The symptoms and potential outcomes of otitis media vary in severity, according to the progression of the condition. There are several signs that usually present with the inflammation of the middle ear. If adequate treatment is not given, the infection can progress and lead to severe outcomes that may become permanent. Possible outcomes without timely and successful treatment include membrane […]
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Infections with Salmonella species represent a significant public health problem due to their large and varied animal reservoir, presence of human and animal carrier states, as well as the lack of coordinated programs for control. Although cases of human salmonellosis have been steadily declining since 1995, it still remains one of the most important human food-borne diseases. Salmonella has evolved […]
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Ehrlichiosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of round bacteria that have the propensity to invade and infect the white blood cells (leukocytes). There are two primary types of white blood cells: granulocytes and agranulocytes (differentiated by their cytoplasmic properties). Round bacteria that cause ehrlichiosis live and reproduce inside these cells, which are subsequently killed upon their exit […]
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An ingrown toenail is a common condition that involves the growth of a toenail into the surrounding the skin, making the area to become red, swollen and tender. The sharp edges on the sides of the big toenail are most commonly affected, as they can easily become lodged in the surrounding skin and grow into the area. Ingrown toenails are […]
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Oxygen is a vital element for human life, and lack of it leads to death in just a few minutes. A condition where the respiratory system fails in one or both of its gas exchange functions (oxygenation and elimination of carbon dioxide from mixed venous blood) is known as respiratory failure. One of the main indicators of such failure is […]
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Tokophobia is a serious psychological condition which is defined as a woman’s unreasonable and excessive fear of death or serious harm as a result of childbirth, to the extent of actively avoiding pregnancy despite her desire to have children. Consequences 1. Maternal guilt Women with primary or secondary tokophobia may often love children and long to have their own offspring, […]
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Jaundice is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease in itself. Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of a yellow–green substance called bilirubin in the tissues of the body, which causes a yellowing of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. The condition can also cause other symptoms such as abdominal pain, itchy skin, headache, swollen abdomen, dark […]
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Ghrelin and leptin are two hormones which are of great interest in appetite regulation. Leptin is commonly considered to be anorexigenic (i.e. appetite suppressant) while ghrelin is orexigenic (i.e. appetite stimulant). They are secreted in a reciprocal rhythm, influenced by the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system in the hypothalamus which is acted upon by these afferent hormones. This highly specific system […]
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A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, which is the upper portion of the small intestine that connects to the stomach. Epithelial cells lining the inner stomach wall secrete acids that are used for food digestion. The stomach and duodenum protect themselves from the strong acids using a thick layer of […]
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Proteinuria is an abnormal concentration of protein in the urine and it may result from various causes, depending on the specific circumstances. The kidneys continuously filter the blood to excrete waste products in the urine while retaining useful components such as proteins. However, some conditions can lead to a disruption in this process and cause more protein to be present […]
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