Abstract
This paper gives an in-depth discussion of the overall causes, diagnosis and treatment options for liver cirrhosis. Additionally the initial symptoms that are described help an individual recognize when medical attention may be needed. Additionally, the various causes that contribute to cirrhosis are detailed. Current treatment options including lifestyle changes, transplantation and the potential future availability of stem cell transplant/therapy are covered.

From the Paper
"The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. It is located underneath the diaphragm on the right side of the body at the superior portion of the abdominal cavity. The gall bladder is attached to the liver on the inferior surface. The gall bladder receives bile that the liver produces. Once the bile is received by the gall bladder, the gall bladder's job is to concentrate and store the bile until it is needed to help digest foods that have a high fat content. A normal functioning liver is responsible for a vast array of functions including bile production..."

Tags:cirrhosis, liver, treatment

Abstract
This paper takes a look at cirrhosis, or liver disease, the causes of the disease and the effects that the disease has on the human body. This paper also takes a look at the possible complications caused by cirrhosis, as well as the various available treatments.

Outline:
Cirrhosis
Causes
Signs and Symptoms
Complications
Diagnosis and Imaging Modalities
Treatment
Conclusions
Diagrams of the Liver

From the Paper
"Both genetic and lifestyle factors can cause alcoholic cirrhosis. About 50% of the cases of cirrhosis belong to this condition. Liver's capacity can be overworked by chemical and drug overload leading to scarring. A possible cause is any illness that injures the liver like viral hepatitis B and C and chronic active hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis. A secondary condition to a very old bile duct obstruction and jaundice is an autoimmune condition described as biliary cirrhosis or cirrhosis. A condition called Sarcoidosis that looks like tuberculosis can cause cirrhosis. This is presently considered an autoimmune disease. One more cause is heart failure causing blood to pool in the liver and this overcrowding can cause cirrhosis. (Cirrhosis: www.gutdoc.org)"

Tags:alchohol, blood, vessel, cells, genetic, hepatitis, parenchyma

Abstract
The paper provides an overview of alcoholism as a high-risk problem among the Hispanic population. The paper discusses the high rate of death due to liver cirrhosis and the growing number of HIV cases within the population. The paper then focuses on treatment programs that include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy and family based interventions, and shows how the advanced practice nurse plays a crucial role in these interventions.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Alcohol and Minorities
Nursing Interventions and Strategies
Conclusion

From the Paper
"With a population in excess of 42.7 million people, Latinos represent the largest minority group in the United States. Statistics show that almost 40% of the Hispanic population is under 21 years of age. National youth survey also indicates that Hispanic adolescents are at a greater risk for alcohol and drug abuse than African Americans or White Americans. [NIDA] Statistics further indicate that one in every two newly added people to the national population is of Hispanic origin with projections of the Hispanic population reaching a staggering 102.6 million by the year 2050. With 36% of the Hispanics abusing alcohol it represents the most common choice of substance abuse among the population. [Carmelo Colon] The high rate of alcohol abuse among Hispanics presents a grave national health concern. The Hispanic population, though sharing a common language is a culturally diverse population and hence successfully managing the issues pertaining to drug and alcohol abuse requires a multifaceted approach. These distinctions were clearly observed in the recently conducted NIDA studies on Hispanic and other Latino American populations. Identifying culturally relevant risk factors for alcohol abuse and designing appropriate intervention is thus critical for the successful management of alcohol abuse among the Latino population. Let us have a brief overview of alcoholism as a high-risk problem among the Hispanic population and the strategic nursing interventions."

Tags:liver, cirrhosis, HIV, nursing, therapy, drinking, acculturation

Abstract
This paper relates that increasing complexity means that nutrition researchers today advocate a holistic approach; therefore, its is best to eat a wide variety of fresh, unprocessed and un-manufactured food. The author points out that people who are exposed to second-hand or side-stream smoke also are at risk for health issues because this smoke not only contains the same dangerous contaminants as the inhaled smoke but also the exhaled smoke particles are smaller and can reach distant sites in the lungs of involuntary or passive smoker, doing great harm. The paper stresses that alcohol abuse can affect nearly every organ system in the body, such as cirrhosis of the liver, aggravate existing condition, such as diabetes and harm every aspect of the person's life, including family conflict, arrests, job instability and psychological symptoms related to depression and anxiety.

Table of Contents
The Importance of Proper Nutrition
The Importance of Proper Exercise
Negative Side Effects of Smoking
Negative Side Effects of Alcohol
Negative Effects of Performance Enhancing Steroids

From the Paper
"There are many common myths surrounding exercise, some of which have a basis in reality, while others are simply false. For example some believe that doing sit-ups is the best way to reduce belly fat, however, this is not true, sit-ups may improve the size and shape of core muscles and reduce the appearance of belly fat, however, the belly fat will often be the last fat removed from the body, because most of the energy derived from fat gets to the muscle through the bloodstream and reduces stored fat in the entire body. Another myth is that only overweight people or people in ill health need to consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. Even apparently healthy people may have unknown medical conditions, such as a heart murmur, that can cause severe injury or death."

Tags:holistic, second-hand-smoke, body-building, wet-, brain, exhalation

Abstract
In this paper, the author takes a case study of a family, where the husband/father is a drunk. The author defines the mother and children as codependents for a number of reasons. Mainly it is because the family covers up for the drinking problem of the husband/father and defends him to others, which makes him feel that the family is supporting his problem. The paper continues to discuss this co-dependency which is often known as a family disease. The author suggests that many times, either through ignorance or fear, individuals and/or families may actually prevent an alcoholic from fully facing the fact of a drinking problem. In this particular case study, the author tells us that the drunk died of cirrhosis of the liver as a result of the heavy drinking. The author concludes that by attending a counseling support program and supporting each other, the family that the drunk left behind, is likely to move forward on a path that is free of co-dependence.

From the Paper
"Patrick got married at the age of 18 years, during his prime. He and his wife, Martha, a 27 year old woman, had five children during the course of 8 years. Throughout their marriage Patrick had a need to hide from others and began to associate only with people who drank. Patrick began to cheat on his wife and seek the company of other women, after he and Martha had their third child. Martha was well aware of her husbands drinking and cheating ways early on in their courtship; however, she felt that as time went on, things would get better. Martha knew her husband had, over the years, become an alcoholic; however, she still wanted to attempt to save the marriage."

Tags:angry, defensive, self, esteem, death, experience, symptom, abuse

Abstract
This paper discusses the long-term effects of alcohol consumption on the organs of the body. The paper explains that these effects include damage to the liver such as fatty liver, cirrhosis and hepatitis C. The paper also examines the effects on the skeleton, the cardiovascular system, muscles and the brain. Additionally, the paper discusses the differences between effects on males and females.

From the Paper
"Long-term alcohol abuse has harmful effects on many of the organ systems of the body. The organ systems most affected by alcohol are the liver, the immune system, the cardiovascular system and the skeletal system but other systems are also affected. Alcohol works in three ways to cause damage to the body; by reducing food intake alcohol consumption leads to poor nutrition, toxic breakdown products of alcohol in the body can damage cells and tissues; and the constant presence of alcohol in the body can result..."

Tags:alcohol, liver, cardiovascular, brain, skeleton

Abstract
This paper discusses the physiological basis for portal hypertension and relates this condition to the development of ascites, esophageal varices, and splenomegaly in patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver. Medical journals are cited to support the information presented.

Abstract
Digestion consists of a physical and chemical breakdown of food. Because of the complexity and large size of the digestive system, diseases that can interfere with the body system are numerous and varied in their modes of transmission, their symptoms, their treatments, and their possible short-term and long-term effects. This paper focuses on three such diseases: Cirrhosis of the liver (caused by viral Hepatitis), hookworm disease (caused by hookworms), and cholera (caused by Vibrio cholerae). Each disease is examined in turn, its symptoms and its treatment. The diseases are summarized in a table at the end of the paper.

From the Paper
"The large size of the digestive system, along with the diverse group of organs associated with it; prevent the presentation of one specific defense mechanism against diseases. Depending on which organ the disease tends to focus on, the body reacts uniquely for that organ. However, the most definitive action taken against digestive system diseases are regulations and standards for living conditions. Many diseases that affect the digestive system relate directly to food, and undercooked food, mishandled food, and poor sanitation conditions are common factors in someone contracting a digestive system illness."

Tags:food, bloodstream, modes, of, transmission, symptoms, treatments, cholera, hepatitis

Abstract
This paper discusses the detoxification process considering the role of alcohol in liver-damage, including the severity of scarring, and cirrhosis of the liver, each of which are a result of excess toxins in the liver. The author reviews recent research on liver-function regeneration in light of the difficulties in of obtaining liver transplants.

Abstract
Every year three to four million people get infected with Hepatitis C. This paper provides an overview of the disease, including how it is transmitted, the effects on the body, how one knows one is affected and possible cures.

Outline

Hepatitis C
A. Transmission
1. Blood Transfusions
2. Risk of Sex and Intravenous Drugs
3. Working in the Health Care Field
B. Physical Effects
1. Cirrhosis
2. Exhaustion
C. Blood Tests
1. Types of Tests
2. What to Look For
D. Treatments
1. No Cure; Current Research
2. Interferon and Ribavirin
3. Side Effects
4. Options if Treatment Fails
5. Support Groups

From the Paper
"Support groups are important for patients going through treatment to have others understand what they are going through. They are also great for people who just learned that they or a loved one is infected with the virus. Also, people can share ways that help them cope with the reality of having this horrible virus by, "understanding that you're not alone in dealing with this confusing, often frustrating condition,"(Roybal, 104)."

Tags:tranfusion, jaundice, transplant