Hyperparathyroidism is a hormonal disorder caused by the parathyroid glands in the neck producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). The condition can be diagnosed based on the results of blood tests, X-rays and computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound scans. The gold standard for diagnosis is the parathyroid immunoassay, which is used to determine the patient’s PTH level. Once an increased […]
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The telomeres at the end of human chromosomes are responsible for safeguarding DNA termini while chromosome replication is taking place. They represent unique structures characterized by a pattern of short tandem repeats rich in guanine that shorten with each cell division. Shortening of telomeres can also occur as a part of the general stress response that can take place in […]
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Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that is usually caused by bacteria. Some of the bacteria that lead to this condition are described below. In newly born babies aged less than four months, the condition is mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, group A and B Streptococcus species andEnterobacter species. In children aged between 4 months and 4 years, the most common […]
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UK seeing ‘decline in coronavirus infections’ says expert The UK has been ravaged by COVID-19 and the extent of the assault became woefully apparent last week, when it was confirmed that 100,000 people had lost their lives to the disease. Although the UK is currently delivering a world-beating vaccine campaign, daily deaths and cases remain high thanks in part to […]
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Night eating disorder, also known as night eating syndrome, is a condition where a person will tend to eat at least 25% of their daily calories after they have had their evening meal. The condition also results in disturbances in the person’s sleep pattern. A similar condition is sleep related eating disorder (SRED). The difference in the two is that […]
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DNA consists of two strands, that wind around each other. Each strand has repeating units of a nitrogenous base, deoxyribose sugar, and a phosphate group. There are several interactions present within a strand and between two strands that stabilize the DNA. Credit: spectral resolution/Shutterstock.com Covalent Bonds (intrastrand bonds) Each strand consists of the following: Base (Adenine, buy cheap pletal australia […]
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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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Anemia more often than not may be diagnosed by clinical features alone. A simple blood test is usually enough to confirm the diagnosis of the condition. Diagnostic workup however is needed to ascertain the underlying cause of the anemia. (1-5) History and physical examination Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical examination. The physician enquires about dietary habits to […]
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease of the immune system. It affects multiple joints in the upper and well as the lower limbs. Knees are one of the common joints affected by RA. RA can occur at any age and can affect both knees. Pathology When RA affects the knee joint the synovium that lines the ends of the […]
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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most controversial treatments used in medical practice. While some psychiatrists believe that ECT is an effective life-saving psychiatric treatment, others have grave concerns about its effectiveness and the associated side effects. The ECT that is practiced today is very different to the procedure that has been performed historically (often referred to as electroshock […]
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