New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) Women who work nightshifts are more likely to suffer from moderate or severe asthma compared to women who work in the daytime, according to a study of more than 270,000 people. However, the study, published in ERJ Open Research, found no such link between asthma and working nightshifts in men. The risk of asthma in men did not alter according to whether they worked days or nights.Women who only work nightshifts were around 50 per cent more likely to suffer from moderate or severe asthma compared to women who only work in the daytime.”Asthma disproportionately affects women. Women generally have more severe asthma, and a higher rate of hospitalisation and death from asthma compared to men,” said Dr. Robert Maidstone from the University of Manchester, UK.”This is the first study to evaluate sex differences in the relationship between shift work and asthma. We found that permanent nightshift workers had higher odds of moderate-severe asthma when compared to corresponding day workers,” he added.The study builds on previous research which found a higher risk of moderate or severe asthma in nightshift workers.To probe further, the team included a total of 274,541 working people and found that 5.3 per cent of those had asthma, with 1.9 per cent suffering from moderate or severe asthma (meaning they were taking an asthma-preventer inhaler and at least one other asthma treatment, such as an oral steroid).Overall, the research found that women who work shifts are more likely to have asthma.While the research did not explain the link between shift work and asthma, the researchers said, “it could be because shift work disrupts the body clock, including the levels of male and female sex hormones”.High testosterone has previously been shown to be protective against asthma, so lower testosterone in women could play a role. Alternatively, men and women work different types of shift jobs, and this could be a factor, the researchers said.In postmenopausal women, the risk of moderate or severe asthma was almost doubled in night workers, compared to day workers, in those not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).”Our results suggest that HRT might be protective against asthma for nightshift workers, however further research is needed to test this hypothesis in prospective studies and randomised controlled trials,” Maidstone said.The researchers next plan to study whether sex hormones play a role in the relationship between shift work and asthma.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who was admitted to Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital late on Sunday due to stomach-related problems is now stable, said the hospital in a statement on Monday.The hospital noted that the 78-year-old former Congress president is currently under observation in the Gastroenterology department of the hospital.”Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital at 9:00 PM yesterday (15.06.2025, Sunday), under the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology for a stomach-related issue. She is currently stable, and the doctors are closely monitoring her health,” said Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the statement.Notably, Sonia Gandhi has been hospitalised for the second time this month.Earlier, on June 7, she underwent an MRI at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Hospital in Shimla after she complained of restlessness.The Rajya Sabha MP had complained of restlessness and was rushed to hospital immediately.According to a doctor at IGMC, Gandhi’s blood pressure was detected to be marginally higher than normal, but she was normal and stable.She was taken to hospital for a routine check-up due to some minor health issues, said Naresh Chauhan, principal advisor (media) to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, had said.After being informed about Gandhi’s medical condition, CM Sukhu cut short his visit to Una and also headed to Shimla, said a party leader.Also, a few months ago, Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised in Delhi for a stomach-related problem. During the February visit to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, she was admitted for one day under the care of a gastroenterology specialist.In September 2022, she visited the US for a medical check-up that was deferred due to the pandemic.During that visit, she was accompanied by her son and party leader Rahul Gandhi. Due to that visit to the US, Sonia Gandhi was forced to miss a substantial part of the Monsoon Session of Parliament in 2022.Just before leaving for the US, Sonia Gandhi had ordered a major organisational structuring in the party.The news about her visit to the US was broken by Congress leader Randeep Surjewala who also tweeted to thank “everyone for their concern and good wishes”.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) An increase in the elderly population as well as a rise in smoking are behind the surge in the global rheumatoid arthritis burden since 1980, according to an AI-powered study.Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.The novel analysis published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases details significant socioeconomic disparities and worsening inequalities in disease burden.The findings revealed that demographic ageing, population growth, and uneven healthcare infrastructure exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis burdens differently across regions.Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), the study integrated the largest spatiotemporal rheumatoid arthritis dataset spanning 953 global to local locations from 1980 to 2021 with a novel deep learning framework.It showed that from 1980 to 2021, the global rheumatoid arthritis burden kept rising. The increase was significant among younger age groups and a wider range of geographic locations worldwide.Notably, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)-related inequality surged 62.55 per cent from 1990, with Finland, Ireland, and New Zealand as the most unequal countries in 2021.Economic factors were not found as the sole determinants of rheumatoid arthritis disease burden.High sociodemographic index (SDI) regions such as Japan and the UK exhibited contrasting patterns in disease burden.Japan’s declining DALY rates despite high SDI may reflect nationwide early diagnosis programmes, widespread use of biologic therapies, and a diet rich in anti-inflammatory components.“By 2040, low-middle SDI regions may see increasing DALYs due to ageing/population growth, while DALYs in high SDI areas may decrease,” said the researchers led by Queran Lin, principal investigator from Imperial College London.“Controlling smoking may reduce rheumatoid arthritis deaths by 16.8 per cent and DALYs by 20.6 per cent in high-smoking regions (for example, China), offering significant benefits for medium/high SDI areas,” said the team.The researchers said that many regions around the world still lack the necessary evidence base to inform precision health policy and targeted interventions.–IANSrvt/

Bhubaneswar, June 15 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition and former Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik on Sunday slammed the state government for its lax response to the rising cholera cases in different parts of the state. Raising concern over the outbreak, Patnaik on Sunday stated that the He further added that such a situation was not seen for many years which has now disrupted life in various districts. “The cholera outbreak is becoming severe in the districts of Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Puri, Cuttack, and Keonjhar, and is also starting to spread to neighbouring districts. I am saddened by the loss of 14 lives due to cholera so far. I extend my condolences to their family members and relatives. Everyone is shocked and disturbed by the state government’s lax approach to the spread of cholera in Odisha. The Government should become vigilant by no longer endangering the lives of people,” wrote Patnaik on his X handle on Sunday. The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das on Sunday visited the affected areas in Jajpur district. He raised the issue of lack of adequate number of medical staff in the district saying that the situation is alarming in the district. According to media reports, around 12 people are believed to have died due to diarrhea in Jajpur, but officially, only five deaths have been confirmed so far. The remaining cases are still under investigation. The district administration has told media persons that samples collected from 11 patients have so far tested positive for cholera infection. The officials also confirmed that 1516 diarrhea patients have so far been admitted to different hospitals in Jajpur district till June 15. Out of them, 1,306 have been cured and 210 are still undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Jajpur. Notably, the union health ministry has sent seven member medical team and three-member food safety team to Odisha. Similarly, a four-member team of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also come to Odisha to tackle the situation. The state health minister Mukesh Mahaling on Sunday visited affected areas in Jajpur and Keonjhar districts and held discussions with the district administration, the Central and state government teams to bring the situation under control.–IANSgyan/pgh

Sydney, June 15 (IANS) A team of Australian researchers has launched a new app aimed at boosting the wellbeing and resilience of adults.This innovative mobile application, called ReNeuWell, shifts the focus from managing distress to actively promoting mental flourishing, offering a neuroscience-backed, personalised approach to mental health, said the team from NeuRA and University fo New South Wales Sydney.This validated tool assesses both subjective hedonic–composure, positivity, life satisfaction) and psychological (eudaimonic – self-worth, mastery, achievements) wellbeing, providing users with a comprehensive profile.“The app is designed for anyone looking for ways to understand and boost their own level of mental wellbeing,” stated Associate Professor Justine Gatt, emphasising its role in guiding individuals towards optimal mental health.According to researchers, ReNeuWell offers a unique personalised programme of activities over four-week periods, drawing on psychological concepts such as mindfulness, meditation, self-compassion, and goal setting. These activities are tailored to improve specific aspects of a user’s wellbeing, grounded in the COMPAS-W scale’s proven link to brain function, genetics, cognitive performance, and even physical health indicators.A 12-week clinical trial is currently underway, with NeuRA actively recruiting at least 500 adult participants from the general public. Eligible individuals will receive free access to the app, committing to just 10 minutes of daily use and three short surveys. This trial aims to further validate the app’s effectiveness and gather user feedback for refinement.Funded by the Mindgardens Neuroscience Network and developed by Miroma Project Factory, ReNeuWell exemplifies a successful collaboration between research and industry to address real-world mental health needs.The ReNeuWell app is now available for download on the Apple App Store in Australia for a one-time fee of AUD$24.99 for those who do not wish to participate in the trial.—IANSna/

Ahmedabad, June 15 (IANS) Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who has been sharing timely and regular updates about DNA testing of the victims at Ahmedabad crash site, on Sunday penned a ‘note of praise’ for the dedicated team of forensic experts working relentlessly and tirelessly to confirm the identity of victims, by matching their DNA samples.After the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner met with a devastating fate on June 12, killing 241 passengers barring a lucky one in the catastrophic crash, a team of 36 forensic experts have been tirelessly working, with many going beyond working hours, to locate and verify the remains of victims from among hundreds of charred bodies.Harsh Sanghavi took to X and wrote a heartfelt tribute for the forensic experts who have gone beyond the call of duty and are putting in extra hours to ensure that families of victims get the remains, as early as possible.“Tribute to the Dedication of FSL Forensic Experts truly remarkable is the personal sacrifices being made by the team of 36 dedicated forensic experts,” he wrote.He made a special mention of a forensic expert whose mother is currently fighting for her life, with only 20 per cent heart function, and was scheduled for urgent surgery and said, “despite the personal turmoil, this expert remains committed to DNA testing efforts”.He further noted: “Eight of the women experts on the team are mothers of children aged 3 years or less. Despite the challenges of caring for their young ones, they have put their family’s needs aside to focus on the critical task at hand.”“Their selflessness and dedication to duty are a testament to their professionalism and compassion. We salute these unsung heroes who, despite their personal struggles, are working tirelessly day and night to help bring closure to the families affected by the tragedy,” he added.Notably, the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where DNA testing is being done remains in the thick of chaos as family members of deceased fliers scramble to get the DNA verification done at the earliest possible. Authorities are finding it hard to convince them about the ‘delay’ in handover of bodies and remains.Meanwhile, 22 more DNA samples were matched till Sunday noon, taking the total number of matched DNA samples to 44, so far.–IANSmr/pgh

Bhubaneswar, June 15 (IANS) Odisha Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mukesh Mahaling, visited the state’s Jajpur district on Sunday to assess the situation in cholera-affected areas and review ongoing containment and treatment efforts.The Health Minister held detailed discussions with a Central team from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, various teams from the state government, and officials of the district administration in Jajpur.The discussions focused on prevention strategies, treatment measures, availability of adequate medical personnel, and other key actions to tackle the outbreak.While speaking to the media, Mahaling urged people to consult doctors at nearby hospitals instead of relying on quacks, and to get medicines from local pharmacies without consulting the doctors.“Today, I visited more than five Community Health Centres and the District Headquarters Hospital in Jajpur to assess the situation. Following the outbreak, central teams from the Ministry of Health, the Directorate of Public Health, Odisha Food Safety, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reviewed the current status and the causes responsible for the outbreak. We are focusing on three key areas: disinfection of water sources, breaking the chain of infection, and close monitoring of the situation to check further spread,” said Mahaling.He added that district nodal officers, responsible for managing diarrhea and cholera cases, have prepared profiles of the affected individuals, and will administer doxycycline to their family members and recent contacts to prevent the further spread of cholera.The Minister further stated that the government is taking all necessary steps to prevent the spread of cholera to other areas of the state.He noted that several diarrhea cases have also been reported in Kendrapara and Keonjhar districts. Mahaling is scheduled to visit the affected areas in Keonjhar district to assess the situation on the ground.He told reporters that the central team has collected water and food samples from the affected regions to determine the actual causes of the outbreak.The Health Minister said that around 12 people are believed to have died, but officially, only five deaths have been confirmed so far.The remaining cases are still under investigation.According to official sources, samples from 11 patients have so far tested positive for cholera infection.The officials also confirmed that 1,516 diarrhea patients have so far been admitted to different hospitals in Jajpur district till June 15.Out of them, 1,306 have been cured and 210 are still undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Jajpur. Notably, the union health ministry has sent seven-member medical team and three-member food safety team to Odisha.Similarly, a four-member team of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also come to Odisha to tackle the situation.–IANSgyan/pgh

Chennai, June 15 (IANS) Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will inaugurate Katpadi’s first full-fledged government taluk…

New York, June 15 (IANS) In a world increasingly obsessed with external forms of wellness, a profound initiative is set to remind us of yoga’s inner essence in the US, as cities globally prepare to celebrate the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21.‘The Spirit of Yoga’, a special International Day of Yoga celebration, is being co-hosted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization at the serene Global Harmony House in Great Neck on Long Island on June 22, the organisers said in a statement on Sunday.While most Yoga Day celebrations revolve around physical postures and public demonstrations of flexibility, ‘The Spirit of Yoga’ programme seeks to reclaim yoga’s soul, rekindling its spiritual roots.The event will witness a lineup of dignitaries, spiritual leaders and practitioners who bring wisdom, inspiration, and the lived experience of yogic values to about 250 seekers in the hall, and many more attending virtually.Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, will be the Chief Guest who will speak on India’s gift of yoga to the world, in the presence of BK Mohini Didi, the revered Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris international organization.Set in the tranquil atmosphere of Global Harmony House, a spiritual sanctuary and the regional headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris for the Americas and the Caribbean, this gathering is designed to be an immersive, contemplative, and celebratory experience.“In today’s commercialised wellness world, yoga is often reduced to fitness,” said Gayatri Naraine, the NGO representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN. “But the true spirit of yoga is about connecting to our highest self, to the Supreme, through spiritual awareness.”“We are focusing on yoga as a way of being – anchored in awareness, self-realisation, and harmony,” said Parveen Chopra, Founding Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com and co-moderator of the event. “Yoga, as in Patanjali’s 8-limbed path, finds its fulfillment in dhyan, asanas are just a part and accessory.”—IANSna/

Seoul, June 15 (IANS) South Korea’s food and drink prices ranked the second highest among…