Abstract This paper looks at five different medical topics: prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, asthma, muscle contraction physiology and biochemistry, and blood clotting physiology and biochemistry. The paper discusses the characteristics and functions associated with each of these topics.
From the Paper "Muscle contraction is accomplished by the contact between nerves and muscles at neuromuscular junctions, which act much like the synapses between neurons. The nerve impulse arrives at the end bulb of the neuron and chemical transmitters are released which diffuse across the neuromuscular cleft. The transmitter molecules react with receptor sites on the muscle membrane and increases the membrane permeability to sodium ions. Sodium then diffuses into the muscle cell and the membrane potential becomes less negative."
Abstract This paper looks at the most common genetic bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease, which affects roughly 3 percent of the world's population including all genders and races and which is determined by a gene on chromosome 12, although occasionally it occurs as a new mutation. It discusses how hemophilia is due to either a low level of one of the clotting factors, or a completely missing clotting factor, which essentially means that it takes a long time for the blood to clot after an accident or injury. It looks at how its major signs and symptoms are bleeding and bruising. The paper also examines treatment options such as replacement therapy, home-infusion therapy and the use of aminocaproic acid.
From the Paper "Hemophilia is due to either a low level of one of the clotting factors, or a clotting factor is completely missing, which essentially means that it takes a long time for the blood to clot after an accident or injury (Hemophilia 2006). The clotting process, also called blood coagulation, is the body's response to bleeding that keeps it from losing too much blood, which can be life threatening and/or cause damage to the internal organs (Hemophilia 2006). These clotting factors are proteins in the blood that work with platelets to help the blood to clot, thus when blood vessels are damaged, the clotting factors help the platelets adhere together to basically plug cuts and breaks at the injury site (Hemophilia 2006). "
Abstract This paper looks at the blood, and at the various cells of which it is composed. It looks at the properties of white cells, and the mechanism of homeostasis. It also looks at how overgrowth of a blood clot is prevented naturally, and examines two undesirable conditions of intra-vascular blood clotting.
Abstract This paper studies the medical disorder called hemophila, including definition, causes, symptoms and treatment. The paper shows that due to blood's inability to clot properly, the hemophiliac is vulnerable to a number of problems caused by excessive bleeding. The paper examines different types of hemophilia, ways to determine if a child is hemophiliac and how it restricts a person's life. The paper also discusses the future of hemophilia with the advent of better technology and medical research.
From the Paper "Other researchers have been working on gene therapy for type B hemophilia. This has also showed promising early results (Jancin, 2000). They also used genetic coding, this time to produce factor IX. Again they used a virus to introduce a properly functioning gene. In this application of gene therapy, the goal is to cause muscle tissue to produce and release the needed clotting factor in large enough amounts to prevent bleeds (Jancin, 2000). Studies were done with mice and dogs before trying it with humans.
Researchers of course proceed cautiously with such research, and in the case of Factor IX, the researchers introduced such a small amount into patients that they expected no increase in the clotting factor. However, two of the three patients showed a significant rise in Factor IX at a clinically significant level: they had reduced need for intravenously provided clotting factor during the next year (Jancin, 2000)."
Abstract The paper describes the composition of the circulatory system. The paper explores the common disorders associated with the circulatory system; arterial damage, inflammation and blood clots, hypertension and arterial aneurysms. The paper identifies common procedures and treatment for these disorders. The paper reveals that one of the most pervasive forms of preventative treatment for cardiovascular disease is lifestyle modification, especially a change in diet. The paper details angioplasty, coronary artery bypasses and anti-hypertensives.
Outline:
Make Up of the Circulatory System
Common Disorders Associated with the Circulatory System
Common Procedures and Treatment for the Disorders Identified
From the Paper "The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, has several functions. These functions include: the transport of substances to and from the cells, maintenance of body temperature, and maintenance of pH as part of homeostasis. The circulatory system of all vertebrates, including humans, is a closed system, meaning the blood is not meant to leave the system. The primary components of the system are the heart, blood and blood vessels ("Circulatory System")."
Abstract This paper explains that recent studies have associated positively DVT or deep vein thrombosis with internet usage, gaming and internet cafes, indicating that there might be severe risks associated with extended computer use without exercise. The author points out that deep vein thrombosis is generally caused by a thickening of blood in the veins, which can be life-threatening when a clot is formed that can travel to the heart or other vital organs. The paper states that the objectives of the study are (1) to ascertain the relationship of computer usage and the role that internet cafes play in the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (2) to discover ways to alleviate and prevent DVT and (3) to take into account other variables, such as obesity, blood diseases that lead to clotting, smoking and a family history of DVT.
From the Paper "This study is particularly pertinent to the Asian Internet cafes and community situation as countries like Korea have become the center of the online gaming community. "If Japan is the hub of the console industry, then neighboring South Korea is the hub of the online gaming industry - most notably, the massively multiplayer online gaming industry." In this regard Korea is known as the world's "most wired society" and the amount of tie spent on online gaming is very high, making it a country where rates of DVT can be expected to increase."
Abstract The Ginkgo Biloba tree is the oldest tree species known to man with fossil records date back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Today, the extract of the dried leaves is popular for use as a dietary supplement for the brain and heart. Ginkgo extract is thought to improve blood circulation and memory and prevent blood clotting. The leaves are also used as tea to soothe a variety of ailments. This paper gives a brief historical description including the characteristics of the Ginkgo tree that will detail the Ginkgo tree and its importance in today's society.
From the Paper "The Ginkgo tree is unique in many ways. It is so different from any other living tree that it must be classified in a separate order. The Ginkgo biloba probably no longer exists in a truly wild state. It has been found growing freely over some ten square miles near Changhua Hsien in the Chekiang province of China, but it is uncertain whether these trees are the remains of an ancient forest or not. It is a sacred tree in the Far East, where it is commonly planted in the grounds of temples and palaces. In some of the grounds of the temples there are specimens that are said to be over 1,000 years old. It's preservation in China, Korea, Manchuria, and Japan is probably due to the interest taken in it by the Buddhist priests whose interest in the tree saved it from becoming extinct."
Abstract This essay describes leukemia as a cancer that affects the blood production in bone marrow and the role that stem cells place in the growth of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets (which are clotting agents). The essay then considers three approaches to treatment of acute leukemia, and explores alternative treatments at the micro-cellular level as the most promising method of curing leukemic cancer.
Abstract This paper examines how wounds and their subsequent repair are a process that occurs without complication in the majority of individuals throughout the course of their lives. It shows how there are a number of processes involved in the healing of a wound which include clot formation, inflammation, granulation formation, proliferation and remodeling. It covers the series of events that occur during the natural healing of an open wound in molecular detail and attempts to explain why some wounds do not heal well.
From the Paper "Wounds and their subsequent repair are a process that occurs without complication in the majority of individuals throughout the course of their lives. Initially, a thrombus is formed by the activation of platelets. This is followed by an inflammatory phase that involves the influx of members of the innate immune system such as PMN and macrophages. The macrophage plays an important role by orchestrating these events, and releasing FGF to cause the formation of granulation tissue in the proliferative phase. Here, fibroblasts lay down collagen and extracellular matrix as well as aiding angiogenesis. The wound can then close due to the proliferation of keratinocytes. The resultant scar can then be remodelled over the following months. Infection and disease can inhibit this process."
Abstract This paper explains the condition of varicose veins and the discomfort caused to the sufferers of this condition. It then examines classic treatments of varicose veins, while comparing these to the alternatives of endovascular laser and microphlebectomy treatments. The benefits of the treatments are explained and analyzed.
From the Paper "Advances in technology and procedure however have resulted in a new minimally invasive procedure that combines the use of endovascular laser surgery and microphlebectomy to remove varicosities that occur below the knee (Pearce, 2003). The use of endovascular laser is limited primarily to the greater and minor saphenous veins, which are often implicated in venous disorders. The use of endovenous laser has greatly altered the manner in which patients currently receive care. Laser treatment typically involves a one day out of office procedure conducted using local anesthesia only, though intravenous sedation may also be utilized. Microphlebectomy is then utilized to remove the smaller varicose veins that often are fed by saphenous insufficiencies in the lower calf. Microphlebectomy is also minimally invasive, requiring only pinpoint incisions to be made in the lower calf. The bulging veins are subsequently removed. Patients are asked to wear high grade compression stockings for a two week period to prevent clotting or recurrence. They are able however, to return to work or regular activities almost immediately."
An analysis of the way the giant pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck handled the problem where one of its pain medications was shown to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients.
Abstract This paper examines the way in which Merck dealt with the public relations nightmare that it found itself in after a study in the "New England Journal of Medicine" revealed that there was an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in patients who were using Merck's popular pain relief medicine, VIOXX. The paper considers whether Merck knew that VIOXX posed as a significant cardiovascular risk and, if it did, what were the public relations implications of not removing the drug from the market in a more timely manner.
From the Paper "When Merck removed VIOXX, it's popular and lucrative COX-2 inhibitor from worldwide distribution in September of 2004, the chief executive of the company stated that Merck was primarily concerned with putting the safety of consumers first (Wilde-Mathews and Martinez, 2004). A large scale prospective study of the effects of drugs like VIOXX called the Vigor study performed at the Cleveland Clinic had found that COX-2 inhibitors - the popular painkillers celecoxib (Celebrex - Pharmacia; Pfizer) and rofecoxib (VIOXX - Merck) - may cause a slight increase in a patient's risk of stroke, heart attack or even death. The findings from this study were originally published in the August 22nd issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association."
Abstract This paper describes the circulation of blood through the body and the heart in detail, naming all the vessels and parts of the heart. It looks at inflammation and blood clotting, and the role of the circulatory system in maintaining homeostasis in the body.
From the Paper "An oxygenated red blood cell enters the ascending aorta and passes into the descending aorta then into the left iliac artery to the left femoral artery finally arriving at the knee still in its oxygenated state. Once there, the oxygenated red blood cell travels into small arteries which supply blood to the knee and into arterioles which are even smaller arteries. These pass the oxygenated red blood cell along to the capillaries where the oxygen it is carrying along with nutrients..."
Abstract This paper is written in the first person and compares information found on three sites on the Internet about pulmonary embolism. The first website is more oriented at the seasonal effects of long flights and pulmonary embolism. The second website is a news website with an article about pulmonary embolism and air travel. The third website stresses the need for knowing more about pulmonary embolism and the environment in the airplane. The author draws conclusions and recommendations from the websites and checks with the New English Journal of Medicine's detailed study about the distance traveled by air and the number of patients who developed the condition to confirm the findings.
From the Paper "My son and daughter-in-law had made plans for France. They landed at the airport and their daughter started to experience chest pains. The emergency unit at the airport checked her and told them something about it probably being pulmonary embolism. They took her to the hospital and my daughter-in-law called me to ask me about pulmonary embolism. I checked the search engines hoping to get directed to authentic information on the net about this. I came across three websites that seemed authentic and derived information from there and compared them."
Abstract The paper discusses how cancer care is complicated and in particular how cancer patients are at high risk for developing thromboembolic disease. It looks at how nursing interventions for cancer related thrombosis are critical and potentially life saving and how a coordinated and proactive approach from the nurse and the physician is involved in the provision of quality care to cancer patients and in the prevention as well as the management of VTE.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Venous Thromboembolism
Pathophysiology of VTE
Nursing Care
Conclusion
From the Paper "Venous thromboembolism is a common clinical condition among inpatients and has a high mortality rate. Deep vein Thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are two different manifestations of VTE. Patients present with this condition develop a clot mass with the fusion of the red blood cells, fibrin, platelets and leukocytes inside the cardiovascular system. [Susan M] Though normal blood clots that appear on the skin surface are harmless, deep vein thrombosis is dangerous as it disrupts the flow of blood to the organs. Pulmonary embolism is more serious and is the result of a dislodged clot that finds its way into the arteries of the lungs where it blocks the blood supply to lungs thereby affecting its vital function of gaseous exchange resulting in breathlessness and dizziness and sometimes even sudden death. Thrombi may be lodged either in the distal or the lobar arteries within the lungs. "
