Thursday, July 31, 2014

Pituitary

The pituitary is a small gland located below the brain in the skull base, in an area called the pituitary fossa or sella turcica. The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland regulated by a region of the brain called the hypothalamus, to which it is connected by a thin connection called the pituitary stalk or infundibulum. Weighing less than one gram and measuring one centimeter in width, the pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" since it controls the secretion of many of the body’s hormones. When released by the pituitary into the blood stream, these substances have a dramatic and broad range of effects:

●Growth Hormone (GH):  body and brain development, bone maturation, metabolism, healthy muscles.

●Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): production of sex hormones

 ●Prolactin (PRL): stimulates secretion of breast milk.

●Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): stimulates the thyroid gland.

●Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH):  triggers the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) to release cortisol which in turn, regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, and is essential in the stress response.

●Vasopressin – Also called anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): promotes water to be reabsorbed by the kidneys.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a disease caused by a pituitary tumor (adenoma) that secretes too much growth hormone (GH). This overproduction of GH results in overgrowth of various tissues and many other metabolic problems. The high GH levels in turn stimulate the liver to make excessive amounts of another protein called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). High levels of GH and IGF-1 can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and sleep apnea, heart failure, among other things. Because of the serious changes resulting from GH excess, treatment is essential. Untreated acromegaly is a serious condition that can cause dramatic bone and soft tissue changes and serious cardiovascular problems.  If the GH producing tumor develops before bone growth is completed in adolescence, gigantism is the result.

More about acromegaly

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a technique for surgically removing excess fat and skin from the abdominal wall, and in some cases repairing weak or separated muscles, to produce an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.  It is most effective in persons of normal weight who have loose, sagging skin.  The excess skin is removed, and a permanent improvement in contour is accomplished. This Knol explains what it takes to achieve good results, describes the techniques available, lists the possible complications, and suggests the steps someone considering this surgery should take. 
Complications are common, occurring in 12-32% of abdominoplasty cases. The more common complications of abdominoplasty are wound infection, blood collection in the treated area (hematoma), fluid collection in the treated area (seroma), skin loss along the edges of the incision, and minor wound separation. More major complications are reported in 1.4% of cases and these include major skin loss, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolus.

More about abdominoplasty

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Sources: National Heart Lung and Blood InstituteBMC surgery / BMC surgery
An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your body.
Arteries have thick walls to withstand normal blood pressure. However, certain medical problems, genetic conditions, and trauma can damage or injure artery walls. The force of blood pushing against the weakened or injured walls can cause an aneurysm.
An aneurysm that occurs in the abdominal portion of the aorta is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Aortic aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm, also called: AAA, TAA is a bulge or "ballooning" in the wall of the aorta, the main artery that runs from the heart through the chest and abdomen.. If an aneurysm grows large, it can burst and cause dangerous bleeding or even death.
There are two types of aortic aneurysm:
  • Thoracic aortic aneurysms - these occur in the part of the aorta running through the chest
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms - these occur in the part of the aorta running through the abdomen
Most aneurysms are found during tests done for other reasons. Some people are at high risk for aneurysms. It is important for them to get screening, because aneurysms can develop and become large before causing any symptoms Screening is recommended for people between the ages of 65 and 75 if they have a family history, or if they are men who have smoked. Doctors use imaging tests to find aneurysms. Medicines and surgery are the two main treatments.

More about Thoracic aortic aneurysms and Abdominal aortic aneurysms

Monday, July 28, 2014

Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia ( Also called: Hemoglobin SS disease or drepanocytosis ) is a disease in which your body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells. The cells are shaped like a crescent or sickle. They don't last as long as normal, round red blood cells. This leads to anemia. The sickle cells also get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow. This can cause pain and organ damage.

A genetic problem causes sickle cell anemia. People with the disease are born with two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. If you only have one sickle cell gene, it's called sickle cell trait. About 1 in 12 African Americans has sickle cell trait.

The most common symptoms are pain and problems from anemia. Anemia can make you feel tired or weak. In addition, you might have shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or coldness in the hands and feet.

A blood test can show if you have the trait or anemia. Most states test newborn babies as part of their newborn screening programs.

Sickle cell anemia has no widely available cure. Treatments can help relieve symptoms and lessen complications. Researchers are investigating new treatments such as blood and marrow stem cell transplants, gene therapy, and new medicines.

More about sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia

Sources: Pr Frédéric GALACTEROS MD. Orphanet  /  Genetics Home Reference

Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.

Autosomal recessive

Autosomal recessive is one of several ways that a trait, disorder, or disease can be passed down through families (genetics).

An autosomal recessive disorder means two copies of an abnormal gene must be present in order for the disease or trait to develop.

Obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep apnea (also called: Sleep-disordered breathing ) is a common disorder that causes your breathing to stop or get very shallow. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They may occur 30 times or more an hour.

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea. It causes your airway to collapse or become blocked during sleep. Normal breathing starts again with a snort or choking sound. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

You are more at risk for sleep apnea if you are overweight, male, or have a family history or small airways. Children with enlarged tonsils may also get it.

Doctors diagnose sleep apnea based on medical and family histories, a physical exam, and sleep study results.

When your sleep is interrupted throughout the night, you can be drowsy during the day. People with sleep apnea are at higher risk for car crashes, work-related accidents, and other medical problems. If you have it, it is important to get treatment. Lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and breathing devices can treat sleep apnea in many people.

Untreated OSA has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of each of the following:
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Damage to the arteries which carry blood and oxygen to the tissues of the body
  • Progressive heart enlargement and eventual heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Coronary artery disease and heart attack
  • Heart rhythm disturbances including atrial fibrillation
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Problems with blood sugar control (including diabetes mellitus)
  • Problems with appetite control
More about obstructive sleep apnea

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Scabies

Scabies is an intensely itchy infestation of the skin by the human mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. Scabies affects both sexes, all ages, all ethnic groups, and people of all socioeconomic status. Common routes of transmission are person-to-person skin-to-skincontact with infected family members or contacts at day care, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and long term care facilities. In adults, scabies is often transmitted from person to person by sexual contact. Infestation with the scabies mite causes a hypersensitivity reaction in the skin which manifests as an intensely itchy rash. The itch seems to affect the trunk and extremities, with characteristic spreading to the face and neck. The incubation period (time from infestation until itching begins) is about 1 month. The diagnosis of scabies is made by history (time of onset of symptoms, location of itch, affected close contacts), physical examination (typical skin lesions and areas of involvement), and confirmation by a skin scraping. The treatment of scabies requires both eliminating the mite from the skin and treating the symptom of itch. In addition, close contacts of a confirmed case (family members, roommates, sexual partners, etc.) require treatment at the same time, whether or not they have symptoms in order to prevent reinfestation or spread to others. Treatments commonly used in the United States to eliminate the scabies mite are Permethrin 5% cream, Lindane 1% cream, Precipitated sulfur, Ivermectin.
More about scabies

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is defined as narrowing of the spinal canal (the canal in the center of the spine), lateral recess (the narrowing of the tunnels where the nerve roots exit the central spinal canal), or intervertebral foramina (holes in the vertebrae which nerve roots exit). It can occur at any age and is typically due to the degeneration and enlargement of the facet joints (small joints between upper and lower vertebrae), the protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral discs and/or ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (a strong ligament that connects the vertebrae together). The narrowing of the canals puts pressure on the neural elements of the spine, including the spinal cord and nerve roots. Pressure on the upper part of the spine (neck area) usually produces pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the shoulders, or arms. Pressure on the lower part of the spine (low back area) usually causes similar symptoms in the legs.
More about spinal stenosis

Sciatica

Sciatica is a buttock pain radiating down the back of the thigh and leg and possibly into the calf or foot.  Other characteristics of sciatica include varying degrees of weakness in the leg muscles and numbness and/or tingling that radiates down the leg.  These symptoms occur because of compression and/or irritation of the sciatic nerve or nerve roots which are forming the sciatic nerve. The areas in the buttock and leg affected by this compression are the areas that the sciatic nerve supplies with messages for normal function.  There are many other names for sciatica including lumbosacral radicular syndrome, radiating low back pain, nerve root pain, and nerve root entrapment.
More about sciatica

Scoliosis

  • Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine in the frontal plane of the body, which means that the vertebral column bends from side-to-side. 
  • The most common form of scoliosis (over 85% of cases) is called "idiopathic scoliosis.” This simply means that the cause is not known. Scoliosis curves of greater than 10° affect 0.5-3% of the population of the United States. 
  • Symptoms:
    Pediatric scoliosis is usually painless. Often the curvature itself may be too subtle to even be noticed. Parents may notice abnormal posture in their growing child and the major complaint is usually a clinically apparent deformity.
    Most symptoms are associated with the spine being curved.
    Symptoms of scoliosis can include:
    · Leaning more to one side than the other
    · A rib "hump" and/or a protruding shoulder blade
    · The opposite sides of the body may not appear level
    · A tilted head that does not line up over the hips
    · One hip or shoulder that is higher than the other, causing an uneven waist
    · In developing girls, breasts appearing to be of unequal size
    · Unequal distance between arms and body
    · Clothes that do not "hang right," i.e., uneven hemlines
    · Walking with a rolling gait
  • Diagnosis can include: An inclinometer (Scoliometer) measures distortions of the torso. Physical examination Radiographic evaluation (standing full-length spine posterior-anterior and lateral x-ray film). 
  • The three basic treatment options for AIS include: Observation, non-operative treatment and surgery. -OBSERVATION si the treatment of choice when the curvature of the spine is minimal, somewhere between 20 and 30 degrees.
    -NON-OPERATIVE TREATMENT includes bracing to prevent curves from progressing, not to correct scoliosis itself, exercise that has many health benefits and is important for maintaining strength and muscle tone and stabilizing weight.
    -SURGERY : Spinal fusion, also known as spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis is the most widely performed surgery for correction of scoliosis. 
  • More about scoliosis

Shoulder osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis is present when the articular cartilage of the shoulder is worn out.  Shoulder osteoarthritis can be a debilitating condition.  The most definitive treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis is shoulder replacement.  Shoulder replacements are less common than hip and knee replacements, but the long-term success is comparable to those procedures.

Symptoms
  • Pain with any movement of the shoulder joint
  • Night pain
  • Clicking and locking sensation of the shoulder
  • Stiffness and lack of motion
Cause
  • Activity.  Laborers and active individuals can wear out the joint surfaces, which leads to osteoarthritis
  • Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout
  • Previous shoulder fractures or injuries 
  • Instability.  Multiple dislocations can lead to arthritis 
  • Rotator cuff tears can lead to rotator cuff tear arthropathy;
  • Avascular necrosis.  Blood supply to the shoulder can be compromised following trauma or steroid use.
Non-operative Treatment
  • Steroid injection can be used to decrease inflammation in the shoulder joint; however, this is a temporary measure as the joint will not be resurfaced on its own.  
  • Anti-inflammatory medication can decrease inflammation in the joint.
  • Physical Therapy.  The aim of the treatment is to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles so that there is less instability.  However, the effect is limited as the joint surface is already worn out.

Surgical Treatment
  • Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the shoulder's damaged bone and cartilage with a metal and plastic implant.

Shoulder joint

The shoulder joint is one of the most flexible joints in the human body. It gives us great range of motion; however, it is the most common joint to dislocate. Falls or repeated trauma can also lead to injuries to any parts of the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears and labral tears are common injuries following trauma. Other conditions, such as arthritis and fractures, can damage the shoulders' smooth surfaces. This can all lead to painful and limited range of motion of the shoulder.
More about shoulder joint surgery

Herpes zoster

  • Herpes Zoster (also known as shingles or zoster) is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.
  • After a person is infected with VZV and develops chickenpox, the virus usually remains dormant (or inactive) in nerve cells known as dorsal root and cranial ganglia without causing any symptoms.
  • Ninety-eight percent of the world’s adults have been exposed to the varicella virus and are therefore at risk of getting zoster. 
  • Reactivation (the return of the VZV to the skin leading to the rash) may occur spontaneously, but is usually thought to be induced by a temporary or permanent weakness in a patient’s immune system.
  • The rash of zoster cannot be passed from one person to another. 
  • Most cases of zoster begin with intense pain in the affected area of skin that usually lasts one to three days before any rash appears (though it can be more than a week). This pain, and the rash that follows, is usually limited to an area of skin (single side of the body) associated with a single sensory nerve (known as a dermatome) and the immediate surrounding area. 
  • In most patients, affected areas of skin heal well. 
  • In about one-third of cases, the pain of zoster can be prolonged for months or years after the rash subsides. 
  • Most cases of zoster are straightforwardly diagnosed by physicians without further testing. 
  • Acute attacks of zoster are usually treated with oral antiviral medications (acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir). 
  • The zoster vaccine, approved by the FDA in 2006, is indicated for the prevention of zoster in adults age 60 years and older. 
  • More about herpes zoster

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a systemic disease of connective tissue characterized by a variable combination of cardiovascular (dilation of the aorta , mitral insufficiency), musculo-skeletal (excessive length of extremities, scoliosis...), ophthalmic (myopia...) and pulmonary manifestations(pneumothorax...). With regular follow-up and adequate management, patients now have a life expectancy close to that of the general population.
More about Marfan syndrome

Thrush

Thrush or candidiasis of the mouth and throat is a fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of a yeast called Candidaif the environment inside the mouth or throat becomes imbalanced.
The most common symptom of oral thrush is white patches or plaques on the tongue and other oral mucous membranes. Other symptoms include: Redness or soreness in the affected area, difficulty swallowing, cracking at the corners of the mouth.
Oral thrush occurs most frequently among babies less than one month old, the elderly, and groups of people with weakened immune systems.
It is treated with prescription antifungal medication.

More about thrush

Oesophageal atresia

Oesophageal atresia is a group of congenital anomalies with an interruption of the continuity of the oesophagus with or without a persistent communication with the trachea.
Associated anomalies occur in 50% of cases: vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, tracheooesophageal, renal and limb defects.
The causes are largely unknown.
Infants with OA are unable to swallow saliva and are noted to have excessive salivation
The diagnosis may be suspected prenatally by a small or absent stomach bubble on antenatal ultrasound scan at around 18 weeks gestation.
Definitive management comprises surgery.
more about oesophageal atresia

Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a rare tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It can be benign, small, slow growing and with no symptoms or large, faster growing and aggressive and potentially fatal, presenting with symptoms of hearing and balance impairment, vertigo, ataxia, headache, numbness or paralysis of the face. Symptoms can include:
  • Loss of hearing on one side
  • Ringing in ears
  • Dizziness and balance problems
Ear exams, hearing tests, and scans can show if you have acoustic neuroma.
If the tumor stays small, you may only need to have it checked regularly. If you do need treatment, surgery and radiation are options.
If the tumors affect both hearing nerves, it is often because of a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis.
More about acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma

Source: National Institute on deafness

What is a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)?

A vestibular schwannoma (also known as acoustic neuroma, acoustic neurinoma, or acoustic neurilemoma) is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor that develops from the balance and hearing nerves supplying the inner ear.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Lupus

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects women. It can produces many different symptoms that may also occur in other conditions. No single test can prove that a person does or does not have lupus. The diagnosis must be made by an internist or a rheumatologist, who specializes in autoimmune diseases. Although lupus can cause severe, life threatening illness, many patients can be treated successfully with medications to minimize their symptoms. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain and swelling, muscle pain, unexplained fever, and skin rash.  Although several kinds of rash may develop on different parts of the body, a very characteristic facial rash called a “malar” or “butterfly” rash frequently occurs on the cheeks and across the nose.
More about Lupus

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive muscular paralysis reflecting degeneration of motor neurones. The mean age of onset is about 60. ALS usually present with dysarthria and dysphagia for solid or liquids (bulbar onset), and limb symptoms (muscle weakness and spasticity). Paralysis is progressive and leads to death due to respiratory failure within 2–3 years for bulbar onset cases and 3–5 years for limb onset ALS cases.
More about  amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Caffeine

  • Caffeine occurs naturally in more t han 60 plants including coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts used to flavor soft drink colas, and cacao pods used to make chocolate products. 
  • Man-made caffeine is sometimes added to foods, drinks, and medicines. 
  • 90% of people in the world use caffeine in one form or another.
  • The average american adult has an intake of 200 mg per day, the amount in two 5-ounce cups of coffee or four sodas. 
  • Whether caffeine is consumed in food or as a medicine, it changes the way your brain and body work and changes how you behave and feel. 
  • Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. Your central nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord, and the other nerves in your body. 
  • Caffeine’s main effect on your body is to make you feel more awake and alert for a while, but it can also cause problems. 
  • It can:
• Make you jittery and shaky
• Make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get a good night’s sleep
• Make your heart beat faster
• Cause an uneven heart rhythm
• Raise your blood pressure
• Cause headaches, nervousness, and/or dizziness 
• Make you dehydrated (dried out) especially after a workout
• Make you dependent on it so you need to take more of it

  • Did You Know? Caffeine doesn’t make a drunk person sober or fit to drive – it DOES NOT get rid of the effects of alcohol. 
  • Caffeine is both a drug and a food additive. 
  • Caffeine is used in both prescription and over-the- counter medicines to treat tiredness or drowsiness and to improve the effect of some pain relievers. 
  • HEART: People with heart problems shouldn’t use caffeine because it makes their hearts work too hard.
  • ANXIETY: People with anxiety problems or panic attacks may find that caffeine makes them feel worse. 
  • After drinking caffeine, it usually reaches its peak level in your blood within one hour and stays there for four to six hours. 
  • Caffeine increases the release of acid in your stomach, sometimes leading to an upset stomach or "heartburn." 
  • DEHYDRATION: Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it makes your body lose more water. So, drinks that contain caffeine aren’t good for quenching your thirst. Whether you drink sodas or coffee with caffeine or use medicines with caffeine, take care to drink extra water when you are working out or in the heat so your body doesn’t get dehydrated (dried out). 
  • PREGNANCY: Most experts feel that using small amounts of caffeine during pregnancy is safe, but larger amounts of caffeine can be harmful during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should speak with their doctor about using caffeine.  
  • TOLERANCE: When people use caffeine every day, their bodies get used to it, and they don’t get the “good effects” of feeling more awake and able to concentrate unless they use more of it. This is called “tolerance.” 
  • ADDICTION: Some studies show that caffeine causes a physical dependence or addiction. If a person gets withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop using caffeine, then the person has a physical dependence on caffeine. Withdrawal symptoms don’t feel good and can include: severe headaches, muscle aches, temporary feelings of depression, and irritability. When people experience these symptoms, they often just take in more caffeine to make them go away. This cycle is hard to break.
  • OVERDOSE: Symptoms of caffeine overdose (for example with pure caffeine products) can include rapid or dangerously erratic heartbeat, seizures and death. Vomiting, diarrhea, stupor and disorientation are also symptoms of caffeine toxicity. These symptoms are likely to be much more severe than those resulting from drinking too much coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages.
  • DEATH? Caffeine overdose is dangerous and can kill you.
    FDA knows of a 19 year old college student who died after taking an overdose of caffeine tablets to stay awake. A caffeine tablet contains as much caffeine as one to three 5-ounce cups of coffee.
    The FDA is also aware of at least one death of a teenager who used powdered pure caffeine.
  • WARNING. PURE CAFFEINE: Pure powdered caffeine is a powerful stimulant and very small amounts may cause accidental overdose. Parents should be aware that these products may be attractive to young people. These products are essentially 100 percent caffeine. A single teaspoon of pure caffeine is roughly equivalent to the amount in 25 cups of coffee.
  • HOW MUCH? Experts agree that 4 to 7 cups of coffee or more each day is too much. Studies suggest that moderate amounts of caffeine are not harmful. How much is moderate? One hundred to 200 mg (one to two 5-ounce cups of coffee) each day is the limit that some doctors suggest, but each person is a little different. How caffeine affects people varies with their size, their sex, and how sensitive they are to caffeine’s effects. Experts agree that 600 mg (four to seven cups of coffee) of caffeine or more each day is too much. 
  • BE INFORMED. Learn how much caffeine is in your foods and drinks. Check the Caffeine Content Table to see how much caffeine you take in each day. If you’re taking in too much caffeine, you may want to cut back. This isn’t easy – reduce your caffeine slowly to make withdr awal symptoms (like bad headaches, and feeling tired, and depressed) as mild as possible. 
Caffeine Content in Common Drinks and Foods 

Product: Size (ml) / Caffeine (mg)
  • Coffee 150 ml (5 oz) / 60-150 mg 
  • Coffee, decaf 150 ml (5 oz) / 2-5mg
  • Tea 150 ml (5 oz) / 40-80 mg
  • Hot Cocoa 150 ml (5 oz) / 1-8mg
  • Chocolate Milk 225 ml / 2-7mg
  • Red Bull 8,3 oz / 77 mg
  • Jolt Cola 12 oz / 100mg
  • Josta 12 oz / 58 mg
  • Mountain Dew 12 oz / 55mg
  • Surge 12 oz/ 51ml
  • Diet Coca Cola 12 oz / 45 mg
  • Coca Cola 12 oz / 64 mg
  • Coca Cola Classic 12 oz / 23 mg
  • Dr. Pepper 12 oz / 61 mg
  • Mello Yellow 12 oz / 35 mg
  • Mr. Pibb 12 oz / 27 mg
  • Pepsi Cola 12 oz / 43 mg
  • 7-Up 12 oz / 0 mg
  • Mug Root Beer 12 oz / 0mg
  • Sprite 12 oz /  0 mg
  • Ben & Jerry’s No Fat Coffee Fudge Frozen Yogur 1 cup / 85 mg
  • Starbucks Coffee Ice Cream 1 cup / 40-60 mg
  • Dannon Coffee Yogurt 8 oz. / 45 mg
  • 100 Grand Bar 1 bar (43 g) / 11.2 mg
  • Krackel Bar 1 bar (47 g) / 8.5 mg  
  • Peanut Butter Cup1 pk (51 g) / 5.6 mg
  • Kit Kat Bar 1 bar (46 g) / 5 mg
  • Raisinets 10 pieces (10 g) / 2.5 mg
  • Butterfinger Bar 1 bar (61 g) / 2.4 mg
  • Baby Ruth Bar 1 bar (60 g) / 2.4 mg 
  •  Special Dark Chocolate Bar 1 bar (41 g) / 31 mg
  • Chocolate Brownie 1.25 oz / 8 mg
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie 30 g / 3-5 mg
  • Chocolate Ice Cream 50 g / 2-5 mg
  • Milk Chocolate 1 oz / 1-15 mg
  • Bittersweet Chocolate 1 oz / 5-35 mg 
Source: Food and Drug Administration  / FDA Consumer Advice on Powdered Pure Caffeine

Monday, July 21, 2014

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol of the stilbene family produced by plants in response to environmental stress, which is found in different fruits (red grape, berries, peanuts…) and in plant-based foods, in particular in red wine. It was initially shown to exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects in various cell systems, with potential applications in cancer and cardiovascular diseases and could provide resistance to obesity, and improve muscular performance.
More about resveratrol

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin content of the blood is lower than normal as a result of deficiency of nutrients (iron, vitamin...), acute or chronic blood loss (bleeding, cancer, ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis,  nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, excessive menstruation, multiple pregnancies, parasitic infections, acute and chronic infections, chronic renal failure, congenital hemolytic diseases (sickle cell anemia...),leukemia...
More about anemia

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is  characterized by intense fatigue of unknown cause, which is permanent and limits the patient's functional capacity, producing various degrees of disability.
It combines, since at least six months :
  • a sensation of intense tiredness, of infectious kind, with at least 50 % reduction of daily activity;
  • memory, concentration, and mood disorders, which can remind of a depressive or generalized anxiety chart
  • functional disorders  (locomotor, digestive, cardio-respiratory...) like "somatization" symptoms (hypocondria, hysteria...).
  • Sleep disorders: insomnia, hypersleepiness 
More about chronic fatigue syndrome

    Anemia

    • Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin content of the blood is lower than normal as a result of
    • deficiency of one or more essential nutrients (iron, vitamin...), 
    • heavy blood loss (bleeding, hemorrhage), 
    • chronic blood loss : ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, cancer,  nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can cause ulcers and gastritis,  excessive menstruation, childbirth especially if there are multiple pregnancies
    • parasitic infections such as hookworm infestations,
    • acute and chronic infections
    • chronic renal failure
    • congenital hemolytic diseases (eg sickle cell anemia). 
    • Bone marrow and stem cell problems such as leukemia 
    • Globally, anemia is a public health problem affecting people in both developed and developing countries with bad consequences of human health as well as social and economic development.
    • Anemia is a critical health concern because it affects growth and energy levels adversely . 
    • At least half of anemia worldwide is due to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is due primarily to a lack of bio-available dietary iron or increased requirements such as during childhood and pregnancy .
    • Anemia increases risk for maternal and child mortality and has negative consequences on the cognitive and physical development of children, and on work productivity in adults . 
    • Clinical signs of anemia include breathlessness, dizziness, and perceived paleness or change of skin color 
    • It damages immune mechanisms and is also associated with increased morbidity. 
    • It occurs at all age groups, but is more prevalent in pregnant women and children. 
    • Especially, young children from low income families have a higher risk for developing anemia due to iron deficiency that occurs as a result of high demand for iron during the period of rapid growth.
    • Anemia is known to be a significant global problem affecting 305 million (25.4%) school age children. Globally, anemia affects 1.62 billion (24.8%) of the population , and an estimated 36% of developing world’s population suffers from this disease.
    • Sources: Jemal A Haidar and Rebecca S Pobocik. BMC Hematology  / Selomon Assefa, Andualem Mossie. BMC Hematology

    Wednesday, July 16, 2014

    Chronic fatigue syndrome

    Source: Alfredo Avellaneda Fernández, Álvaro Pérez Martín and coll. BMC Psychiatry.

    What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

    The chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is fundamentally characterized by intense fatigue of unknown cause, which is permanent and limits the patient's functional capacity, producing various degrees of disability.

    Nuts

    • Nuts ( nuts, almonds, cashew, peanut, pecan, pine nut, pistachio nut, macadamia nut, hazelnut, walnut) are a good source of macronutrients and micronutrients. 
    • Nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, high-quality vegetable protein, and minerals (eg, magnesium and potassium). 
    • Nuts also have high contents of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolics. 
    • Walnuts are especially rich in polyunsaturated acids, including α-linolenic acid (omega 3). 
    • Previous clinical trials and epidemiologic studies have shown that nuts have beneficial effects on various mediators of chronic diseases, including lipid concentrations (eg cholesterol), inflammation, insulin resistance (diabetes), and blood pressure (BP). 
    • A review concluded that the consumption of nuts more than 5 times per week was associated with a reduced incidence of coronary heart disease (IHD). 
    • In the past several years, additional studies have been published on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and all-cause mortality.
    • A recent  meta-analysis indicates that nut intake is inversely associated with IHD, overall cardiovascular diseases, and all-cause mortality but not significantly associated with diabetes and stroke.
    • Source: Cheng Luo,Yan Zhang and coll. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

    Resveratrol

    Resveratrol (RSV) or trans-3, 4′, 5-trihydroxystilbene is a natural polyphenol of the stilbene family produced by plants in response to environmental stress, which is found in different fruits (red grape, berries, peanuts, etc.…) and in plant-based foods, in particular in red wine. RSV was initially shown to exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects in various cell systems, with potential applications in cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
    More recent studies established that dietary supplementation with relatively high doses of RSV could provide resistance to obesity, and improve muscular performance, in mice fed a high-fat diet.
    Resveratrol  is produced in hudge amount in grapevine skin in response to infection by Bothrytis cinerea. This production of resveratrol blocks the proliferation of the pathogen, thereby acting as a natural antibiotic. Numerous studies have reported interesting properties of trans-resveratrol as a preventive agent against important pathologies i.e. vascular diseases, cancers, viral infection or neurodegenerative processes. Moreover, several epidemiological studies have revealed that resveratrol is probably one of the main microcomponents of wine responsible for its health benefits such as prevention of vaso-coronary diseases and cancer. Resveratrol acts on the process of carcinogenesis by affecting the three phases: tumor initiation, promotion and progression phases and suppresses the final steps of carcinogenesis, i.e. angiogenesis and metastasis. It is also able to activate apoptosis, to arrest the cell cycle or to inhibit kinase pathways. Interestingly, resveratrol does not present any cytotoxicity in animal models. Moreover, concentrations of resveratrol in blood seem to be sufficient for anti-invasive activity.

    1. Delmas D, Lancon A, Colin D, Jannin B, Latruffe N: Resveratrol as a chemopreventive agent: a promising molecule for fighting cancer.
      Curr Drug Targets 2006, 7:423-442. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text OpenURL
    2. Tome-Carneiro J, Gonzalvez M, Larrosa M, Yanez-Gascon MJ, Garcia-Almagro FJ, Ruiz-Ros JA, Tomas-Barberan FA, Garcia-Conesa MT, Espin JC: Resveratrol in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a dietary and clinical perspective.
      Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013, 1290:37-51. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
    3. Virginie Aires, Dominique Delmas and al. Orphanet journal of rare diseases

    Saturday, July 12, 2014

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (in short)

    • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive muscular paralysis reflecting degeneration of motor neurones in the primary motor cortex, corticospinal tracts, brainstem and spinal cord. 
    • Incidence (average 1.89 per 100,000/year) and prevalence (average 5.2 per100,000) are relatively uniform in Western countries, although foci of higher frequency occur in the Western Pacific. 
    • The mean age of onset for sporadic ALS is about 60 years. 
    • Overall, there is a slight male prevalence (M:F ratio~1.5:1). 
    • Approximately two thirds of patients with typical ALS have a spinal form of the disease (limb onset) and present with symptoms related to focal muscle weakness and wasting, where the symptoms may start either distally or proximally in the upper and lower limbs. 
    • Gradually, spasticity may develop in the weakened atrophic limbs, affecting manual dexterity and gait.
    • Patients with bulbar onset ALS usually present with dysarthria and dysphagia for solid or liquids, and limbs symptoms can develop almost simultaneously with bulbar symptoms, and in the vast majority of cases will occur within 1–2 years. 
    • Paralysis is progressive and leads to death due to respiratory failure within 2–3 years for bulbar onset cases and 3–5 years for limb onset ALS cases. 
    • Most ALS cases are sporadic but 5–10% of cases are familial, and of these 20% have a mutation of the SOD1 gene and about 2–5% have mutations of the TARDBP (TDP-43) gene. Two percent of apparently sporadic patients have SOD1 mutations, and TARDBP mutations also occur in sporadic cases. 
    • The diagnosis is based on clinical history, examination, electromyography, and exclusion of 'ALS-mimics' (e.g. cervical spondylotic myelopathies, multifocal motor neuropathy, Kennedy's disease) by appropriate investigations. 
    • The pathological hallmarks comprise loss of motor neurones with intraneuronal ubiquitin-immunoreactive inclusions in upper motor neurones and TDP-43 immunoreactive inclusions in degenerating lower motor neurones. 
    • Signs of upper motor neurone and lower motor neurone damage not explained by any other disease process are suggestive of ALS. 
    • The management of ALS is supportive, palliative, and multidisciplinary. Non-invasive ventilation prolongs survival and improves quality of life. 
    • Riluzole (Rilutek, Riluzole Zentiva) is the only drug that has been shown to extend survival. 

    Source: Lokesh C Wijesekera and P Nigel Leigh. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

    Source: Lokesh C Wijesekera and P Nigel Leigh. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases

     

    Disease names

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Motor neurone disease (MND), Charcot's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease




    Included diseases

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a term used to cover the spectrum of neurodegenerative syndromes characterised by progressive degeneration of motor neurones. However, it is also the term used in modern clinical practice to indicate the commonest form of the disease, Classical (Charcot's) ALS.