Edward Villablanca
A professional biotechnologist, part-time writer, and a sports buff.
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Understanding the Phenomenon of Blood ClottingBlood clotting is a complex process involving the blood vessels, thrombocytes, and several of the plasma proteins. But what exactly causes blood to clot, or how does blood clotting occur?
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Common Urine Tests: What Their Results May IndicateUrine tests are procedures done to test for the presence of certain substances, which may indicate the presence of diseases, such as those affecting the kidneys, urinary tract, or the blood.
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Overview of Familial Periodic ParalysisA rare hereditary disorder, characterized by recurring bouts of profound weakness of the muscles, tends to occur in several members of a family. The causes and treatments of this disease are discussed here.
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Occupational Asthma: Possible Causes and PreventionOccupational asthma is basically asthma that occurs after long-term exposure to irritants in the workplace. The kinds of irritant depend on the kind of work one has.
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Gingivitis and Periodontitis DifferentiatedDiseases affecting the gums have several types, two of which are gingivitis and periodontitis. These two gum diseases are actually related to each other, with their difference being very basic.
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Light Treatments: Effects of Infrared and Ultraviolet Rays on the Human BodyThe different forms of light treatments are similar in many respects. But in their effects on the human body, they may differ a great deal.
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Thrombophlebitis: A Common Form of Peripheral Vascular DiseasePeripheral vascular disease is a condition characterized by poor circulation in the arms and legs. One of the most common forms of this condition is thrombophlebitis.
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Heart Sounds and Their Relation to Heart Valve ConditionIn each cardiac cycle, two distinct heart sounds are heard. These heart sounds are significant where heart valve condition is concerned.
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Tonsillitis and Quinsy: Symptoms, Complications and TreatmentsAcute tonsillitis is a disease of the throat that is common among young people. It has several recognized complications, one of which is known as quinsy.
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Amblyopia: Types and TreatmentsAmblyopia refers to a condition that is characterized by a dimness of vision, and is directly related to eye development. Its types and treatments are discussed in this article.
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Bronchiectasis: Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentThis article discusses the respiratory disease bronchiectasis, including its possible causes, some of its symptoms, and treatment options.
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Thyrotoxicosis: Most Common Manifestation of HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is overproduction of thyroid hormones. It has several manifestations, the most common of which is discussed in this article.
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Erysipelas: Cause and Symptoms of This Skin DiseaseErysipelas is a serious and contagious skin disease. Its cause and symptoms are discussed in this article.
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Doxycycline: Antibacterial Drug for Treatment of Undulant Fever or BrucellosisThe gram-negative bacterium called brucella is the known cause of brucellosis or undulant fever. The antibacterial drug doxycycline is effective against this zoonotic disease.
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Herniated Intervertebral Disk: the Most Common Type of Spinal InjuryA spinal injury usually refers to an accident that damages the vertebral column. There are four main types of spinal injury, with herniated intervertebral disk being the most common.
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Function of Cones in Color PerceptionCones are specialized light-sensitive receptors in the retina. Their role in color perception is crucial.
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Three Factors Controlling Volume of UrineThe volume of urine secreted is influenced by various factors, three of which are discussed in this article.
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Relationship Between Blood Volume and Arterial PressureDoes the volume of blood in our body have anything to do with our body's arterial pressure? This article provides some important details in answer to this question.
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Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride: Medication for Hay Fever or Allergic RhinitisOne of the conditions affecting the respiratory system is hay fever, which is actually an allergic reaction. An antihistamine drug is prescribed by doctors for the treatment of this ailment.
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Anemia of Production: ThalassemiaAnemia of production is the term used for the blood disorder which results from the improper formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow. An example of this is thalassemia.
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Cerebral Palsy Main Types and SymptomsThe neuromuscular disorder called cerebral palsy is a disability resulting from damage to the brain occurring prior to or during birth. Each of its three main types has its own set of symptoms.
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Synovitis: a Type of Joint Disease Accompanying AnotherSynovitis does not often occur alone. It usually accompanies some form of another type of joint disease.
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Viral Hepatitis Types A and B - Their Three PhasesBoth type A hepatitis and type B hepatitis are caused by viruses, which are transmitted by different means. These two types of viral hepatitis proceed in three phases during their course.
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How is Cirrhosis of the Liver Different from Hepatitis?Cirrhosis and hepatitis, both of which affect the liver, are two different conditions, with the former being always serious.
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Why Polycythemia is Referred to as the Opposite of AnemiaIn one kind of blood disease, there exist an abnormally large number of red blood cells in the circulating blood, making it the exact opposite of anemia.
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How to Remove Plaque from TeethDental floss, to most dentists, is better than any of the other dental care products in removing plaque from teeth. The procedure for a good flossing technique is presented here. -
Understanding Emphysema and Conditions it Can CauseEmphysema is a serious, albeit treatable, lung disease that can cause other conditions in the body.
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Why Some People Develop Pneumonia After SurgeryThis article explains why pneumonia can develop in some people who undergo an operation.
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Three Circumstances that Lead to JaundiceRather than a disease, jaundice is actually a symptom which may occur under any of three conditions discussed in this article.
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What to Do when You Have Athlete's FootThis article enumerates some of the things a person can do if infected with the most common fungal disease.
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Emergency Handling of a Head Injury CaseDealing with a head injury case requires the performance of certain steps until a doctor takes charge of the victim.
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Blackwater Fever: a Serious Complication of the Most Serious Type of MalariaThe disease malaria has four types, with falciparum malaria being the most serious. It is in this type of malaria that a fatal complication can occur.
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Aphasia: A Speech HandicapIn a condition when the normal functioning of the speech area of the brain is handicapped, a person's ability to speak is consequently curtailed. This condition is referred to as aphasia.
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The Itch or Scabies: Overview and TreatmentThis article presents a compendium of the skin disease called scabies, or the itch, and the treatment method used for it.
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Tube Dilution and Paper Disk Plate Microbial Susceptibility TestsThere are several methods by which the susceptibility of microorganisms to antibiotics can be determined. Two of these are discussed here.
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Five Singles of the Beatles Which Occupied the Top 5 Spots on Billboard Hot 100 in 1964On April 4, 1964, the top five singles on the U.S. music charts were all Beatles singles. Let's have a look at these here.
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Five Singles of the Beatles Which Stayed at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the LongestThe Beatles had thirty-three singles released in the United States, and twenty of these landed at the top of the U.S. singles chart. Find out here which singles remained Number 1 the longest time.
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Are Some Viruses the Causes of Some of the Lymphomas?For over half a century, the idea that viruses could cause cancer in humans has been in the minds of microbiologists. Along this line, some people ask if it is true that certain viruses cause some of the lymphomas.
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My Five Favorite Songs of the BeatlesHaving already written fifteen different articles concerning the songs of The Beatles, it is only fitting that I write here about the five ones I enjoy listening to the most.
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The Two Basic Classes of Lymphomas, Cancers of the Lymphatic SystemOne of the major kinds of cancers includes those that develop in the lymphatic system which, in turn, are divided into two basic classes.
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Broad Categorization of CancersThere are so many kinds of cancers, for there are so many kinds of normal tissue in which a malignant tumor may develop. It was necessary for medical science to categorize cancers into four major kinds.
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Seborrheic Keratosis and Actinic Keratosis: How These Two Skin Diseases DifferThe term "keratosis" refers to a small growth that involves the outer layer of the skin. It is a skin disease, and its two most common kinds are discussed here.
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Ruy Lopez Chess Opening: the Morphy Defense and Seven Other Defense VariationsThe Ruy Lopez is one of the most popular or most commonly used chess openings. Eight defense variations a player can use against this chess opening are discussed here. -
The Four Best Double A-side Singles of the BeatlesThe term "double A-side" refers to a music recording, or a single, whose two songs are both advertised or presented as the recording's special attractions. Listed here are four such singles of The Beatles.
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Five Songs of the Beatles Which Topped the U.S. Music Charts but Didn't Go Number 1 in the UKThis article lists five of the songs of The Beatles which went Number 1 on the U.S. music charts but, surprisingly, did not do as well in the UK.
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Mouth Cancer: Symptoms and Types of TreatmentThis article discusses briefly some of the symptoms of mouth cancer, as well as some of the types of treatment used for it.
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Five Songs of the Beatles Recorded First by Other ArtistsThere are some Lennon/McCartney compositions which The Beatles released, but only after these were recorded first and released by other artists.
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How to Execute the Five Basic Types of Basketball Passing TechniquesThis article provides tips on how to effectively execute five of the basic basketball passing techniques.
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Five Songs of the Beatles with the Most Cover VersionsThis article lists the top 5 songs of The Beatles with the most cover versions.
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Colostomy: Surgical Procedure Performed After Certain Colon SurgeriesA colostomy is a surgical procedure performed for a number of reasons or conditions, all of which have something to do with the colon.
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Colon Cancer Typical FeaturesEvery case of cancer is different and requires individual diagnosis and treatment. In addition to this, cancer occurring in any part of the body has unique characteristics. Those of colon cancer are briefly discussed here.
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The Three Hazards of Taking Sleeping PillsA person taking sleeping pills to solve his problem of sleeplessness risks three dangers, each one discussed here briefly.
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Four Cover Versions by the Beatles with Ringo Starr as Lead VocalThe acknowledged fourth member and drummer of The Beatles performed lead vocals on the group's cover versions of four songs written by musicians other than John Lennon or Paul McCartney.
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Did Ringo Starr Write a Song for the Beatles?Are there songs of The Beatles which the band's acknowledged fourth member solely composed?
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Caring for Fractures: Simple Fracture and Compound FractureThe rule is that fractures should always be set by a physician, preferably in a hospital. But while waiting for the ambulance or doctor, it is the duty of the first-aider to care for the victim.
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Dehydration: When to Drink Water and How Much?The amount of water in the body tissues is precisely regulated; serious symptoms may result if it varies more than ten percent either way.
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The First Five Songs Written Solely by George Harrison for the BeatlesAbout a tenth of the more than 200 recorded songs of The Beatles were written by George Harrison alone. The first five are listed here.
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Latent Threats Inside Your Medicine ChestA medicine chest that is cluttered with bottles and cartons with a few capsules or pills is a virtual danger zone at home.
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How Drug Use Turns into HabitThe factors that contribute to the growing problem of drug abuse are difficult to sort out. This article tries to explain how drug use can become a habit, especially in a teenager.
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The Five Longest Songs of the BeatlesAfter writing about the shortest songs of The Beatles, we now come to take a look at their longest songs. Considered here are those that go for no less than six minutes.
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Cocaine and Crack: What's the Difference Between These Commonly Abused Drugs?The commonly abused drugs fall under several types. Two of these are classified as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, with some variations in form, composition and effects.
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Drug Addiction: What Causes This Pathological Condition?Used improperly, drugs can cause havoc to the drug user, to those who care about him, and to society in general. Why would someone use drugs compulsively and risk the good things in life?
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Narcotic Drugs as Painkillers: Know the Six Principal Characteristics of Morphine and the LikeThere are two sides to the narcotic drugs. One side shows they are good painkillers. The other side reveals they have very undesirable side effects.
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The Five Shortest Songs of the BeatlesThe list of the shortest songs of The Beatles includes four that are under a minute each, and one that goes for just a little over a minute.
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Five Songs of the Beatles Credited to All Its Four MembersMost of the songs of The Beatles were written either by John Lennon or Paul McCartney alone. There were very few songs that were jointly worked on by all four members of the group, and here are five of them.
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Tourniquet: When All Other Emergency Bleeding Control Methods FailSome first-aiders refer to a tourniquet as a "life or limb" expedient, and the term is literal.
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Nuclear Warfare Medical Concerns: The Three Phases of Injury from Nuclear ExplosionIn the grimmest of scenarios, we shudder at the thought of what nuclear warfare can cause to humanity. The injuries people can sustain from a nuclear explosion can be unimaginable.
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Sick at the Stomach: Eight Usual Causes of Nausea and VomitingThe feeling of being sick at the stomach carries two conditions which often occur together. Some of the causes for one's experiencing these conditions are briefly discussed here.
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Five Instrumental Music Composed and Recorded by the BeatlesThe Beatles recorded at least five instrumental pieces which they themselves, or at least one of them, composed.
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Five Songs of the Beatles with Supposed Drug ReferencesThe Beatles are often accused of putting drug references in their songs. Let's have a look at five of these.
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Kidney Failure: Probably the Most Severe Complication of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)In some people, systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, can produce potentially life-threatening complications. Of these secondary conditions, kidney failure is considered perhaps the most severe.
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Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: a Milder, Nonsystemic Form of LupusCutaneous lupus erythematosus is a serious skin disease, but it is comparatively less severe than the systemic form of lupus which affects not only the skin but also one or more of the body's internal organs.
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): an Unpredictable DiseaseThe autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or simply lupus, is notorious for being unpredictable. Besides having divergent effects, its symptoms come and go without apparent reason.
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Dengue Fever: Epidemic Viral Disease Lurking Constantly in Tropical CountriesCertain illnesses seem to be ever present in warm-climate places, as in the case of dengue fever which appears to recur persistently in some tropical countries.
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Masses in the Scrotum: THOSE Causative ConditionsAny changes which may occur in the structures within the scrotum merit immediate examination by a physician. Five of the usual causes of masses in the scrotum are briefly discussed here.
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Pound-for-Pound Strongest Animals Per Specific CategoryWhen gauging the strength of animals within a class, in relation to their respective body weights, the use of the term may also be helpful.
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Coronary Heart Disease and the Risk Factors that Lead to Heart AttackCoronary heart disease is responsible for practically all the cases of heart attack that strike suddenly and end, too often, in sudden death. Briefly discussed here are some of the risk factors for heart attack.
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Five Songs of the Beatles Which Refer to Real Places in the United KingdomSome of the songs of The Beatles were inspired by actual places which are right inside the band's "home place." Here are five of them.
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Five Songs of the Beatles with Allusions to Real Male PersonsSome of the songs of The Beatles were inspired by real female persons. Some others, on the other hand, are an allusion to real male personalities, five of which are listed here.
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Five Songs of the Beatles Inspired by Real Female PersonsThere are songs recorded by The Beatles which were written with real female persons for inspiration. Here are five of them.
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First Aid for a Heat Exhaustion Victim: Replacing Lost Fluids and Salt is VitalFirst aid treatment for heat exhaustion calls for the immediate placing of the victim in a cool place and giving him abundant fluids with a moderate amount of salt to replace losses.
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First Aid for a Heatstroke Victim: Regulating Internal Body Temperature is CrucialA heatstroke victim needs immediate medical attention. While waiting for a doctor, first aid should be provided to lower the victim's internal body temperature before he suffers permanent damage.
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Control of Infections and InflammationThrough the years, medical science has had numerous notable successes, and one of these is considered perhaps one of its most spectacular victories.
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The Function of Inflammation in Localizing InfectionsThe mechanisms of defense against infections are organized along several lines. Included in the second line is the remarkable occurrence known as inflammation.
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Fun Chess Puzzle Game: Trap the King Using All 16 PawnsHere's one puzzle game for chess beginners that does not actually require the application of the rules of the game of chess. -
Tips for Avoiding Common Injuries in Low-risk SportsEngaging in low-risk sports, such as golf and swimming, is good for the heart and for longevity, yet even these can cause injuries. Here are simple tips for avoiding common ones.
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Finger Probe: First Aid Maneuver for a Choking EmergencyThe finger probe is especially useful in a choking situation in which a lump of food or other firm object is lodged in the victim's throat. How this first aid maneuver is done is explained here.
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Obesity and the Four Body Organs it AffectsWhether in young people or in adults, obesity is a serious problem as it has adverse effects on at least four of the body's vital organs, possibly leading to the development of various conditions.
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Azathioprine Facts: Why an Immunosuppressive Drug is Needed in Kidney TransplantationIn some cases of kidney transplantation, the donated kidney gets "rejected." To address this problem, doctors involve the use of an immunosuppressive drug, such as azathioprine.
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Fun Chess Puzzle Game: Trap the King Using All 16 PawnsTrap the king by placing a pawn on any one of the 64 squares of the chess board, so that when all 16 pawns have been placed, the king must not have any square to land on that is not adjacent (i.e., not adjoining or touching at a point) to any of the squares already occupied by a pawn. -
Male Urogenital Conditions: What's the Difference Between Hydrocele and Varicocele?Hydrocele and varicocele are two conditions that affect the male reproductive system. While both are swelling conditions that occur inside the scrotum, they have differences.
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Oxygen Debt Occurrence and How It's RequitedWhat is oxygen debt? When does it take place and how is it repaid? This article provides some of the answers to these questions.
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Sporotrichosis: a Persistent Fungous Infection and a Warm-Climate AilmentDiseases of different causes are known to be more prevalent in warm climates than in temperate zones. One example of a warm-climate ailment is sporotrichosis, a disease caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii.
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Systemic Mycoses: What Are Cryptococcosis and Moniliasis?Systemic mycoses are diseases that are mainly caused by fungi and are often serious or fatal. The diseases cryptococcosis and moniliasis are examples.
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Actinomycosis and Nocardiosis: Systemic Mycoses Caused by BacteriaThe systemic mycoses are mainly fungus diseases that are often serious or even fatal. But there are two diseases classified as systemic mycoses that are actually caused not by fungi but rather by bacteria.
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The Two Variants of Blastomycosis, Noncontagious Systemic MycosesThe disease blastomycosis has two variants. One resembles pulmonary tuberculosis, while the other, valley fever.
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The Two Forms of Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis), Systemic Mycosis with Influenza-like SymptomsOf the different systemic mycoses, valley fever counts as among those that are highly infectious. This noncontagious disease has two forms - primary and disseminated.
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Interferons and Interleukins: Immunomodulators with Cancer-Fighting PossibilitiesThe human body produces certain substances, called immunomodulators, which affect the functioning of the immune system. Two of these substances are known to have cancer-fighting capabilities.
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Characteristics of Interferons, the Nonspecific Antiviral Agents Against Cell InfectionAs nonspecific antiviral agents, interferons inhibit intracellular viral replication and are synthesized by cells in response to viral infection. Other interferon characteristics are discussed here.
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Allergy: The Body's Response to the Presence of AllergensAllergy is the collective term for the complex chemical processes which protect the body against offending foreign substances called allergens.
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Sneezing: a Modified Respiratory Act Against Respiratory Tract DisordersWhy do people sneeze? And why is it so difficult to stop a sneeze? This article provides some of the answers to these questions.
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Coughing: A Normal Bodily Function or a Symptom of Disease?Does coughing ever serve any useful purpose? Under what conditions does coughing occur?
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Psittacosis: Avian Infection Transmittable to HumansPsittacosis is a disease of the respiratory tract which is common among poultry workers and those who handle pets. The virus is carried by dust particles and can be inhaled by any individual in contact with an infected bird.
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How Influenza Viruses are IdentifiedFor the purpose of having adequate and uniform description of influenza viruses, it has become necessary to design a system of notation to compare the nature of the virus strains as they undergo mutation year by year.
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Epidemic Influenza: Origin of Influenza Pandemics and the Swine InfluenzaIn mild forms, influenza may be difficult to distinguish from the common cold. Yet it may also be a major contributing cause of death during epidemics, as in the case of the current one that started in Mexico.
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Safe Use of Drugs: Things You Must Avoid DoingDrugs, in effect, intrude into the molecules of the body as they chemically exert influence over the way the body functions.
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Suntan: the Body's Natural Defense Against SunburnIn most persons, repeated exposure to sunlight causes an increased amount of pigment in the skin to develop. The excess skin pigment, called suntan, makes the persons less susceptible to sunburn while it lasts. -
Sunburn: Ways to Ease the PainThere are several ways of relieving the pain caused by sunburn, and some of these are discussed here. -
Wen or Sebaceous Cyst: an Abnormally Developed Oil GlandA cyst may form as a result of bacteria and oil building up in an open comedo, or blackhead. A sebaceous cyst or wen, in particular, results from an abnormally developed oil gland.
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Disgusting Sweating Disorders: What to DoWhile the process of perspiration serves the useful and essential functions of cooling the body as well as cleansing it, there are three conditions associated with it that cause much inconvenience and embarrassment. -
Hernia: Different Types or FormsA condition characterized by the protrusion of a part of an organ through an abnormal opening in the tissues that cover or surround it is called a hernia. There are different types or forms of hernia, and some of these are discussed here.
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Completing Course of Antibiotics and Other Measures to Minimize Development of Antibiotic ResistanceBesides completing the full course of antibiotics once they are prescribed, the development of antibiotic resistance in disease-causing microorganisms can be minimized by several other means. -
Antibiotic Resistance: Penicillinase Production and Other Reasons Microorganisms Develop a Tolerance to AntibioticsThe instance of microorganisms developing antibiotic resistance seems to be a never-ending process. There are several reasons why microorganisms develop a tolerance to antibiotics.
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Antibiotics: Four Ways They Inhibit MicroorganismsThere are four types of action by which antibiotics inhibit or destroy microorganisms, and each of these is briefly discussed in this article. -
Nitrofurantoin: Drug Treatment for PyelitisDiseases of the urinary system have several forms, and one of these is pyelitis. Antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin, to which the bacteria that cause this disease are susceptible, are normally prescribed for treatment.
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Muscle Injuries: Pulled Muscle, Ruptured Muscle, Hamstring StrainOverexertion has always been known as a common cause of muscle injuries, which, in turn, is an all too common problem among athletes. Three of these muscle injuries are briefly discussed in this article. -
Arthroscopic Surgery: Diagnostic and Corrective Technique for Knee InjurySuffering a knee injury and undergoing arthroscopic surgery to diagnose the extent of the damage and correct it at the same time is familiar among many athletes. This article briefly explains why this is so. -
Shoulder Injuries: Dislocated Shoulder and Frozen ShoulderA dislocated shoulder may be the result of prior, more severe shoulder injuries. This is also true in the case of frozen shoulder. -
Knee Injuries: Torn Knee Cartilage and Dislocated KneecapDue to the stresses to which the body's bones and muscles are subjected, they are liable to incur various injuries. In the case of knee injuries, we often hear of the problems of torn knee cartilage and dislocated kneecap. -
Meclizine: Drug Treatment for VertigoThe dizziness a person may experience is usually classified by doctors as either lightheadedness or vertigo. There are several drugs doctors prescribe to treat or prevent the latter condition, and one of these is meclizine.
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Dizziness: A Prominent Symptom of Meniere's DiseaseIn Meniere's disease, excessive fluid blocks the inner ear, damaging the sense of balance in the process. It is for this reason that dizziness is a prominent symptom of this disease. -
Dizziness and Its Many CausesThe moment a person gets conflicting sensations with respect to the movements of his body, dizziness follows. There are many causes of dizziness, and some of these are discussed in this article.
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Why a Lack in Vitamin K Can Lead to Blood Clotting DefectsIn any condition in which there is a lack in quantity of any of the clotting elements of the plasma, the coagulation mechanism is impaired. This is also true when there is deficiency in Vitamin K, and this article briefly discusses the reasons for this.
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Vitamin K Medication: When Abnormal Bleeding Occurs While Under Warfarin TherapyAlthough prescribing Vitamin K medication to a person who experiences abnormal bleeding while under warfarin therapy has dangers, it is a decision a doctor has to make when faced with the problem.
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Warfarin: an Extremely Dangerous Anticoagulant Drug, If Used ImproperlyAs an anticoagulant drug, warfarin works by bringing under control the body's normal production of various factors which are known to take part in the process of coagulation. This action of warfarin makes it extremely dangerous if not used properly.
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Warfarin: A Secondary Form of Treatment for Pulmonary EmbolismAnticoagulants, like warfarin, are drugs used as a secondary form of treatment for such diseases, like pulmonary embolism, in which the formation of blood clots may cause serious problems.
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Fenoprofen Calcium and Other Treatments for OsteoarthritisThere are various treatments available to relieve distress and restore activity for a person with osteoarthritis. These include physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and the use of certain drugs, such as fenoprofen calcium.
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Indomethacin and Other Treatments for Chronic Cases of Rheumatoid ArthritisOf the different types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is considered potentially the most serious. This article discusses briefly various treatment options available for chronic cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Methocarbamol: Partial Treatment for Back Strain and Back SprainTreatment of back strain or back sprain, or any other form of back discomfort for that matter, is the same. Drug treatment, for example, often involves the use of a skeletal muscle relaxant, such as methocarbamol.
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Levothyroxine Sodium: Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Treating Chronic ThyroiditisChronic thyroiditis is a condition that results in the inadequate production of the hormone thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Treatment of this condition consists of taking thyroid hormone replacement, notably levothyroxine sodium.
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The Three Principal Causes of Heart AttackIn a situation when the complete obstruction of one of the coronary arteries takes place suddenly, there exists an emergency situation we call heart attack. The three most consequential causes of this condition are briefly discussed in this article.
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How Heart Failure Differs from a Heart AttackWe have heard of the terms "heart failure" and "heart attack" but are often unsure whether or not they mean the same. Strictly speaking, they are two distinct conditions, and the difference is very basic.
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Overeating, Obesity, and Phentermine HydrochlorideIf overeating is the cause of obesity, it is important to reduce the person's weight to normal. In such a case, a doctor will most likely prescribe Phentermine hydrochloride to help the person suppress his appetite and, thus, treat his obesity.
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Acetazolamide: Weak Diuretic for the Treatment of GlaucomaWhen drainage of the fluid produced within the eye's front part gets hampered, the pressure in the eye increases, which can lead to glaucoma. It is this exact situation that makes acetazolamide an effective medical treatment for glaucoma.
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Ectropion and Entropion: Eyelid Disorders with Contrasting CharacteristicsTwo of the most common eye diseases involve the eyelids and are thus generally referred to as eyelid disorders. Interestingly, these two eyelid disorders have contrasting characteristics.
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The Healthful Long-Lasting Effects of Physical TrainingCertain long-lasting effects are produced by regular physical training. These include effects upon the muscles and the heart, as well as on the breathing system.
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Dysuria, Oliguria, and Polyuria: Three Conditions Related to UrinationSome things can go wrong with the excretory system. In the case of the urination process, for instance, the conditions of difficult urination, scanty urination, or excessive urination can occur.
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Unusual Shortness of Breath: Three Types of DyspneaShortness of breath can happen normally when a person engages in strenuous physical activity. But in unusual cases, when there is no apparent reason, the shortness of breath may mean the occurrence of any one of the three types of dyspnea.
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Shock from Failure of Blood CirculationThe condition we call "shock" is a condition of collapse brought about by any of several factors. In the specific type of shock caused by failure of body circulation, at least five other conditions are considered possible causes.
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Sponges: Probably the Strangest Animals on the PlanetA group of primitive animals have the physical appearance of plants, grow like plants, and even undergo reproduction the way plants do. Without much doubt, these animals are one of the oddest animals on Earth.
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Mosaic Diseases and the Leaf Curl and Yellows DiseasesViruses comprise one of the groups of causative agents of plant infections. There are two types of virus disease of plants, and each of these is distinguished by the types of harm or injury it causes on plants.
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Viruses: Are They Living Organisms or Not?Living organisms possess a number of characteristics which are absent in nonliving things. From our recognition of this fact, we then proceed to determine whether viruses would qualify as living organisms.
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Algae as Pathogens: the Bad Side of AlgaeThe economic importance of algae has been pointed out by biologists in several ways. However, a few algae are known causative agents of disease - to humans, mammals, aquatic animals, and higher plants.
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Algae as Soil Enricher, Vitamin Synthesist, and Food: the Good Sides of AlgaeMany thousands of species of algae occur in nature. While a few of these may be harmful to humans and other mammals, many others are beneficial. The beneficial algae come in different forms, and three are briefly discussed in this article.
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Bacterial Plant Pathogens and the Symptoms of Bacterial Infections in PlantsThere are thousands of pathogens that exist in nature. Some of the bacterial pathogens and the symptoms of infections they cause in plants are discussed in this article.
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Plant Breeding for Resistance: The Best Method for Controlling Infectious Plant DiseasesOf the different methods of controlling plant diseases, the best one by far is that of raising crops that have the capacity to remain disease-free in the face of pathogens and all the environmental factors that contribute to infection and disease.
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Anthrax: Zoonotic Disease Occurring as Malignant Pustule or Woolsorter's Disease in HumansMost herbivorous animals are known reservoirs of the bacterium that causes anthrax, a dangerous though uncommon zoonotic disease. In humans, this disease may appear as a disease of the skin or may occur in a pneumonic airborne form.
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The Zoonoses Among the Many Different Infectious Animal DiseasesOver a hundred diseases of vertebrate animals are capable of being transmitted naturally and directly from both domestic and wild animals to humans. These are zoonoses, and they certainly are potential threats to human health.
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Domestic Fowl and Birds Infectious Diseases: Fundamental Control and Preventive MeasuresThe control and prevention of infectious diseases of domestic fowl and birds is of great importance because an outbreak of such disease can spread rapidly through flocks, resulting to high mortality, loss of saleability, and possible infection in humans.
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Preventing Angina Pectoris Attacks with DipyridamoleOne of the medications available for the chronic treatment of angina pectoris is the drug that goes by the generic name "dipyridamole." This antianginal agent works by increasing blood flow to the heart muscle.
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The Case of the HARD Digestive DisordersThere are a lot of different types and kinds of digestive disorders. Four are selected and discussed in this article - hiatus hernia, achalasia, reflux disease, and diffuse spasm.
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Achalasia Symptoms: The Difference Between Dysphagia and OdynophagiaAchalasia is one of two broad classifications of motor disturbance of the esophagus. Two of its most common symptoms have something to do with deglutition - one refers to difficulty in swallowing; the other, pain in swallowing.
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Ankylosing Spondylitis: the Condition of an Arthritic Young ManThere are many different types of arthritis. One of these, which is said to be the third most common type in some countries, occurs mostly in young men in the late teens to early thirties age bracket.
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Neck Sprain: Whiplash is a Legitimate ConditionFor those who ask if there really is such a condition as whiplash, the answer is in the affirmative. This real condition describes a type of neck injury that is sustained often in a vehicular accident.
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Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Proof of the Realness of Growing PainsOne proof that there really is such a thing as growing pains is Osgood-Schlatter disease, a condition that occurs more frequently in very active adolescents.
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Schizophrenia Symptoms: the Two Basic Phases of SchizophreniaWhile schizophrenia is categorized as a mental disorder, it is in fact a group of disorders that have two basic phases, or sets of symptoms, both of which are discussed in this article.
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Thiothixene: Antipsychotic Medication for SchizophreniaThere are many different forms of psychotic disorders as there are many different types of treatment available. Thiothixene is one particular antipsychotic medication that is a mainstay of treatment for the psychotic episodes of schizophrenia.
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Schizophrenia: What Causes This Mental Disorder and How is it Treated?Of all the different forms of psychotic disorders, schizophrenia is considered the most serious. The cause of this mental disorder, as well as its treatment, are discussed in this article.
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Neuritis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and TreatmentThere are many different kinds of nervous disorders and neuritis is one of them. The various types of this condition, as well as its causes, symptoms, and treatment, are discussed in this article.
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Psychoneurotic ReactionsPsychoneurosis is a type of mental disorder which refers to abnormalities of the personality that are usually based on the person's negative adjustment to life. The five most generally recognized psychoneurotic reactions are discussed in this article.
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The Three D's in PsychopathologyThe term psychopathology may refer to such psychological and behavioral dysfunction occurring in mental disorder, as in delirium, delirium tremens and depression which are discussed in this article.
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Megestrol Acetate: Prescription Medication Exclusive for Breast Cancer and Endometrial CancerSurgery, irradiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the most reliable and important forms of treatment for cancers. But for breast cancer and endometrial cancer, the use of hormonal therapy can be an effective palliative treatment.
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Symptoms of Nervous DisordersSymptoms produced by nervous disorders include abnormalities of movement, the five most common of which are discussed in this article.
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Nervous Disorders: The Five Most Common CausesWhen the functions or operation of any part of the nervous system is disturbed, the other body parts suffer as well. Several factors or conditions can cause nervous disorders, and five of the most common ones are discussed in this article.
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D-Amphetamine: Short-term Medication for NarcolepsyNarcolepsy refers to an unpredictable and uncontrollable desire to sleep. Treatment of this condition consists of the short-term use of certain drugs, such as D-Amphetamine, that must be carefully supervised by a physician.
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Gout and the Efficacy of AllopurinolConsidered a form of arthritis, gout is caused by excess uric acid which lodges - in crystal form - in the joints, causing severe pain. Within recent years, several anti-gout drugs have been used with great success, and one of these is allopurinol.
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Managing Diabetes: Home Monitoring of Blood Sugar LevelsA person suffering from diabetes can perform at home either of two tests to monitor the levels of sugar in his blood. But his doctor should decide which of these two home monitoring tests is appropriate for him.
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Hypoglycemia: the Six Most Common Causes of Low Blood SugarHypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a metabolic disorder which does not occur by itself. Rather, it may stem from any one of several causes, the six most common of which are discussed in this article.
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Pituitary Disorders: Understanding Acromegaly and GigantismOne of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland is aptly referred to as growth hormone, since it causes the bones and soft tissues of a child to increase in size. Two conditions are associated with the overproduction of this hormone.
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The Three Forms of Histoplasmosis, an Infectious DiseaseThere are many types of infectious disease and one of these is histoplasmosis, which occurs in three forms. The degree at which this disease affects the body ranges from being so mild as to pass unnoticed to being so severe as to cause death.
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Chondromalacia: Causes of and Treatment Options for This Type of Knee InjuryA type of knee injury, chondromalacia is specifically an impairment or deterioration of the cartilage lining the underside of the patella (kneecap).
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Sulfasalazine: Drugs to Reduce Intestinal Inflammation of Ulcerative ColitisDrugs known as sulfonamides are often used as diuretics, anti-infectives, or in treating diabetes mellitus. But one of these is rather unique because it is used for its effects in reducing the intestinal inflammation of ulcerative colitis.
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Neurosis and Psychosis: Are They One and the Same Thing?There were few occasions in the past when I heard some people used the terms neurosis and psychosis interchangeably. But do these two terms really mean the same thing?
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Sports-related Injuries: How to Distinguish Tendinitis from a SprainTwo of the most common injuries related to playing sports are tendinitis and sprain, although some people often fail to differentiate between them. What precisely is tendinitis and what exactly is a sprain?
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When Alcoholic Drinks Become PoisonWe know that the habitual consumption of alcoholic drinks can be injurious to a person's health. But how or when exactly do these intoxicating beverages become poison?
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High-Fiber Diet: How Food Fibers Aid the Digestive SystemIt was once thought that food fibers have no food value as such. Today however, food fibers are considered valuable constituents in the diet.
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Alcoholism: How You Can Tell If Someone is in Danger of Becoming a Chronic AlcoholicThere are several indications to let us know if a person with a drinking problem is developing chronic alcoholism.
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Meprobamate: Be Cautious When Using This TranquilizerThere are several cautions doctors list concerning the use of meprobamate, a minor tranquilizer that is prescribed for the relief of tension and anxiety.
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Primidone: Not a Barbiturate, but Works Like OneOne type of drug that is often prescribed by doctors to prevent seizures is an anticonvulsive that, while not a barbiturate, possesses many of the characteristics of a barbiturate.
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Methyldopa: An Antihypertensive Drug with a Litany of Possible Adverse Side EffectsA very long list of possible adverse effects awaits those who have been prescribed with an antihypertensive drug, called methyldopa, for their high blood pressure.
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Understanding the Potential Interactions of Alcohol with Certain DrugsMany common drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription, should never be mixed with alcohol. This is because alcohol alters the effects of these drugs and the consequences of the interactions are sometimes serious.
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Cyclandelate: Vasodilator for the Treatment of Nighttime Leg CrampsThere are various ways to treat leg cramps. As for medications, a drug - specifically a vasodilator - that goes by the generic name "cyclandelate" can bring relief.
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Is Imipramine an Effective Treatment for Nighttime Enuresis in Children?Being an antidepressant, imipramine is prescribed by doctors to treat symptoms of depression. But why do urologists also use this drug to treat nocturnal bed-wetting in children?
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Emergency Treatment for Victims of Decompression SicknessIn swimming, which always involves diving, there are at least three dangers that the swimmer or diver faces: the possibility of banging the head against something solid, drowning, and suffering decompression sickness. The latter hazard is discussed in this article.
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The Four Types of Drugs for Lowering CholesterolIf strict dieting, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking are not enough to bring down very high levels of blood cholesterol sufficiently, doctors can prescribe any one of the four types of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
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Cimetidine and Ranitidine: Drugs to Prevent the Recurrence of UlcersThere are two types of drugs that doctors prescribe to people who suffer from cases of recurring ulcers. The ulcers referred to here are gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.
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Food Poisoning by Botulism and Salmonellosis: How They DifferFor the laymen, food poisoning by botulism or salmonellosis simply means having eaten contaminated food, resulting to certain symptoms as abdominal pain and diarrhea. But going technical about it, what exactly are these diseases?
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Exercise ECG (Electrocardiogram): Better Than Ordinary ECG in Indicating Heart ProblemsCertain heart problems usually are not plainly evident on an ordinary ECG, except possibly when a person is actually having an active episode of such a condition. What then is a better test to have heart problems fully evaluated?
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Urticaria: Skin Disease that is More Nettling Than DangerousThere are many skin diseases that can be recognized and treated by the affected individual himself when he is unable to bear the cost of professional medical care. One such type is urticaria.
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Antihypertensives: Drugs to Keep High Blood Pressure in CheckIn treating high blood pressure, the doctor will begin by dealing with its cause. If, however, he does not find any specific cause, he will most likely prescribe any one of the known drugs that can keep high blood pressure under control.
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Strabismus: Cross-eye, Walleye and Lazy EyeOne of the most common problems affecting children's eyes is strabismus, or squint, which has two types, and another one that is directly related to it.
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Nitroglycerin Patches: Convenient and Effective Transdermal Treatment for Angina PectorisIn preventing or treating angina pectoris, doctors may recommend nitroglycerin medications in ointment, tablet, or patch form, the last one being the most convenient to use and equally effective as the other two.
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Amantadine: Effective Antiviral Drug Against the Influenza A VirusOver the years, many antiviral agents have been developed. One of these has been medically certified as an effective drug against one form of flu called influenza A.
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Acyclovir: Safe and Effective Antiviral Drug Against the Herpes Simplex VirusMost of the over-the-counter medications for herpes simplex provide mere alleviation from irritation and itching. But there is one antiviral drug that has been proven to be effective against the virus that causes herpes simplex.
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The Limitations of Streptomycin in the Treatment of TuberculosisA number of prescription drugs are being used to treat tuberculosis. But how effective really are these drugs? This article directs the spotlight on streptomycin.
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From Transient Ischemic Attack to Full Stroke: Don't Just Shrug the Symptoms OffThe symptoms of a transient ischemic attack pass quickly, usually in a matter of minutes or even just a few seconds. Be warned though that if you simply brush aside these symptoms, you may be putting yourself at risk to an impending full stroke.
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Hyperuricemia and Its Gout-like ComplexitiesA person with hyperuricemia usually does not experience any of its known symptoms and is therefore unaware that he has the condition. For some others though who do have this condition, certain complications can crop up.
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The Licit Uses of Steroids for MedicationSteroids are compounds that occur naturally in the body and function like hormones; they are also manufactured synthetically for medicinal purposes. Some of their legitimate medical uses are enumerated here.
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The Realities About the Tremulous Nature of Parkinson's DiseaseWhen a person is diagnosed of having Parkinson's disease, what precisely goes wrong? Some very specific answers are provided here.
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How the Sulfa Drugs Came into BeingOne of the most remarkable triumphs of medical science is the control of bacterial infections, and this has been made possible primarily through the discovery of a group of drugs akin to the sulfanilamide compound.