Washington, Mar 5 : Being fat can increase the risk of primary joint replacement in patients with osteoarthritis, a new study suggests.

The research team led by Flavia Cicuttini of the Monash University, Melbourne, Australia has found that increased waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) were associated with the risk of both knee and hip joint replacement.

During the study, the team examined 32,023 healthy volunteers and looked at the relationship between different adiposity measures and the risk of subsequent primary knee and hip joint replacement.

They found a 3 to 4-fold increased risk of primary joint replacement associated with body weight, BMI, fat mass and percentage fat.

Washington, Mar 5: A new technique to treat lung cancer at Temple University might double a person’s chances of surviving the deadly disease, and that too without the need of conventional radiation regimen or surgery.

Called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), the technique not only improves a person’s odds of surviving early stage lung cancer, but may also reduce the need for future surgeries, according to doctors in the Radiation Oncology Department.

Washington, Mar 5 : Women who use depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), commonly known as the birth control shot, are at an increased risk of becoming obese, says a new study.

In the study, researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) found that women using DMPA gained an average of 11 pounds and increased their body fat by 3.4 percent over three years.

However, women who switched to nonhormonal contraception began to slowly lose the weight and fat mass they gained - nearly four pounds over two years, while those who used oral contraception after the shots gained an average of four additional pounds in the same time span.

After a prolonged delay of over a year, Fortis Group's Hiranandani Hospital at Sector-10A, opposite the Mini Seashore, Vashi opened to public on Wednesday. The hospital, until date was operating only the OPD department, is reported to have received the necessary approval for running the hospital. With the approval, the hospital has already commenced with conducting few very complicated and rare surgeries.

Ask any paediatrician about the survival of an infant born with absent anal opening, underdeveloped food pipe and underweight, most of them would unsubscribe to the theory on the survival of the infant. But, despite all odds and adversities, 14-month-old Aman survived and his parents have all praise for the paediatric surgeon who made life easier for the boy.

Like others, paediatric surgeon Dr Sunita Ojha working with Santokba Durlabhji Memorial hospital, too is surprised.

Ojha had conducted two major surgeries to ensure that the boy eats well and his excreta is easily passed.

Shortage of manpower and equipment at the State Drugs Control Laboratory may aggravate in the near future.

The top post of deputy director in the state lab is all set to remain vacant for the next two years or more as chief drug analyst OP Agrawal has already applied for voluntary retirement and deputy director YR Mehta is also considering the exit option.

When persistently asked about his retirement plans, Mehta said, "OP Agrawal has already applied for retirement from May. And I am also considering this option for sure."