Nagnur. A persistent constellation of symptoms in different combinations should arouse suspicion of an autoimmune disease. Common medical conditions which can also cause these symptoms should be first excluded. When in doubt, early referral to a rheumatologist by the treating physician will enable early diagnosis and treatment. Expanding on the same, Samant opines, “Early diagnosis of these rare diseases is still a far cry. The reason for this is the general lack of awareness of these conditions in the community and also sometimes the nonspecific nature of the symptoms in the initial phase of the disease.” She goes on to state that many people are unaware of who a rheumatologist is and what they treat. “Even among general practitioners, there is only a superficial understanding of these diseases. This is due to a lack /deficiency of rheumatology training in the undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula since rheumatology is still a relatively new branch. There is therefore a skewed ratio of trained rheumatologists to the general population. All this is changing slowly with many institutes now offering super speciality programmes in rheumatology/immunology in our country.” What are the common symptoms of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases?Mashru lists down some common symptoms: 1. Joint pains accompanied by early morning stiffness and swelling. 2. Raynaud's phenomenon, is characterised by the fingertips turning blue or white upon exposure to cold temperatures or stress. 3. Muscle weakness, resulting in difficulty sitting, standing up, and raising arms overhead. 4. Unexplained fever and weight loss, which can be indicative of systemic inflammation. 5. Persistent rashes, often sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive), may present in various forms depending on the specific autoimmune disease. These symptoms can vary in severity and may overlap among different autoimmune rheumatic diseases Can such diseases be treated for a complete cure? Nagnur says that while a complete cure may not yet be available for all autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. From medication therapies targeting specific immune responses to lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise can help patients. Patients must work closely with the doctor to determine the most suitable treatment plan. When struck with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, patients often make the mistake of self-diagnosing or ignoring early symptoms. This lack of medical advice can lead to delayed treatment and worsen the condition. Another common mistake patients make is non-compliance with prescribed medications or treatment regimens. Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions require consistent management to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Patients must actively engage in their treatment plan, communicate any concerns with their doctors, and adhere to recommended lifestyle changes. Can these diseases be prevented? According to Samant, there is no medicine at present to prevent these diseases. A well-balanced diet including fresh green leafy vegetables, fruits, proteins (pulses, lentils and meat), nuts and fish for omega 3 fatty acids, adequate rest, physical exercise, quitting smoking/tobacco, better-coping strategies for stress, avoidance of UV radiation by use of sunscreen (for systemic lupus erythematosus) are measures that will help prevent flares of autoimmune disease. Since these diseases need long-term care, continuation of medicines, and watching out for red flags (as discussed by doctors), periodic checkups will go a long way in ensuring disease control. Reaching the rheumatologist early rather than late is key to effective treatment and damage prevention. Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.
26 February,2024 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Aakanksha AhireIn a breakthrough study, a team of researchers have shown how chronic stress can aid in cancer spread. Chronic stress can increase our risk for heart disease and strokes. While it is also known to help cancer spread, how this works has remained a mystery. The team from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in the US discovered that stress causes certain white blood cells called neutrophils to form sticky web-like structures that make body tissues more susceptible to metastasis. The finding, published in the journal Cancer Cell, could point to new treatment strategies that stop cancer’s spread before it starts. “Stress is something we cannot really avoid in cancer patients. You can imagine if you are diagnosed, you cannot stop thinking about the disease or insurance or family. So it is very important to understand how stress works on us,” said Xue-Yan He, a former postdoc in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). The team arrived at their discovery by mimicking chronic stress in mice with cancer. They first removed tumours that had been growing in mice’s breasts and spreading cancer cells to their lungs. Next, they exposed the mice to stress. “Saw this scary increase in metastatic lesions in these animals. It was up to a fourfold increase in metastasis,” said Mikala Egeblad, Adjunct Professor at CSHL. The team found that stress hormones called glucocorticoids acted on the neutrophils. These “stressed” neutrophils formed spider-web-like structures called NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps). NETs form when neutrophils expel DNA. Normally, they can defend us against invading microorganisms. However, in cancer, NETs create a metastasis-friendly environment. To confirm that stress triggers NET formation, leading to increased metastasis, she performed three tests. First, she removed neutrophils from the mice using antibodies. Next, she injected a NET-destroying drug into the animals. Lastly, she used mice whose neutrophils couldn’t respond to glucocorticoids. Each test achieved similar results. “The stressed mice no longer developed more metastasis,” she said. Notably, the team found that chronic stress caused NET formation to modify lung tissue even in mice without cancer. “It’s almost preparing your tissue for getting cancer,” Egeblad explained. “Reducing stress should be a component of cancer treatment and prevention,” said CSHL Professor Linda Van Aelst. The team also speculates that future drugs preventing NET formation could benefit patients whose cancer hasn’t yet metastasised. Such new treatments could slow or stop cancer’s spread, offering much-needed relief. 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
26 February,2024 08:34 AM IST | New York | IANSUS scientists have developed a new and simple blood test to rapidly and inexpensively diagnose sarcoidosis -- a chronic inflammatory disease marked by the growth of tiny lumps called granulomas in the lungs and other organs in the body. The blood test could allow for selective use of more invasive diagnostic tests often used to identify the disease, revealed the team in the paper, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. "Currently, diagnosing sarcoidosis is not a straightforward process, and requires tissue removal and testing with additional screenings to rule out other diseases, such as tuberculosis or lung cancer," said James Kiley, Director of the Division of Lung Diseases at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of US National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Using a blood test will help diagnose faster, particularly in those organs that are more challenging to biopsy and with less harm to the patient." Though the exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, researchers suspect it is an immune disorder triggered by a group of specific antigens, which are generally foreign substances that incite an immune response in the body. To identify antigens and determine which might be linked to sarcoidosis, scientists collected lung fluid samples and blood cells from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, then extracted the genetic material. Using a combination of molecular techniques, the researchers homed in on two newly described disease-specific antigen biomarkers that only bind to the antibodies of sarcoidosis positive patients. They next designed a highly specific blood test, which only requires a small amount of blood, to determine if they could accurately detect sarcoidosis. To verify the test, researchers compared blood samples from 386 people, which included patients with sarcoidosis, patients with tuberculosis, patients with lung cancer, and healthy individuals. The researchers confirmed that their test was able to differentiate patients who had sarcoidosis from those with other respiratory diseases. "More testing needs to be completed before this screening method is ready for clinical use but it is possible that could be a reality within a few years," said Lobelia Samavati, of Wayne State University. 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
26 February,2024 08:28 AM IST | New York | IANSA flexitarian diet, also known as a semi-vegetarian diet, emphasises plant foods with limited or occasional meat consumption. As per a new study, a flexitarian diet was linked with lower cardiovascular risk than an omnivorous diet. The study, published in the journal BMC Nutrition, underlined the benefits of eating more plant-based foods instead of meat for better cardiovascular health. The study aimed to investigate the effects of a flexitarian diet on heart health. It involved 94 participants between the ages of 25 and 45 who had been following a vegan, omnivorous, or flexitarian diet for at least a year prior to the study. To assess the participants' dietary habits and lifestyle factors, questionnaires were used. Individuals who consumed less than 50 grams of meat per day were classified as flexitarians, while those who consumed 170 grams or more of meat were categorised as omnivores. Vegans, who completely avoided animal products, constituted the third group. On the day of the study, blood samples were collected from the participants to evaluate cardiovascular disease biomarkers. Additionally, the researchers measured the participants' blood pressure, body mass index, and arterial stiffness during the visit. The blood biomarker analysis revealed that both flexitarians and vegans had better cardiovascular health than omnivores. Specifically, they exhibited lower levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than omnivores. Furthermore, compared to omnivores and flexitarians, vegans showed lower fasting insulin levels, although the difference lost significance when the researchers adjusted for cofounders. Lastly, flexitarians and vegans had lower metabolic syndrome severity scores, which is a composite measure of various cardiovascular risk factors, including blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight. 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
26 February,2024 08:25 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSA team of researchers has created the first brain-wide map of brain regions to understand how sex relates to lasting love. They created the map of brain regions active in prairie voles -- a small Midwestern rodent during mating and pair bonding. Prairie voles are one of the few mammals known to form long-term, monogamous relationships. The researchers from The University of Texas at Austin found that bonding voles experience a storm of brain activity distributed across 68 distinct brain regions that make up seven brain-wide circuits. The brain activity correlates with three stages of behaviour -- mating, bonding and the emergence of a stable, enduring bond. Most of these brain regions the researchers identified were not previously associated with bonding, so the map reveals new places to look in the human brain to understand how we form and maintain close relationships. Earlier studies concluded that male and female brains often use fundamentally different mechanisms to produce the same behaviours, such as mating and nurturing offspring. But in this study, bonding males and females had nearly identical patterns of brain activity. "That was a surprise," said Steven Phelps, Professor of integrative biology at UT Austin. "Sex hormones like testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone are important for sexual, aggressive and parental behaviours, so the prevailing hypothesis was that brain activity during mating and bonding would also be different between the sexes," he added, in the study published in the journal eLife. The researchers were able to pinpoint with high resolution which brain cells were active in vole brains at various points over the course of the process that leads to and includes bonding. This is the first time such a method has been applied to prairie voles. By studying more than 200 prairie voles across multiple times during mating and bonding, the researchers produced an unprecedented and foundational data set. The strongest predictor of activity across the 68 brain regions that the researchers identified surprised them. It was male ejaculation, suggesting the experience elicits a profound emotional state -- and not only in the affected males. Females, too, had more bonding-related brain activity with males who reached that milestone. "The brain and behaviour data suggest that both sexes may be having orgasm-like responses, and these 'orgasms' coordinate the formation of a bond," Phelps said. "If true, it would imply that orgasms can serve as a means to promote connection, as has long been suggested in humans." 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.
25 February,2024 10:41 AM IST | New York | IANSIron deficiency is a widespread issue among young women, affecting around 90 per cent in India, said doctors on Sunday, calling the need for timely detection of the condition. Many women experience low iron levels without realising it, often attributing symptoms like fatigue and weakness to other causes. Iron deficiency is a common nutritional shortfall that occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to support its functions. This essential mineral plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body, maintaining healthy red blood cells, and supporting overall energy levels. Without adequate iron, individuals may experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and impaired cognitive function. "Iron deficiency among young women is a growing concern that is often overlooked. Despite efforts to promote healthy eating and supplementation, 90 per cent of young women still struggle with insufficient iron levels," Dr Rajesh Bendre, National Technical Head and Chief Pathologist Apollo Diagnostics, told IANS. He said factors such menstrual blood loss, restrictive diets, and heavy reliance on processed foods are behind the rise in iron deficiency among women. Further the doctor noted that the lack of education about iron-rich food sources and dietary requirements exacerbates the problem. "It is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining adequate iron levels and provide accessible resources for proper nutrition education," he said. Many pregnant women also suffer from iron deficiency, leading to low hemoglobin, anaemia, and its associated symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin, the expert said. “Iron deficiency in many pregnant women is a pressing concern that can have far-reaching consequences. Beyond the immediate health risks to the mother, such as anemia and fatigue, iron deficiency during pregnancy can also hinder foetal development. Inadequate iron levels in expecting mothers may increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, which can impact a child's long-term health and cognitive development, " Dr Bendre said. Addressing iron deficiency in pregnant women goes beyond simply supplementing with iron pills. Experts should educate women about the importance of regular prenatal check-ups to monitor their iron levels throughout pregnancy, enabling timely intervention if deficiencies arise. "Anaemia is one of the most widespread public health problems and has important health and welfare, social, and economic consequences. These include reduced hours at work, poor concentration and low self-esteem causing impaired development and in severe cases increased risk of death in pregnant patients, especially around the time of delivery. About 50 to 60 percent of pregnant women are found to be deficient in iron," Dr Abhya Bhave, Haematologist, Lilavati Hospital told IANS. The incidence of anaemia in our population is high, especially in the student and marriageable age group. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anaemia due to poor nutrition or poor food intake, worm infestation of the intestine, intestinal blood loss, and blood loss during periods. "Iron deficiency anaemia can have sinister reasons in the intestines including rare malignancies or malabsorption syndromes that will need a different line of treatment to prevent its recurrence. There are other causes of anaemia such as Vit B12 and folic acid deficiency, poor production in the bone marrow, and excessive destruction," Bhave said. According to Dr. Kekin Gala, Gynecologist, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, fatigue and general weakness are often the first signs of iron deficiency. "Paying attention to your menstrual cycle can also be important in diagnosis, as heavy periods can lead to iron loss and subsequent deficiency. Screening tests for iron deficiency include a complete blood count (CBC), and additional tests such as serum ferritin and transferrin saturation can provide more specific information about iron levels in the body. Regular monitoring through these tests not only provides insight into current iron status but also supports preventative efforts against more severe complications associated with untreated deficiency," Gala said. In addition to supplements, Gala emphasised the need to incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach, and lentils into daily diet to help replenish iron levels naturally while also improving overall nutrition. 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.
25 February,2024 10:34 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS Spotting a lone grey hair can be a stark reminder of ageing. While a greater number of Gen Z and young Indians are sporting grey locks as a fashion statement – there lies an undeniable signpost that the hands of time are at work. To break down the lifecycle of one hair strand – it undergoes a repeated process of renewal and an eventual demise. As the ageing process unfolds, the once-vibrant hair follicles weaken, leading to reduced production of the pigment – melanin. Consequently, the inevitable growth of grey hair becomes apparent – reveals Mridul Munet, CMO, Vasmol (HRIPL). “Melanin is a crucial pigment residing in the hair follicle which determines the hair colour. Its gradual depletion marks a transformative shift in the colour range of your hair,” he adds emphasising that it is one of the primary factors behind the premature greying of hair. To unravel ways to improve hair health, Midday.com spoke to experts who shed light on home-based remedies to reverse grey hair. Boosting melanin production Reversal of greying hair is fairly simple if you can narrow down the factors causing the greyness. For example, you could be developing grey hair due to vitamin deficiency which can be corrected with the consumption of the right nutritients – shares Radhika Iyer Talati, the founder of Anahata Organic. To counter such deficiencies – a balanced diet, laden with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, emerges as the primal method to attain optimal hair health. When it comes to promoting melanin production – Vitamins B12, folate and copper stand out as crucial players in melanin synthesis, stresses the hair and skin expert - Mansi Gulati. “Incorporating these vitamins into your daily meals can foster a natural radiance that extends from within,” remarks Gulati. One can consume vitamin B12 with an array of options, including eggs, dairy products and lean meats. Equally important is the inclusion of folate-rich foods such as leafy greens, legumes and whole grains. By incorporating these nutrient-dense choices, you not only support overall well-being but also provide the building blocks necessary for robust melanin synthesis. Further enrich your diet with copper from sources like nuts, seeds and seafood to nourish hair locks. One could go by the mantra – grey hair, no care; but that might mean living in denial. The condition of one's hair also serves as an indicator of mental well-being and lifestyle choices. If it's apparent that stress is leading to grey hair, then meditating and including antioxidant-rich foods in your diet can restore your original hair colour faster than you think. Research also shows that cutting down on smoking and drinking also reduces anxiety and oxidative stress. Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or blow-drying your hair too often will also help reverse grey hair. Even though grey hair due to genetics cannot be reversed, there are ways to reduce that effect to a large extent. Home-based beetroot hair mask to reverse grey hair For ages, pure and natural dyes have been used to reverse the greying of hair. “Today, the market is flooded with diverse varieties of hair colour products. These products contain a host of chemicals and questionable ingredients which the consumer is left to use with incomplete knowledge,” reveals Talati. This leaves the consumer puzzled about what works and what does not. In a quest to find natural and home-based remedies, Gulati shares an easy hair mask recipe that can be whipped up in the comfort of one’s home. 1. Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool.2. Combine the coffee with the oil from a vitamin E capsule and a generous amount of beetroot juice to form a smooth paste.3. Apply this mixture evenly to your hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes.4. Post 30 minutes, rinse your hair with normal water The coffee adds depth and darkness, vitamin E nourishes your hair and beetroot juice imparts a beautiful reddish tint. Repeat this process bi-monthly to maintain and enhance the richness of your naturally dyed locks. Rubbing onion juice onto the scalp Our grandmothers would always use onion juice on their scalps to maintain hair health, reminisces Talati. Red onions have proven to be a timeless, effective way to control grey hair and boost hair growth. The juice of an onion raises catalase, an enzyme that is responsible for darkening hair. Not only that, onion juice is a great source of hydration for the scalp and is known to add shine and glow to the hair. Here’s how you can make this paste: 1. Mix 3 tablespoons of onion juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a bowl.2. Massage your scalp with this combination.3. Wash after 30 minutes with a natural shampoo. Talati affirms that you will notice visible results within a month. Using curry leaves for hydration Curry leaves contain precious Vitamin B that restores the pigment melanin in the hair follicles. Using curry leaves in many forms is known to reverse and prevent further greying. Beta-keratin present in curry leaves prevents hair fall and helps keep the scalp hydrated. 1. Prepare a paste by grinding 20 grams of fresh curry leaves with some water.2. Mix this with 2 tablespoons of curd and apply this all over your head and hair. Leave it on for 25 minutes or more and wash off with a natural shampoo.3. Boil 20 grams of curry leaves, 1/2 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and 1 tablespoon of nigella seeds in about 5 tablespoons of coconut oil until the leaves turn black. Strain and use this oil on your hair.4. Boil a cupful of curry leaves in a cup of oil till they turn black.5. Cool, strain and store.6. Massage into hair 2-3 times a week. Leave overnight and repeat at least 3 times a week. Identifying the factors behind premature greying of hair The colour and style of hair play a pivotal role in augmenting an individual's physical appearance, thereby influencing their body image, opines Munet. The greying of hair, often perceived as a tell-tale sign of advancing age, can significantly impact an individual's self-esteem. He lays down the primary causes responsible for grey hair: 1. Various lifestyle choices can lead to early greying, such as prolonged use of digital screens and electronic devices, pollution, stress and inadequate sleep. These elements elevate the generation of free radicals, which can harm melanocytes and hasten the process of hair turning grey. 3. Extended exposure to sunlight's UV radiation can result in oxidative stress within hair follicles, harming melanocytes and leading to premature greying. It's recommended to shield your hair from excessive sun exposure and consider using products with UV protection. 3. Premature greying can be influenced by pollution and exposure to specific chemicals, which elevate oxidative stress on melanocytes. Safeguarding your hair from environmental pollutants and utilising hair care products containing antioxidants can assist in reducing this impact. 4. The impact of hair dyes and chemical treatments on premature greying depends on the ingredients used. Conventional hair dyes may have harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, potentially harming melanocytes. 5. Lack of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin D, copper, calcium and ferritin can contribute to premature greying.
24 February,2024 10:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi “I have had a 24-year-old patient who was judged by her previous gynaecologist for having premarital sex and was asked to call her mother into the room and describe her concerns. This patient was also refused contraceptives as she was told it was unnecessary before marriage. Incidents like these only make me realise how being judgmental comes so easily to even experts in our society,” reveals Dr Divya Vora, obstetrician and gynaecologist. Similarly, when asked if he too has come across a patient who was judged by a gynaecologist for being sexually active, Dr Rohan Palshetkar, head of unit Bloom IVF, professor at Dept of OBGY, D.Y. Patil School of Medicine says, “Unfortunately I have.” The doctor chose not to share any more details for privacy reasons. This is not to say that all the gynaecologists in the country have an orthodox mindset. To dive deep into this subject, Mid-day Online conversed with Vora and Palshetkar who shared relevant details and provided solutions to unmarried women for proper guidance and treatment. Do unmarried women, especially those sexually active, fear visiting gynaecologists? Vora: Absolutely. Our society is still very unaccepting of women being sexually active before marriage. Unfortunately, a lot of gynaecologists tend to have that mindset too. It is something that needs to be part of our medical curriculum – to be non-judgmental and be able to have open, progressive, and appropriate conversations about sex. Palshetkar: To be honest it varies from area to area. When we are looking at the metro cities, it isn’t a major issue. The majority of women residing in metro cities won’t be concerned about their sexual status. Few might get worried and may even withhold the information if they are going to their gynaecologist for a regular check-up. However, if you do have any problems, it is important to be clear. We are there to help you and there will not be a judgement from our end. Sexual health and reproductive rights should be upheld and treated without judgement. Does being judged negatively impact patients’ overall well-being? Vora: One bad experience with a gynaecologist can lead to fear in the patient to visit any gynaecologist even in the future. It can make them feel like all doctors are judgmental and insensitive. The experience can also make them feel like they did something morally incorrect. This not only leads to their inability to trust their doctor but also prevents them from seeking timely medical care when needed. Palshetkar: Firstly, coming across a gynaecologist who is judgmental regarding the sexual health of an individual is rare. However, for those who do experience this, it can lead to breaking the trust of the patient towards the doctor. Such a patient won’t divulge all the information leading to improper treatment due to lack of information. Is there a viable solution? Vora: Unfortunately, not even 1 per cent of our society can be called progressive considering the density of our population, especially rural. Having said that, there is a drastic improvement in this generation of doctors in terms of being able to have open, judgement-free conversations and the future looks better. For women looking for a gynaecologist, do not go ahead with a doctor who asks your parent to be in the room, judges/scowls at you for being sexually active, makes you feel uncomfortable with their statements/expressions, denies treatment based on their cultural beliefs, and makes you feel guilty/impure. Don’t go to your mother’s/aunt’s gynaecologist if it makes you uncomfortable. Ask around, do your research, and then pick a gynaecologist you can trust and be open with. For me, the question I directly ask is ‘Are you sexually active?’ When the marital status is not addressed, it makes my patient believe that it does not matter, and very honestly, it does not. It's very important to make the patient feel like they can share anything and everything with you without having to lie/hesitate. We need to understand that we deal with the most intimate concerns, and the only way to approach them is by being understanding, judgment-free, empathetic, and most importantly, confidential. Palshetkar: I think times are changing where we can even talk about sex before marriage. I think the time will come when there probably won’t be any judgement. We must accept everyone’s individual decisions even if they don’t match our line of thinking. Whether patients come for a regular check-up or they seek an abortion, it isn’t our place to judge their actions. It is important to be objective and ensure they get the best line of treatment. We can advise them of options but not enforce them. In my opinion, there isn’t a right or wrong way to pick the doctor. Maybe you can consider going to their Google page or website, understand their speciality and then figure it out. Sometimes even after doing that you may meet doctors who may not suit your needs but they will refer you to someone who will help treat your conditions. What societal changes are necessary to ensure women have easy access to sexual health-related medical assistance? Vora: It's simple. By not talking about marriage at all! Why should someone’s sexual activity be associated with being married? By implementing comprehensive sex education in the curriculum, having safe spaces for people to be able to talk about their bodies and concerns openly, having public awareness campaigns, providing healthcare workers training regarding these matters, conducting community workshops, and providing legal protections that ensure privacy and confidentiality for anyone seeking reproductive health advice can go a long way in bringing about a positive change. Palshetkar: I think it’s important to bring about awareness about sexually transmitted infections, the right to abortions, and sexual and reproductive health rights so that society is sensitised to all situations. This will help women approach gynaecologists to get their treatment in time and ensure that they do not have any long-term effects of their ailments. Are there any benefits of being sexually active before marriage? Vora: Engaging in consensual sexual activity before marriage can have potential benefits. Some of them include: Emotional connect: Sexual intimacy can deepen bonds and foster better communication between partners. Compatibility: Exploring sexual compatibility before marriage allows couples to understand each other's needs, preferences, and desires. Reduced anxiety: Addressing sexual concerns before marriage can alleviate anxiety and promote a healthier relationship.Understanding one’s own body: Learning about one's own and each other’s bodies and sexual needs can be empowering and contribute to overall well-being. Open communication, mutual consent, and respect are extremely important for a positive and healthy sexual relationship, regardless of marital status. Palshetkar: There are no benefits to being sexually active before marriage, however, it isn’t a liability either if you are careful about your reproductive and sexual health. How can women advocate for themselves? Vora: It is always best to tell a gynaecologist who becomes your moral police about how uncomfortable they made you feel. It is also completely okay to change your doctor multiple times if need be. I don’t believe in public humiliation, there are more positive ways of handling a situation. Palshetkar: I think you should not get affected and consider changing your gynaecologist to ensure you get the right treatment without any judgement.
23 February,2024 05:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Aakanksha AhireThe Centre has amended the surrogacy rules 2022 allowing married couples to use an egg or sperm of a donor in case one of the partners is suffering from a medical condition. The District Medical Board has to certify that either the husband or wife is suffering from a medical condition necessitating the use of donor gamete."In case when the District Medical Board certifies that either husband or wife constituting the intending couple suffers from a medical condition necessitating use of donor gamete, then surrogacy using donor gamete is allowed," the notification issued on Wednesday said. The surrogacy using donor gamete is allowed subject to the condition that the child to be born through surrogacy must have at least one gamete from the intending couple, it stated. This means if both the partners have medical problems or are unable to have their own gametes they cannot opt for surrogacy."Single women (widow or divorcee) undergoing surrogacy must use self-eggs and donor sperm to avail surrogacy procedures," the notification read. The amendment came after the Supreme Court last year received petitions from women across the country after it allowed a woman with a rare congenital disorder to avail surrogacy with a donor egg. The Centre had in March 2023 issued a notification banning donor gametes for couples intending to undergo surrogacy. 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
23 February,2024 01:13 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIAIIMS Delhi and DRDO are collaborating on a project to develop a special exoskeleton for soldiers who have been injured in service and have lost their ability to walk or become paralysed. This exoskeleton will enable the injured soldiers to walk again. Professor Bhavuk Garg, department of Orthopaedics AIIMS, said, "We have the best gait lab in India and right now, in the first phase, we are looking and collecting data about muscle activation patterns in people while walking, Once we have this data, we will feed it into a wearable robot kind of thing called an exoskeleton, which will enable paralytic people to walk." Professor Ravi Mittal, Head of Orthopaedic Department in AIIMS, said, "In our Gait Lab, we record the movements of knees, legs, etc. For this, we record them by placing many sensors and cameras on the body. After which, all this data is collected and fed into the computer and then it is analysed. After this, every parameter is checked. It is studied. We find out how the person walks, how his legs rotate, what the speed is, and how much the gap is. All these things are being worked on very minutely. Dr Mittal said that they study in detail a person's walk. "What is the movement of the rest of his body? What is the effect on his shoulders and head? Every single thing is recorded in detail and from this, we find out how much difference there is between the gait of a person who is completely healthy and the gait of a person who is ill. Gait Lab is a study done on all these things, through which we can find out the data," he said. The Gait Lab study was not in India earlier and this study has been conducted at AIIMS Delhi for about five years. The doctor said that in a disease like osteoarthritis, the joints wear out. "After this, the part of the body where there is a problem requires replacement, such as knee replacement, etc. However, through the gait lab study, we find out how his gait has changed and what his statistics are. A gait lab study is performed to determine the quantity. What changes took place in the entire body? What were the parameters? Its numbers are known. In this series, such an exoskeleton is being prepared through this study. So that it will help those people who are unable to stand or have problems walking, those patients will be able to walk properly, stand and do their other work by wearing the exoskeleton." The head of the Orthopaedic Department of AIIMS, Delhi, said that the exoskeleton will be a kind of structure fashioned out of plastic and metal. Professor Bhavuk Garg, Department of Orthopaedics, AIIMS said that through the Gait Lab they are currently studying how a common man who is completely healthy walks. "What movements his body makes, and how his muscles are activated. That data is being collected through this lab, and after collecting the data, we will try to replicate it through an exoskeleton, i.e., a small robot, to see how it can work like a common man." Dr Garg said that the patient will be able to walk wearing the exoskeleton. "That is, a person suffering from paralysis or any serious disease is not able to move his hands and legs, is not able to walk, or is not able to do his daily tasks easily. So he will be able to do all his work while wearing it. We are working closely with IIT Delhi in this regard and we are being given funding for this by DRDO." Dr Bhavuk Garg said presently they are "on the first page" regarding this study, and data is being collected. It is expected that this technology will be completely ready in two-three years. Which will be very beneficial for patients facing problems like paralysis or movement in the body. Inputs from ANI and PTI 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.
23 February,2024 11:47 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
