Hypertriglyceridemia refers to an abnormally high level of triglycerides in the blood. Found in both animal and vegetable fats, triglycerides make up about 95% of all dietary fats. Once digested, triglycerides circulate in the bloodstream and are used as a source of energy by cells. Any triglycerides that are not taken up as an energy source are stored as fat, […]
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Pneumocystis pneumonia is a potentially life-endangering disease caused by the fungal pathogen Pneumocystis jiroveci. It is predominantly observed in immunocompromised individuals. This microorganism is the most common causative agent of opportunistic infections in patients who present with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developed countries. The exact name of the species that infects humans has been amended from Pneumocystis carinii to […]
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Handling breast milk is important for mothers who use the breast pump to feed their babies. It is vital that complete hygiene is maintained. Simple measures like washing hands before expressing and keeping the instruments and bottles and nipples clean goes a long way in making the practice a success. Collection of breast milk Breast milk is collected by pumping […]
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Paclitaxel is a prominent natural compound used for the treatment of refractory cancers. It was discovered as part of a National Cancer Institute program where extracts of thousands of plants were screened for anticancer activity more than half a century ago. Paclitaxel is derived from Taxus brevifolia – slow-growing and rare evergreen found in the old-growth forests of the Pacific […]
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Crohn’s disease is essentially a disease that leads to severe inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. Which part of the digestive system does Crohn’s affect? The inflammation may affect any part of the digestive system, beginning from the mouth to the anus. However, the most affected area is the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the […]
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Parkinson’s disease is not a fatal illness. However, it’s a degenerative disorder that usually progresses until it leaves its patients completely debilitated. The condition usually worsens over an average of 15 years. The rate of progression and its course varies among patients. The course is relatively benign in some patients with little disability after twenty years and may be more […]
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There are many complications that may affect patients that suffer from bulimia nervosa. The majority of the complications result from the methods used to purge food after a binge eating session, as frequent vomiting or use of laxatives can have significant adverse effects in several areas of the body. The complications have been classified into several main types: electrolyte imbalance, […]
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After the liver transplantation the patient is usually allowed to recover in the intensive care unit as it is a major operation. Some patients may need a ventilator for assisted breathing. Intravenous fluids, antibiotics and nutritional support is needed for most patients. Patients may leave the ICU in a few days and remain in the hospital ward for another two […]
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Somitogenesis is the process by which somites are formed during embryogenesis. Somitomeres are formed first, which are essentially segmented blocks of tissue that differentiate to form the skeletal muscle, vertebral column and skin of vertebrate animals. The somitomeres are actually spirals of concentric mesoderm that go on to become somites in the unsegmented paraxial or the presomitic mesoderm. The presomitic […]
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Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is an inherited neurological condition that involves muscle weakness and numbness. Symptoms usually present between the ages of five and fifteen, which is when the diagnosis of the condition. Medical History and Physical Examination Initial symptoms that may be indicative of CMT disease include abnormal clumsiness and difficulty walking due to “foot drop” and difficulty lifting the […]
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