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Researchers discover how cancer evades immune system detection, spreads

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date April 13, 2023
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A team of researchers has uncovered how cancer evades the immune system and spreads throughout the body.

A team of researchers has uncovered how cancer evades the immune system and spreads throughout the body and is investigating ways to disable this potentially harmful trait. A research led by the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) with members from Duke-NUS Medical School, KK Women and Children’s Hospital, A*STAR’s Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), the University of Southampton and the Alan Turing Institute.

Many have been trying to figure out how cancer cells managed to avoid being found and eliminated by the immune system over the past few years. This most recent ground-breaking discovery, which was released on March 27, 2023 in the highly regarded scientific journal Nature Communications, has ramifications for the creation of cutting-edge cancer treatment methods.

The immune system searches and destroys abnormal cells such as cancer cells. However, in some instances, cancer cells avoid being detected and killed by the immune system and are able to develop and spread more easily. Metastasis, a process when cancer cells break away from the primary tumour and form in other parts of the body, makes cancer harder to treat and results in poorer prognosis. For this reason, the team decided to investigate early onset of metastasis which typically occurs when cancer cells are detected in lymph nodes near the primary tumour.

“Like an unethical employer that forces their employees to work continuously, cancer forces the immune cells to work overtime and become exhausted, rendering them incapable of functioning normally,” said Professor Gopal Iyer, senior author of the study and Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Singapore General Hospital and NCCS.

“Using a treatment to alleviate stress on immune cells, we found that immune cells were able to kill cancer cells more effectively. Still, just like some employees who are too burnt out to work properly even with a bonus, some immune cells were seen to remain exhausted even after treatment, which is how cancer may not be detected and effectively destroyed by the immune system.”

Uncovering cancer immune system suppression: A three-part investigation

As the basis of their investigation, the team profiled primary and metastatic lymph node tumours from 14 patients with head and neck squamous cell cancers, using single cell RNA sequencing. They found pre-metastatic cells within the primary tumours with the capacity to metastasise to the lymph nodes. They also found that a substantial proportion of CD8 cells, a key component of the immune system that searches and kills abnormal cells such as cancer, were ‘exhausted’ and unable to perform their protective role. This occurred when the immune cells were repeatedly exposed to cancer and unable to eliminate it.

Next, the team identified and targeted pathways that exclusively affected cancer cells, immune cells, as well as pathways that cancer cells utilise to negatively influence immune cells, and were able to prevent some cancer spread and rejuvenate immune cells. However, despite these promising results, cancer cells continued to show their ability to escape immune surveillance.

Using a mouse model, engrafted with pre-metastatic cancer cells, the team analysed a subgroup of CD8 T cells expressing Midkine (MDK) receptors. One group in the model was treated with anti-PD1, while the other was a control arm. There was an increase in exhausted MDK-receptor expressing CD8 T cells even after anti-PD1 treatment, suggesting that the MDK-signalling pathway instigates immune suppression that undoes the effects of anti-PD1 treatment. Taken together, the results implicate MDK-signalling as a pathway which pre-metastatic cancer cells use to evade CD8-mediated immune surveillance. It also explains why some patients do not respond as well as others to anti-PD1 therapy.

Finding solutions to improve treatment outcomes

“Our investigations indicate that we can use multiple pathways to effectively treat cancer – by targeting cancer cells, the immune system and using existing therapies to counter immune system evasion by cancer cells. We know we need an increased arsenal of weapons to use against cancer and have to put it together to improve treatment outcomes,” said Professor Iyer, who is also head of the Division of Medical Sciences at NCCS.

Doctors on essential medical tests one should go for after the age of 30 and 40

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date April 8, 2023
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Experts say that certain basic tests can be started after the age of 30 while others pertaining to heart can be added after the age of 40. All you want to know

With age, wear-and-tear starts happening in the body. A faulty lifestyle, however, speeds it up and in many cases even advances ageing process. The youth usually tend to ignore their health and remain oblivious to underlying issues till they take the shape of a full-blown disease. No wonder, the reports of sudden cardiac arrests and brain strokes are on the rise these days. As symptoms of a serious disease take time to appear, ignorance to early signals at time cost very dearly. It is therefore important to go for preventive health check-up to diagnose a disease early on and go for curing it. People who have history of heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, cancer in their families especially should not delay getting the required tests so as to nip the disease in the bud and start early treatment.

“The precarious nature of human life has become all the more evident over the past few years as new viruses and illnesses are emerging and with that a host of health problems. But only a healthy body can and will be able to deal with the various environmental and mental health issues. With age, the immunity and healing capacity of body goes on decreasing and a person should seek regular medical advice and can periodically perform certain medical tests to stay fit. Basic tests can be started after the age of 30 and certain tests pertaining to heart can be added after the age of 40,” says Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital.

“There is no specific test recommended below the age of 40 to any gender unless there is a family history of critical genetic illness like sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia etc, some disorders like hypertension, diabetes and history of sudden death etc. In above conditions it’s not required to undergo all the tailored health checks but consult medical specialists to know what is required.

We are seeing rise in people of younger age group coming to our OPD and asking to recommend various tests however, it is recommended that tests should only be done if it is prescribed by medical specialist,” says Dr Mugdha Tapdiya, Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj.

Dr Tapdiya says that people under 40 should go for specific tests only if there is easy fatiguability, less sleep, disturbed sleep, headache for more than two weeks, breathing difficulties, recurrent fever, joint pain, muscles stiffness or cramps, dry eyes or any other symptom that does not explain the uneasiness or is unusual.

Doctors on essential medical tests one should go for after the age of 30 and 40

At what age is complete health check-up required

“Complete health screening check-ups are recommended after age of 42 years and every two years up to the age 60 years; after that it is recommended to have health checks every year. However again it is preferred to have a tailored tests for each individual after age 60 years rather than undergoing fixed health care packages. Best is to listen to your body. Body will give some or the other symptoms if there is any underlying proliferating disease,” says Dr Tapdiya.

Tests to undergo after 30 and 40

However, in case of risk factors or any other discomfort, one should get tested after taking advice from their medical expert. Dr Tayal shares list of tests people should undergo at the age of 30 and some additional tests for people over 40.

Blood pressure monitoring: This should be done bi-annually, especially in people with strong family history; ideally BP should be below 130/84 mm Hg.

HbA1C: It can be done annually in people with sedentary lifestyle, obesity and strong family history to rule out diabetes. A person is nondiabetic at an HBA1C value below 5.7, prediabetic till 6.3 and diabetic above 6.4.

Liver function test: It can be done annually to rule out chronic liver disease and fatty liver disease.

Thyroid function test: If symptoms of underactive thyroid are present such as weight gain, hair loss and irregular menses, then you must get this test done.

Vitamin D and B12: This can be done annually and if found deficient appropriate supplements and dietary changes can be implemented.

Lipid profile: Especially in sedentary people and those with family history of heart disease this test is important. LDL cholesterol should ideally be below 100 And HDL should be in the high normal range.

Usg abdomen: This can be done annually in people with history of fatty liver or gall bladder/kidney polyps.

Breast ultrasound: Get this done every three years to rule out breast malignancy till the age of 40.

Pap smear test: This should be performed every three years to detect early changes of cervical cancer.

Screening for sexually transmitted infections: This should be done annually in individuals belonging to high-risk groups.

Tests after 40

After 40 years of age, following additional tests can be done:

1. Stool occult blood: This test can be done for early detection of colon cancer.

2. Prostate specific antigen: This is a blood marker for detection of prostate cancer in men, especially if there is family history of prostate cancer.

3. Mammogram: This should be done annually in women for early detection of breast cancer.

4. ECG -Electrocardiogram: This can be done annually for early detection of heart disease.

Brain proteins may play important role in body weight regulation: Study

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date April 7, 2023
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The study states that there are 60 proteins produced in the brain that help in regulating the body weight.

Body mass index, or BMI, variation in the population may be caused by genetic variables to the extent of 50-75 per cent. Researchers from Universite Laval and the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Center have discovered 60 distinct proteins produced in the brain that may be important regulators of body weight by examining the genomes of more than 800,000 people of European origin.

This study explored the link between genetic regions associated with body weight and the proteins expressed in the brain. “Previous study showed that hundreds of genetic regions influence body weight. In most cases, the function of these genes remains unknown. Our study reports that about 60 of these genes encode proteins that could influence body weight via their expression in the brain,” said Eloi Gagnon, a doctoral student in clinical and biomedical sciences at the Universite Laval Faculty of Medicine and first author of the study.

Brain proteins may play important role in body weight regulation: Study

For the study, the research team focused on a brain region that could influence food reward sensitivity, such as the pleasure felt when eating fatty or sugary food, as well as cognitive processes including decision-making and memory. This brain region, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, is also thought to be implicated in appetite and satiety.

The team’s results support the hypothesis that the brain plays a critical role in body weight regulation. This discovery could explain why BMI varies significantly from one person to another.

Lead author Benoit Arsenault, professor at the Universite Laval Faculty of Medicine and researcher at the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, points out that several myths remain in the public domain regarding the impact of genetic factors on body weight. “I often hear that genes cannot explain why the average weight of the population has increased over the past 40 years when our genes have not changed,” he said.

Genetics and the food environment

According to the researchers, the evolving food environment may have influenced food behaviours and energy storage capacity over the last few decades. “Individuals with a genetic predisposition to an elevated body weight have a higher weight than before, whereas individuals who do not have this predisposition were thin before and are still thin today,” added Professor Arsenault.

The team believes that the biological role of these proteins in various parts of the brain and their contribution to energy homeostasis, i.e., the balance between food intake and energy expenditure, needs to be studied in more detail. “Overall, the results of our study support the existence of a potential interaction between the brain proteome and the evolving food environment. This relationship could influence eating behaviors and energy storage,” said Professor Arsenault.

He stresses that people living in larger bodies are often victims of prejudice and may experience discrimination, intimidation, or stigmatization. These phenomena associated with fatphobia could have repercussions on physical and psychological health. The researcher also notes that several studies have shown that factors beyond our control, such as genetics, account for an important proportion of body weight variation across the population.

“Weight is not a choice. Neither is it a lifestyle habit. We don’t have elevated body weight because we are lazy or lack willpower. Unconscious neuronal mechanisms are at play. The brain is the one in charge. I hope that the results of this study can partly explain why body weight varies so much from one person to another,” concluded Benoit Arsenault.

COVID XBB 1.16 variant: Tracker finds high cases in India, know the symptoms

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date March 17, 2023
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A new variant of COVID XBB, namely XBB 1.16 is in news currently for driving infection cases in the country. As per an international COVID tracking platform, the highest number of sequences of this sublineage have come from India followed by Brunei, the US and Singapore, media reports have said.The prevalence of this variant of COVID virus can lead to a fresh wave of infections, reports have predicted.

The COVID positivity rates in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat have increased. Maharashtra, from where this new variant is believed to have originated, reported 155 COVID positive cases in a single day along with two deaths. Telangana recorded more than 100 cases on Tuesday and Wednesday combinedly. In states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, HimachalPradesh and J&K the positivity rate is between 5% and 10%.

So far, no different symptom related to the new circulating COVID variant has been reported.The classic symptoms of COVID which give a preliminary idea about the infection are headache, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose and cough.Apart from the classic signs people also experience abdominal pain and discomfort, and diarrhea.

“In India, XBB.1.16 is showing a high prevalence in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat as per covSPECTRUM. XBB 1.16 has not descended from XBB.1.5 but both have descended from XBB and more recently XBB.1,” TOI has reported quoting a top expert from India’s genome sequencing network.”XBB is currently dominating in India, and the latest uptick in cases in the country could be a result of XBB 1.16 and perhaps XBB 1.5 but a few more sample runs would clear the picture,” the expert has told the media.

The new variant is circulating at a faster pace and is already seen as a threat. Going with the previous experience of dealing with the virus, mutants of COVID virus are smarter in escaping immunity and are contagious in nature. The Omicron variant, of which the XBB 1.16 is a sub-sub variant, is notorious for its high transmission rate. Since the later months of 2021, the Omicron variant has been circulating worldwide replacing the Delta variant.As of now less is known about the course of action of the variant is not known. The rate of hospitalisation which is a serious concern during a COVID wave is also unknown. Hence people need to be careful about their own safety and also take care of those who are in the vulnerable groups.

Avoid going outdoors when you have few symptoms of the infectionAvoid going near to those who have the symptoms of the infectionAvoid going to crowded places without wearing masksDo not touch the face, especially nose, mouth and eyes, without cleaning the handsDo not touch any exposed and unclean surfaceKeep kids and older people isolated when someone in the family or in the neighbourhood has COVID.Keep the indoor air circulating. Stale air indoors is a breeding ground for coronavirus.

XBB 1.16 scare has arised amid scare around the H3N2 influenza virus which has claimed 7 lives in the country so far.H3N2 is a seasonal influenza virus caused by the viruses which are part of the viral family Orthomyxoviridae. Health experts have said that H3N2 virus does not affect the lungs and is mild in nature except for older people and those with comorbidities.COVID led to global pandemic and nationwide shut down in 2020. While things have returned to normalcy health experts are constantly warning people to stay safe from the viral infection. COVID also poses another risk of complications which are combinedly referred to as long COVID.

400 per cent increase in robotic-assisted surgeries in across Apollo hospitals in last 2 years: Healthcare group

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date March 16, 2023
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Synopsis

According to a statement from the Apollo Hospitals, the group has expanded and introduced robotic-assisted procedures to 20-plus specialities, offering patients one of the widest and deepest tech-enabled surgical solutions in India. Hospitals under the group have conducted more than 10,000 robotic-assisted surgeries since 2011, it said.

A leading private hospital group has conducted more than 10,000 robotic-assisted surgeries since 2011, with a 400 per cent increase in such procedures in the past two years. According to a statement from the Apollo Hospitals, the group has expanded and introduced robotic-assisted procedures to 20-plus specialities, offering patients one of the widest and deepest tech-enabled surgical solutions in India.

Hospitals under the group have conducted more than 10,000 robotic-assisted surgeries since 2011, it said.

In the last two years alone, the group has witnessed over 400 per cent increase in the number of robotic-assisted procedures performed across its hospitals in India.

Robotic surgeries have seen maximum application across urological, gynaecology, oncology, orthopaedic and cardiothoracic procedures, the statement said.

Given its superior clinical precision, the use of robotics in surgeries has been instrumental in reducing overall hospital stay of patients, enabling faster recovery in most cases.

For instance, on an average, Apollo Hospitals has witnessed a reduction in its patient hospital time by up to 25 per cent in joint replacement procedures, up to 20 per cent in urological procedures and by up to a whopping 50 per cent in cardiac robotic surgeries, the statement said.

Dr Prathap Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “For 40 years, Apollo has pioneered the innovation in treatments to give patients the best care. Robotics is one more step in our mission to bring the best healthcare to all and we strongly believe that it will form the backbone of our country’s medical infrastructure in the decade to come.”

In the first two months of 2023, Apollo Hospitals performed more than 450 robotic surgeries in India and expects this number to increase significantly through the year.

Morality risk for people with dementia rises after hurricane exposure

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date March 15, 2023
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It is observed that with disruption in normal routine, such as access to caregiving, changes in living environment, loss in access to medications, and change in daily routines, the mortality risk for dementia patients see a significant rise.

Prior hurricane studies have found general increases in fatality, but nothing is known about how death may differ among older adults living with dementia.

Their increased risk could be due to disruption of normal routine, such as access to caregiving, changes in living environment, loss in access to medications, and change in daily routines, said study first author Sue Anne Bell, assistant professor at the U-M School of Nursing.

The analysis focused on risk for mortality among people with dementia, rather than actual increases in mortality. The findings don’t give a precise number of deaths due to hurricane effects.

Bell and colleagues examined counties in U.S. states affected by Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Florence in the year before and after the storm. There were 54,340 deaths among the study population of 346,171.

Key findings include:

Risk of mortality was highest in those aged 85 and older, with a 9% increase in risk of death compared to adults over 85 without dementia. Older adults who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid had an 11% increased risk for mortality. Among people with dementia who moved a year after the storm, the risks for mortality remained whether they moved or not. The percentage of mortality attributed to exposure among people with dementia ranged from 10.9% for Harvey to 6.2% for Irma. Mortality peaked 3-6 months after hurricanes Irma and Harvey, suggesting the increase in mortality was due to factors other than the immediate harms of the storm, such as lack of health care access and changes in normal routines. Why the impact on dementia patients matters

The Population Reference Bureau estimates that more than 7 million people aged 65 or older had dementia in 2020, Bell said. If current demographic and health trends continue, more than 9 million Americans could have dementia by 2030 and nearly 12 million by 2040. As climate change worsens, disasters will increase along with the numbers of people with dementia.

“The important message is that older adults with dementia have unique needs, most notably that during a disaster, they are almost entirely dependent on caregivers due to their lack of awareness of the crisis,” Bell said. “I think if anything, there is new attention to the needs of older adults during a disaster, and this study is one of an emerging body of evidence that is working to better support the needs of older adults before, during and after disasters.

Next steps in disaster research and dementia

“There is so much more that needs to be studied here that could help inform us about being ready for disasters,” Bell said. “Studying how caregivers have prepared, whether people evacuated, what type of response capabilities their community had–would potentially influence the impact of the disaster on this group of older adults.”

Bell hopes these findings raise awareness about the special needs of people living with dementia during disasters and call for an integrated approach to preparedness and response that includes local, state and federal responders, healthcare regulators, and policy makers.

Diabetes management plan: Understanding medications, diet and exercise

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date March 14, 2023
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Diabetes management is a life-long intervention and positive health outcomes hugely depend on your commitment, engagement and participation in your own healthcare management. Here’s all you need to know about medications, diet and exercise for diabetics.

Type 2 diabetes still remains undoubtedly a lifestyle malady, the result of abundance, poor food choices, lack of awareness, little need for self control, obesity, reducing need for physical toil for daily living, a curse of human advancement and industrialisation. However, this very scientific advancement is now also paving the way for diabetes cure and urging humankind to unlearn and relearn a lifestyle that can fight this diabetes pandemic.

The discovery of diabetes remission in 2017 is one such scientific marvel that will be looked back upon by humankind as one of the life changing discoveries of the century. This has now led us to rethink the predominant drug-based approach to diabetes and instead bring in strong life-style based interventions as the first step in diabetes management.

Diabetes is one of the major global concerns, which is now turning into an epidemic with more than 463 million adults affected by diabetes and it has nearly quadrupled in the past two decades, growing from 4.7% to 8.5%. This challenging illness is affecting an increasing number of adults and is now more prevalent in young people where according to experts, it is sharply rising in rural and urban India so, there is an immediate need to pay attention to the growing concerns about the health threats posed by this and prioritise preventive care.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Hema Venkataraman, Consultant Endocrinologist at NHS UK and Medical Advisor, shared, “With the advent of new wonder drugs for diabetes and obesity (eg Munjaro, Semaglutide), the pharma industry in diabetes care is also entering a new era. These new drugs bring unparalleled weight loss and induce a drug induced diabetes remission of sorts. It is well known that the average Indian with diabetes does not meet the required physical activity levels necessary for optimal health (150 min of aerobic activity / week), with over 50% deemed to be inactive as per the ICMR-Indiab-5 report.”

She insisted, “Just like the idea of “diet” should pave the way for “healthy food choices”, so must “exercise” pave the way for “active living”. Our society will have to come full circle from ditching the bicycle for the car and now ditching the car for the bicycle (only this one will have some gears!).”

According to Vilasini Bhaskaran, Specialist Registered Dietitian at NHS UK and Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Practo in India, there is no one single prescriptive dietary approach to diabetes management as “one-size” doesn’t fit all and nutrition therapy should be aimed at catering to the individual needs of patients. She recomended, “It is high-time we ditch the diet mentality and re-tune our overall approach and behavior towards eating. The ideal way to control blood sugars long term is through intuitive, healthy eating, focusing on food choices, balance, moderation, textures and consistency. A healthy meal plate should consist of vegetables or salad (1/2 plate), proteins (1/4 plate) and carbohydrates (1/4 plate) in recommended portions. Restrict eating out/ takeaways to once a fortnight as they contain a lot of calories and saturated fat even in smaller portions and this could make you put on extra pounds.”

The health expert added, “It is ‘OK’ to include sweets occasionally in smaller portions and choose ‘sugar-free’ alternatives where possible. Non-nutritive artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, stevia, acesulfame and saccharin don’t increase blood glucose and can be safely used as part of a healthy diet. Avoid foods labeled as ‘suitable for diabetics’ as these products have no special health benefits and they are often high in calories, may contain hidden ingredients that can still increase your blood glucose levels and may have a laxative effect!”

Vilasini Bhaskaran advised, “People with diabetes need to be extra careful with alcohol as it significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) and adds to calories. Recommended allowance is <14 units (around 6 medium {175ml} glasses of wine) per week spread throughout the week with 2-3 alcohol-free days/ week. Remember, diabetes management is a life-long intervention and positive health outcomes hugely depend on your commitment, engagement and participation in your own healthcare management.”

Cancer treatment: Artificial human skin now part of new skin cancer therapy

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date March 13, 2023
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Artificial skin is the closest we get to real human skin and a new study has been successful in stopping invasive growth in a skin cancer model by utilising synthetic human skin.

A research team from the University of Copenhagen has been successful in stopping invasive growth in a skin cancer model by utilising synthetic human skin.

The study, which examines what exactly occurs when a cell transforms into a cancer cell, has been published in Science Signaling.

“We have been studying one of the cells’ signalling pathways, the so-called TGF beta pathway. This pathway plays a critical role in the cell’s communication with its surroundings, and it controls e.g., cell growth and cell division. If these mechanisms are damaged, the cell may turn into a cancer cell and invade the surrounding tissue,” explains Professor and Team Lead Hans Wandall from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen.

Under normal circumstances, your skin cells will not just start to invade the hypodermis and wreak havoc. Instead, they will produce a new layer of skin. But when cancer cells emerge, the cells no longer respect the boundaries between skin layers, and they start to invade each other. This is called invasive growth.

Hans Wandall and his colleagues have been studying the TGF beta pathway and applied methods for blocking invasive growth and thus curbing the invasive growth in skin cancer.

“We already have various drugs that can block these signalling pathways and which may be used in tests. We have used some of them in this study,” explains Associate Professor and co-author of the study Sally Dabelsteen from the School of Dentistry.

Hans Wandall and Sally Dabelsteen have worked together with Dr Zilu Ye and Professor Jesper V. Olsen from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

“Some of these drugs have already been tested on humans, and some are in the process of being tested in connection with other types of cancer. They could also be tested on skin cancer specifically,” she says.

Artificial skin is the closest we get to real human skin

The artificial skin used by the researchers in the new study consists of artificial, genetically manipulated human skin cells. Skin cells are produced on subcutaneous tissue made of collagen. This makes the cells grow in layers, just like real human skin.

Unlike mice models, the skin model, which is another word for artificial skin, allows researchers to introduce artificial genetic changes relatively quickly, which provides insight into the systems that support skin development and renewal.

This way they are also able to reproduce and follow the development of other skin disorders, not just skin cancer.

“By using artificial human skin we are past the potentially problematic obstacle of whether results from tests on mice models can be transferred to human tissue. Previously, we used mice models in most studies of this kind. Instead, we can now conclude that these substances probably are not harmful and could work in practice, because the artificial skin means that we are closer to human reality,” says Hans Wandall.

The artificial skin used by the researchers resembles the skin used to test cosmetics in the EU, which banned animal testing in 2004. However, artificial skin does not allow the researchers to test the effect of a drug on the entire organism, Hans Wandall points out. Skin models like the one used here have been used by cosmetics companies since the mid-1980s.

“We can study the effect focussing on the individual organ — the skin — and then we reap experiences with regard to how molecules work, while we seek to determine whether they damage the structure of the skin and the healthy skin cells,” he says.

H3N2 influenza in India; tips to prevent infection while playing Holi

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date March 7, 2023
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Ahead of Holi, a new virus H3N2 has become a cause of concern in India with its rapid spread. Here are precautions you must follow during the festival of colours to prevent infection.

Holi celebrations have already begun in many parts of the country and the preparations for festival special food menu from gujiya, malpua, kheer to dahi vada as well as shopping for gulal, abeer, pichkari, are on in full swing. While Holi is all about keeping your everyday stress aside and soaking in the festive and colourful spirit of the festival, a new virus H3N2 has become a cause of concern in India with its rapid spread. It is thus important to not only take care of your skin and hair during the festival, but also follow social distancing measures to prevent from the infections. If you suffer from any of the symptoms from fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose, or body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, you must consult your doctor and start medication.

“Skin and hair issues in the festival of colours are not going to be the only concern this year as a new virus H3N2 has been spreading all over India, due to the rapid shift in weather from cold to warmer temperatures. The increase in the number of patients complaining of viral infections and chest congestion demonstrates how seasonal change is having a negative influence on people’s health. Pollution is also playing a significant influence in increasing the number of patients affected by viral diseases. With Holi coming into the picture, the elderly, children, and pregnant women are the most vulnerable to infection. As a result, they must exercise extreme caution while celebrating Holi. Apart from asthmatic patients, there are many additional individuals who have serious lung infections and are having difficulty breathing they need to be extra careful as they can inhale the colours which can cause serious harm to their health,” says Dr. SK Chhabra, Head of Department – Pulmonary, Primus Hospital, New Delhi.

H3N2 influenza in India; tips to prevent infection while playing Holi

“During Holi, even small respiratory problems must be reported to a pulmonologist or a physician to avoid the condition from worsening. Similar to seasonal flu virus H3N2, other viruses are also in circulation, including H1N1 and adenoviruses and these infections can cause fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose, as well as other symptoms including body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea,” adds Dr. SK Chhabra.

Keeping skin and hair concerns in mind Dr. Navya Handa, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist at Primus Super Specialty Hospital suggests some useful tips such as a few hours before playing Holi, you should apply oil to your body and hair – you may use coconut or almond, or olive oil. “In addition, you should apply a good sunscreen on your face and any exposed skin. It hydrates the skin and reduces the number of colours absorbed by the skin and hair. Tie your hair instead of keeping them open so that there is less space for chemicals to get to the scalp,” says Dr Handa.

PRECAUTIONS TO FOLLOW DURING HOLI FOR PREVENTING FLU SPREAD

These measures will help prevent the flu and limit its spread:

1. Wash your hands frequently: Always and extensively clean your hands with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if neither is available.

2. Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to sneeze or cough into if you must expose others to your germs. Do a quick handwashing.

3. Don’t touch your face unnecessarily: Don’t touch your face too much; that includes your eyes, nose, and mouth.

4. Clean surfaces: Keep frequently touched surfaces clean to avoid picking up the virus from them and spreading it to your body.

5. Avoid crowd: If at all possible, avoid congested areas. Keep your distance from those who are ill. You should avoid swine barns at seasonal fairs and elsewhere if you are at high risk of problems from the flu because of your age (younger than 5 or 65 or older), your health (pregnant or have a chronic illness like asthma).

ASG Eye Hospitals takes operation control of Vasan Eye Care

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date March 6, 2023
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Synopsis

Investors of ASG Eye Hospitals include Foundation Holdings, General Atlantic, and Kedaara Capital. The investors would work closely with the teams of ASG and Vasan to realise the vision of becoming the leading eye care franchise in India by providing high quality eye care services. Foundation Holdings Managing Director Aakash Sachdev, who is also the ASG Eye Hospitals Director, said the strategic acquisition marks an exciting time for ASG and Vasan and a historic milestone in the eye care sector.

Rajasthan-headquartered ASG Eye Hospitals has commenced steps to take operational control of Vasan Eye Care following the completion of all formalities and transfer of ownership, the eye care provider said on Saturday. Post the merger, Vasan Eye Care would remain as an independent eye care brand, ASG Eye Hospitals said.

On February 3, National Company Law Tribunal approved the resolution plan of ASG Hospitals to acquire Vasan Healthcare Pvt Ltd with a bid value of Rs 526 crore with 98 per cent of the votes received from the Committee of Creditors.

The successful completion of acquisition marks a significant milestone in ASG Eye Hospitals’ journey to expand into new and underserved markets in India and make quality eye care accessible to all,” ASG Eye Hospitals said.

Commenting on the development, ASG Eye Hospital Pvt Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Arun Singhvi said: “Post this strategic acquisition, we are proud to expand our network presence in South India. Vasan Eye Care is a valued and respected name in eye care and will continue as an independent brand.”
ASG Eye Hospitals, based in Jodhpur, has served over 7.5 million people through its 54 state-of-the-art speciality eye care hospitals across 17 states in the country. It has a presence abroad in Uganda and Nepal as well.

With the addition of Vasan Eye Care, the network of ASG Eye Hospitals would increase to over 150 across India with presence in 21 states, it said.
The strategic acquisition would strengthen ASG’s position in the healthcare industry and enhance its market presence, ASG Eye Hospitals said.

“We are delighted to welcome the Vasan team to the ASG family to join our mission to enhance the delivery of quality eye care for all and improve the quality of life across India.” Singhvi said.

“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders in the Vasan ecosystem to ensure a seamless transition as we continue to deliver unparalleled patient care,” he said.

Investors of ASG Eye Hospitals include Foundation Holdings, General Atlantic, and Kedaara Capital. The investors would work closely with the teams of ASG and Vasan to realise the vision of becoming the leading eye care franchise in India by providing high quality eye care services.

Foundation Holdings Managing Director Aakash Sachdev, who is also the ASG Eye Hospitals Director, said the strategic acquisition marks an exciting time for ASG and Vasan and a historic milestone in the eye care sector.

The Vasan acquisition will be a perfect geographic fit with ASG and a unique opportunity to establish ASG as a world-class healthcare delivery platform with a scaled South India presence and pan-India reach,” he said.

Vasan Eye Care network is a premier institution of eye care hospitals in the country and has been serving over six million patients every year. It has over 100 super speciality eye care hospitals in its network, Vasan Eye Care said in its website.