Media Express24

18, Jul 2023

Innovative Wearable Sensor for Measuring Sweat Lactate Levels During Exercise

infographic Innovative Wearable Sensor for Measuring Sweat Lactate Levels During Exercise

Scientists solve the long-standing problem of air bubbles in sweat affecting the performance of microfluidic wearable sensors

Wearable microfluidic sensors can be used to monitor lactate concentration in sweat, a good indicator of exercise intensity. However, air bubbles present in the sweat can get into the microfluidic channels, hindering the measurement. In a recent study, researchers from Japan have developed a wearable sensor for continuously monitoring sweat lactate during exercise, which incorporates a bubble-trapping region in its microfluidic system. The proposed technology can facilitate athlete training management and health monitoring.

Human sweat is a rich source of health information, offering insights into a person’s hydration level, electrolyte balance, and overall physiological state. For instance, lactate level in sweat is a useful biomarker of exercise intensity. Its measurement can help estimate the amount of lactic acid in the blood and, in turn, predict muscle fatigue.

Today, wearable sensors make it possible to continuously monitor biomarkers such as sweat lactate. Using the latest microfluidics technology, scientists have developed devices that convey minuscule amounts of sweat to tiny chemical sensors, which can transmit their measurements in real time wirelessly. However, one common problem in such devices is that their microfluidic channels tend to trap air bubbles present in the sweat. If these bubbles cover the sensor’s electrodes, the measurements get interrupted, interfering with the continuous monitoring of the target biomarker.

To address this issue, a research team, led by Associate Professor Isao Shitanda from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) in Japan, has come up with a novel microfluidic sweat lactate sensor whose measurements remain unaffected by the air bubbles. Their study, made available online on 22 May 2023 and published in ACS Sensors on 23 June 2023, was co-authored by Dr. Masahiro Motosuke, Dr. Tatsunori Suzuki, Dr. Shinya Yanagita, and Dr. Takahiro Mukaimoto from TUS.

The proposed wearable device consists of a relatively simple layered structure—a conventional lactate oxidase sensor attached via double-sided tape to a microfluidic system made of a silicone polymer. When the person wearing the device begins to perspire, the sweat enters the microfluidic channels via four inlets and flows toward a reservoir near which the electrodes are located. Old sweat exits the system through an outlet as new sweat enters, and a small wireless transmitter reports the measured lactate levels.

The key innovation in the proposed design was the use of a larger-than-usual sweat reservoir. “By increasing the length of the reservoir in the microfluidic channel, a space of approximately four microliters was created for trapping any air bubbles that infiltrate the device, thereby preventing them from contacting the electrodes of the sensor,” explains Dr. Shitanda.

The researchers tested their sensor in a series of laboratory experiments. They verified that the bubble-trapping region worked as intended by injecting bubbles into the device while measuring lactate levels in artificial sweat. In addition, the measurements were not affected by the sweat flow rate, and the response of the sensor remained stable for approximately two hours. Lastly, the researchers tested the device on a male volunteer who exercised on a stationary bike for almost an hour. The sensor showed a lactate concentration correlation ranging from 1 to 50 mM as well as a correlation between sweat and blood lactate levels.

Overall, the results of this study hint at the potential of wearable microfluidic sensors for monitoring sweat biomarkers during exercise. “Since the microfluidic system of the proposed lactate sensor is fabricated from a soft, flexible, and non-irritating material, it could be used to continuously monitor lactate levels in sweat, especially in sports and medicine,” remarks Dr. Shitanda. “Wearable lactate sensors may become useful condition management tools in sports such as soccer and basketball, allowing team managers to know when it’s best to replace a player.”

Only time will tell what training management and healthcare monitoring will look like in the future as wearable sensors become more capable and reliable.

18, Jul 2023

What to Eat Before and After a Surgery? Guidelines for Pre and Post-Surgery Meals

Dr. Soumita Biswas, Chief Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital

A medical procedure such as surgery, can be a traumatic experience for the body. The low movement period along with a predominant shift towards healing can lead to muscle loss, inflammation, and other conditions in the body. Adopting certain dietary habits before and after your surgery can help you recover faster and lessen the chance of unwanted complications. The general surgeon in Bangalore will be able to help guide you on what to expect from your surgery.

Note that every medical procedure may have its own set of guidelines for pre and post-operative meals. Talk to your team to know the best diet to aid your recovery.

Before Surgery Dietary Guidelines

Before your surgery, your general surgeon in Bangalore will explain the procedure and what you can expect. You may also receive certain nutritional guidelines at this time. Certain foods may offer you better benefits in terms of recovery and nutritional composition. The night before your surgery you may be advised to fast for 10 to 12 hours before surgery to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Some of the best food options before surgery include:

Protein such as eggs, chicken, legumes, tofu, and cottage cheese
Healthy carbohydrates such as buckwheat, quinoa, and rice
Fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients that aid healing such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables etc.
Healthy fats such as avocado oil, olive oils, cold-pressed oil
Eating a healthy diet prevents fat accumulation which can lead to weight gain during low-mobility days after surgery. Additionally, these nutrients aid healing and reduce the risk of infections. You may also be advised to avoid alcohol and tobacco to avoid complications during surgery.

After Surgery Dietary Guidelines

The type of surgery you have had will likely impact your post-operative diet. Cataract surgery or Lasik surgery may have different requirements as compared to bypass surgery. Additionally, laparoscopic surgery may require you to include more fluids for the first couple of days and stick to lighter food groups such as lean meat and dry toast to help your body recover while Lasik surgery may not have such strict requirements.

In either case, always follow your doctor’s recommendations to aid recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Here, we bring you some general nutrition guidelines following surgery.

You may be required to eat a liquid or soft diet for the first couple of days after surgery. This helps avoid constipation and reduces the stress on the digestive system.

Eat smaller portions of meals more frequently throughout the day. Instead of three big meals, you may be advised to have six or seven smaller meals.

Avoid extra hot or extra cold meals. Stick to a balanced temperature for all dishes.

After a few days, your diet may become more diverse. Some tips to keep in mind include:

Eat whole foods such as millets, legumes, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal that offer a steady glucose release. Avoid processed and packaged foods which may lead to inflammation in the body.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These offer adequate fiber to help your bowel movement without increasing the risk of constipation. Additionally, the nutritional composition of fruits and vegetables works wonders in balancing your energy, sugar levels, promoting wound healing and reducing the risk of infections.
Consume lean protein which is easy to digest and essential for wound healing and post-surgery recovery. Healthy protein options after surgery are chicken, fish, tempeh, cottage cheese, unsweetened yogurt, and plant-based protein powders.
Keep your body well hydrated. Fluids are an important requirement to aid healing after surgery. Lack of fluid intake can increase the chances of constipation. To ensure you have enough water through the day, place a jug of water at your bedside table and keep sipping small amounts of water at regular intervals. In case of nausea and lack of appetite, having ginger-infused water can help. Avoid sugary drinks available in the market as they can impede recovery and increase inflammation in the body.
Following a healthy diet after surgery can help your body heal, reduce the risk of fat or weight gain, and allow for a healthy digestive system.

18, Jul 2023

Discover a Personal Path to Healing and Wellbeing with Four Seasons Resorts Thailand

Wellness at Chiang Mai (2)

Ensconced in mesmerizing tropical abundance, and with a rhythmic pace of life, Thailand’s profound beauty and compelling culture lend itself naturally to wellbeing and consciousness. Here, the art of wellness – in mind, body and soul – is commonplace as the ritualistic way of life unfolds through dramatic landscapes, sensory wellness experiences and cuisine concepts.

Wellness by the Sea

The quintessential seaside experience on Koh Samui is accentuated by its growing reputation as a destination for wellness, and at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, this is manifested through a broad spectrum of activities that are inspired by the island life. Guests can discover the wisdom of ancient Thai wellness at the award-winning The Secret Garden Spa, where traditional techniques of massage and a variety of home-grown herbs and medicinal plants are interwoven into an exclusive range of signature therapies. For guests looking to reset their circadian rhythm, the newly-launched in-villa Sleep Indulgence ritual is the ultimate intervention, combining aromatherapy, sound healing, and mindful breathing to induce a deep and restorative night’s sleep.Set along a dramatic hillside that rolls into the ocean, the possibilities for an active fitness regimen at the Resort are endless: from Muay Thai, tennis and volleyball on shore, to snorkelling, kayaking and paddle-boarding in the Gulf of Thailand. Keeping cuisine at the core of the wellness experience, personal modules at the Resort can be customised to cater to dietary needs, while the daily breakfast buffet and the menu at Pla Pla offer a variety of health-specific options.

Healed by Mountain Air

Far up north and deep in the bamboo jungles of the Golden Triangle, the path to wellness is an “off the grid” adventure on its own. Attuning to nature’s rhythm, guests can begin early, and join the kilometre-long hike up to Camp Peak, where they are rewarded with glorious sunrise views over the horizon. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the local way of life, crisscrossing through tapioca and pineapple fields while on tour and then surrender to some rest and recuperation afterwards at the exotic jungle spa. Experience the healing benefits of locally foraged mountain herbs and spices while focusing on your mindfulness through signature treatments such as the Ruak Bamboo massage, Mekong Meditation and the Myanmar Thanaka Brightening Mask, that are inspired by the three intersecting cultures that coalesce at this point. The Lhong Rak Chiang Rai Couples Connect is a special sensory spa experience that is especially recommended for couples looking for an intimate jungle escape.

Mindful Living in the Countryside

With a legacy of more than two decades, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a true reflection of the spiritual heartland of Thailand. Wrapped in verdant rice fields and overlooking the mystical peaks of Doi Suthep, wellness takes on a deeper meaning here, as guests are encouraged to embrace a life lived in balance – integrating body, mind, and soul. The four pillars of physical rejuvenation, mental equilibrium, spiritual renewal and true nourishment stand as one. Besides the packaged four-night experience that includes clay moulding, yoga, sound healing, a monk offering experience, a spa session, nourishing meals and more, the Resort also offers a range of customised half-day and full-day programs that focus on balancing the body’s circadian rhythm. Rhythmic Balance Programs are designed to provide a deeper understanding of the imbalances that may occur due to lifestyle choices and is the first step in the journey of wellbeing.

“In a post-pandemic world, where luxury travellers are looking for a greater purpose to their holiday plans, enhanced wellness experiences have emerged as primary catalysts,” shares Sean Mosher, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle. “At Four Seasons Resorts Thailand, we have re-calibrated our programs to be immersive and innovative, so that our guests can derive maximum benefit from our range of treatments and therapies,” addsJasjitAssi, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

To discover a personal path to healing and well-being, call 66 (0)2 207 8900, email reservations.thailand@fourseasons.com, or chat via the FS Chat App.

18, Jul 2023

Easebuzz reports profit in the seventh consecutive year

Easebuzz reports profit in the seventh consecutive year; aims to cross $100Mn run rate over the next 12-18 months

Pune; 18 July 2023: Easebuzz, India’s fast-growing digital payments platform, has released its FY23 financial numbers. The annual Gross Transaction Value (GTV) processed by the platform during the year crossed at a record INR 70,000 Crores, a 2.5x growth rate over FY22. The daily volume run rate of the platform touched 400K transactions. Easebuzz has seen significant momentum in revenue of INR 236 Crores ($29Mn), a growth of more than 90%. The company has remained profitable since its inception.

The Pune-based fintech has carved a strong market presence with sector-specific payment solution stacks for Education, eCommerce – D2C & Marketplaces, Real Estate, Travel & Hospitality, BFSI, etc. Easebuzz is enabling digital payment infrastructure for more than 1,00,000 businesses of varied sizes and scale, including marquee clients like IRCTC, BigBasket, Symbiosis University, MTDC, Akshaya Patra, DLF etc.

Unlike traditional payment players, Easebuzz’s USP lies in the modular nature of its plug-and-play APIs that can be easily integrable by both large, medium and small-scale businesses alike. Whether it is a large enterprise with a matured tech stack or a traditional SME seeking to digitise its payment flows, Easebuzz has flexible solutions for clients of varied scale and needs. Along with digitising Payment Collections and Payouts, Easebuzz APIs are helping businesses with smart billing, payment links, expense management, subscription payments, connected banking, and auto-reconciliation with analytics & reporting. The company also has strong product pipeline and is expected to launch new products in the coming months.

As Indian businesses continue to invest in digitising payments and financial operations, Easebuzz is strategically positioned to capitalise this surging demand with the triple power of verticalised APIs, integrated payments, and robust tech stack. By transforming into the Financial Operating System (FOS) for businesses across India, Easebuzz is poised to capture the lion’s share of India’s $10 Trillion market opportunity by the year 2026.

In Q1 FY24, Easebuzz continues to build on its momentum, processing an average of billion dollars of GTV per month for its 1,00,000 strong merchant base. During the same period, Easebuzz recorded an annualized revenue run-rate of $35 Mn, and targets crossing $100 Mn of revenue run-rate over the next 12-18 months. With revenue run rate doubling every year and the company remaining profitable, Easebuzz has set its eyes on going public in next 3 to 4 years.

Siddharth Dani, Chief Financial Officer, Easebuzz said, “Strong performance of Easebuzz in FY 2023 reflects our commitment to provide sector-specific full-stack solutions for online payments and digital commerce. Our greatest validation has been that we are able to consistently increase the wallet share from the merchants transacting on our platform. We estimate that along with organic growth, our strategic partnerships would help us drive a 5x growth in transacting merchant count in the next two years, and as we go forward we should see higher margins with operating leverage kicking in.”

Founded by Rohit Prasad in 2014 as a Payment Gateway Platform, Easebuzz has transformed itself into a full-stack technology platform building workflows and APIs to digitise and simplify Payments and Financial Operations for its clients. Its vertically focused APIs like FeesBuzz, EasyCollect, InstaCollect, Recurri are solving end-to-end payment collection problems of businesses across various sectors. With fintech becoming the infrastructure of all industries in the economy, Easebuzz has become the preferred payments partner for Indian Businesses seeking to go digital.

18, Jul 2023

Dr. Pradeep Moonot performs India’s first minimally invasive cheilectomy surgery

Dr Pradeep Moonot Dr. Pradeep Moonot, a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai, has successfully performed the first minimally invasive cheilectomy surgery in India using a 1.9 mm nanoscope. This marks a significant milestone in the field of orthopaedic surgery in India, as it represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of such foot disorders.

59-year-old (ABC), a patient suffering from mild arthritis of the great toe, and subsequently developed extra bone growth (osteophytes) at the top part of the great toe joint, which was severely painful and he had complete restrictions in his foot movement (range of motion).

Cheilectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat hallux rigidus, a condition that affects the big toe joint and causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Traditionally, cheilectomy has been performed as an open surgery, which involves making a large incision and removing the affected bone. This can lead to significant scarring, pain, and a long recovery period.

But for the first time in India, Dr Pradeep Moonot has introduced a minimally invasive cheilectomy procedure. Elaborating about the procedure Dr Moonot said “We made use of a disposable 1.9mm nanoscope which has been used for the first time in India. The extra bumps of bone were removed by using special tools under X-ray guidance. We made two incisions on the skin which were less than 1 cm each, resulting in minimal scarring, less pain, no risk of infection and a faster recovery. Post operatively the joint cartilage looks good with no severe arthritis and thus the decision to perform the Cheilectomy procedure was a great success. The patient revived a complete range of motion where the surgery became a huge success. This is a significant milestone in the field of orthopaedic surgery, and I believe that this technique has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat foot disorders.

Dr. Moonot, who has extensive experience in minimally invasive surgery, recently performed over 6 back-to-back Total Ankle replacement surgeries, which is also the first in India.

Dr Moonot further added” Minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized the field of orthopaedic surgery, and I am thrilled to be at the forefront of introducing this technology in India. Patients have significant improvement with quicker recovery, as compared to several weeks of downtime required with traditional open surgeries.”

Dr. Moonot is a leading orthopaedic surgeon and has performed numerous successful surgeries over the course of his career. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the latest surgical techniques and technologies to provide his patients with the best possible outcomes.

18, Jul 2023

ManageEngine Site24x7 Unveils OpenAI Observability Integration for Enhanced Performance Monitoring

India — July 18, 2023 — ManageEngine, the enterprise IT management division of Zoho Corporation, today announced that it has newly added OpenAI observability as a native capability to Site24x7, its comprehensive cloud-based observability platform. The offering enables application owners to monitor the utilization of different OpenAI models seamlessly while tracking real-time performance and cost metrics — all within a unified view. This powerful capability empowers businesses to leverage the potential of emerging AI technologies, such as OpenAI’sChatGPT, to drive innovation and achieve their strategic objectives while being cost-conscious.
As organizations increasingly embrace OpenAI’s latest generative AI model and explore the potential of ChatGPT across multiple teams, gaining a comprehensive understanding of user interactions with GPT-powered applications becomes crucial. This understanding enables the identification of valuable opportunities to optimize models and enhance user experiences. Additionally, closely monitoring API usage and token consumption becomes essential to managing costs and enhancing overall application performance.
“As the demand for OpenAI’s GPT-4 model continues to soar, companies are compelled to reimagine and revamp their existing service landscapes to enhance the user experience,” said Srinivasa Raghavan, director of product management for Site24x7. “Observability emerges as a transformative force, empowering companies to get the most out of GPT. Our commitment to enabling organizations using GPT APIs is reflected in our efforts to provide effortless setup, cost and performance monitoring. We aim to ensure that efficiency and effectiveness remain at the forefront of our AI-driven IT operations management solution.”
The Site24x7 OpenAI Observability module automatically tracks and analyzes various metrics related to OpenAI usage, such as token usage, latency and errors. It is easy to integrate in applications that use OpenAI modules and leverage the platform’s built-in alerting system to take quick actions on malfunctions.

18, Jul 2023

Farm to Table Experience at Caraway Kitchen, Conrad Bengaluru

Offering a burst of fresh and robust flavours, Cararway Kitchen at Conrad Bengaluru brings together an amalgamation of flavours with all things organic. Curating a farm to fork experience with produce sourced locally, the newly crafted Five Farms menu is an experience in itself.

Conrad Bengaluru - Caraway Kitchen

With an aim towards shedding light on sustainability and healthy eating, Five Farms at Conrad Bengaluru is all about consuming right and supporting local farms.

Showcasing a fusion of absolutely rich and fresh flavours, the offerings at Caraway Kitchen cater to a grazing table which comprises of local cheese and farm fresh produce. Flour and seed conceptual bread station with delicacies like multigrain flour sourdough, chia seeds ciabatta, pumpkin seed and chili focaccia. Leafy vegetable delicacies including Spinach spanakopita, Nutrition bomb, Leafy green shakshuka. Millet based dishes such as ragi mudde, jolada roti, millet biryani along with meat and mushroom delicacies such as lost in forest bolognese, green apron bucket, shitake baked pomfrets.

“Sustainable dining and purpose- driven guest experiences are cornerstone to us at Conrad Bengaluru. We are delighted to curate the Five Farms experience that promises the best of farm to table dining with fresh and indulgent ingredients”, says Chef Prasad Metrani, Director of Culinary, Conrad Bengaluru.

The specially crafted Five Farms experience includes freshness from supporting farms such as Green Apron Gourmet Mushroom, Biofloc Fish Farming, Vallombrosa Cheese, Sweetness of Ethics Honey, Rewets Farm.

Bringing together the best of authentic and fresh flavours, the culinary experience will be exclusively available on the 19th of July 2023 at Caraway Kitchen.
For reservations, please contact:
+91 8884428234 | +91 8884400194

18, Jul 2023

Conrad Bengaluru ropes in Suhas Sharma as Director of Sales

Director of Sales - Suhas Sharma

Bengaluru, July 18, 2023: Strengthening its leadership team, Conrad Bengaluru announced the appointment of Suhas Sharma as the Director of Sales. A seasoned hotelier, Suhas brings on board a wealth of experience to his current role where he will drive revenue optimization, strategic partnerships, and spearhead key result areas for sales and marketing activities.

In his diverse career spanning over to 15 years, Suhas has been instrumental in conceptualizing and driving sales strategies across reputed names like Hyatt, Four Seasons, Shangri-La and Marriott International, adding to his professional accolades.

Prior to joining Conrad Bengaluru, Suhas helmed Sales at Renaissance Bengaluru during the crucial post-pandemic recovery period. At Conrad Bengaluru, Suhas will play a key role in driving sales targets in alignment with broad organization goals, strengthen the MICE vertical, lead strategic business development and undertake focused market analysis, while front-ending the cross-functional sales team.

On joining Conrad Bengaluru Suhas Sharma said, “I am delighted to embark on this journey with Conrad Bengaluru – a bespoke luxury property located at the heart of the city. In my new role, I endeavour to build value-driven sales and marketing strategies with agility, innovation, and guest experience at the forefront of everything we do.

Outside work, Suhas has a penchant for photography, travel, and gardening. Suhas has a keen understanding of ancient Indian agricultural techniques and devotes time to pursue his passion towards sustainable farming and conservation agriculture.

18, Jul 2023

MYOP Perfumes: Unveiling a Symphony of Customization, Quality, and Sustainability

July 2023:

Make Your Own Perfume (MYOP), an innovative perfumery brand, has transformed the fragrance industry by offering high-quality scents that are accessible and affordable to the Indian market. With a strong commitment to reinvention, MYOP provides a diverse range of fragrances that can be customized and personalized, catering to individual preferences at an affordable price point. The brand’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional quality sets MYOP apart. Not only does MYOP prioritize personalized perfumery, but it also demonstrates a strong devotion to sustainable practices.

MYOP

MYOP’s commitment to exceptional quality is reflected in its meticulously crafted fragrances. Using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world, MYOP creates one-of-a-kind scents that exude elegance, charm, and a distinct character. The brand’s dedication to delivering an unforgettable olfactory experience has garnered the trust and admiration of fragrance enthusiasts.

In addition to its remarkable fragrances, MYOP offers customers the exclusive “MYOP fusion” option, allowing them to blend multiple fragrances and create their desired scent. This unique customization feature empowers individuals to craft a fragrance that perfectly suits their preferences. Moreover, MYOP’s fragrances are specially designed to withstand the Indian weather, ensuring exceptional longevity.

Driven by its commitment to personalized and enduring fragrances, MYOP has experienced rapid growth, expanding to 25 retail outlets and establishing an online store as of February 2023. This success can be attributed to the brand’s ability to resonate with customers and provide unparalleled innovation and craftsmanship.

CEO and founder, Rayhan, emphasizes the profound impact of perfumes, stating, “At MYOP, we understand that fragrances go beyond being mere scents in bottles. They have the power to awaken our senses, evoke emotions, and symbolize cherished moments. That’s why we strive to create exceptional products and experiences that are as unique as the individuals who wear them.”

MYOP invites fragrance enthusiasts and individuals seeking an immersive experience to explore their range of perfumes and discover the transformative power of scents. Through artistry, innovation, and passion, MYOP has established itself as a trailblazer in the perfumery industry.