Latest news with #adolescent
The Star
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Too good to be true ADHD videos on TikTok are often misleading, US study finds.
On TikTok, misinformation about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be tricky to spot, according to a new study, published this month in the scientic journal PLOS One (published by Public Library of Science, based in California, the United States), found that fewer than 50% of the claims made in some of the most popular ADHD videos on TikTok offered information that matched diagnostic criteria or professional treatment recommendations for the disorder. And, the researchers found, even study participants who had already been diagnosed with ADHD had trouble discerning which information was most reliable. About half of the TikTok creators included in the study were using the platform to sell products, such as fidget spinners, or services like coaching. None of them were licensed mental health professionals. The lack of nuance is concerning, said Vasileia Karasavva, a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Canada's University of British Columbia in Vancouver and the lead author of the study. If TikTok creators talk about difficulty concentrating, she added, they don't typically mention that the symptom is not specific to ADHD or that it could also be a manifestation of a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Just because a video or post goes viral doesn't mean it is accurate. "The last thing we want to do is discourage people from expressing how they're feeling, what they're experiencing and finding community online," Karasavva said. "At the same time, it might be that you self-diagnose with something that doesn't apply to you, and then you don't get the help that you actually need." Karasavva's results echo those of a 2022 study that also analysed 100 popular TikTok videos about ADHD and found that half of them were misleading. "The data are alarming," said Stephen P. Hinshaw, a professor of psychology and an expert in ADHD at the University of California, Berkeley, who was not involved in either study. The themes of the videos might easily resonate with viewers, he added, but "accurate diagnosis takes access, time and money." In Karasavva's study, the researchers began by selecting the 100 most viewed videos on a single day in January 2023 and asked two licensed clinical psychologists to review each video. The psychologists were called to assess whether the videos accurately captured the symptoms of adult or adolescent ADHD that are characterised in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is used by medical professionals in the US to diagnose and classify mental health conditions. If a video's claim didn't match up with the manual, the psychologists then established whether the symptoms in the video better reflected a different type of disorder or something that anyone, including those without ADHD, might experience. Finally, they rated on a scale of one to five whether they would recommend the video to help educate other people about ADHD. One limitation of the study was that it did not rely on a large panel of experts to evaluate the videos. The researchers then asked more than 840 undergraduate students to rate the videos using the same scale used by the psychologists. The study participants who were the most frequent consumers of ADHD-related TikTok content were more likely than the other participants to recommend the top five most reputable videos. But they were also more likely to recommend the bottom five videos. And that was true regardless of whether they had been diagnosed with ADHD or not. Karasavva said this could be because the TikTok algorithm serves videos that are similar to those a person has already watched - and as we come across the same information again and again, it's tempting to think that "all these people can't be wrong." "In the end, you might come to believe things that don't really match up with the science," she said. Notably, the students in the study also vastly overestimated how many people actually had ADHD. In an email, TikTok said that it strongly encourages people to seek professional medical advice if they are in need of support and that the platform directs users to reliable resources when they search for ADHD-related content. The information on TikTok "doesn't always tell you the full story, and it can also lead the loudest voices to be overrepresented,' said Margaret Sibley, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle who was not involved in the study. "People might not be discerning about what aspect of their experience is ADHD versus something else." - ©2025 The New York Times
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Nutrition bars to be given to adolescent girls to address anaemia
The Telangana government, on Thursday, launched a scheme to provide nutrition bars, made of peanuts and millets, to address anaemia among adolescent girls (14-18 years). Each bar consists of 600 calories, 18-20 grams of protein and necessary micronutrients. Anaemia can result in weakness, diminished physical and mental capacity, maternal mortality, increased morbidity from infectious diseases, perinatal mortality, premature delivery, low birth weight, and (in children) impaired cognitive performance, motor development, and scholastic achievement, according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 report. Women and Child Welfare Minister Danasari Anasuya launched the scheme titled Indiramma Amrutham on a pilot project basis, which would be implemented in Kumram Bheem Asifabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Jayashankar Bhupalapally districts, where there are more cases of anaemia. The scheme was designed in consultation with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). It would benefit 50,269 girls: 23,399 in Bhadradri Kothagudem, 18,230 in Asifabad and 8,640 in Jayashankar Bhupalapally. Depending on the feedback, it would be extended to other districts. Two free packets would be given to each through Anganwadi centres, and each packet will have 15 nutrition bars. 'Anaemia is a condition that is marked by low levels of haemoglobin in blood. Iron deficiency is estimated to be responsible for about half of all anaemia globally, but anaemia can also be caused by malaria, hookworms and other helminths, other nutritional deficiencies, chronic infections, and genetic conditions,' according to the NFHS report. Prevalence in Telangana According to the report, 58% of women in Telangana have anaemia. It was particularly high among rural women, women aged 15-19, and Scheduled Tribe women. More than two-thirds (70%) of children aged 6-59 months are anaemic. Some parents consult dieticians with a complaint that though iron rich foods were given, the mineral is deficient in their children. Dietitian Shubhangi Surana, founder, Rainbow Nutrition Clinic in Secunderabad, said that what people have along with the foods plays a role in absorption of iron. 'Incorporate Vitamin C when eating Iron. It always helps. Lemon, Guava, Tamarind, Tomatoes - to an extent - are sources of vitamin C. Calcium is antagonist to iron. So avoid Calcium rich foods with iron,' said Ms. Surana. Abitha Chilkuri, dietician and nutritionist, said that coffee and tea with milk contains toxins that bind with dietary iron and make it unavailable for absorption. 'They should be avoided for at least an hour before, during or immediately after a meal,' she said. Ms. Surana said that Calcium (for bone development), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Iodine, fiber are other nutritional requirements for the girls in the age group. In order to achieve optimum growth, bone mass, muscle mass and overall good health without any vitamin and mineral deficiencies and to improve longevity adolescents must consume food that is rich in calcium such as finger millet(ragi), green leafy vegetables like amaranth, sesame seeds, milk and milk products, said Ms. Abitha.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Belite Bio Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update
Following a pre-specified interim analysis, an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommended the pivotal Phase 3 trial (DRAGON) of Tinlarebant in adolescent Stargardt disease (STGD1) patients proceed without any modification; trial completion expected Q4 2025 (including a three-month follow-up period) DSMB also recommended the Company submit the interim data for further regulatory review for drug approval A pivotal global Phase 3 trial (PHOENIX) of Tinlarebant in geographic atrophy (GA) patients is ongoing with 464 of targeted 500 subjects enrolled Raised $15 million in gross proceeds in a registered direct offering on February 5, 2025 Conference call and webcast on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Belite Bio, Inc (NASDAQ: BLTE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided a business update. 'We continue to advance the clinical development of Tinlarebant, reaching a major milestone with the favorable interim analysis of our Phase 3 DRAGON trial earlier this year,' said Dr. Tom Lin, Chairman and CEO of Belite Bio. 'We are excited by the encouraging feedback from the DSMB on the safety and efficacy outcomes in DRAGON as we work toward trial completion by the end of 2025. We are focused on maintaining strong execution across our late-stage clinical programs as we aim to deliver new treatment options for people living with degenerative retinal diseases, where there is significant unmet need.' First Quarter 2025 Business Highlights and Upcoming Milestones: Clinical Highlights Tinlarebant is an oral, once-daily, potent retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) antagonist that decreases RBP4 levels in the blood and reduces vitamin A (retinol) delivery to the eye without disrupting systemic retinol delivery to other tissues. Vitamin A is critical for normal vision but can accumulate as toxic byproducts (bisretinoids) in individuals affected with STGD1 and GA, the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), leading to retinal cell death and loss of vision. Stargardt disease (STGD1): Accumulation of cytotoxic bisretinoids compounds has been implicated in the onset and progression of STGD1, for which there are no approved treatments. Tinlarebant has been granted Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations in the U.S.; Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S., Europe, and Japan; and Sakigake (Pioneer Drug) Designation in Japan for the treatment of STGD1. DRAGON Trial: Ongoing, 24-month, randomized (2:1, active: placebo), double-masked, placebo-controlled, global, multi-center, pivotal Phase 3 trial in adolescent STGD1 patients Following a pre-specified interim analysis, an independent DSMB recommended trial continuation without modifications, maintaining a sample size of 104 subjects In addition, the DSMB recommended submitting the data for further regulatory review for drug approval Primary efficacy endpoint is the growth rate of atrophic lesions; safety and tolerability will also be assessed Trial completion expected by Q4 2025 (including a three-month follow-up period) DRAGON II Trial: Combination of a Phase 1b open-label trial to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Tinlarebant in adolescent Japanese STGD1 patients and a Phase 2/3, 24-month, randomized (1:1, active: placebo), double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in adolescent STGD1 patients Enrolled 16 subjects in the Phase 2/3 trial, with a target enrollment of approximately 60 subjects, aged 12 to 20 years old, including approximately 10 Japanese subjects; data from the Japanese subjects is intended to facilitate a future new drug application in Japan Primary efficacy endpoint is the growth rate of atrophic lesions; safety and tolerability will also be assessed Geographic Atrophy (GA): GA is a chronic degenerative disease of the retina that leads to blindness in the elderly. Accumulation of cytotoxic vitamin A byproducts (bisretinoids) has been implicated in the progression of GA. There are currently no FDA-approved, orally administered treatments for GA. PHOENIX Trial: Ongoing, 24-month, randomized (2:1, active: placebo), double-masked, placebo-controlled, global, multi-center, pivotal Phase 3 trial in GA patients 464 of the targeted 500 subjects have been enrolled to date Primary efficacy endpoint is the growth rate of atrophic lesions; safety and tolerability will also be assessed Company expects to conduct an interim analysis Corporate Highlights In February 2025, Belite completed a registered direct offering priced at the market, raising gross proceeds of $15 million, with the potential for additional proceeds of approximately $15 million from the exercise of five-year warrants issued in the offering. First Quarter 2025 Financial Results: Current Assets: As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $157.4 million in cash, liquidity funds, time deposits, and U.S treasury bills. R&D Expenses: For the three months ended March 31, 2025, research and development expenses were $9.4 million compared to $6.8 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to (i) share-based compensation granted in the third quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025, (ii) slightly higher clinical trial expenses related to the PHOENIX trial. G&A Expenses: For the three months ended March 31, 2025, general and administrative expenses were $6.1 million compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2024. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in share-based compensation granted in the third quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025. Other Income: For the three months ended March 31, 2025, other income was $1.2 million compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in other income was attributable to accrued interest from time deposits and U.S. treasury bills. Net Loss: For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company reported a net loss of $14.3 million, compared to a net loss of $7.9 million for the same period in 2024. Webcast Information Belite Bio will host a webcast on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company's financial results and provide a business update. To join the webcast, please visit A replay will be available for approximately 90 days following the event at the Company's Investor Relations website at About Belite Bio Belite Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical need, such as Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and Geographic Atrophy (GA) in advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in addition to specific metabolic diseases. Belite's lead candidate, Tinlarebant, an oral therapy intended to reduce the accumulation of toxins in the eye, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study (DRAGON) and a Phase 2/3 study (DRAGON II) in adolescent STGD1 patients and a Phase 3 study (PHOENIX) in patients with GA. For more information, follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or visit us at Important Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about future expectations and plans, as well as other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the potential implications of clinical data for patients, and Belite Bio's advancement of, and anticipated preclinical activities, clinical development, regulatory milestones, and commercialization of its product candidates, and any other statements containing the words 'expect', 'hope' and similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to Belite Bio's ability to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or regulatory approval; the timing to complete relevant clinical trials and/or to receive the interim/final data of such clinical trials; the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approval of Belite Bio's drug candidates; the potential efficacy of Tinlarebant, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section in Belite Bio's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Belite Bio, and Belite Bio undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. BELITE BIO, INC UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) For the Three MonthsEnded March 31, 2024 2025 Expenses Research and development 6,765 9,396 General and administrative 1,563 6,121 Total operating expenses 8,328 15,517 Loss from operations (8,328 ) (15,517 ) Other income: Total other income, net 463 1,240 Loss before income tax (7,865 ) (14,277 ) Income tax expense 6 - Net loss (7,871 ) (14,277 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax (96 ) 18 Total comprehensive loss (7,967 ) (14,259 ) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in per share calculation: - Basic and Diluted 29,677,173 32,084,106 Net loss per ordinary share - Basic and Diluted $ (0.27 ) $ (0.45 ) BELITE BIO, INC UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share amounts) December 31, March 31, 2024 2025 Current assets $ 147,073 $ 159,287 Other assets 5,059 4,914 TOTAL ASSETS $ 152,132 $ 164,201 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 6,311 $ 6,131 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 145,821 158,070 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 152,132 $ 164,201 Ordinary shares authorized 400,000,000 400,000,000 Ordinary shares issued 31,857,802 32,595,001 Ordinary shares outstanding 31,826,549 32,544,784 Media and Investor Relations Contact: Jennifer Wu ir@ Julie Fallon belite@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Oxygen detected in most distant galaxy: 'astonished' astronomers
Oxygen has been detected in the most distant galaxy ever discovered, surprised astronomers said Thursday, offering further evidence that stars in the early universe matured far quicker than had been thought possible. The galaxy JADES-GS-z14-0, which was discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope last year, is so far away that its light took 13.4 billion years to reach Earth. This means the galaxy can also reveal what the universe was like in its infancy, when it was just 300 million years old -- two percent of its current age. Since coming online in 2022, the powerful Webb telescope has discovered that galaxies in the young universe were much brighter, more advanced and more numerous than scientists had expected. These discoveries have been so startling they have raised doubts about whether something important is missing in our understanding of the universe. For the latest research, two international teams led by Dutch and Italian astronomers probed the JADES-GS-z14-0 galaxy using the ALMA radio telescope in Chile's Atacama desert. They detected traces of oxygen, according to the European Southern Observatory, confirming hints previously spotted by the Webb telescope. During this period known as the cosmic dawn, newly born galaxies were thought to only have young stars, which mostly contain light elements like hydrogen and helium. Only later were they supposed to get heavier stuff such as oxygen. But the two new studies found that JADES-GS-z14-0 has around 10 times more heavy elements than had been anticipated. "It is like finding an adolescent where you would only expect babies," said Sander Schouws of Leiden Observatory, the first author of a Dutch-led study to be published in The Astrophysical Journal. "The results show the galaxy has formed very rapidly and is also maturing rapidly, adding to a growing body of evidence that the formation of galaxies happens much faster than was expected," he said in a statement. Astrophysicist Stefano Carniani, lead author of the Italian-led paper to be published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, said he was "astonished by the unexpected results". "The evidence that a galaxy is already mature in the infant universe raises questions about when and how galaxies formed." pcl-dl/phz
Leaders
08-03-2025
- General
- Leaders
Int'l Women's Day 2025: Saudi Arabia's Journey of Empowerment, Achievements
On March 8, 2025, the world marks the International Women's Day. It is a global occasion to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the globe. In Saudi Arabia, the International Women's Day is a celebration of a long journey towards empowerment under Vision 2030, granting women their rights and increasing their economic and social participation. International Women's Day The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. It has become a global holiday following its promotion by the United Nations in 1977. Each year, millions of people worldwide celebrate the achievements of women across all aspects of life, while advocating for gender equality. It aims to recognize women's contributions in various fields, address gender inequality issues, mobilize action for a more equitable and inclusive world for women, and foster solidarity among people in support of women's rights worldwide. Under the theme, 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,' the International Women's Day 2025 calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all, with a focus on empowering young women and adolescent girls to drive change. Celebrating Saudi Women Saudi Arabia also celebrates the International Women's Day by showcasing the achievements of Saudi women, highlighting their active participation in nation-building and social development, and their vital role in realizing Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. Saudi women have succeeded in all aspects of life, achieving remarkable milestones in scientific and practical fields, in line with cultural norms and modern advancements. This has significantly contributed to driving national development and nation-building. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has embarked on key reforms to increase women's participation in the labor market, resulting in several decisions, legislations, and regulations that enhanced women's status in the Saudi society and made them active partners in all fields. Women's Role in Sustainable Development On the occasion of the International Women's Day 2025, the Chairman of the National Society for Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, Khalid bin Abdulrahman Al-Fakhri, praised the Kingdom's efforts to empower women. Al-Fakhri highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts to ensure women's full rights through legislative and regulatory reforms, which have boosted their economic and social participation, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Moreover, he noted that women empowerment promotes social and economic stability and accelerates progress towards realizing the objectives of Vision 2030, which prioritizes raising women's participation in the labor market and increasing their leadership and developmental roles. Saudi Women in Labor Market Under the revolutionary Vision 2030, Saudi women participation in the labor market has seen a significant surge due to the leadership training and guidance initiative for women cadres. Moreover, 1,707 Saudi women have assumed key positions, surpassing Vision 2030 target of 1,000 women. From 2017 to 2023, the share of women in the labor market jumped from 21.2% to 34%. Furthermore, the rate of women economic participation more than doubled, climbing from 17% to 35.5%. During the same period, the percentage of women in middle and senior administrative positions increased from 28.6% to 43.8%. Sarah Al-Suhaimi The initial goal of Vision 2030 was to increase women's share in the workforce from 22% to 30%. However, after exceeding this target, the Kingdom has set an ambitious goal of raising female participation in the workforce to 40% by 2030. Saudi Business Leaders This progress has been evident in the Forbes Middle East 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025 list, where 8 Saudi women emerged among the region's top business leaders. They included the Chairperson of the Saudi Tadawul Group, Sarah Al-Suhaimi; the CEO of the Al-Inma Medical Services Company, Fouziyah Al-Jarallah; the CEO of Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), Jomana R. Alrashid; and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Riyad Bank, Enji Ahmed Al Ghazzawi. The list also included the COO of Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), Ghada Al Jarbou; the Founder of the regional headquarters of 500 Global MENA in Saudi Arabia, Amal Dokhan; the CEO of the Gulf International Bank (GIB) in Bahrain, Sara Abdulhadi; and the General Manager for Fitch Ratings in Saudi Arabia, Nejoud Al Mulaik. Women in Leadership Positions Additionally, Saudi women now assume key positions in the diplomatic service, such as ambassadors, leaders in international organizations, negotiators, and diplomats representing the country in foreign missions. Princess Rema Bandar Al Saud In the light of this, Forbes Middle East celebrated 4 Saudi women among the Top 20 Arab Women in Government 2025 list. These women have made the most profound impact in leading positions across government institutions, with the exclusion of ministerial and parliamentary posts. The Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Rema Bandar Al Saud, secured the 2nd spot on the list. Other Saudi women on the Forbes list included the Chairwoman of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), Shihana Alazzaz; the Ambassador and Head of Mission of Saudi Arabia to the European Union (EU), Haifa Al Jadea; and the Regional Director for the Middle East at the UN Tourism, Basmah Al-Mayman. Women's participation in Sports Saudi women have shown an unparalleled excellence in all genres of sports. Women's football in Saudi Arabia has undergone a 'remarkable transformation' since 2018. According to a report by NEOM and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), more than 70,000 girls now participate at the grassroots level, with over 1,500 registered players nationwide. Moreover, the number of professional female players surged by 195%. Donia Abu Taleb Furthermore, the Saudi Taekwondo athlete, Donia Abu Taleb, has achieved remarkable milestones in her sports career. In March 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded Abu Taleb the 2024 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award for Asia, for the first time in Saudi sports history, according to SPA. Donia Abu Taleb is currently ranked 1st globally in the World Taekwondo Federation's general ranking for the under-53 kg weight category. She gave a historic performance at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, securing her spot in the quarterfinals of the Women's taekwondo -49kg category after beating the Israeli Abishag Semberg 2-1 in the round of 16. Short link : Post Views: 93
