Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels. Angiogenesis may take place in two ways – endothelial sprouting or non-sprouting (intussusceptive). Endothelial sprouting or sprouting angiogenesis Sprouting angiogenesis is the basic mechanism seen in the growth of new blood vessels. It was the first identified form of angiogenesis. It occurs in several well-characterized stages. There are […]
Continue reading »
Sometimes people have atrial fibrillation (AF), but don't have symptoms. For these people, AF is often found during a physical exam or EKG (electrocardiogram) test done for another purpose. Other times, AF is diagnosed after a person goes to the doctor because of symptoms. To understand why a person has AF and the best way to treat it, the doctor […]
Continue reading »
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of function. With approximately 10 million people living with PD worldwide, it is one of the most commonly occurring neurodegenerative diseases. The majority of individuals with PD are older than 50 with only 4% being diagnosed at an earlier stage in life. A decrease in dopamine is commonly […]
Continue reading »
Skin biopsies are procedures done to investigate cutaneous growths or lesions. Many skin pathologies can be diagnosed by direct observation and palpation. However, there are others that require diagnostic procedures involving microscopic and histopathological examinations. The various techniques that may be used to obtain skin biopsies include shave biopsy, punch biopsy and excisional biopsy. Skin biopsies, compared to other biopsies […]
Continue reading »
Mesentery is a sheet-like structure that encloses the intestine and attaches it to the posterior part of the abdominal wall. First illustrations of the structure in situ indicated its contiguity, and in 1879 Toldt accurately depicted a mesentery that was associated with the ascending and descending colon. However, his findings were largely ignored in favor of Treves who, in 1885, […]
Continue reading »
Zoonoses are diseases transmitted to humans from animals. Animals infected with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungal infections can pass their infectious agent onto humans through bites or skin abrasions. Humans can also contract a zoonotic disease through accidental ingestion of meat, vegetables, or dairy products contaminated with the infectious agent or animal waste. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention […]
Continue reading »
The terminology used by oncologists and those working in the field of cancer research can be highly complex and confusing for many. This article provides definitions for some commonly used words and phrases. Mark Poprocki | Shutterstock Terms related to cancer types Tumor – any abnormal swelling, lump or mass. Neoplasm – this is the medical term for cancer and […]
Continue reading »
Malaria is a disease posing a great economic and social burden on developing countries of the world. It imposes substantial costs to both individuals and governments, impairs productivity, leads to days of work lost and kills thousands each year. Cost of malaria (Direct costs) There are direct as well as indirect costs of malaria. Direct costs to patients and their […]
Continue reading »
Aphasia is a condition caused by brain damage that affects a person’s ability to use language correctly. In aphasia, parts of the brain involved in speaking, reading, writing and comprehension are damaged. These brain regions are known collectively as the brain’s language center and loss of function occurs in the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia or the pathways that connect […]
Continue reading »
Measuring head circumference (also known as occipito-frontal circumference) is a significant part of the proper evaluation of a child’s growth and development, as it represents a direct indication of head growth. Therefore deviations from normal head growth may reveal certain congenital or acquired problem. In broad terms, microcephaly pertains to an abnormally small head, usually associated with mental deficiency. The […]
Continue reading »