Obesity may disrupt circadian clock in cardiovascular system

It's known that obesity may lead to heart disease. But for the first time scientists have found evidence of how exactly that happens - by shutting down the "clock" that regulates the cardiovascular system.

The body has a circadian or biological clock that helps it adapt to the day/night cycle. Individual cells also have circadian genes, a molecular clock, to help individual tissues adapt to patterns.

But in obese individuals, who frequently eat at irregular times, the natural circadian rhythms are believed to be disrupted and it may lead to several metabolic disorders like hormonal imbalance, psychological and sleep disorders, as well as cancer. People working in shifts are likely to suffer from such problem.

With obesity known to affect at least the eat/sleep cycles, a team at the Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta in the US set out to determine whether obesity might also affect the molecular components of the clock that governs the vascular system - the system of the heart and blood vessels that are responsible for blood movement in the body.

Their research, presented at the Experimental Biology 2011 meeting in Washington, was conducted in two phases.

In phase one, they examined the circadian variation in the cardiovascular chamber of three groups of mice (lean, obese and diabetic) at three time intervals: early morning, mid-day and evening, and measured the gene expression in the cardiovascular genes during these times.

Evidence of a cardiovascular rhythm was found in the lean animals. Among the evidence was the presence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme helps coordinate blood flow, thus tends to be elevated at the end of the day and lower in the morning.

But, the researchers found this rhythm was lost in obese animals. For example, eNOS had either shifted its pattern, peaked at the wrong time, or was flat overall. Thus, the obese animals had lost their ability to control circadian variation of eNOS.

In phase two, the team used the data to examine whether the lack of rhythmic response could translate into a cardiovascular defect. They did so by examining a series of specific molecules from the cardiovascular clock genes and by measuring the acceleration of the genes in the blood vessels.

While in the lean animals they found that a key regulator of circadian rhythm, a gene called Clock, was high in morning and low in evening, the expression of the gene remained flat throughout the 24-hour cycle in the obese animals.

Dr David Stepp, a senior researcher on the team, summed up the findings by saying, "Based on the results of this study we now know that obesity impairs the clock machinery of the vasculature system and that correlates with a variation in expression of cardiovascular genes and their loss of the circadian rhythm."

By 24X7 News with No comments

Wonder Woman Mother Good Health Story Now, a nasal spray to spell the end of flu jab!

Scientists claim to have created a nasal spray that is even more effective against disease than an injection, a breakthrough which could spell the end of the flu jab.

The spray works by building up resistance to disease in the nasal passages and stopping the infection taking hold in the body, according to the scientists from Albany Medical College in New York.

Until now nasal vaccines have not offered enough protection to be effective and jabs have remained the most common form of building up immunity. But the new study shows how including a natural immune chemical with standard vaccines can boost their protective effect when delivered via the nose. Combining standard vaccines for respiratory pathogens with the immune chemical, interleukin-12 (IL-12) and delivering them intra-nasally to mice has been shown to induce high levels of protection, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.

Vaccines against various respiratory pathogens were tested, including influenza virus, pneumococcal bacteria and Yersinia pestis, a bacteria used in bio-weapons. IL-12 is a natural immune chemical, known as a cytokine.
It is a powerful stimulator of the immune response through its interactions with other immune chemicals and the white blood cells that produce them, say the scientists.

Prof Dennis Metzger, who led the study, said: "Infectious agents still account for around 25 per cent of deaths worldwide and the major killers are acute respiratory infections. "However, it is difficult to induce immunity at the site of entry and so standard vaccines are only partially protective. Intranasal vaccination gets around this problem by inducing immunity in the pulmonary passage. This prevents initial infection as well as systemic complications." He added: "Vaccination via a nasal spray is a non-invasive procedure that is easier than administering vaccines by injection."

By 24X7 News with No comments

4 apples daily cut cholesterol

It's said an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Now, scientists say there is some truth in the old adage as they found the fruit helps cut cholesterol levels and lose weight significantly.

Researchers at the Florida State University in the US found that women who ate 75 grams of dried apple a day for six months saw levels of LDL cholesterol -- the harmful form blamed for clogging arteries -- fall by almost a quarter. Levels of other compounds linked to heart disease and strokes also dropped, and amounts of HDL or "good" cholesterol that wards off the hardening of blood vessels rose by about four per cent, the Daily Mail reported.

The women also lost an average weight of just over three pounds, despite taking on an additional 240 calories a day from snacking on the fruit. The cholesterol benefits are said to have been triggered by apples' anti-oxidants, while the slimming effect has been attributed to a compound which can suppress appetites.

Pectin is often used to help jams set, and high levels are also found in apricots, carrots and citrus fruits. Getting the equivalent benefits from fresh apples would require eating four or five a day, the researchers said. Dr Bahram Arjmandi, who led the study, said he "never expected apple consumption to reduce bad cholesterol to this extent", adding that the results were "incredible".

"Everyone can benefit from consuming apples," Dr Arjmandi told the Experimental Biology conference in Washington. Although the tests focused on dry fruit, help is at hand for fans of the fresh variety with the recent decoding of the apple's genetic code, paving the way for crunchier, juicer and healthier produce.

Scientists are already using the information to create "extra-healthy" apples, set to reach supermarket shelves within four or five years. Teams are breeding red-fleshed apples bursting with nutrients said to do everything from protecting eyes and joints to warding off heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer?s disease and diabetes.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Work hard to live longer

Our personalities influence our health more than imagined and being carefree and easy- going may not be as great as you think.

You could be the butt of jokes among friends for being a hardworking, laborious fool in an age when smart work pays more than hard work. But the reality is that health wise you are better off than your peers. A new study says that those who take their work seriously and work harder tend to live longer.

The finding comes from the latest book The Longevity Project by psychology professors Howard Friedman and Leslie Martin at the University of California. Quoting a study done on school kids for 80 years, the book says that the kids who worried about their exams and projects and studied hard, lived longer than the extraordinarily bright and cheerful kids. This debunks the old theory that happy and carefree people live the longest. Rather, it's persistence and a cautious attitude that add years to life.

"Having a conscientious personality leads people to adopting healthier habits," says Dr Vishal Chhabra, consultant psychiatrist, VIMHANS. The worrying nature of such people makes them take things on a serious note and pay attention to details. " This increases their ability to plan ahead, control their impulses and take long term decisions. Because they are mostly concerned about their future, they rarely get into unhealthy habits such as substance abuse.

They also follow doctor's advice strictly," adds Dr Chhabra. This is quite unlike the optimists who tend to ignore details, take doctor's advice lightly and may easily acquire unhealthy habits or addictions.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Tips to keep your house cool this summer

Summer is enjoyed when it means temperatures in the early 0 30 degree C and cool evening breezes, as is found in many countries. However, when you routinely battle a scorching sun and 40+degreeC, humidity and sweat, skyrocketing electricity bills and an overdose of aerated drinks, cranky children and unexpected guests, there is nothing charming left in the season! Yet, even the most avid heat-hater will agree that summer does have some things going for it. The days are delightfully long; faint glimmers of light extend past 8pm and your productivity soars, what with longer daytime hours and no need to curl inside a duvet the moment the sun goes down. Summer certainly can be fun - you only need to accept that it needs some planning, a dose of patience and a little investment to get your home summer-ready. Start with our expert-vetted tips here!

Replace appliances that are over 7 to 8 years old. It may seem sacrilegious; when you buy goodquality gadgets, you expect many good years of use from them. Yet, you will find that every few years, your appliances will often be running on outdated, energy-hungry technology. And besides, older air-conditioners routinely drain more energy, causing your electricity bills to shoot up; paying higher bills but holding on to your old gadgets is simply counterproductive.

Don't discount the humble cooler - especially in a larger home. A cooler installed (with steelpipe ducting, if you have a two-level home) in a central part of the house can easily cool common areas at a fraction of air-conditioning cost. Till humidity strikes (usually by end-June), coolers are effective in making your space comfortable.

Service your ACs by mid-April. Leave it any later and you'll find all electricians insanely busy, plus charging a premium for the same task. Get the air-conditioner washed, filters cleaned, and if you've got a cooler, get the "chiks" replaced and motor oiled well in time. Ask your electrician to buy a couple of spare AC filters - these are inexpensive, and can amp up the effectiveness of your AC mid-season if the old filters get too dirty.

Don't be tempted by fancy new technology. Conventional window air-conditioners can often be more effective for cooling small to medium spaces; especially because they're mostly placed at eye level and throw a direct blast of cool air, while split ACs take longer to cool a room. You must assess the needs of each room individually.

Use an outdoor space through summer. Invest in a mist fan and you will get to use your precious verandah, terrace or patio on summer nights, when the misty spray from the fan will cool things down adequately. And barring the "burning" May-July evenings, you'll be able to entertain outdoors through April, and later, from August to October.

Give "breathing room" to your refrigerator. Placing a fridge in a tightly enclosed space causes its internal coils to heat up, making cooling ineffective. And this happens almost unfailingly in summer, so ensure your refrigerator has breathing room on all sides. You must pull it out of a "tight" slot if needed, to leave room at the rear.

COOL TIPS: Using an AC more than 7 to 8 years old? Ask your electrician to install a "check meter" linked to just that one gadget and leave it for a week - he will be able to assess whether it is consuming more electricity than it should for your hours of usage. It is a foolproof way to decide whether it's time to replace the device! n Make one night a week a sleep-in for the children to share your room - mattresses on the floor and a movie on the DVD. The "picnic" feel will keep your family's spirits high, and it doesn't hurt that you'll cut cooling costs one night a week. Every bit counts!

By 24X7 News with No comments

Shin city

Treat and prevent all your sporting niggles.

1. Where and why does it hurt?
If your shins ache like you but stumbled into a coffee table then you've probably increased the pace or distance you run or cycle, have feet that turn inwards (pronate) as you run or have been clocking too many road-running miles. Dr Carlyle Jenkins, sports rehabilitation specialist at Prohab, London, identifies key signs as a razorsharp pain on the outer edges of your calves. The aching area can measure 10-15cm and the pain often settles down after warming up and returns after the workout is finished. The pain is dull at first but can become excruciating.

2. Sounds like you've got a case of...
...shin splints, an overuse injury that a study in The Physician & Sports Medicine found to be a result of collagen breakdown caused by too much stress (from pavement pounding), influencing the deep muscles around your shinbone (tibia). The muscle most affected is the tibialis anterior, which stretches from your knee to your ankle. Running can irritate and inflame the connective sheath around it, as well as your shinbone, making it feel as though rug rats have been at it with a pain-causing tool-kit.

3. Don't worry it's not going to kill you…
...but it will make you hobble like a pensioner. Decrease your training load by 90-95 per cent for four weeks and stop running on concrete. Opt for grass or packed dirt instead, as this will reduce impact. Apply the principles of RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) then massage the affected areas twice a day. "Use your thumbs to massage your shin and calves up and down, starting at the bottom of your lower leg and working your way up to the top," says Jenkins. "This helps you build new collagen."

By 24X7 News with No comments

Flawless skin with yoga

Get that glow on your face with these yoga moves.

Sirsasana (head stand): Place the forearms on the mat in front of you with fingers interlocked. Place the crown of your head on the mat between the interlocked hands. Slowly raise your hips and lift your knees off the ground and straighten your legs, keeping your toes on the floor. Transfer the body weight slowly from the toes on to the head and arms, maintaining a steady balance. Lift your feet off the ground. Bending the knees, gradually raise the calves in a controlled movement. Slowly straighten your knees until the legs are in line with the trunk. Now your whole body is straight in one line.

Kapalbhati Kriya: Kapal means forehead and bhati means light. So if you do this kriya regularly, it brings a glow to the face. It's a purification technique to clean the naadi's and also calm the mind. It opens up all the blockages from the lungs and also strengthens the nervous system and tones the digestive organs. Sit in any comfortable posture with your back and neck straight in chin mudra and eyes closed. Exhale through nostrils forcefully and while exhaling, push your abdomen in forcefully. Inhale naturally. Repeat this kriya for 5 minutes. For better results, you can do it for 10 minutes.

Viparitakarani Kriya: Lie down on your back. Raise your legs to 90 degrees, keeping the knees straight. Raise your hips and the trunk off the ground by supporting the body with the hands at the waist. Keep your elbows as close to each other as possible. Close your eyes and relax. Hold it for as long as possible. Breathe normally.

Kapol Shakti Vikasak: Sit straight on the heels. Take a deep breath through your nose and exhale completely through your mouth. Close both your nostrils with your thumbs with all the fingers pointing outward and joined together. Inhale deeply through your mouth and puff up your cheeks. Hold your breath and put your chin against your chest. Now hold position as long as you can. Repeat at least 10 to15 times.

And relax
Stare at strangers You can crowd out stress hormones by forcing your brain to focus on just one specific situation. For 10 minutes at a time, study everything-the TV, the lager on the tap or a girl's tattoo. This is called "mindfullness", which means you are keeping your brain active. You could also call it loafing, but that wouldn't sound quite as Zen-like, would it?

By 24X7 News with No comments

Fight asthma with yoga

Do these moves to breathe easy.

Dhanurasana (bow pose): Lie on your stomach. Keeping your arms at the sides, bend your knees and hold your ankles. Push your feet away from the head and raise your upper body as shown. Hold for a few seconds, breathing normally. Exhale as you lower your body. Do this posture 3 times.

Moordhasana (crown pose): Sit on your knees and tuck your toes in. Keep your head down on the mat; remember your thighs should be straight. Interlock your fingers and stretch your arms over the head. As you stretch your arms, exhale completely. Hold for 30 seconds.

Power breathing: Sit on your heels in vajrasana. Stretch your arms straight in front of you with the palms facing forward. Inhale deeply and stretch your arms backwards and expand your lungs by pulling your head back. Exhale and bring your arms to the starting position. Repeat 5 times.

Kandharasana (shoulder pose): Lie on your back with your arms by the sides and palms facing down. Bend your legs and position them at should-width. Press your palms down and slowly raise your hips. Hold this position for 30 seconds, breathing normally. Slowly lower your hips to the ground.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Blast flab with yoga

Do these and watch that stubborn fat melt away.

Jalandhara bandha
Sit in any meditative posture keeping back and neck straight. Inhale deeply. Keeping chest high, hold your breath and lock chin against your chest. Hold the posture for as long as you can. Release chin, look up and exhale. Repeat only 3 times.

Sarvangasana
Lie flat on your back keeping your arms by the side. Slowly raise your legs to a 90 degree position. Lift hips and support them with hands as shown. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Remember to breathe normally. Slowly come back to the start position.

Marjariasana variation
Sit on your knees, keeping them shoulder-width apart. Now, interlace your fingers behind your back. Breathing normally, slowly bend forward till your head touches the mat. Follow the movement by raising your hands as shown. Relax. Hold the position for around 30 seconds and repeat.

Kandharasana
Lie on your back keeping arms by your side, palms facing down. Bend your legs and hold your ankles with both hands. Slowly raise your hips up as much as you can. Hold this position for 30 seconds while breathing normally. Slowly lower your hips to the ground.

Rhyme to find the zone
Poetry can prevent heart disease, as a joint study at the Universities of Berne in Switzerland and Witten/Herdecke in Germany shows. Measuring participants’ heart rates while and after they read poetry, researchers found the heart rates slowed to match breathing rates.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Union Bank starts selling New Pension Scheme

The Public sector Union Bank of India has started selling of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) through over 3,000 branches across the country, giving an impetus to the scheme.

The objective of the NPS is to promote old age income security to all sections of the society. Union Bank will act as a point of presence-service provider (POP-SP) of this scheme. The branches will be able to facilitate opening of NPS account, receiving contribution from time to time and switching of investment option.

"Only 4,000 of the 50,000 bank branches in the country are selling NPS, as many banks are reluctant to distribute the product. They account for just eight per cent of the branches," said Yogesh Agarwal, chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), which manages pension fund under NPS, on Saturday.

Envisaging that investors in insurance and mutual fund products for securing the post-retirement would eventually shift to NPS, Agarwal added, "The fund has been giving about 30 per cent more return than the existing insurance and mutual fund schemes. NPS is giving return of 12-14 per cent."

The contributory NPS was launched by the Centre for its employees in January 2004, instead of the government assuring pension for its employees. In May 2009, it was extended to other people in the age bracket of 18-55 years. However, investor has to choose the investment options available, which is a difficult task even for seasoned investors.

"Though both public and private sector banks can participate in the scheme, many banks are not coming forward," PFRDA chief said. "Due to poor distribution and very low commission, NPS did not make much inroads into nongovernment pension segment," he added.

NPS has around 20 lakh members, including around 6 lakh corporate accounts, 12 lakh Central government employees and six lakh of state government ones. Still, it has a small corpus small at around Rs 9,000 crore.

About 27 out of 30 states have joined the scheme. "States of West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala have not joined the scheme citing ideological differences," Agarwal said. As a part of financial inclusion programme, the Centre also launched a rural pension scheme - NPS Swavalamban in September 2010, with a 1,000 annual contribution from the Centre.

Courtesy: Mail Today

By 24X7 News with No comments

Deepika Padukone, Siddharth Mallya seal it with a kiss

Deepika Padukone has sealed her love for Kingfisher scionSiddharth Mallya with a kiss in an overtly public display of affection.

On Friday evening, Deepika tagged along with her latest boyfriend Siddharth to watch the Mallyas' IPL team Bangalore Royal Challengers convincingly thrash Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders by nine wickets at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

An ecstatic Siddharth tightly caught hold of the sultry Bollywood star to plant a fullmouthed kiss.

Siddharth can't help but share a passionate kiss with belle Deepika Padukone once the winning runs were scored on Friday.

Deepika responded by clasping Siddharth in her arms and kissing back with equal fervour, even as TV cameras lapped up details of the open show of mush.

Siddharth's father Vijay Mallya was in the seat next to the couple in the VIP stands but he was busy giving a standing ovation to his team out there in the field.

This in fact is not the first time that reports of Deepika and Siddharth lip-locking openly have done the rounds. Earlier this year when she was celebrating her birthday with her family in Copenhagen on January 5, Siddharth is believed to have surprised the Dum Maaro Dum item girl by flying all the way to Denmark to attend the party. So overwhelmed was Deepika that she kissed Siddharth even as her father, former badminton champion Prakash Padukone, watched.

In fact, her closeness to Siddharth over the past year or so has resulted in Deepika's arch rival Katrina Kaif distancing herself from the Royal Challengers.

Friday's kiss also puts to rest rumours doing the round that Deepika's affair with Siddharth is close to going bust.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Preview: West Indies v Pakistan - 2nd ODI

Pakistan put their World Cup disappointment past them in the first ODI against the West Indies, coasting to a facile 8 wicket win, while the Calypso Kings struggled to impress in their first ODI after the World Cup.

West Indies

Lendl Simmons, who looked in superb touch in the only T20I, and Darren Bravo are the mainstays in the West Indian batting line up and much depends on them to help WI to a good platform. Simmons struggled a tad during his 44 ball 24 but Bravo was far more authoritative during his knock scoring a defiant half century to ensure West Indies reach a respectable target. Against a bowling line up filled to the brim with talent and variety, it is time the batter rise to the occasion. The return of Dwayne Bravo to the side will help the team get some much needed experience and he along with Darren Sammy have a key role of inspiring the young team to compete on all fronts.

Their bowling department too, barring Devendra Bishoo, failed to impress in the first ODI with Bishoo picking up both the wickets that fell. They have the firepower with the likes of Kemar Roach, Andre Russell and Bravo among others in the line up, but they will have to fire in unison if they are to entertain thoughts of skittling out Pakistan for a low score.

Pakistan

Pakistan couldn't have asked for a better start to their ODI tournament, finishing off the West Indies in clinical fashion. Their top order clicked with 3 of the 4 batters notching up half centuries with Mohammad Hafeez the most impressive. Misbah ul Haq and Asad Shafiq were the other players who hit 50s. The top order ensured they made short work of the West Indies' sub par score of 221, romping home with more than 8 overs to spare.

Their bowling line up too had a good work out - with all their 5 front-line bowlers having to bowl 10 overs each. Unlike in the World Cup, Shahid Afridi was not amongst the wickets, but he will not be complaining if his other bowlers do the job for him. Saeed Ajmal proved to be unplayable for the WI, as they could only knock of 24 runs off the bowler.

Quotes

Darren Sammy: We may need to show more intent in our approach. We have a new batting coach, and he has been doing some good work, but we can't lose sight of us reaching 221 coming from our position in the middle of the innings, so hopefully we can improve on this next time.

Shahid Afridi: The way the openers Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad played was good to see, and then the partnership between Misbah and Asad brought us home. The top order is in good form - that is good.

Watch out for

Dwayne Bravo: The all-rounder plays an important role in all the departments and his experience and advice will make a lot of difference to the team.

Saeed Ajmal:The off-spinner showed off his full repertoire of deliveries in the first ODI with desirable effect. WI will be dreading Ajmal in that sort of form.

By 24X7 News with No comments

We were 20-30 runs short: Mahela

Mahela Jayawardene blamed his batsmen for putting up a sloppy show against Rajasthan Royals.

[© AFP]
We did not bat well: Mahela

Kochi Tuskers Kerala skipper Mahela Jayawardene blamed his batsmen for putting up a sloppy show against Rajasthan Royals and said his team failed to adapt to the conditions at the Sawai Mansingh stadium.

The Tuskers succumbed to a eight-wicket defeat to see their three-game winning streak snapped and Jayawardene said it was just a bad day in office and hoped his team will bounce back in the days to come.

"It was going to be a tough task with the dew, we needed another 20-30 runs more, we didn't bat well and they bowled well up front," the Sri Lankan said after the match.

"We needed to take wickets and not give them momentum. Rahul and Watson showed their experience and played really well. We tried our best. We didn't had a good day in the office. Hopefully we will come back."

"After the start we had, I thought 120-130 was a good score, but we couldn't execute, but (there is) plenty to learn from this. We have to adapt to the conditions. It is a close table this time around, everyone is beating each other, we need to keep focus and we can be top of the table again," he added.

We bounced back in emphatic style

Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne expressed satisfaction at his team's performance and said his boys showed a lot of character to bounce back.

"Our intensity was very good from ball one, the boys showed a lot of character today, we had a good record at home and it was a satisfying win," the Australian said.

"They worked pretty hard, back room staff also were always working with them. We had a few hiccups in the last few games but we bounced back in emphatic style today," he added.

Asked about all-rounder Shane Watson, who scored a 40-ball 49, including four fours and two sixes, Warne said he is one of the best in the business at present.

"Watson is such a superb player, arguably the best player in the world at moment in any form of the game, he is so destructive and his bowling is also good," he said.

The Royals jumped to the second spot in the points table after their win over the Tuskers and Warne said it would be important to keep the momentum in the business end of the tournament to enter the knock-out stage.

"We don't look too much at the table, we are still at the halfway stage. It's important to get some victories and momentum going in the final stages. We have four-five days off now, looking forward to that," said Warne, who was adjudged as the Man of the Match for his three-wicket haul.

The wicket was a bit two-paced: Watson

Watson, who started slowly, said he was a bit scratchy at the beginning. "I was scratchy to start with, it was nice to hit a few big boundaries towards the end. I love opening, but will bat wherever Warnie wants me to"

Watson said the track was two-paced and it helped the bowlers. It is normally a good wicket here, but it was a bit two-paced today, and good for the bowling side," he said.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Royals complete thumping win

Needing just 110 to win, Rahul Dravid (43) and Shane Watson (49) put on a superb 71 run stand to set the platform for a comfortable 8-wicket win. Earlier, Warne and Trivedi got 3 wickets each.

That is all from us here. Join us tomorrow for the game between Chennai and Pune from Chepauk. This is Sid V, saying good bye on behalf of Ajith and Srivathsa. Ciao!
Presentation Ceremony:
Shane Warne is the MoM: I thought our intensity level was excellent. We had some honest and close chats and we played well. The boys showed a lot of character. The guys are taking up the optional choices and putting in a lot of hard work. We bounced back in great style. Each game is different and we got most things right. Watson is a super player in any form of the game. He is a destructive player and his bowling adds depth. This is the halfway stage and we need to get some momentum towards the last bit which is important. We have 4-5 days off before the next game. The ball was coming nicely off the hand and it clicked today.
Mahela Jayawardene: We knew that it was going to be a tough task with the dew around. We were 20-30 runs short and we did not bat well. We did not pick up quick wickets, there were some dropped catches and in short, it was a bad day. After the start we had, a score of 120-130 looked good, but we did not execute our plans. It is a very close table this time. We need to focus.
Shane Watson: Was a bit scratchy to start with, got a few big hits towards the end. It was good to win the game to end the losing streak, it's normally a good wicket, two paced, but batsmen can't just hit through the line. It turned out to be more in favour of the bowlers today. My batting position depends on where Warney wants me to bat. It was a lovely bit of partnership with Rahul, we would like to continue that.
Once Watson and Dravid saw off the initial overs, it was an easy chase for the men in dark blue. The fielding of the Kochi side fell apart as Watson began to open out. Dravid was run-out for the umpteenth time, but the win was completed in quick time though Watson was unlucky not to get a well deserved fifty. Biggest win in terms of balls remaining for RR. Stay tuned for the presentation.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Rohit, Symonds star as Mumbai Indians extend Chargers' home woes

Rohit Sharma and Andrew Symonds scripted a fantastic recovery with a record fifth wicket partnership to lay the foundation for Mumbai Indians’ comfortable 37-run victory over Deccan Chargers in an IPL match, here on Sunday

There couldn’t have been a better birthday gift than a MI win for Sachin Tendulkar who turned 38 today.

After posting a challenging total of 172 for four, MI restricted Chargers to 135 for eight as they now lead the points tally with 10 points from six outings.

Rohit (56 not out, 34 balls, 5x4, 3x6) and Symonds (44 not out, 33 balls, 4x4, 1x6) added 102 runs off only 65 balls for the unbroken fifth wicket after MI were tottering at 70 for four at the start of the 10th over. Incidentally, the duo played together for Chargers during the first three editions.

The duo thrashed Dale Steyn and Dan Christian for 16 and 24 runs respectively to score 40 off the last two overs.

Christian went for 48 runs from his four wicketless overs.

While chasing, the Chargers lost wickets at regular intervals. The MI bowlers led by Lankan slinger Lasith Malinga (4-0-9-3) kept the batsmen under wraps. The bowlers were also backed by some nice fielding that saw a couple home team batsmen being run-out.

Save skipper Kumar Sangakkara (34) who was cleaned up by a low full-toss from Malinga, the other batsmen lacked application. Malinga also got his trademark yorker going that castled Shikhar Dhawan (25).

By 24X7 News with No comments

Veteran mountaineer Nawang Gombu dead

Nawang Gombu, the first person to climb Mt Everest twice, died here at his residence this morning after a brief illness, family sources said.

Mr. Gombu, 79, is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son.

Besides being the youngest Sherpa to reach South Col during the first successful expedition in 1953, Mr. Gombu first climbed Mt Everest along with Jim Whittaker during American Everest Expedition in 1963.

He then set a new record when he scaled the world’s highest peak again in 1965 along with Capt Awarae Singh Cheema as members of Indian Everest Expedition.

The South Col usually refers to the southern route between Mount Everest and Lhotse, the first and fourth highest mountains in the world.

Other Himalayan peaks climbed by Mr. Gombu included Makalu, Sakang, Saser Kangri, Nanda Devi, Cho Oyu, Koktang and Ratong.

Mr. Gombu was part of the first group of Sherpa mountaineers who along with Tenzing Norgay completed a guide course in Switzerland in 1954.

They became the backbone of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), an idea pushed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He retired from HMI as its Director of Field Training after more than 40 years of service.

For his climbing and teaching accomplishments, Mr. Gombu was awarded Padma Bhusan, Padma Shree, the Arjuna Award, the Indian Mountaineering Foundation Gold Medal and the Tenzing Norgay Lifetime Achievement Award.

He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation medal from Her Majesty and Hubbard medal from National Geographic Society.

Former Director of Field Training of HMI, Dorjee Lahtoo said, “Mr. Gombu was the guiding force for the Sherpas as well as the mountaineering fraternity of the country. His death has left a big void in the adventure field of India.”

Born in southern Tibet near the famed Rongbuk monastery in Tibet, Mr. Gombu was the son of a former Tibetan monk Nawang Gyaltzen and former nun Lhamu Kipa.

He briefly attended the Rongbuk monastery as a student but then moved to the village of Khumjung Solu Khumbu near Mt Everest in Nepal with his parents and sister Doma, where he spent his childhood.

After coming to Darjeeling later with his uncle, he became a high altitude porter before becoming a climbing member in many expeditions.

Mr. Gombu’s funeral will be held in Darjeeling on April 28.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Sathya Sai Baba passes away

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the spiritual leader of millions of his devotees in India and abroad, passed away at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) at 7.40 a.m. here on Sunday.The end came after 28 days of hospitalisation when doctors from the India, US and UK battled to treat multi-organ failure. He has been on ventillator and dialysis ever since he was admitted following cardio-respiratory and renal failure.A brief statement issued by Dr. A. N. Safaya, Director of the Institute, said "Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7.40 a.m. due to cardio-respiratory failure. Bhagwan 's body will lie in State at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday. Arrangements will be made for darshan after 6 p.m. today at Sai Kulwant Hall. We appeal to all not to rush to the hospital but to remain calm and have darshan in an orderly manner".Meanwhile, A. P. Governor E. S. L Narasimhan and Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy left together by a helicopter from Hyderabad to Puttaparthi to pay their last tributes to Sathya Sai Baba. Telugu Desam President N. Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his byelection campaign in Kadapa district and also rushed to Prasathi Nilayam.

The District Collector Mr. B. Janardhan Reddy told The Hindu that the darshan of Sai Baba's mortal remains had been fixed from 6 p.m. to facilitate arrangements at the Sai Kulwant Hall and to take up crowd control measures like barricading of roads in the town for orderly movement of the devotees.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Pressure on Super Kings to deliver

Let's be honest: hailing from the rolling hills and broad valleys that constitute West Newbury, Mass., will likely never earn you "street cred"--unless, of course, you're John Cena. Then again, it didn't happen overnight for him, either. Long before he became the Dr. of Thuganomics, young Cena had to endure the neighborhood rocker kids' taunts about his baggy pants and rayon Kwamé shirts. His love for freestyling lyrics about rebellion and individualism just didn't fit within the small rural community. By the time he turned 15, however, those same kids would stop teasing him, for it became apparent that Cena had been developing another passion: hitting the gym.

After applying to more than 60 colleges (and being accepted by 58), Cena attended Massachusetts' Springfield College, where he excelled as a Division III All-American offensive lineman and team captain for the Pride. But as much as he fondly remembers his college football accomplishments, he's equally as proud of earning his degree in Exercise Physiology, which he attributes to making him a smarter, more durable performer in the ring today.

Though a huge WWE fan since childhood, rooting for heroes like Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, and Shawn Michaels, Cena had honestly never even considered a career in WWE. Instead, he flew out to California in 2000, to pursue a profession in bodybuilding (a move he now admits to making simply because his father had told him he wouldn't make it out there). But while working behind the counter of Gold's Gym in Venice, a discussion with a wrestler-in-training encouraged Cena to enroll in classes at Ultimate Pro Wrestling. He was instantly hooked, and became motivated to learn everything he could about his newfound craft. He obviously proved a quick study; within a year, World Wrestling Entertainment signed Cena to a developmental contract to train at Ohio Valley Wrestling. By June 2002, he had joined the SmackDown roster, and less than a year later headlined the first of what has since become countless main-event matches.

That said, Cena has never forgotten his roots. In fact, remembering where he came from has helped him evolve into the man he is today: A well-versed hip-hop artist, a successful movie star and a blue-collared Superstar who's always ready to fight. He leads his WWE fan-based army into battle with the mission statement he's been down with since Day One: Hustle, loyalty and respect.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Pakistan hammer youthful West Indies

St. Lucia: Misbah-ul-Haq struck an unbeaten 73 to lead Pakistan to a crushing eight-wicket victory over a new-look West Indies side in the opening one-day international on Saturday.

In pursuit of a mediocre target of 222 at Beausejour Stadium, Pakistan cruised home with 51 balls to spare as Misbah and Asad Shafiq (61) shared in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 134.

Scorecard


Misbah struck five fours and one six in 90 balls while Asad hit seven boundaries to help Pakistan take early honours in the five-match series.

Openers Mohammad Hafeez, with a brisk 54, and Ahmed Shehzad (22) put on 68 for the first wicket to give the visitors a flying start en route to a total of 222 for two in 41.3 overs.

The West Indies attack was put to the sword and only all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, with figures of 0-36 from eight overs, escaped heavy punishment.

Batting first after winning the toss, the home team were restricted to 221 for six in their allotted 50 overs as Pakistan's three spinners applied the shackles.

Saeed Ajmal took 1-24 in his 10 overs, fellow off-spinner Hafeez returned figures of 1-36 and wrist-spinner Shahid Afridi weighed in with 0-40 to keep the hosts under pressure.

Left-hander Darren Bravo top-scored with 67 and West Indies captain Darren Sammy provided much-needed late sizzle with a whirlwind 29 not out off 17 balls featuring three fours and two sixes.

Sammy combined with Carlton Baugh, 10 not out, in an unbroken partnership of 44 for the seventh wicket but the 221 total was never going to be enough to contain an experienced Pakistan lin-eup.

West Indies, who beat Pakistan by seven runs in their Twenty20 international on Thursday, have picked a youthful team for the ODI series after dropping seasoned batsmen Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Monday.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma enjoying his stint

Chennai: The push has come to shove for Chennai Super Kings, who find themselves in an all too familiar situation of having to get up from the floor and start punching all over again in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they play host to Pune Warriors here Monday.

Last season, the Super Kings were on the brink of elimination, but bounced back to go all the way and win the tournament. But it is a moot point whether they can repeat that performance as the champions are languishing on four points from five games, the same as debutants Pune who have played one game less.

Having lost three games, two of them on the trot, the Super Kings would be looking to their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to provide the spark, like he did last season with that memorable innings at Dharmasala that turned their fortunes around.

Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma enjoying his stint


The hosts can take heart from the fact that both their wins this season have come on home soil and the Super Kings would be hoping to sustain the win-spree at Chepauk.

Warriors skipper Yuvraj Singh, Man of the Tournament at the 2011 ICC World Cup, too has his work cut out after two consecutive losses in four outings, and as in the case of Dhoni, the onus is on him to regroup his forces to renew the assault.

Given the trend in the 2011 IPL, it will take a bold man with a dash of recklessness to predict the outcome, but the Super Kings have been in this situation before and the experience should see them past the Warriors on the morrow.

The three defeats that the Super Kings have suffered this season were in winnable matches and the reverses have mainly been due to their inability to fire as a unit. Their bowling at the death cost them two games while their much-heralded batting collapsed in the last match against Mumbai Indians when within sight of victory.

The lack of cohesiveness, coupled with inconsistent fielding in a format that puts premium on virtually every run, has led to their downfall, and yet, the optimists among the Super Kings fans believe they still have the firepower to get back on track.

In contrast to the virtually settled combination that the Super Kings boast of, it has been about getting together as a team for the Warriors in their debut season.

After the early promise when they won their opening two games, the Warriors lost the next two despite Yuvraj's stellar all-round performances. Thus, the Warriors are in a situation where they need to find a winning combination to progress.

Following the auctions in January, it was thought that the Super Kings, along with Mumbai Indians, had the most balanced and settled squad, but the results have been contrary to this belief.

As for the Warriors, their performance has not exactly matched the potential, both in batting and bowling, and yet, in patches, they have shown the sort of explosiveness that can take apart any opponent.

In the event, it appears to be a battle between equals under lights Monday with the pressure more on the Super Kings to stand and deliver while Pune, being the first-timers, have less to lose and everything to gain.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Sai Baba's last rites on Wednesday with state honours

Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh): The last rites of spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, who died here Sunday, will be performed on Wednesday with full state honours.

This was announced by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who air- dashed to the town after news of the death.

No godmen could match Satya Sai Baba's name and fame

The godman's body is still at the Sathya Sai Super-speciality Hospital, about 5 km from the town. Sathya Sai Central Trust is making arrangements to shift it to Prashanti Nilayam, his ashram, where it will be kept for two days to enable his devotees to have 'last darshan'.

According to the statement released by Sathya Sai Central Trust, the body will be kept at Sai Kulwant Hall at Prashanti Nilayam at 6 p.m. Sunday. The body will lie there Monday and Tuesday.

'Bhagwan's body will lie in state at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday. Arrangements will be made for darshan after 6 p.m. today at Sai Kulwant Hall,' said a statement issued by A.N. Safaya, director of the hospital.

'We appeal to all not to rush to the hospital but to remain calm and have darshan in an orderly manner,' added the statement.

It was at Prashanti Nilayam that Baba has been giving darshan and blessing his devotees for over four decades.

Sathya Sai Baba dies in Puttaparthi

The details of the last rites have not yet been announced. It is still not known where the funeral will take place but devotees believe it will happen at Prashanti Nilayam.

Sai Baba, whom his devotees worshipped as god, was suffering from multi-organ dysfunction. He breathed his last at the Sathya Sai Super-speciality Hospital, where he was admitted March 28 with cardiac problems. He was 85

By 24X7 News with No comments

Tendulkar down on birthday following Sai Baba's demise

Hyderabad, April 24 (PTI): Iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was a sad man on his 38th birthday on Sunday as his spiritual guru Satya Sai Baba passed away this morning.
Tendulkar, who landed in Hyderabad late on Saturday night with wife Anjali and two kids, was confined to his room at the Grand Kakatiya hotel.
"He did not even have breakfast. No one was allowed to enter his room," a hotel manager told PTI.
There was speculation since Saturday that the Mumbai Indians captain would not celebrate his birthday in view of Baba's health condition.
News of Baba's demise this morning apparently came as a shock to Tendulkar.
A 'Do Not Disturb' sign was hung on his hotel room door since the news of Baba's demise came and Tendulkar did not even meet his teammates, the hotel manager said.
Only Mumbai Indians owner Tina Ambani was said to have met Tendulkar and consoled him.
Mumbai Indians will take on Deccan Chargers in an IPL match match at the Hyderabad International Cricket Stadium this evening but it is not yet clear whether Tendulkar will play the match.
None of the Mumbai Indians players or officials could be contacted for a comment.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Deccan Chargers face uphill task against Mumbai Indians

Kumar Sangakkara's Deccan Chargers managed to overcome their home ground jinx against Royal Challengers Bangalore, but they went back to usual form getting thumped by Kings XI Punjab in their last match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The Chargers, who have won only two of their five matches so far in the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League, face an on-song Mumbai Indians on Sunday afternoon, and will have to be at their best to win only their second-ever match on their home ground.
The Chargers though come into the match against Mumbai Indians after posting a comfortable win over Delhi Daredevils and will need to be at their best apart from carrying the confidence boost from that victory at the Kotla. The issue though for Chargers has been that except for captain Kumar Sangakkara and Bharat Chipli, no one else has fired with the bat, though Dan Christian has been hitting the big shots towards the end of the innings, and Sunny Sohal has shown he can get the Chargers off to a good start in the last couple of matches. The Chargers need Cameron White and Shikhar Dhawan to hit their straps sooner than later. Dale Steyn and Amit Mishra have taken six wickets each, but the other bowlers haven't chipped in though Ishant Sharma has kept the runs in check. The Chargers will have to fire as a unit and be far more consistent than they have been so far in the tournament when they face-off against Mumbai Indians.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians have won four of their five matches and will be high on confidence after overcoming defending champions Chennai Super Kings. The only grey area Mumbai Indians seem to have is the lack of a good partner at the top to walk out with Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrates his 38th birthday on Sunday. Rohit Sharma and Andrew Symonds have also shown they are in good nick with the bat, and Mumbai Indians would have been buoyed after Harbhajan Singh took a five-for against the Super Kings. Mumbai Indians have been playing as an unit and are strong in all departments and will be the overwhelming favourites against the Chargers

By 24X7 News with No comments

When your knees give way

Ravi (26) was a go-getter and a heartthrob at his office. His quest for knowledge and skill took him to the U.S at a young age. But unfortunately it turned out to be a very short journey. His problem started with stiffness and pain in the knees. The young man gradually felt his knees and hips giving in and took it seriously only when the pain became unbearable.

Shocking fact

Baffled by his condition, he consulted doctors in the U.S. But unable to accept their diagnosis, he came back to India. Here too local specialists confirmed the diagnosis: osteoarthritis.

Ravi soon had to use a wheel-chair; a nightmarish experience for a young man. The doctors suggested surgery. Ravi was shocked at the diagnosis because no one from his family suffered from such a problem. And arthritis is supposed to be a malady of old age.

But a recent study conducted by TNS Arogya reveals a shocking fact: Ravi is not the only young person with this problem. Osteoarthritis has emerged as a “Numero Uno” ailment in India among youngsters.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that results in wear and tear in the joints. While a lot has been said about modern lifestyle diseases, osteoarthritis has surfaced as the most common disease among those between 25 and 35 years because this generation is completely oblivious to the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Several factors like rising obesity, sedentary lifestyle, sitting postures and poor dietary habits are responsible for its high incidence.

Main factor

Obesity may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. If a person already has substantial osteoarthritis in a weight-bearing joint like knee or hip, weight reduction significantly improves their ability to rehabilitate after joint surgery as well as decreases risk of surgical complications.

Physical activity in early life builds stronger bone mass and protects against osteoporosis by maintaining healthy bone in middle and later adult years. Daily exercise is the single most important way to delay the onset of osteoarthritis.

Although injury and heredity are some of the causes behind osteoarthritis, nutrition also plays an imperative role. Our body requires a good amount of nutrients to rebuild its cartilage.

Healthy diet

An effective and a healthy diet should be made up of essential nutrients that help overcome arthritis pains and aches naturally. Nutritionally speaking, vitamin C, commonly available in citrus fruits, plays an important role in the development of normal cartilage.

Also people with low bone mineral density, such as in osteoporosis, may be at increased risk for osteoarthritis. An adequate calcium intake, as recommended for age and gender can help to maintain bone density.

Healthcare contains a component of prevention in its very conception. Care and attention should be focused on leading a healthy lifestyle in terms of physical activity patterns and dietary modifications.

People like Ravi teach us that it is high time we improve the quality of life rather than suffer later.

The writer is an Orthopaedic Surgeon based in New Delhi.

By 24X7 News with No comments

Late Hernandez goal sends United nine points clear

The best news about Football and Italian sport!www.English.Gazzetta.it/Football

Manchester United's Javier Hernandez reacts after scoring a goal against Ma... LONDON: Livewire striker Javier Hernandez struck six minutes from time to give Manchester United a 1-0 home win over Everton that extended their Premier League lead to nine points on Saturday. United, held 0-0 at Newcastle United in midweek, looked on course for another stalemate as they struggled to break down an Everton side who went into the game unbeaten in seven league games. However, Hernandez leaped high to head home an Antonio Valencia cross and cap an excellent individual display with his 19th goal of the season in all competitions. United, who visit Schalke 04 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, have 73 points with four games to play. Chelsea, who host West Ham United later on Saturday, are second on 64, with Arsenal, away to Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, also on 64. Manchester City, who visit Blackburn Rovers on Monday night, are fourth on 56 with fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur on 54 ahead of their home game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

By 24X7 News with No comments