Health and Fitness

General Discussion Bartonellosis is a group of emerging infectious diseases caused by bacteria belonging to the Bartonella genus. Bartonella includes at least 22 named species of bacteria that are mainly transmitted by carriers (vectors), including fleas, lice, or sandflies. Both domestic and wild animals can be infected with Bartonella species (Bartonella spp) by these vectors. Among the Bartonella spp, at least 14 have been implicated in diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people (zoonotic disease). Of these zoonotic species, several may be transmitted to humans by companion animals (dogs and cats), typically through a bite or scratch. Human diseases that have been identified to be caused by one of the Bartonella spp bacteria include cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae), Carrion’s disease (Bartonella bacilliformis), and trench fever (Bartonella quintana). Bartonella spp have also been associated with diseases of the skin (bacillary angiomatosis), liver (peliosis hep...

Synonyms of Ataxia with Vitamin E Deficiency AVED Familial Isolated Vitamin E Deficiency Isolated Vitamin E Deficiency General Discussion Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) is a rare inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impaired ability to coordinate voluntary movements (ataxia) and disease of the peripheral nervous system (peripheral neuropathy). AVED is a progressive disorder that can affect many different systems of the body (multisystem disorder). Specific symptoms vary from case to case. In addition to neurological symptoms, affected individuals may experience eye abnormalities, disorders affecting the heart muscles (cardiomyopathy), and abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis). AVED is extremely similar to a more common disorder known as Friedreich’s ataxia. AVED is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Vitamin E deficiency often occurs secondary to disorders that impair the absorption of vitamin E from fat including liver disorders, disorders of fat...

Asherson’s syndrome is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the development, over a period of hours, days or weeks, of rapidly progressive blood clots affecting multiple organ systems of the body. Conditions such as infections, immunizations, wounds caused due to physical trauma and failure in the anticoagulation mechanism of the body usually act as “triggers”. The syndrome is particularly common among patients with antiphospholipid syndrome who experience a cessation of the anticoagulation mechanism rleated to recurrent bleeding in the body. It is usually seen in patients who have previously suffered from a simple/classic episode of antiphospholipid syndrome. It is not known why patients of antiphospholipid syndrome often have the tendency to be “catapulted” into a serious or fatal multiorgan failure, while the same triggers in other individuals may only result in recurrent large vessel thrombosis. The symptoms are also aptly observed in patients during pregnancy or ...

Brown syndrome is a problem with the tendon that attaches to the outside of the eye (superior oblique muscle tendon). In Brown syndrome, this tendon can't move freely. This limits the eye’s normal movements. The superior oblique muscle is responsible for: Pulling the eye toward the midline Pulling the eye to look down Rotating the eye The superior oblique muscle tendon attaches to the superior oblique muscle. It moves through a ring of tissue. This is called the tendon sheath. Many things can limit the normal movement of the muscle tendon through the tendon sheath. When that happens, Brown syndrome occurs. Brown syndrome is a rare eye disorder. In most cases, a child is born with it (congenital). In very rare cases, it may happen later in life (acquired). Acquired Brown syndrome may be linked to other health conditions. These include injury, inflammatory diseases, problems from eye surgery, and sinus infection. It affects females more often than males. CAUSES Despite a substantial ...

Arterial wounds, also known as arterial ulcers, are painful injuries in your skin caused by poor circulation. ‌ Arterial ulcers typically happen when blood is unable to flow into the lower extremities, like the legs and feet. When the skin and underlying tissue are deprived of oxygen, the tissue starts to die off and form an open wound.  Impact of Arterial Wounds on Your Health Arterial wounds tend to be extremely painful and uncomfortable. ‌ Due to poor circulation, arterial wounds may heal slowly. The lack of circulation can also make it difficult for the red blood cells to deliver the nutrients needed to heal. Without oxygen-rich blood, white blood cells may not be able to fight off bacteria, making the wound more likely to become infected.‌‌ If left untreated, arterial ulcers can lead to more serious diseases or complications, including infection, tissue necrosis, and, in extreme cases, amputation. Symptoms of Arterial Ulcers Arterial ulcers are characterized by a pun...

Overview Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Your thyroid produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Thyroid cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. But as it grows, it can cause pain and swelling in your neck. Several types of thyroid cancer exist. Some grow very slowly and others can be very aggressive. Most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured with treatment. Thyroid cancer rates seem to be increasing. Some doctors think this is because new technology is allowing them to find small thyroid cancers that may not have been found in the past. Signs and Symptoms Most papillary thyroid cancers do not cause symptoms (i.e. they are asymptomatic). In fact, many patients will not know that they are there. Patients with large nodules may notice a palpable mass (i.e. a mass they can feel) or a visible mass (i.e. a mass they can see...