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Morphine is the most abundant analgesic opiate found in opium and is a potent pain reliever. The drug is used in clinical pain relief but is also used illicitly for recreational purposes among drug users. It is potentially highly addictive and can cause intense physical dependence that leads to abuse of the substance. Sources, street names and brand names of […]
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The vulva and the vagina secrete numerous fluids that are responsible for a number of functions. Fluids from the vagina and vulva include: Urine – This is not technically a vulval or vagina secretion but is present in the fluids of the vulva Sweat – The labia are lined with skin containing sweat glands. Menses – This includes blood and […]
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Estradiol is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries, adrenal gland and also the placenta during pregnancy. Estradiol is the most important hormone during a female’s reproductive years and is required for reproductive and sexual function as well as having an impact on the health of other organs and tissues. There are several conditions that are caused by deficient […]
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Clinical endocrinology is a branch of Medicine that deals with the endocrine glands, actions of hormones and their metabolic consequences. Since hormones act on virtually every organ and cell type in the body, the endocrinologist needs to have a definitive knowledge about medicine. Some disorders lie very clearly and totally within the domain of the endocrinologists, being entirely or largely […]
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Fungal infections can affect skin, hair as well as nails. Nail infections are common especially in susceptible individuals. It leads to discoloured, ugly and misshapen nails that may even become painful. Usually the condition is treatable with medication but medication may be needed for several weeks, months or even years. (1-5) Who does fungal nail infection affect? Fungal nail infections […]
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Tendinosis describes pain and inflammation in the tendon and may affect tendons in the shoulder, knee, wrist, elbow, finger, thigh or heel. The condition may be caused by tears in the tissue surrounding the tendon or by the slow deterioration of a tendon over time. Tendon tears can be caused by injury incurred through sport, for example, and overuse of […]
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Iodine-131 – I-131 is a radioactive substance that emits both beta and gamma radiation and has a half-life of 8.03 days. Sources of I-131 Under normal circumstances, there are low levels of I-131 present in the nuclear medicine units of hospitals, due to its use in some radiotherapy treatments. Patients that have been treated with radioactive iodine in the last […]
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Cushing's Syndrome (sometimes called hypercortisolism) is a hormonal disease caused by an abnormally high level of the hormone cortisol in the body. This may arise because of an endogenous or exogenous source of cortisol. Endogenous causes include the elevated production of cortisol by the adrenal glands, while exogenous causes include the excessive use of cortisol or other similar steroid (glucocorticoid) […]
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Newborn screening refers to the screening of blood samples taken from newborn infants to test for genetic and metabolic disorders that can become life threatening or cause impaired growth and development later in life. The main goal of this type of screening is to begin early treatment if a disorder is present in order to minimize or prevent any serious […]
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The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes across the body. As lymphatic fluid flows through the lymph tissue, harmful or unnecessary substances such as pathogens, damaged cells or cancer cells are filtered out. The lymphatic fluid is rich in white blood cells or lymphocytes which are responsible for fighting infection and disease. […]
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