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Showing posts from August 2, 2023

malaria and dengue infections

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Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the presence of Plasmodium parasites in the bloodstream. There are several species of Plasmodium that can cause malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale being the most common. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Here's an overview of the malaria parasite and its life cycle: **1. Plasmodium Life Cycle:**    - **Transmission:** Malaria transmission occurs when an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a person, injecting sporozoites (infectious form of the parasite) into the bloodstream.    - **Liver Stage:** Sporozoites travel to the liver and infect liver cells. They multiply asexually to form merozoites.    - **Blood Stage:** Merozoites are released into the bloodstream, where they invade red blood cells (RBCs). Inside RBCs, they undergo further development, multiply, and eventua

interleukin and prostaglandin

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Interleukins (IL) are a group of signaling molecules that play a critical role in the immune system and inflammatory responses. They are a type of cytokine, which are small proteins that mediate communication between immune cells and regulate various immune functions. Interleukins are produced by various cells, including immune cells like T cells, B cells, and macrophages, as well as non-immune cells in the body. Interleukins have diverse functions and effects on immune cells, and they play a significant role in coordinating the immune response to infections, tissue damage, and other challenges. Here are a few examples of interleukins and their functions: 1. **Interleukin-1 (IL-1):** IL-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is released by immune cells in response to infection or injury. It promotes inflammation, fever, and the recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection. IL-1 also stimulates the production of other cytokines. 2. **Interleukin-2 (IL-2):** IL-2 is cr

multiple endocrine neoplasia ( MEN )syndrome

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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are a group of rare genetic disorders that involve the development of tumors in multiple endocrine glands. These tumors are typically benign (non-cancerous) but can cause excessive hormone production and disrupt normal bodily functions. There are several types of MEN syndromes, each characterized by specific combinations of endocrine tumors. The three main types are MEN1, MEN2A, and MEN2B. **1. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1):**    - Genetic Mutation: MEN1 syndrome is caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene.    - Tumor Types: Common tumors associated with MEN1 include tumors of the parathyroid glands, pancreas (gastrinomas, insulinomas), and anterior pituitary gland (prolactinomas).    - Clinical Features: Patients may experience hypercalcemia due to parathyroid tumors, pancreatic hormonal imbalances, and pituitary hormone excess. **2. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A (MEN2A):**    - Genetic Mutation: MEN2A syndro

Marasmus and kwashiorkar

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 Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency, protein depletion, and wasting of muscle and fat tissues. It most commonly affects infants and young children, often in resource-poor settings where there is a lack of adequate nutrition and access to essential nutrients. Key features of marasmus include: 1. **Severe Weight Loss:** Children with marasmus experience rapid weight loss and have a significantly low body weight for their age. The loss of muscle and fat tissues contributes to their overall emaciated appearance. 2. **Muscle Atrophy:** The lack of protein intake leads to muscle wasting, causing the child's limbs and other body parts to appear thin and weak. 3. **Growth Stunting:** Children with marasmus have stunted growth due to the lack of essential nutrients required for proper development. 4. **Irritability and Fatigue:** Malnutrition affects the child's energy levels and overall well-being, leading to irritability, lethargy, and f

Hemoglobin: adult & fetal in comparison

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 Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It consists of four subunits, each containing a heme group with an iron atom. The two main types are: 1. **Hemoglobin A (HbA)**: This is the most common type in adults, composed of two alpha and two beta subunits. It's responsible for oxygen transport and CO2 removal. 2. **Hemoglobin F (HbF)**: Found in fetuses and newborns, it has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin, aiding oxygen transfer across the placenta. There are other minor variants like Hemoglobin S (HbS) in sickle cell anemia and Hemoglobin C (HbC) in HbC disease, among others. These variants arise due to genetic mutations that affect the hemoglobin structure. Certainly, I'd be happy to provide a more detailed explanation of hemoglobin's structure and its types. **Hemoglobin Structure:** Hemoglobin is a globular protein made up of four subunits, also known as polypeptide chains. Each

anatomy podcast : salivary glands

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image source   Wikipedia  Podcast Title : "Giggles and Glands: Unraveling the Wonders of Human Anatomy and Salivary Shenanigans" Introduction : Welcome, future dental dynamos, to another episode of "Giggles and Glands!" I'm your host and today, we're diving deep into the captivating world of human anatomy, with a special focus on those quirky, saliva-producing marvels known as salivary glands. Segment 1: The Hilarious History of Anatomy Did you know that back in ancient times, people believed the heart was the seat of all knowledge and emotions? Imagine studying for your anatomy exams, trying to cram knowledge into your heart! And get this, they once thought the liver had as many as six lobes. That's like having a whole basketball team of liver lobes! 🏀 Segment 2: Salivary Gossip Galore Now, let's zoom in on the star of our show – the salivary glands! These little buddies might not se

parathyroid glands & hyperparathyroidism

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welcome listen audio Your browser does not support the audio element. More awesome content here... The parathyroid glands are small, pea-sized glands located in the neck, usually behind the thyroid gland. Despite their proximity to the thyroid, the parathyroid glands have a distinct function and are not directly related to thyroid function. Anatomy : - Most people have four parathyroid glands, two on each side of the thyroid gland. - These glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphorus regulation in the body. Image source: Wikipedia   Physiology : - Parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps control calcium levels in the blood. It does this by influencing the release of calcium from bones, the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract, and the excretion of calcium in the urine by