Latest news with #AD
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Mourning, Shahi Zarih procession mark first day of Muharram
Jun 27, 2025 10:18 PM IST The Shahi Zarih procession, which marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar, and azadari (mourning), was taken out from Asafi (Bada) Imambara to Chhota Imambara on Friday. Mourners taking part in the Shahi Zarih procession in Lucknow on Friday. (Deepak Gupta/HT) Mourners clad in black clothes took part in the procession as they performed 'seenazani' (chest beating) and listened to groups reciting 'soz', 'salaam', and 'noha' (lamentations depicting the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his 71 companions) along the route. The procession was started by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah in 1837 to commemorate the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussain and his companions in Karbala in 680 AD. The procession was led by members of the royal family followed by shehnai players, an elephant and camels, children marching with coloured flags, band artistes playing elegiac tunes, alams, sozkhwans, a horse with red-stained white cloth on top, Hazrat Ali Asghar (Imam Hussain's six-month-old son) ka jhula, Shahi Mom ki Zarih and Abraq ki Zarih. While Bada Imambara, Chhota Imambara and Rumi Darwaza were decked up with lights, the gateway also had a poster reading 'Labbaik Ya Hussain' (We are at your service, O Hussain). Sabeels (stalls serving water and tea to azadars) were also set up in the name of Imam Hussain along the procession route as Imam Hussain and his companions were denied water and food by their enemies for three days at a stretch before they were martyred in the plains of Karbala on the 10th day (Ashura) of Muharram, according to a cleric.
Forbes
15 hours ago
- Science
- Forbes
500 Bird Species Face Extinction Within The Next Century
The loss of these birds will lead to the unraveling or to the complete collapse of entire ecosystems. An adult male yellow-bellied sunbird-asity (Neodrepanis hypoxantha) in Ranomafana National Park, ... More Madagascar. This tiny songbird lives in montane forests where it feeds on feeds on nectar. (Credit: Dubi Shapiro / CC BY-SA 3.0) A recent international study warns that more than 500 bird species could go extinct in the next 100 years due to climate change and human persecution. The species that are most vulnerable to extinction include the yellow-bellied sunbird-asity, the helmeted hornbill and the bare-necked umbrellabird. The loss of these vulnerable birds would greatly reduce the variety of avian sizes and shapes and would harm ecosystems as well as humans that depend on unique birds for vital ecosystem functions. 'The rate of extinction in modern times is unprecedented,' the study's lead author, ornithologist and conservation biologist Kerry Stewart, a PhD student at the University of Reading, told me in email 'We predict three times as many bird extinctions in the next 100 years as have been recorded since 1500 AD (164 recorded avian extinctions). Extinctions on this scale are expected to fundamentally alter avian communities worldwide, potentially undermining ecosystem stability and resilience.' Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) is a very large bird in the hornbill family. It is found on the ... More Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Thailand and Myanmar. It is critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. (Credit: Doug Janson / CC BY-SA 3.0) Many of these threatened birds will require targeted interventions if they are to survive at all. 'We need immediate action to reduce human threats across habitats and targeted rescue programs for the most unique and endangered species,' Ms Stewart explained. 'Many birds are already so threatened that reducing human impacts alone won't save them. These species need special recovery programs, like breeding projects and habitat restoration, to survive.' Tragically, Ms Stewart and collaborators found that even with complete protection from hunting, habitat loss, and climate change, roughly 250 bird species will probably go extinct anyway. Ms Stewart and collaborators came to this conclusion after examining IUCN Red List data for nearly 10,000 bird species. They predicted extinction risk based on the types of threats that each species faces. 'Birds differ in their vulnerability to different human threats, so large-bodied species are particularly likely to be vulnerable to hunting and climate change, while birds with broad wings suffer more from habitat loss,' Ms Stewart told me in email. 'We also found that many of the world's most unique species in terms of their size and shape are threatened with extinction.' Why should people care about these bird species, many of which live in faraway places? 'Bird declines have serious implications for ecosystems and human societies,' Ms Stewart replied in email. 'Declines alter species interaction networks which undermines ecosystem stability and has knock-on effects for other species including plants, mammals and insects. The impact of bird declines are expected to be particularly serious when they reduce the diversity of the roles that species play within an ecosystem.' The Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is an Old World scavenger native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal. ... More They are usually found in savannas and other open habitats around villages, cities, and near cultivated areas. They are critically endangered after their populations crashed in 2002 and afterwards. (Credit: Mike Prince via / CC BY) 'Birds provide many services that humans depend upon. For example, pollination, pest control and seed dispersal are necessary for agricultural production, and some birds are important scavengers – the vulture decline in India was estimated to have killed more than half a million people between 2000 and 2005 (ref) following the spread of disease-carrying pathogens due to an excess of dead animals,' Ms Stewart elaborated in email. 'Birds also have immense cultural value, with over $14.5 billion being spent on birdwatching trips every year in the US alone (PDF).' Considering this is not the first warning that scientists have delivered regarding the conservation status of the world's birds, what makes this study unique? 'One of the novel aspects of this paper is that we estimated biodiversity loss in more than one way, looking at species extinctions and functional diversity decline,' Ms Stewart explained in email. 'Functional diversity describes the diversity of size and shape of species within a community, and can be useful for understanding the range of ecological roles present in an ecosystem which is important for understanding ecosystem function and integrity. We found that functional diversity will decline as much as species richness in response to species extinctions, and that threats like hunting and collection have a particularly large impact on functional diversity per the number of species affected.' In addition to sounding yet another warning regarding these birds' extinction risks, Ms Stewart and collaborators also identified which conservation actions will best preserve both the number of bird species and their ecological functions. The study found that stopping the destruction of habitats would save the most bird species overall. However, reducing hunting and preventing accidental deaths would save birds with more unusual functions, which are especially important for ecosystem health. But as many as 250–350 species will require more intensive conservation measures, such as captive breeding programs and habitat restoration, if they are to survive into the next century. For example, prioritizing conservation programs for just 100 of the most unusual threatened birds could save 68% of the variety in bird shapes and sizes. This approach could help to keep ecosystems healthy. One particularly inspirational conservation triumph that illustrates successful intensive conservation efforts is the California condor, Gymnogyps californianus. With a 9½-foot wingspan, this species is amongst the largest birds in North America. When in flight, this spectacular bird is hard to miss. But poaching for feathers and eggs, poisoning from consuming lead ammunition in carcasses, and habitat destruction caused the condors' population to crash. By 1987, the entire species – numbering just 22 individuals – was removed from the wild and placed into captive breeding programs at a number of zoos throughout the United States. Meanwhile, lead ammunition for hunting has been either banned or severely restricted, thereby protecting condors as well as other large birds, particularly eagles. These targeted intensive conservation efforts are paying off: there are more than 350 condors currently living in the wild, with more than 200 individuals in the state of California alone, and over 180 birds (including chicks) living in captivity. A fledgling California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) spreads her wings to absorb the sun's rays. ... More (Credit: NPS / Gavin Emmons / public domain.) What is this study's most important take-home message? 'The take-home message of this study is that immediate and ambitious actions to reduce threats to natural populations are essential to prevent avian diversity loss, but threat reduction alone is not enough. Many species will require additional measures such as captive breeding efforts for their survival.' Source: Kerry Stewart, Chris Venditti, Carlos P. Carmona, Joanna Baker, Chris Clements, Joseph A. Tobias & Manuela González-Suárez (2025). Threat reduction must be coupled with targeted recovery programmes to conserve global bird diversity, Nature Ecology & Evolution | doi:10.1038/s41559-025-02746-z © Copyright by GrrlScientist | hosted by Forbes | Socials: Bluesky | CounterSocial | LinkedIn | Mastodon Science | MeWe | Spoutible | SubStack | Threads | Tumblr | Twitter
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Amitabh Bachchan drops sequel hint while celebrating one year of Prabhas, Deepika and Kamal Haasan starrer 'Kalki 2898 AD'
Picture Credit: X Megastar Amitabh Bachchan shared a tweet as the 2024 blockbuster 'Kalki 2898' AD completed one year after its theatrical release. Directed by Nag Ashwin , the film brought together a powerhouse cast including Prabhas , Deepika Padukone , Kamal Haasan , and Big B himself, and marked a milestone in Indian sci-fi storytelling. On the special occasion, the production house shared a celebratory post on X (formerly Twitter) commemorating the film's anniversary. Amitabh reshared that post and then put an emotional note about his journey with the project and the amazing creative vision of the whole movie. His words, filled with reverence, made a joking remark that he's open to returning for a possible sequel, should the opportunity arise. His tweet reads, "my honoured privilege to be asked to be a part of it .. one that I admired and respected the blessings of Vijayanti films and the elders that ran and connected with it .. ever to be a part of it any day again , IF THEY WERE TO EVER TO ASK .." Amitabh Bachchan played the character of Ashwatthama. 'Kalki 2898 AD' is a sci-fi epic set in the year 2898 AD, when Earth is post-apocalyptic and the last city on the planet, Kashi, ruled by a 200-year-old god-king Supreme Yaskin who lives in a giant inverted pyramid called the Complex. It tells the story of a group protecting Sumathi also called SUM-80, a pregnant woman pregnant with the final avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki. Ashwatthama's mission in the film is to protect the mother of the Chosen One in a dystopian future set in the year 2898 AD, where he takes on an older look. Big B's performance has been widely praised for its intensity and gravitas.
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
AAD Updates AD Guidelines With Four New Treatment Picks
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recently issued a focused update to its guidelines on the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults, strongly recommending four recently approved therapies: tapinarof cream, roflumilast cream, lebrikizumab, and nemolizumab (in combination with topical therapy). These additions reflect high-certainty evidence supporting both efficacy and safety, according to the workgroup's systematic review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology . Robert Sidbury, MD Asked to comment on the updates, one of the authors, Robert Sidbury, MD, cochair of the guideline committee and chief of dermatology at Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, called the rapid need for a guideline update 'a reflection of the extraordinary progress in AD care that is ongoing and is indeed revolutionizing care.' Having 'two new nonsteroidal topical therapies is quite significant,' he added in an interview with Medscape Dermatology . 'Patients have long been dissatisfied with topical options, which have been shackled by safety concerns, some real, some not, and intolerance, such as application site stinging.' The update comes just over a year after the release of AAD's 2023-2024 adult AD guidelines on treatment with topical and systemic therapies, underscoring the rapid pace of therapeutic development for AD. The update was initiated following the FDA approval of multiple new therapies and newly published high-certainty evidence supporting their use, prompting the AAD to incorporate this data into its existing guidance, according to the authors. Strong Recommendations for Four New Agents The guideline workgroup applied the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework to assess new data and formulate treatment recommendations. According to the authors, all four therapies received 'strong' recommendations based on high-certainty evidence: Tapinarof cream 1% : A nonsteroidal aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist approved in 2024 for moderate to severe AD. In four trials (n = 1169), once-daily use over 8-12 weeks resulted in statistically and clinically significant improvements in investigator's global assessment (IGA), eczema area and severity index (EASI)-75, and itch scores. : A nonsteroidal aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist approved in 2024 for moderate to severe AD. In four trials (n = 1169), once-daily use over 8-12 weeks resulted in statistically and clinically significant improvements in investigator's global assessment (IGA), eczema area and severity index (EASI)-75, and itch scores. Roflumilast cream 0.15% : A phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved in 2024 for mild to moderate AD. Clinical trials (n = 1427) demonstrated significant improvements in IGA and EASI-75 after 4 weeks. : A phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved in 2024 for mild to moderate AD. Clinical trials (n = 1427) demonstrated significant improvements in IGA and EASI-75 after 4 weeks. Lebrikizumab : An interleukin (IL)-13-targeting monoclonal antibody approved in 2024 for moderate to severe AD. In over 1700 patients, treatment with or without topical corticosteroids led to marked improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcomes. : An interleukin (IL)-13-targeting monoclonal antibody approved in 2024 for moderate to severe AD. In over 1700 patients, treatment with or without topical corticosteroids led to marked improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcomes. Nemolizumab (with topical therapy): An IL-31 receptor inhibitor approved in 2024 for patients aged 12 years or older inadequately controlled with topical therapies. In three trials (n = 1256), nemolizumab plus topical corticosteroids (with or without topical calcineurin inhibitor) led to significant reductions in itch and improvements in EASI-75 and Dermatology Life Quality Index. Updated Treatment Algorithm The guideline includes an updated treatment algorithm to help clinicians integrate these agents into clinical practice. It emphasizes: All four newly recommended therapies are indicated with strong recommendation symbols in the updated algorithm figure. Real-World Considerations Sidbury emphasized that having multiple high-certainty options creates new opportunities but also new challenges in decision-making. 'Such choice is a lovely problem to have,' he said, but he urged clinicians to look beyond efficacy. For example, 'a patient with baseline ocular difficulties would want to be aware that IL-4/13 or IL-13 biologics can cause or exacerbate conjunctivitis,' he explained. 'Nemolizumab or a JAK inhibitor, neither of which carries ocular risk, might be a good choice. Similarly, patients with cardiovascular risk may want to avoid JAK inhibitors due to their boxed warning.' Treatment selection, he said, should be rooted in shared decision-making: 'It's important to weigh evidence alongside a patient's comorbidities, preferences, and tolerability history.' Remaining Gaps and Considerations Despite the promising data, the authors acknowledged important limitations. Most trials were short-term (≤ 24 weeks), and the long-term safety, durability of response, and comparative effectiveness of these agents remain unknown. Cost is another factor. The authors noted, 'costs for the considered therapies may be prohibitive without adequate insurance coverage.' As such, they stressed the importance of a shared decision-making process that weighs efficacy, safety, and affordability. Clinical Impact and Future Directions The update is expected to have an immediate impact in clinical settings. 'Atopic dermatitis care has long been an 'off-label' affair,' Sidbury said. 'Prior to 2017, the only FDA-approved systemic therapy for AD was systemic steroids. Since then, we've seen numerous novel topical and systemic therapies approved with many more on the way. Better evidence plus more choices equals improved outcomes.' Still, more research is needed. Sidbury pointed to the importance of identifying which therapies may work best for specific patient subtypes — by age, race, gender, or AD phenotype. 'We don't know yet, but the answer is likely yes. This gets at personalized medicine — and that's where we're headed,' he said, noting that future treatment may be guided by inflammatory signatures or genotyping. While this focused update offers valuable clarity on incorporating new treatment options for adult AD, further research is needed, according to the authors. The workgroup called for real-world data, head-to-head trials, and longer-term outcome studies. The authors also noted pediatric guideline updates are expected in a future publication. This study was funded in total by internal funds from the American Academy of Dermatology. Sidbury disclosed he serves as an advisory board member for Pfizer, receiving honoraria; as a principal investigator for Regeneron, receiving grants and research funding; as an investigator for Brickell Biotech, and Galderma USA, receiving grants and research funding; and as a consultant for Galderma Global and Microes, receiving fees or no compensation. Other authors reported having financial disclosures with many pharmaceutical companies. : Biologics, JAK inhibitors, and immunosuppressants remain key choices for refractory disease.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Putin thought he could take this city in three days. Now they wait to toast his demise with champagne
But Kyiv didn't fall. It fought. And it hasn't stopped fighting since. Today, it's the beating heart of a country that refuses to be broken – and the home of a man who became an icon. Volodymyr Zelensky, the comedian-turned-president, was told to flee in the early days of the invasion. Instead, he stayed. 'I need ammunition, not a ride,' he said. Tony Abbott recently called Zelensky 'the greatest freedom fighter' of our times. It's hard to disagree. Around the world, his leadership has become a symbol of resistance. But here in Kyiv, he's no demigod, he's simply another Ukrainian fighting. The city itself is a contradiction – part defiant metropolis, part bruised monument. It has been called 'the new Berlin', a nod to its gritty charm and creative energy. The food is brilliant, the bars are packed, the streets hum with life – even as sirens sound above. But while this surreal, magnetic city sits hours from the front, it is far from safe. The war doesn't respect geography. A day before I arrived, Russia launched one of the biggest air assaults Kyiv has seen in months – a 3½-hour barrage of drones and missiles. Explosions were heard across eight of the city's 10 districts. Nine people were killed, including four children; 33 more were injured. The next day, as I headed towards Dnipro, news came through that a Russian missile had struck a passenger train and civilian infrastructure there. Seventeen people died. Nearly 280 were wounded – among them 27 children. My trip so far has avoided the worst. But the trauma lingers everywhere. The night is filled with the buzz of drones and the thunder of anti-aircraft batteries. Some sleep in corridors, basement carparks and metro stations. Yet somehow, life goes on. Kyiv's endurance didn't begin in 2022. This city has been surviving invasions for more than 1500 years. Founded in 482 AD (or so the legend goes), Kyiv was once the capital of Kievan Rus – a medieval state that laid the foundations for modern Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. In the 10th and 11th centuries, it rivalled Constantinople. The domes of Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery still rise above the skyline, reminders of a deep and complex history – stretching back to long before Moscow was little more than a forest clearing. Kyiv has been invaded by Mongols, ruled by Poles and Tsars, occupied by Nazis. It has burned and been rebuilt more times than seems fair. It has never stayed down for long. At its heart lies Maidan Nezalezhnosti – Independence Square. The site of student protests in the '90s, the Orange Revolution in 2004, and the bloody Euromaidan uprising in 2014 that ousted a Kremlin-backed president and sparked this long war. Today the square is lined with flags and photographs of the fallen – soldiers, civilians, children. And yet, just around the corner, a bar promises free champagne the day Putin dies. Kyiv's defiance is often laced with wit. Culture has become a front line. Theatres perform through blackouts. Museums preserve war artefacts. Comedians still take the stage. One official put it simply: 'It's culture that helps us resist. It keeps our soul alive.' Because this isn't just a war for land. It's a war over identity, memory and truth. Russia wants to erase Ukrainian language and culture. But what I see here is a nation redrawing its future – sometimes with spray paint, sometimes with blood. This one final visit, alongside a World Vision Australia crew, in my last week as Europe correspondent, is not enough – but it's something. And to everyone I meet, I say the same thing: We won't forget you. We can't afford to.
