Category Archives: Health

Powassan Virus – Everything you need to Know

Authored by Dr. Swati Rajagopal, Consultant – Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore 

As the world started normalizing and people overcame the havoc wreaked by the Covid-19 pandemic the fear of another pandemic is beginning to spread slowly. Known as the Powassan virus, the deadly infection is slowly spreading across America and has recently claimed the life of a person in the United States. Although rare, Powassan is an untreatable disease and medical experts are yet to find a cure for it. Learning from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Maine Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other doctors and health officials are now alerting the masses about this non-treatable virus and are educating them about its symptoms and preventive measures.

What is the Powassan virus and how can you contract it?

According to the CDC, the Powassan virus spreads to people by the bite of an infected tick. These ticks get infected by sucking the virus from the blood of groundhogs, squirrels, mice, or other rodents and spread the Powassan virus to people and other animals by feeding on them.

Currently, three types of ticks that can spread the Powassan virus to humans have been identified in the eastern half of the United States. These include –

• Ixodes cookei (groundhog tick)
• Ixodes marxi (squirrel tick), and
• Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged or deer tick)

Can ticks get infected by biting humans and is Powassan Virus a communicable disease? 

As per recent research, it has been found that the Powassan virus cannot be transmitted from person to person. Furthermore, humans are also considered as the dead-end host for the Powassan virus as people do not develop high enough virus levels in their blood and thus, they cannot infect biting ticks.

The transmission of the Powassan virus from person to person can only occur in rare instances of blood transfusion or through the bite of an infected tick. Therefore, it is recommended that people who have been diagnosed with the Powassan virus must avoid donating blood or bone marrow for at least 120 days after contracting the infection as their blood can infect another person and may lead to the development of a viral chain reaction.

What are the symptoms of the Powassan virus? 

While many people infected with the Powassan virus do not show any symptoms, however, the ones with symptoms the time duration from tick bite to feeling sick usually ranges from 1 week to 1 month. The signs and symptoms of the Powassan include –

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Severe Brain and Spine diseases like Encephalitis and Meningitis
• Confusion
• Loss of Coordination
• Difficulty in speaking
• Seizures

To date, it has been found that approximately 1 out of 10 people with severe disease die and roughly half of the people who survive severe Brain and Spine disease have long-term health problems such as recurring headaches, loss of muscle mass and strength, and memory problems.

How can you prevent yourself from the Powassan virus? 

Currently, there are no vaccines or medications to stop or restrict the spread of the Powassan virus. However, you can prevent yourself from getting sick with the Powassan virus by following the below-mentioned tips –

• Avoiding the areas such as grassy, brushy, or wooded places where ticks can be easily found
• Check your clothes for ticks and remove them by washing them with hot water or by applying a dryer
• Examine your pets for ticks
• Shower as soon as you are indoors
• Conduct a full body check for ticks

In case you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have a tick bite then you must consult your nearest healthcare provider.

Granules India Limited Receives ANDA Approval for Levetiracetam Tablets in record 9 months

Hyderabad, 14 June 2023: Granules India Limited today announced that the US Food & Drug Administration (US FDA) has approved its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Levetiracetam Tablets USP, 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1,000 mg. bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug (RLD), Keppra Tablets of UCB, Inc. (UCB).

Levetiracetam Tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of:

Partial onset seizures in adults and infants of age 1 month and older children with epilepsy;
Myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Granules now has a total of 58 ANDA approvals from US FDA (56 Final approvals and 2 tentative approvals).

The current annual U.S. market for Levetiracetam Tablets is approximately $247 Million, according to MAT Mar 2023, IQVIA/IMS Health.

My child has an Autoimmune Disease – What are the dos and don’ts?

Dr. Sagar Bhattad, Consultant – Paediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Aster RV Hospital

Children fall sick regularly. As they grow up, start going to school and have exposure to other kids and new environments, sickness becomes a regular feature. The child falls sick, you take them to the doctor, follow the instructions and they get better. Sadly, it is not this simple for autoimmune diseases. Has your child been recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease? Don’t know what to do or not do? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Everyone falls sick. There is nothing new or alarming about that. It is concerning when the condition gets severe or has no cure. And when a child is diagnosed with something serious, the parents’ world comes crashing down. They don’t know what to do, what not to do, how to take care of the child, which doctor to see next and the list is never-ending, just like the disease itself.

What are Autoimmune Diseases?

An autoimmune disease is where the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body instead of protecting it. The immune system mistakes the healthy cells to be infections or foreign invaders and attacks them., So, the immune system keeps fighting the body and destroying the healthy cells, instead of protecting them.

The exact reason or cause for autoimmune diseases are still unknown. A lot of research is going into finding the cause behind the various autoimmune diseases. These diseases can either be genetic or due to environmental exposure. Sometimes, an environmental factor can trigger the underlying autoimmune disease if the child has inherited a defective gene.

As a parent, it is important to remember that autoimmune diseases are not communicable, meaning you cannot get them because someone you stay with or someone in contact with you has a disease.

What happens when a child has an autoimmune disease?

When a child is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, the best possible treatment is started immediately. Autoimmune diseases can cause severe damage to the organs in the body, so treating them or controlling them at the earliest is very important. With proper treatment and constant monitoring, the child can live a regular life with minimal restrictions.

Who is at risk of Autoimmune Disease?

The autoimmune disease generally runs in families. There are cases where someone with absolutely no family history of the disease can be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Here are some risk factors which can increase the chances of an individual developing an autoimmune disease:

• Genes – Every human receives 2 sets of genes. When one of the parents or their parents has an autoimmune disease, there are high chances for them to pass down this defective gene. While one might have a defective gene, it is not necessary for them to have the disease. It only increases their risk.
• Weight – Your weight can sometimes play havoc with your system. It can add pressure to your joints, leading to chronic joint pains or arthritis, and can also cause some organs to malfunction.
• Age – Autoimmune diseases are prone to affect younger people than older people. It can affect children too.
• Race – Certain races and ethnicities are more prone to some autoimmune diseases than others. The reason is not very clear but it is connected to genetics.
• Gender – Many autoimmune diseases affect girls more than boys
• Medicines – Certain medications can trigger the underlying defective gene in the body. As a result, one might develop an autoimmune disease that has otherwise been dormant until the medicine interfered.
• Other Diseases – an existing autoimmune disease increases the risk of developing another related autoimmune disease.

Can Autoimmune Disease Be Prevented?

Sadly, no. An autoimmune disease is one where the cause is unknown. When you are not sure about the cause of a disease or when it can affect the child, you cannot prevent it effectively. It is not advisable to treat something that has not occurred yet.

Even in the case of genetic health issues where the chances of a child contracting an autoimmune disease are high, you cannot prevent it completely. Doctors might prescribe certain medicines or treatments for the mother-to-be, but this can only reduce the chances of the disease passing on to the child.

An autoimmune disease can be very difficult to live with. However, with the right diagnosis and timely treatment, you can work on reducing the impact of the disease and help the child lead a close to normal life. The advancement of science and technology has enabled children with autoimmune diseases to enjoy their childhood, without much of a compromise.

A 30-Year-Old Woman Overcomes Severe Muscular Weakness Due to LGMD with Specialized Therapy

A 30-Year-Old Woman Overcomes Severe Muscular Weakness Due to LGMD with Specialized Therapy Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) are Rare Condition

Mumbai: A team headed by Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher & Founder of StemRx Bioscience Solutions – India gave a second lease of life to a 30-year-old woman patient diagnosed with severe muscle weakness owing to Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) are Rare Conditions. The patient is doing well and resumed her daily routine with ease.

Deepika Joshi from Mumbai and a housewife by profession sought medical help when she began experiencing severe muscular weakness, which progressively worsened over a period of five years. Specific weakness in her lower limbs and girdle muscles made even simple movements difficult for her. Determined to find a solution, she turned to Dr. Mahajan, a renowned specialist at StemRx.

Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher & Founder of StemRx Bioscience Solutions – India said, “Upon evaluation, it was revealed that Joshi’s creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels were alarmingly high, exceeding 14,000 units. Girdle muscle weakness was particularly pronounced, and Joshi exhibited a negative straight leg raise (SLR) test and flaccid hip muscle tone. Despite these challenges, her sensations remained intact, and a positive Gower’s sign indicated the presence of muscle weakness.”

Under the expert care of Dr. Mahajan and the StemRx team, Joshi embarked on a comprehensive treatment plan tailored specifically to her needs. “The therapy targeted the weakened muscles, focusing on and around them to increase muscle mass and improve muscle fiber life. This targeted approach not only enhanced Joshi’s muscle power but also played a crucial role in slowing down the progression of her condition,” highlighted Dr. Mahajan.

Dr. Mahajan added, “As weeks passed, Joshi’s dedication and the effectiveness of the treatment became evident. Her girdle muscles significantly improved, enabling her to perform daily activities with greater ease. Simple tasks like getting up and sitting became less arduous, and her ability to walk improved dramatically. Ankle movements, previously hindered by weakness, were now much better. Most importantly, her tendency to fall was greatly reduced, providing her with newfound confidence and independence. In addition to the visible improvements, Joshi experienced a boost in muscle mass and a reduction in flaccidity. These positive changes not only improved her physical capabilities but also had a profound impact on her overall well-being and quality of life.”

“I thank Dr. Mahajan for his limitless efforts to help me get rid of muscle weakness and stand on my feet again. I can move freely now. It is because of Dr. Mahajan’s innovative treatment approach that I could defy the odds and reclaim control over my life,” said the patient, Deepika Joshi.

As more individuals with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) and similar conditions become aware of StemRx’s groundbreaking therapy, hope is reignited and a future free from the clutches of muscular weakness becomes a tangible possibility. Deepika Joshi’s remarkable recovery is an inspiration to all those facing similar challenges, proving that with the right treatment and unwavering determination, a brighter future awaits.

Insights into Redox-Independent Cellular Stress Response

Researchers identify the regulatory pathway that governs a type of redox-independent stress response involving NRF2

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master transcription factor with a role in regulating oxidative stress response. It can be activated via redox-dependent and independent pathways. Regulatory mechanisms of the redox-dependent pathway are known; however, the same cannot be said for the redox-independent pathway. Now, researchers from Juntendo University have unraveled the roles of phase-separated liquid droplets, p62 bodies, in redox-independent NRF2 activation and the significance of phosphorylation in this process.

Cellular stress, or oxidative stress, occurs when there is a buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which interferes with cellular mechanisms and can even cause damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. Owing to their destructive nature, all cells have robust mechanisms in place to remove ROS and reduce oxidative stress. One such mechanism is the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-mediated stress response, where NRF2 is a master transcription factor that aids in reducing oxidative stress.

Much is known about the redox-dependent activation of NRF2 and its subsequent role in stress response. In this pathway, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) senses oxidative stress in the cell through oxidation of its specific cysteine residues. This oxidation causes conformational changes in KEAP1, which, in turn, loses the ability to suppress NRF2. As a result, NRF2 is stabilized and induces a series of genes encoding anti-oxidative proteins that reduce and remove oxidative stress caused by ROS.

NRF2 can also be activated in a redox-independent manner. This activation involves p62 protein, which undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation to form p62 bodies when it binds to ubiquitinated proteins upon defective proteostasis. However, the precise mechanism of NRF2 regulation through p62 bodies had hitherto remained largely unknown.

Now, researchers in Japan have found how p62 bodies control redox-independent NRF2 activation. They conducted a study that was conceived by Professor Masaaki Komatsu and Associate Professor Yoshinobu Ichimura from Juntendo University School of Medicine and Dr. Nobuo N. Noda from Hokkaido University. “We have reported in a previous study that phosphorylation of p62 inhibits the binding of KEAP1 to NRF2 competitively, thereby disabling the NRF2-repressive function of KEAP1. However, the regulatory mechanism and the physiological functions in vivo remain largely unclear. This is important as the accumulation of phosphorylated p62 has been found to cause many intractable diseases,” explains Prof. Komatsu when asked about the team’s motivation for pursuing the research. Their findings are all set to be published in The EMBO Journal.

Using advanced techniques like high-speed atomic force microscopy, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and fluorescence loss in photobleaching, the team conducted experiments that included those performed outside a living organism (in vitro) and those using cells and mice (in vivo) to thoroughly profile protein-protein interactions, cellular localization of specific components, and the effects of LLPS-induced p62 phosphorylation, during redox-independent NRF2 activation.

Summarizing the main findings of their study, Dr. Ichimura explains, “We found that ULK1, a protein kinase, translocates to p62 bodies and then phosphorylates p62 within the bodies. The resulting phosphorylated p62 bodies retain KEAP1 within them, which drives the activation of NRF2.”

KEAP1 usually cycles in and out of p62 bodies; however, phosphorylated p62 tightly binds to KEAP1, which causes KEAP1 to be retained and sequestered within the p62 body. This leads to activation of even more NRF2. The p62 bodies are degraded by autophagy, and this may contribute to shutdown of this pathway. The current study extends the scope of the antioxidative stress response and provides new insights into the role of phase separation in the process.

The importance of this redox-independent NRF2 activation was tested using phosphomimetic p62 knock-in mouse models where hyperactivation of NRF2 by extensive phosphorylation resulted in hyperkeratosis—a growth defect causing the outer layer of the stomach and esophageal lining to thicken, which in turn caused stunted growth due to malnutrition.

Prof. Komatsu is confident that his team has laid the foundation for future work to probe deeper into the mechanism and regulation of redox-independent stress responses. He concludes, “Whether redox-dependent or independent, NRF2 activation is an important biological defense system. Understanding its regulatory mechanisms is crucial as its persistent activation leads to inordinate defense responses, like excessive keratinization. Our study is the first scientific validation of the physiological significance for redox-independent NRF2 activation. In the case of redox-independent stress responses, activation of NRF2 is very likely regulated by phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, and autophagic degradation of p62 bodies. p62 bodies have been found to accumulate in affected cells in patients with liver disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. Thus, research such as ours will be useful in elucidating the pathogenesis of and developing improved therapies for FA-, NRF2-, and autophagy-related diseases.”

Vaginal Prolapse: Symptoms, treatments and precautions

By Dr. Poornima Kinila, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology and Infertility, Aster RV Hospital

The vagina is one of several organs located in the pelvic region. Muscles and other tissue hold these organs in place. These muscles work together to form a structure known as the pelvic floor. This support structure can begin to deteriorate over time. This can happen for a variety of causes, but the end effect is organ sagging. A prolapse occurs when your organs sag or droop from their natural position. When the top of the vagina weakens and collapses into your vaginal canal, this is known as vaginal prolapse. Prolapses can be minor or severe. An incomplete prolapse is a minor prolapse. When your organ has displaced significantly, you will experience a larger prolapse (full prolapse). Your organs may protrude from your vaginal entrance if you have a full prolapse. This is a really severe prolapse. Painful symptoms might result from vaginal prolapse. Surgery may not be necessary for mild to moderate vaginal prolapse. However, more severe cases may need surgical repair.

Your pelvis is made up of your uterus, vagina, rectum, bladder, and urethra. These organs are supported by your pelvic floor muscles, which resemble an upside-down umbrella. The umbrella supports your pelvic organs; however, it might collapse over time or due to other circumstances like vaginal delivery. There are various varieties of prolapse, each with a different name based on where the organ has slipped. The following are some examples of pelvic organ prolapse.

Vaginal prolapse is a rather frequent condition. During their lifespan, more than one-third of women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) may experience some form of pelvic region prolapse. You’re more prone to have vaginal prolapse later in life, especially if you’ve had numerous vaginal births.

Symptoms

• Fullness, heaviness, or pain in the pelvic region. This sensation frequently worsens throughout the day or after standing, lifting, or coughing.
• Back ache in the lower back.
• Bulging in your uterus.
• You have the sensation that something is slipping out of your vagina.
• Pee dripping (urinary incontinence).
• Infections of the bladder occur on a regular basis.
• Pooping is difficult.
• Sexual intercourse problems.
• Tampon inserting issues.

Causes

A set of muscles and other tissue hold your vagina in place within your pelvis, forming a sort of support framework. This structure holds your pelvic organs in place. This structure may deteriorate with time. When this happens, your vagina may slip down and out of place, resulting in a prolapse. Among the most common causes of vaginal prolapse are:

• Childbirth: Vaginal delivery is more likely to result in prolapse than a C-section. If you’ve had several vaginal deliveries, had a lengthy labor, or delivered a large baby, your chance of prolapse may be increased (more than 9 pounds)
• Ageing: As you get older, your chances of prolapse increase.
• Excessive physical exercise or heavy lifting: Activity-related strain can also weaken your pelvic muscles and cause your organs to sag out of position.
• Factors of genetic or hereditary origin: Your pelvic support system may be naturally weaker.
• Prolapse can also be caused by activities or situations that put extra pressure on your abdominal area like:
• Failure to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Heavy lifting.
• Struggling to defecate.
• Having a persistent cough (common in people with asthma or respiratory problems

Treatment

Treatment for vaginal prolapse varies based on the severity of the prolapse. In certain circumstances, your healthcare physician may simply want to monitor it over time to ensure that it does not worsen.

Vaginal prolapses can be treated non- surgically or surgically. A few factors will be considered by the Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital while developing a treatment plan, such as:

• Overall health, as well as any major medical issues.
• Age
• The seriousness of the prolapse.
• If you desire to have children later on.
• If you ever want to have penetrative sex.

Non-surgical, Next-generation Cryoablation Technology- a Boon for Cancer Patients

Bangalore June 11, 2023: Cancer patients in India can now heave a sigh of relief, thanks to the availability of cryoablation technology in the country. Cryoablation is a minimally invasive image-guided (ultrasound or CT scan) treatment, that uses extreme cold to freeze and accurately destroy diseased tissue within the tumour zone. This technology is the brainchild of an Israeli company, IceCure Medical. Its flagship product, ProSense freezes tumours quickly and with minimal pain. It uses liquid nitrogen (LN2) for maximum freezing, safety, and efficacy. Novo Med Incorporation Pvt Ltd is the authorized distributor of IceCure Medical in India.

During cryoablation, a thin, needle-like probe called a cryoprobe is inserted into the target area. The cryoprobe uses liquid nitrogen as a coolant, rapidly cooling the surrounding tissue. As the tissue freezes, ice crystals form, causing cellular damage and destruction. Extreme cold temperatures essentially freeze and kill abnormal cells.

Cryoablation has several advantages over other treatment methods. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires only a small incision or needle puncture, resulting in fewer traumas to the body and faster recovery times compared to open surgery. It can be performed under local anaesthesia, eliminating the need for general anaesthesia in many cases. Additionally, cryoablation is relatively precise, allowing for targeted treatment of the abnormal tissue while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. A hospital stay is not required in most cases.

The specific application of cryoablation depends on the condition being treated. It is commonly used in the treatment of benign and malignant tumours of various kinds including breast cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, bone, soft tissue, and other types of tumours.

Dr Indu sekhar Subbanna, Interventional Radiologist and Senior Consultant, HCG Hospital, Bengaluru, observed, “Cryoablation is extremely useful in pain management and very easy to handle and operate. I recently did a patient for kidney cancer and we got very good results. I am very optimistic about the future of this therapy.”

Dr Rohit Madhurkar, Lead Consultant and Interventional Radiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, opined, “We all are aware, minimally invasive treatment is the most opted method of healing various disease conditions in this modern healthcare system, with its obvious advantages of focused, least invasive treatment, quick recovery and many more. As Interventional Radiologists, we are able to enter the body to the desired target location, just with a needle (Pinhole surgery) & kill the tumour cells, under detailed real-time image guidance without damaging vital structures around. Cryoablation is one powerful tool, wherein we are able to freeze the tumour cell to death with accuracy under detailed visibility of the ablation zone. Cryoablation has shown immense outcomes in renal tumours & fibroadenoma of the breast with wider utility in treating various smaller tumours in the liver, lung & bone. Now that, it’s available in India, our patients can have the benefit of Cryoablation

Dr M C Uthappa, Head- of Interventional Radiology, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, averred, “Having seen a few live procedures of cryoablation during my last visit to China, I can confidently say that cryoablation will become the future of cancer therapy for large number of solid cancers in the human body.”

The cryoablation therapy was also recently introduced at the Kovai Medical Center in Coimbatore. JayMehta, Director- Sales, Novo Med In corporation Pvt Ltd, stated, “We are indeed very happy to facilitate the availability of this futuristic and revolutionary technology in India. The Indian populace should take maximum advantage of the same and freeze cancer in its tracks.”

Teestar® Bioactive Gummies by Avesthagen Limited

For Sugar and Calorie Management – Pre-Diabetic & Diabetic Healthcare

Teestar® Bioactive Gummies – a product for sugar and calorie management by Avesta Good Earth Foods, a part of Avesthagen Limited. It has shown a reduction in blood glucose levels of up to 10MG/DL postprandial. This all-natural ingredient manages blood sugar spikes post-meal and further helps in managing a better insulin response.

Teestar® is developed from an Indian medicinal plant commonly used as a part of the food matrix. It has been used in traditional medicine as a potent sugar and calorie modulator and also to manage healthy body mass. It is recommended to have two gummies before breakfast and dinner daily for best results. The Teestar® forms a colloidal-type suspension in the stomach and the intestine upon hydration, and the mucilage thus formed slows down the gastrointestinal transit of food as well as its digestion. Thus, yielding less calories from digested food for a long time and, in turn, giving the feeling of satiety.

Teestar® is manufactured at a state-of-the-art production and R&D facility by an eco-friendly and safe process of extraction using only ethanol and water, not needing any harsh chemicals or evaporation of the extract. The product maintains a very stringent quality consistency using Avesthagen’s proprietary fingerprinting technique, MetaGrid.

In conclusion, Teestar® is a very safe and potent calorie modulator and can be used to manage healthy body mass.

Teestar® is available in Litchi and Tamarind flovours for Rs. 750/- at www.avestagoodearthfoods.com www.amazon.in and www.1mg.com

Avesthagen Limited is an international, integrated, diversified life sciences company based on a systems-biology approach. The company is at the forefront of the convergence of food, pharma, and population genetics for developing new products and novel therapies. Avesthagen aims to commercialize its developed products and technologies geared towards Nutrigenomics, Agriculture, and Precision Medicine with its proprietary Predictive, Preventive and Personalized (“PPP”) healthcare platform.

Myths and Facts about Aligners & Braces

With the inputs of Dr. Amit Sachdeva, Chief Product Officer, LoveMySmile

Maintaining a healthy and confident smile is essential, as it speaks a lot about our personality. However, not everything turns out the way we plan them to be and that is why certain things including facial aesthetics require external attention. Many individuals seek respite through orthodontic treatments like aligners and braces to wear the perfect mood all day long, and it is truly a savior on that front. However, due to various misconceptions, many people feel apprehensive about using these orthodontic treatments. Let’s debunk some common myths and shed light on the facts to alleviate any concerns you may have! Here we go:

Myth 1: Braces or aligners are excruciatingly painful.

Fact: It’s natural to worry about discomfort, but rest assured, modern orthodontic appliances have come a long way. While you might experience some initial soreness or pressure, it is generally manageable and temporary. Your orthodontist will guide you on how to cope with any discomfort, and as you adjust to wearing aligners or braces, the discomfort diminishes.

Myth 2: Only teenagers can benefit from braces or aligners. 

Fact: This myth couldn’t be further from the truth! Orthodontic treatments are suitable for people of all ages, including adults. It’s never too late to achieve a straight and healthy smile. In fact, adult orthodontic treatment has become increasingly popular, thanks to advancements in technology and the availability of discreet options.

Myth 3: Braces and aligners take years to show results. 

Fact: While the duration of treatment varies depending on individual cases, significant progress can be observed within a few months. With regular check-ups and adhering to your orthodontist’s instructions, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your smile transforms. Aligners, in particular, often yield faster results compared to traditional braces.

Myth 4: Aligners are noticeable and impact speech.

Fact: Unlike traditional braces, aligners are nearly invisible and won’t draw unwanted attention. Crafted from clear and discreet materials, they seamlessly blend with your teeth. As for speech, any temporary changes are minor, and most people adapt quickly. Aligners provide a comfortable and convenient option for those seeking a discreet orthodontic treatment.

Myth 5: Aligners are expensive and not covered by insurance. 

Fact: While orthodontic treatments can be an investment, the cost varies depending on factors such as case complexity and treatment duration. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for orthodontics, including aligners and braces. It’s advisable to consult with your orthodontist and insurance provider to understand the financial aspects and potential coverage.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to distinguish between myths and facts when considering aligners and braces. By embracing the use of aligners to fix dental issues — one can improve upon their face dynamics and the aesthetics that constitute a perfect smile.

Robotic surgery aids kidney cancer patients

By Dr. Vikas Agarwal, Aakash Healthcare

Kidney cancer is one of the 10 most commonly diagnosed cancers. The risk of kidney cancer in men is 2x as compared to women. Old age, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term dialysis, and a family history of kidney cancer all can increase the risk for kidney cancer.

Some possible signs and symptoms of kidney cancer are blood in urine, low back pain, early fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and unexplained fever.

Like every cancer, kidney cancer is also of many types and is detected early or in advanced stages. Nowadays ultrasound is a common investigation by which we can detect kidney cancer in an early stage. It helps in the differentiation of solid from fluid-filled cyst mass. Usually, kidney cancers are solid. To further confirm cancer or plan treatment, we advise a contrast CT scan which more clearly tells about kidney cancer types or helps in planning surgery.

There is a limited role of PET Scan or kidney biopsy in kidney cancer. If we discuss treatment, surgery is the mainstay of treatment. There is no role of radiotherapy in most kidney cancers.

It is important to note, in small kidney cancer < 4cm, we can save the kidney by removing only the tumor, called Partial Nephrectomy. This surgery can be done more precisely with Robotic technology. Robotic Partial Nephrectomy is recommended for complex, hilar tumors, and solitary kidney cancers. If the tumor is large, we can remove the whole kidney and the patient can survive with another kidney, living a normal life.

The benefits of Robotic surgery are less blood loss, less pain, early discharge from the hospital, and early return to normal activities. Kidney cancers are curable in early stages and life expectancy after successful surgery is good.

On this world kidney day, I wish you a healthy kidney and a healthy life.