Showing posts with label Public health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public health. Show all posts

Saturday, 13 November 2021

DO PROBIOTICS PLAY ANY ROLE IN DEVELOPING IMMUNE SYSTEM?

 Between the forthcoming influenza season, occasional hypersensitivities, and the continuous COVID-19 pandemic, there are loads of motivations to give your resistant framework a lift. For that difficult task, more individuals are going to a little asset.

Probiotics are living microorganisms, and you as of now have some of them in your body. Others come from food, explicitly aged food varieties like yogurt, as indicated by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).


Probiotics are once in a while called great microscopic organisms: They can help your body digest food and even battle cells that cause infection. Probiotics have shown guarantee in aiding ease looseness of the bowels, ulcerative colitis, and periodontal sickness, as indicated by the NCCIH. Examination about different advantages of these advantageous microscopic organisms is progressing, and one space specifically noteworthy is what they mean for invulnerability.

PROBIOTICS AS IMMUNE BOOSTERS:

It's a good idea that probiotics have demonstrated successful in treatment of stomach related infections. The greater part the cells that make antibodies for battling infection are in the digestion tracts and different organs in the stomach, as indicated by InformedHealth.org. On the off chance that you have sound stomach verdure the harmony between accommodating microbes and different creatures in your digestive organs you might be less inclined to become ill.

Researchers are keen on probiotics potential to help invulnerable capacity, yet so far research has not created obvious proof that probiotics are really compelling in forestalling things like a cold or influenza. An audit distributed in October 2020 in the diary Nutrients checked out the latest examination on probiotics and the insusceptible framework, explicitly with respect to respiratory disease. The creators inferred that probiotic use is related with a lower rate and term of gentle respiratory plot diseases in youngsters and grown-ups, however once more, more examination is required. There is additionally early proof to recommend that probiotics may assist with forestalling COVID-19 disease when utilized close by different therapies, as per a review distributed in August 2021 in the Archives of Medical Research.

More exploration is expected to figure out what explicit sorts of microorganisms might offer advantages, and in what sums, just as regardless of whether they will work something very similar for everybody the same way, says Libby Mills, a public representative for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and enrolled dietitian nutritionist close to Philadelphia. Everybody has diverse stomach microscopic organisms and an alternate eating regimen, Mills says. What works for one individual probably won't work for the following. She brings up that there are many types of microorganisms and surprisingly more strains, and the advantages of each alone or in various blends have not been entirely explored.

WHICH PROBIOTICS TO USE: 

1.Acidophilus, which is found in yogurt, milk, miso, and tempeh, may uphold the resistant framework, as indicated by a meta-examination distributed in the diary Food Bioscience in August 2020.

2.Bifidobacterium is in yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, miso, tempeh, pickles, kimchi, relieved meats, a few wines and vinegars, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread. It might lessen irritation, as indicated by one meta-investigation in the diary Nutrients, from January 2017. Furthermore, a review in the February 2017 Nutrients proposed it might uphold insusceptible wellbeing in more seasoned grown-ups, as well.

3.All yogurt with live and dynamic probiotics contains Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (or L. bulgaricus) and S. thermophilus, as indicated by the FDA, and these have both been related with supporting the insusceptible framework.

Monday, 8 November 2021

Home remedies for Dengue

 HOME REMEDIES FOR DENGUE FEVER

         The instances of dengue are ascending in the capital, which is making the circumstance disturbing. Dengue is an influenza like infection, which is brought about by the nibble of female mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti species.

          Some normal indications of dengue incorporate regurgitating, extreme migraine, queasiness, rashes, joint agony, muscle torment, torment behind the eyes and enlarged organs. The indications if not treated opportune can prompt more serious issues like exhaustion, blood in upchuck, tireless spewing, draining gums, anxiety and extreme stomach torment. There is no particular treatment accessible for dengue. The treatment at present incorporates taking care of the manifestations.

          Luckily, there are some compelling home cures that can assist you with recuperating quicker from dengue fever. The following are five of them:

1. Fenugreek (methi) leaves: Fenugreek leaves are an amazing pain reliever. You can have it by dipping the leaves in water for the time being and drinking the stressed fluid the following morning.


2. ORANGE JUICE: We as a whole realize nutrient C does something amazing in helping resistance. Burning-through squeezed orange will assist with reinforcing your resistance and keep you hydrated.


3. Neem leaves: Neem leaves are known for their restorative properties. It can help massively in confining the development and spread of the infection in the body. It can likewise help in expanding the white platelet and platelet count. You can brew some neem leaves in water and drink the stressed fluid.


4. papaya leaves: Papaya passes on are an incredible solution for treat dengue fever. It helps by remembering these side effects, supporting resistance and expanding the platelet count. You can have its juice by crushing the leaves in a mortar pestle two times each day.


5.Coconut water: Dengue can prompt heaving, which can cause you to feel got dried out. To forestall this, you can add coconut water to your routine.









Thursday, 31 May 2018

FDA APPROVES FIRST EVER ARTIFICIAL IRIS FOR ANIRIDIA AND OTHER IRIS DEFECTS

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Approved date: 31st May, 2018

Manufacturer: HumanOptics AG
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved the first Standalone prosthetic iris in the United States, a surgically implanted device to treat adults and children whose iris (the colored part of the eye around the pupil) is completely missing or damaged due to a congenital condition called Aniridia or other damage to the eye.
Here are the things you need to know about artificial iris
Patients with iris defects may experience severe vision problems, as well as dissatisfaction with the appearance of their eye. The approval of the first artificial iris provides a novel method to treat iris defects that reduce sensitivity to bright light and glare. It also improves the cosmetic appearance of the eye in patients with aniridia.”
Congenital aniridia:
It is a rare genetic disorder in which the iris is completely or partially absent. It affects approximately 1 in 50,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. The iris controls the amount of light entering the eye, and those with aniridia have sensitivity to light and other severe vision problems. In addition to congenital aniridia, the CustomFlex Artificial Iris is indicated to treat iris defects due to other reasons or conditions, such as albinism, traumatic injury or surgical removal due to melanoma.
CustomFlex Artificial Iris:
The CustomFlex Artificial Iris is made of thin, foldable medical-grade silicone and is custom-sized and colored for each individual patient. A surgeon makes a small incision, inserts the device under the incision, unfolds it and smooths out the edges using surgical instruments. The prosthetic iris is held in place by the anatomical structures of the eye or, if needed, by sutures.
Clinical trial result:
The safety and effectiveness of the CustomFlex Artificial Iris was demonstrated primarily in a non-randomized clinical trial of 389 adult and pediatric patients with aniridia or other iris defects. The study measured patients’ self-reported decrease in severe sensitivity to light and glare post-procedure, health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with the cosmetic improvement or appearance of the prosthesis. More than 70 percent of patients reported significant decreases in light sensitivity and glare as well as an improvement in health-related quality of life following the procedure. In addition, 94 percent of patients were satisfied with the artificial iris’ appearance.
Adverse effects:
The study found low rates of adverse events associated with the device or the surgical procedure.
Complications
Ø Complications associated with the use of the CustomFlex Artificial Iris device included:
ü Device movement or dislocation,
ü Strands of device fiber in the eye,
ü Increased intraocular pressure,
ü Inflammation of the iris (iritis),
ü Adhesion of the iris to the cornea or lens (synechiae) and the need for secondary surgery to reposition, remove or replace the device.
Ø Complications associated with the surgical procedure included:
ü Increased intraocular pressure,
ü Blood leakage in the eye,
ü Swelling of the center of the retina (cystoid macular edema),
ü Secondary surgery,
ü Corneal swelling,
ü Iritis, and
ü Retinal detachment.
Contraindications:
The CustomFlex Artificial Iris is contraindicated, or should not be used, in eyes with any of the following conditions:
ü Uncontrolled or severe chronic inflammation (uveitis),
ü Abnormally small eye size (microphthalmus),
ü Untreated retinal detachment,
ü Untreated chronic glaucoma,
ü Cataract caused by rubella virus,
ü Abnormal blood vessels on the iris (rubeosis),
ü Certain kinds of damaged blood vessels in the retina,
ü Intraocular infections, and
ü Pregnant women.
FDA approval:
The CustomFlex Artificial Iris was approved through a "premarket approval application" (PMA), which is the most stringent type of device marketing application and generally required for high-risk devices. A PMA approval is primarily based on a determination by the FDA that the PMA contains sufficient valid scientific evidence that provides reasonable assurance that the device is safe and effective for its intended uses.
Considerable criteria for approval:
CustomFlex Artificial Iris was granted "Breakthrough Device designation", meaning the FDA provided intensive interaction and guidance to the company on efficient device development, to expedite evidence generation and the agency’s review of the device. To qualify for such designation, a device must provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of a life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating disease or condition, and meet one of the following criteria: (1) the device must represent a breakthrough technology; there must be no approved or cleared alternatives; (2) the device must offer significant advantages over existing approved or cleared alternatives; or (3) the availability of the device is in the best interest of patients.

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ON "WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY"












Thursday, 24 May 2018

FDA WARNS BENZOCAINE TEETHING PRODUCTS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS SAFETY RISK FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Image result for child cry

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that over-the-counter (OTC) teething products containing benzocaine pose a serious risk to infants and children. The agency yesterday announced that OTC oral health products containing the pain reliever benzocaine for the temporary relief of sore gums due to teething in infants or children should no longer be marketed and is asking companies to stop selling these products for such use. If companies do not comply, the FDA will initiate a regulatory action to remove these products from the market. Also, the agency is requesting that companies add new warnings to all other benzocaine oral health products to describe certain serious risks.
Because of the lack of efficacy for teething and the serious safety concerns that have seen with over-the-counter benzocaine oral health products, the FDA is taking steps to stop use of these products in young children and raise awareness of the risks associated with other uses of benzocaine oral health products.
Uses of Benzocaine:
Benzocaine is marketed to help relieve pain from a variety of conditions such as
ü Teething,
ü Sore throat,
ü Canker sores and
ü Irritation of the mouth and gums.
The products are sold as
ü Gels,
ü Sprays,
ü Ointments,
ü Solutions and
ü Lozenges
OTC brand names
Image result for oral benzocaine
ü Anbesol,
ü Baby Orajel,
ü Cepacol,
ü Chloraseptic,
ü Hurricaine,
ü Orabase,
ü Orajel and
ü Topex,
ü As well as store brands and generics.
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Major ADR:
In a Drug Safety Communication issued yesterday, the agency builds on its previous warnings about risks associated with benzocaine products for Methemoglobinemia. This dangerous condition is the result of elevated levels of methemoglobin in the blood and it can lead to death. It causes the amount of oxygen carried through the blood to be greatly reduced. The FDA also outlined these safety concerns in letters that the agency sent to manufacturers of these products. The agency made specific recommendations to manufacturers in order to protect patients and make sure the most up-to-date drug safety information will appear on drug labels.
FDA actions:
FDA is taking necessary action to work with industry to discontinue the distribution and sale of over-the-counter benzocaine oral health products intended for teething pain, and add warning information about methemoglobinemia and a contraindication against use for teething pain and against use in children less than two years of age to the remaining oral health care drug products containing benzocaine. As part of the action, the agency is also requiring that prescription local anesthetics add updated warnings about their risk of this condition.
Advice to patients:
When buying OTC oral health drug products, consumers should refer to the OTC Drug Facts Label to see if benzocaine is an active ingredient and, if using these products, look for signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia.
Signs and symptoms may occur after using benzocaine for the first time, or after prior uses and may appear within minutes to 1 to 2 hours after using benzocaine. These include
ü Pale, gray- or blue-colored skin,
ü Lips and nail beds;
ü Shortness of breath;
ü Fatigue;
ü Headache;
ü Light-headedness; and
ü Rapid heart rate.
If any of these symptoms occur after using benzocaine, the person should receive medical attention immediately. All drug products, including local anesthetics, should be stored out of reach of children.
The FDA urges consumers and health care professionals to report adverse reactions involving benzocaine or other medicines to the FDA’s MedWatch program or respective ADR monitoring units. The FDA will continue to monitor the safety of benzocaine products and will take additional actions as appropriate.


Tuesday, 22 May 2018

NIPAH VIRUS OUTBREAK IN KERALA - 10 DEATHS

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:


HISTORY:

  1998-1999: Peninsular Malaysia Human febrile encephalitis, the high mortality-New virus discovered
  1999: Singapore Outbreak in abattoir workers through Pigs imported from Malaysia
  Since 2001 – Bangladesh, India

 RESERVOIR          
                                                             

     Flying foxes (fruit bats):
          Carry the virus and are not affected by the virus. This virus found in Urine, partially eaten fruit (saliva?)

          No known secondary host.

TRANSMISSION:

       
Pigs in Malaysia

  •   Direct contact
  •   Contact with body fluids
  •    Aerosolization of respiratory or 
  •    Urinary secretions
  •    Vertical transmission across the placenta?
  •    Semen and iatrogenic spread?


Person-to-person

  • Not reported in Malaysia
  • Likely in Bangladesh and India
  • Nosocomial infections
  • Touch and air bourne

Bat-to-person

  • Not reported in Malaysia
  • Common in Bangladesh and India
  • Contaminated fruit, unpasteurized date palm juice 

Symptoms

  • Incubation period: 4 to 20 days
  • Fever and headache
  • Encephalitis
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting 
  • Seizures
  • Progresses to coma in 24-48 hours
  • Respiratory difficulty
  • Relapsing neurologic symptoms 

Complications (Malaysian outbreak)

  • Septicemia (24%)
  • GI bleeding (5%)
  • Renal impairment (4%)
Asymptomatic
  • Relapse or late-onset encephalitis
  • Residual neurological deficits

Diagnosis:

  • ELISA 
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • PCR
  • Virus isolation

Prevention and Control:

  • Keep fruit bats away from pigs
  • Do not drink unpasteurized fruit juices
  • Wash, peel, and/or cook all fruit thoroughly before eating

Treatment: 

  • Supportive, ribavirin
  • There is no specific medication or vaccine available.
For more information click here

Saturday, 12 May 2018

Are we drinking Clean water from plastic bottles?

The answer is no. Even though we buy water in plastic containers the water is getting contaminated. Can you guess the source of contamination.

Yes, you are right. It's plastic.

A non-profit organisation based on US led by Orb Media, revealed widespread contamination with plastic debris including polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

The rate of contamination:

The findings suggest that a person who drinks a litre of bottled water a day might be consuming tens of thousands of microplastic particles each year.

Plastic was identified in 93 per cent of the samples. Particle concentration ranged from zero to more than 10,000 in a single bottle.

On average, plastic particles in the 100 micron (0.10mm) size range -- known as microplastics -- were found at an average rate of 10.4 plastic particles per litre.

Contamination:

Even smaller particles were more common, averaging about 325 per litre.

Bottles of water from the same brand contained a wide range of plastic contamination, with particles as small as 6.5 microns.