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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for strong bones, muscles and general good health. There are two main forms of vitamin D, which are D2 known as ergocalciferol and D3 known as cholecalciferol. The majority of the vitamin D needed by the body is obtained from sun exposure, although some food also contains vitamin D and dietary […]
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Ankylosing spondylitis is a complex chronic disease that causes inflammation in the spine and other areas of the body. Symptoms of the condition develop gradually over months or years. Some individuals can eventually get better, while others find their condition deteriorates. Although patients are at risk of long-term disability, this can usually be prevented with exercise, physiotherapy and medication. In […]
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The hypothalamus is a small but complex region of the brain. It has links with both the nervous system as well as the endocrine system. Although shaped and sized like an almond, there are nuclei within the hypothalamus that are involved in many different functions. Nuclei of the hypothalamus The two major nuclei are the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. Regions […]
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HIV/AIDS is a relatively newly discovered illness. Other infections like malaria, plague, leprosy, tuberculosis, measles and cholera have affected vast majorities of humanity over centuries. HIV emerged in the late 20th century. The chronological history of HIV/AIDS can be outlined as follows. 1960s and 70s These are known as the “silent” decades as it is likely that HIV originated sometime […]
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Trachoma is an infection of the eyes by Chlamydia trachomatis and is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Although it is very well in developed nations, in overcrowded regions with limited access to clean water and healthcare it is abundant. It is characterized by discharge from the eyes and repeated infections tend to cause the eyelashes to curl into the […]
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For people with anorexia nervosa, the road to recovery can be long and challenging, particularly if they feel like they need to face the condition on their own. Instead, it is important that they have a strong support network that encourages them to continue making small steps towards recovery and a healthy body weight. Friends and Family Firstly, friends and […]
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Color blindness or color vision deficiency impacts on a person’s life in various different ways. In childhood, the condition may lead to learning difficulties if it goes identified and teaching methods are not modified accordingly. In later life, difficulty differentiating between colors can hamper a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activities such as driving, for example. In addition, […]
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Aicardi syndrome is a rare genetic condition that almost exclusively affects females. The condition is characterized by a partial or complete absence of an important brain structure called the corpus callosum, which connects the two halves of the brain. As Aicardi syndrome mainly affects females, experts believe the condition arises due to a mutation on the X chromosome. In healthy individuals, […]
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Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and the hormone insulin that regulates blood sugar levels. The pancreas is a long, leaf-shaped gland that sits in the upper portion of the abdomen, in front of the spine and behind the stomach. Pancreatitis can occur as an acute or chronic illness. In acute pancreatitis, […]
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The presenting symptoms of Marfan syndrome can be highly variable and, as a result, the diagnosis of the condition can be difficult. A detailed family and medical history should be taken to establish a clear picture of the individual’s health status, in addition to a physical examination and some diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis is most commonly […]
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