Roche, the Swiss drugmaker and a partner with Genentech on the blockbuster cancer treatment, said that its Phase III trial data showed ‘Avastin’, in combination with ‘gemcitabine-cisplatin’ chemotherapy, could improve the time cancer patients can live without the disease progressing, thereby indicating a positive trend to ‘extended’ survival. The details of this study were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology in Stockholm.

Research shows that the majority of Britons fail to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.  National consumer habits reveal, only 12% of the population manage to hit the five-a-day target, while another 12% do not eat any portion of fruit and vegetables.

TNS, a global market insight group finds of the average 2.5. portions eaten a day, there are significant difference between age groups, gender and social class who eat fruit and vegetables.

Leaving five children dead in Mingli and one in Afti village, Marwah Tehsil in the mountainous, Kishtwar district has been hit by a deadly measles epidemic, affecting dozens of others.

Measles, which also goes by the name of rubella, is a highly contagious though rare respiratory infection caused by a virus.  Causing skin rash all over the body and flu-like symptoms that include fever, cough, and runny nose, it is not always fatal if treated in time.

A study published in the latest edition of the ‘Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry’ reveals that researchers have found that beer, red wine and caffeinated drinks like coffee contain high levels of chemicals, similar to ‘oestrogen’, which is linked to male fertility. It is being believed that gulping down excess of beer, red wine or even coffee could lower the ‘sperm count’, though drinking in moderation may not be all that damaging.

An Italian study carried out on 574-people aged 55-years and older reveals migraine sufferers are at risk of potentially fatal blood clots in the veins, blood clots that can dislodge travelling to the heart and lungs. Of the study participants, 111-were found to be suffering from migraines for the past 5-years.  Along with a review of their medical records, they also underwent high resolution ultrasounds, a scan for atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.  As compared, of a total of 21 people with migraine, 35-people without had one or more instances of venous thrombosis.  Further, contrary to the current theory, the study revealed migraine sufferers were not more likely to suffer from arteriosclerosis or hardening or narrowing of the arteries, compared to others.

Lahore, Sept 17 : Despite the social dogma associated with sex, people in Pakistan use 130 millions condoms annually, says a new survey.

Among the many available methods to curb unwanted pregnancies, condoms still remain the preferred choice of contraception in Pakistan, reveals a study by Green Social Marketing, an organization working towards improving female healthcare in the country.

“Immediate pregnancies and low time periods between childbirth can cause high blood pressure and excessive bleeding during the next pregnancy, which claims around
30,000 lives each year in Pakistan,” the Daily Times quoted Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Secretary General Dr Samrina Hashmi, as saying.