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Nicholas Scholz

Severe Complications Related to Cancerous Brain Tissue - 0 views

  • About two-thirds of patients with brain metastases will have symptoms that can range from headache to vision problems to confusion
  • These metastases can lead to spinal cord compression, which in the most severe cases can cause permanent paralysis and/or incontinenc
  • Plexopathies cause pain and occur when cancer spreads to the plexus, a network of interweaving nerves, blood
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  • essels, or lymph vessel
  • h vessel
  • Cancer can also spread to the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord, called the leptomeningeal tissues
  • There is a strong correlation between deep vein thrombosis and cancer: patients who present with deep vein thrombosis are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer
  • Paraneoplastic disorders are a group of conditions related only because they result from biological side effects of cancer
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    This essay explains the types of complications related to neurological conditions and how they effect the body. The first complication is of course related to the origination of brain tumors themselves. Brain metastases is caused by the spread of cancerous cells to brain from other areas of the body. Symptoms could include that of headaches to vision problems. The next topic of discussion is the Epidural Spinal Cord Compression. This is another type of metastases which can lead to spinal cord compression and possible paralysis. Common issues associated with this type of metastases include breast, prostate, or lung cancer. Additionally, Plexopathies are caused by the spread of cancer to the plexus. This type of complication causes serious pain and has the ability to migrate towards other areas of the plexus. Leptomeningeal Metastases is caused by the spread of cells to the tissues which cover the brain and spinal cord and could effect cognitive skills. Another complication is a vascular disorder. Vascular disorders and cancer are believed to correlate with a deep vein thrombosis. Finally, paraneoplastic disorder is a complication that is caused by a group of conditions which create biological side effects. These side effects include release of substances into the blood stream and inappropriate immune system responses.
Nicholas Scholz

The effects of the brain in reproduction - 1 views

  • Properly functioning FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is needed to ensure fertility
  • Recently, the group of researchers at the University of Muenster (Germany) has analysed genetic variants in both the FSH gene and in the FSH receptor, which affect fertility in both males and females.
  • The group found that a distinct single nucleotide change in the DNA structure of FSHB gene (the FSH molecule has 2 subunits -- FSHB is the B subunit) caused significant effects in the functioning of the hormone in both men and women
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  • They found that males with the FSHB variation had significant drops in FSH levels and in testicular volume
  • However, the number of women with the combined variation so far studied was not high enough to draw significant conclusions.
  • We estimate that around 45% of infertile men would respond to FSH therapy
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    Reproduction is obviously a vital aspect of the human development. With a non-functioning fertility system future generations would be at a loss. Many problems could arise with infertility and ground-breaking research is finally being conducted. One of the important aspects of human reproduction is the use of hormones specifically FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone). This hormone is produced at the base of the brain stem and non-existing levels of FSH were recently associated with infertility. In order to regenerate these hormones a change has to be made in the FSHB subunit of the nucleotide. Infertility usually occurs after certain changes are made in the hormone levels and by redirecting the levels of hormones we may be able to alter the problems that arise during reproduction. It should also be noted that increases and decreases in the levels of FSH may have different effects depending on the gender of the patient. Current research estimates that the response of males to this therapy could positively effect nearly 45% of infertile men. Estimates could not be made for females as a result of insufficient research. 
Nicholas Scholz

Treatments and Medications Used for Patients with MS - 0 views

  • Corticosteroids are mainly used to reduce the inflammation that spikes during a relapse
  • Beta interferons. These types of drugs — such as Avonex, Betaseron, Extavia and Rebif — appear to slow the progress of multiple sclerosis, reduce the number of attacks and lessen the severity of attacks
  • (Copaxone). This medication may reduce the number of MS attacks
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  • (Tysabri). This medication may reduce the number of MS attacks by interfering with the movement of potentially damaging immune cells from your bloodstream to your brain and spinal cord.
  • Teriflunomide (Aubagio). This oral medication reduces attacks and lesions in people with MS.
  • Medications such as amantadine may help reduce fatigue due to multiple sclerosis.
  • Dalfampridine (Ampyra). This oral medication may improve walking speed in some people. The major side effect is seizures.
  • Muscle relaxants. If you have multiple sclerosis, you may experience painful or uncontrollable muscle stiffness or spasms, particularly in your legs. Muscle relaxants such as baclofen (Lioresal) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) may improve muscle spasticity
  • A physical or occupational therapist can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises and show you how to use devices that can make it easier to perform daily tasks.
  • For example, stem cell transplantation is being studied. In a stem cell transplant, doctors inject healthy stem cells into your body to replace diseased stem cells.
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    Though MS obviously has no cure there are plenty of procedures and medications that can be used to lessen the effects of the disease. Treating specific attacks reduces the damage to the myelin sheath. Two methods for controlling the attacks are plasma exchanges and corticosteroids. Another way to control the effects of MS is by slowing the progression of the disease. There are many different drugs that slow the rate of relapses some of which include Beta Interferons, Copaxone, Gilenya, and Tysabri. In addition to these medications, other strategies can be used to treat the symptoms, which include physical therapy and muscle relaxants. 
Melissa Menghini

Acid Rain Facts, Acid Rain Information, Acid Rain Pictures, Acid Rain Effects - Nationa... - 0 views

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    Major environmental devastation is the direct result of human activities. Through the burning of fossil fuels, humans are unintentionally producing acid rain. The sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released from the fossil fuels mix with water, oxygen, and other substances in the atmosphere to create consequential solutions that are spread over miles. Some negative effects of acid rain include aluminum absorption in water (making a toxic environment for aquatic animals), disruption of the food chain (aquatic deaths result in bird deaths, etc.), the robbing of essential nutrients in soil (kills trees), and the deterioration of vegetation's ability to withstand extreme conditions. In order to prevent ecological disaster, it is required that humans stop the burning of fossil fuels. Governments have attempted to use an alternative source for energy, but the harmful effects of the fossil fuel use have yet to wear off. By the conservation of energy, individuals can help stop the destruction of the planet.  
Elizabeth Bundschuh

Introduction to Cancer Immunotherapy - 0 views

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    There is no "magic bullet" in the fight against cancer, but one step towards curing cancer is Immunotherapy. The generally accepted hypothesis is that the immune system is the best tool humans have for fighting disease. Immunotherapy is thought to be less toxic than current treatments, however it is rarely used by itself to treat cancer. There are limitations to the effectiveness of Immunotherapy; the normal immune system cannot sense tumor cells, the response from the immune system is not strong enough when the body does recognize tumor cells, and tumors can defend themselves. There are three types of Immunotherapy Passive, components of the immune system are engineered outside of the body to attack cancer cells; Active, stimulates the body's own immune system to fight cancer; and Combination, uses both passive and active activity. Passive Immunotherapy's use antibodies created outside of the body to provide immunity or help fight off a disease. One type of passive immunotherapy is Monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb), the most widely used form of immunotherapy. Active Immunotherapy work by stimulating the immune system to 'actively' respond to the disease. One type of active immunotherapy is Provenge, a therapeutic prostate cancer vaccine. Therapeutic cancer vaccines are given to patients with cancer to help stimulate the immune system to fight the cancer. Combination Therapy is still in clinical studies but is thought to have a greater potential than active or passive immunotherapy because it combines the activity of both therapies. Immunotherapy may not be the magic bullet to fighting cancer, but when used early and with other treatments it has proven effective.
Elizabeth Bundschuh

Childhood Cancer's Health Woes Persist for Years - WSJ.com - 0 views

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    Pediatric patients are surviving their cancer and growing into adults. However, doctors are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term health effects of the treatments that saved their patient's life. Many serious health conditions go undiagnosed because Doctors do not always think about the conditions that may effects pediatric cancer survivors. There was a study conducted with 1700 participants by St. Jude's Hospital. The participants were 10 years past their diagnosis and underwent lots of tests to determine any long-term conditions they might have. The average age of the study was 33. There are almost 400,000 pediatric cancer survivors and that number will grow. It is imperative to ensure follow up programs are in place and that doctors use minimal radiation.
sami99

Swine Flu News Update | Popular Science - 0 views

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    Swine flu has become a world wide scare across America causing people to over think the entire situation. When under reacting to the situation with swine flu it puts a huge dent into public heath and harms the vaccine industry. When over reacting it causes tax payers to pay hundreds of millions of dollars which greatly effects the economy. The H1N1 scare is not to serious by saying yes, 2 billion people will be effected with the virus but about half of that won't even know they have the virus. 
Priya S.K.

A Brain for Rhythm | The Scientist Magazine® - 0 views

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    Since the 1920s, researchers have recorded rhythmic patterns or electrical impulses in the brain. Now, rhythm is known to have effects on perception, attention, working memory, learning, and language. Gazzaley, a neuroscientist, wants to determine if these rhythms vary between healthy individuals. He is also interested in exploring what roles these rhythms play in various disorders. In one experiment, Gazzaley worked with the drummer, Mickey Hart, by strapping him to an EEG while playing the drums. Hart's brain was shown on screen, live.
Nicholas Scholz

Parkinsons DIsease - NIH - 0 views

  • Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells
  • symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands
  • bradykinesia, or slowness of movemen
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  • As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • At present, there is no cure for PD
  • and progressive
  • A therapy called deep brain stimulation (DBS) has now been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • Usually, patients are given levodopa
  • movements called dyskinesias that are a common side effect of levodopa
  • PD is both chronic
  • In some cases, surgery may be appropriate if the disease doesn't respond to drugs
  • No one can predict which symptoms will affect an individual patient, and the intensity of the symptoms also varies from person to person.
  • PD research in laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Scientists looking for the cause of PD
  • develop new protective drugs that can delay, prevent, or reverse the disease.
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    This article pertains to the neurological disorder, Parkinson's Disease (PD). PD is known to reduce motor system function due to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Most symptoms related to PD include tremors, trembling, and slowness of movement (bradykinesia). As the disease progresses these tremors begin to effect daily activities like chewing and speaking. Unfortunately there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease. The most common treatment for PD is the use of medications such as levodopa. Due to complications with current medications other treatments like deep brain stimulation and surgery are commonly used. Parkinson's Disease is both chronic and progressive. Tremors and other symptoms will occur for long periods of time and possibly grow worse. Patients with PD experience varying symptoms and intensities. Current research being done in response to Parkinson's is being conducted at the National Institute of Health (NIH) and elsewhere. Current topics of research include discovering the cause of PD, and the development of protective drugs needed to delay, prevent, and even reverse the disease.
Priya S.K.

Music Therapy for Health and Wellness | Psychology Today - 0 views

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    As a pharmacist, Catherine Ulbricht studied different types of music and its therapeutic effects. There are scientific evidences that support that music influences mood and helps with stress. 5 conditions for which music therapy has good evidence for are autism, dementia, depression, infant development, and sleep quality. However, music shouldn't be listened to at high volumes nor should be a sole treatment for dangerous medical/psychiatric conditions; therefore, safety should be taken into account.
Melissa Menghini

Vaccination Statistics - 0 views

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    Although popularized by the media as "healthy," vaccinations bring more harm to the human body then they do health. Multiple studies have found that those children injected with vaccinations actually caught more disease than those not vaccinated. Vaccinations are not guaranteed to work, and can actually cause severe complications. Few vaccinations have been successful; these effective immunizations protect against one disease, but increase risk of other viruses. Vaccines contain harmful ingredients that can cause cancers and leukemia, and are even linked to AIDS. Vaccines are also connected to brain damage, lowered IQ, ADD, learning disabilities, and autism. Vaccinations are composed of harmful ingredients, are illogically produced, and cause more diseases than they prevent.
Elizabeth Bundschuh

Proton Therapy: The Cancer Treatment of the Future - 0 views

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    Proton therapy in a painless, noninvasive type of radiation to treat malignant tumors. It has been used successfully in against a variety of tumors and has fewer side affects then conventional photon therapy. Both Photon and Proton therapies work in the same ways by destroying cancer cells and preventing them from dividing. Proton therapy penetrates less healthy tissue than photon therapy. That means that proton therapy has fewer side effects and a faster recovery. Proton therapy needs time to grow. Costs for therapy rooms are falling, but many insurances do not cover proton therapy and many medical professionals need to be educated about and trained to use proton therapy. Overall proton therapy is a quickly becoming a more efficient, better way to treat cancer.
Nicholas Scholz

Epilepsy - NIH - 0 views

  • The epilepsies are a spectrum of brain disorders ranging from severe, life-threatening and disabling, to ones that are much more benign
  • seizures can be controlled with modern medicines and surgical techniques
  • Epilepsy may develop because of an abnormality in brain wiring, an imbalance of nerve signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters
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  • Only when a person has had two or more seizures is he or she considered to have epilepsy
  • For about 70 percent of those diagnosed with epilepsy,
  • normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior
  • Issues may also arise as a result of the stigma attached to having epilepsy
  • the risk of seizures restricts their independence (some states refuse drivers licenses to people with epilepsy) and recreational activities.
  • Ongoing research is focused on developing new model systems that can be used to more quickly screen potential new treatments
  • Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health have developed a flexible brain implant that could one day be used to treat seizures
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    Epilepsy is a neurological disorder associated with sudden seizures. In diagnosing epilepsy, the patient must have displayed two unexpected seizures. Epilepsy can be life - threatening and disabling or benign. Typical symptoms associated with epilepsy are strange sensations, emotions, and behavior. The cause of epilepsy is uncertain, but abnormal brain wiring may have an effect. With no cure for epilepsy, modern day medications and surgeries are used to treat patients. Due to the stigma associated with epilepsy, some children develop behavioral and emotional issues. The restriction of independence, like being denied a drivers license due to seizures, is also emotionally challenging for these patients. Current research being conducted for patients with epilepsy include the development of new models used to determine treatments, and brain implants which control seizures. 
Nicholas Scholz

How do Medical Professionals Diagnose Brain Tumors? - 0 views

  • The neurological exam includes checking vision, hearing, strength, sensation, balance, coordination, reflexes and ability to think and remember
  • An angiogram is a type of X-ray of the head that shows the brain’s arteries and veins
  • To show abnormalities like a brain tumor, a contrast dye is often used
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  • CT scans are a type of X-ray that creates a three-dimensional picture of the head by scanning the head from multiple different angles
  • CT scans can be helpful in diagnosing some types of brain tumors, especially those near or involving bone
  • DTIs measure the flow of water through the white matter tracts of the brain. This provides a snapshot of the brain's structure and can be used to compare changes over time.
  • This scan allows the surgeon and treating team to visualize the circuitry (or wiring) of the brain to guide the surgery
  • FMRI is used to determine the specific location of the brain where a certain function, such as speech or motor function, occurs
  • Patients can undergo functional MRIs (fMRI) to help delineate a roadmap of important structures (such as areas that control the arms, legs, or speech) prior to surgery
  • . These scans use magnetic fields and radio waves, rather than X-rays, and computers to create detailed pictures of the brain.
  • MRS is similar to MRI, except that it measures the function of the brain rather than its structure
  • A PET scan detects changes in cells as they grow
  • A biopsy is a surgical procedure to remove a small sample of the tumor for examination under a microscope
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    This article provides information regarding the diagnosis of brain tumors. The first step in diagnosing brain tumors is a neurological exam. This type of exam is used to check vision, hearing, strength, sensation, and other cognitive skills. If deemed necessary other exams can be performed to determine characteristics of the tumors. The first is an angiogram, which is a type of x-ray for the head which examines arteries and veins. The second type is a brain scan, which shows abnormalities using a contrast dye. Another type of scan is the CT scan which creates a 3 dimensional image of the brain which can be useful in diagnosing brain tumors especially near bones. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a type of scan which measures the flow of water through white matter of the brain. This method provides a snapshot of brains structure and can be very useful during surgical procedures allowing physicians a guide to the rest of the brain. An fMRI is used to determine specific locations related to specific functions. This type of diagnostic tool helps create a guide to specific functions of the brain which is used to better prepare for surgery. The common MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of the brain. A similar MRS measures the function of the brain rather than its structure. Additionally, PET scans detect changes in the cells using an injection of radioactive glucose. Finally, the most effective way to diagnose a patient is by using a biopsy. A biopsy is a surgical procedure which a profile of tissue is collected and examined under a microscope. Most biopsy's are done using surgery, although there are a couple of different types of needle biopsy's.
Elizabeth Bundschuh

Types of Cancer Immunotherapy | What Is Immunotherapy - 0 views

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    Immunotherapy can be used to treat cancer by activating the body's immune system. One way to do this is by using Monoclonal Antibodies which stimulate a variety of immune responses that lead to tumor-cells death. Another type of immunotherapy is deactivating Checkpoint Inhibitors. These checkpoints help to make sure the immune system does not attack healthy cells; deactivating these checkpoints on cancer cells it allows the immune system to attack and has been effective in clinical trials. The third type of immunotherapy is Cytokines, which stimulates a broad immune response against a specific tumor antigen. The last type of immunotherapy is therapeutic cancer vaccines which stimulate the immune system to fight against a tumor's antigens. This is a durable response that tries to activate the immune system to fight the tumor cells. There are many ways immunotherapy can be used to help fight cancer.
Priya S.K.

Gravity-Plant Growth - 1 views

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    The effects of the absence of gravity on the plant's growth- test done by NASA
Priya S.K.

Light Orientation-Plant Growth - 1 views

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    The effect of light orientation on the direction of plant growth-aka phototropism
Priya S.K.

Salt-Plant Growth - 1 views

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    The effects of salt levels on plant growth/ root behavior
aburbridge017

New compound to treat depression identified -- ScienceDaily - 0 views

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    Researchers have recently discovered that hydroxynorketamine (HNK) may be just as effective in treating depression as ketamine. Studies using rats showed that the drug maybe more useful than ketamine, due to the fact  that it does not act as an anesthetic agent. and it is a lot stronger. HNK could also be used in neurodegenerative disorders because it slows D-serine production, which allows neuron connections to reform. 
aburbridge017

How sweet it is: Bioenergy advanced by new tool -- ScienceDaily - 0 views

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    Researchers have created an assay that can analyze nucleotide sugar transporter functions in plants and characterize them. This assay can provide information that is very beneficial to the genetic engineering of plants. The information learned from the assay has already been used to change plants' biomass sugar composition. This sugar can be a very effective source of energy. The more sugar content the cell walls have, the more energy the plant will be able to provide. 
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