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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Bubbles and Brews - Alcohol Facts

About Alcohol

There is more to alcohol than mere intoxication. Infamous because of its social abuse but indispensable because of its many industrial applications. The process of fermentation obtains an alcohol.

Alcoholic drinks are widely popular and an essential element for socializing and relaxation - it is said the ingredients of man's happiness include - wine, women and mirth. Ethanol is the alcohol present in alcoholic drinks. Their excess uses lead to several social and health problems.

"He that drinks fast pays slow." Benjamin Franklin

The production and consumption of alcohol is part of most cultures and societies around the world. Drinking alcohol is an important social event among hunting tribes and civilized nations alike and may be closely associated to the culture of a community.

'Alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life.' - George Bernard Shaw

In early and modern cultures, alcoholic beverages have played a vital role in social interaction by providing confidence and removing inhibition. While several psychoactive drugs such as opium and cannabis have the same effect they are not as socially accepted as alcohol.


Uses of Alcohol

In the olden times various reasons are attributed to the usage of alcohol such as-

Therapeutic

Recreational

Relaxation and feeling of euphoria

Aphrodisciac (modern studies have proved that this notion is false)

Inspiration for creativity

Religion

With time alcohol was found to be a very useful solvent and as an energy source for industrial use. Today alcohol finds a place as an important substance in many Industrial and pharmaceuticals manufacturing processes.

An alcohol is used as solvent to dissolve medical drugs, perfumes and essences like vanilla.

Both methanol and ethanol are used as fuel for automobiles. In comparison to gasoline they burn cleanly producing only carbon dioxide and water.

It is used as a preservative for specimen storage in laboratories and museums.

Ethanol has been used as an antiseptic to disinfect the skin before injections. It is used for making soap with disinfectant properties. It is also used for cleaning paint- brushes.

Allergy

General Info about Allergy

The bodies defence mechanism works over time to react against foreign particles which may pose danger to normal functioning of the human system. These foreign particles are known as Allergens.


People who are known to be allergic, respond to harmless allergens in an exaggerated manner thus resulting in irritations and discomfort to the body.There are several types of allergies like: Hay Fever, Asthma, Eczema, Hives, Contact Dermatitis (Skin Reactions), Conjunctivitis (Red eye), Sinusitis, Anaphylaxis (Life-Threatening Reaction).

For this general concept of the changed capacity for reaction, I propose the term "allergy". "Allo" denotes the deviation from the original state, from the behavior of the normal, as in "allorhythmia","allotropy".
- Clemens Peter Pirquet von
Cesenatico, 1906

Alcoholic Liver Disease

General Info about Alcoholic Liver Disease

Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister said, "Always remember that I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me." However, unlike Churchill, for many highly talented souls alcohol has been a curse, for once addicted to it, they have lost their brilliant career.

Man has always enjoyed getting intoxicated. Alcohol has always been an important part of all social occasions and rituals. Today alcohol consumption is one of the most serious public health problems not just in our country but in developed countries as well. The ill effects of alcohol consumption is not taken seriously because the enjoyment of alcohol is socially accepted and even encouraged in many cultures. The process by which an occasional drinker becomes an excessive drinker, and then finally becomes dependent on drinking can be gradual.

Alcohol abuse or excessive drinking is associated with a whole range of problems such as - physical, psychological, social, criminal and economical. Another silent killer associated with alcohol addiction is liver disease known as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis. Liver Cirrhosis is the terminal stage of the liver diseases in which the liver becomes shrunk and fibrosis there by losing all its function. This stage occurs after liver has undergone abuse and destruction for a long period of time.

Alcohol and Driving

Drunken Driving

Drunken driving is no accident.

Alcohol and driving do not mix. Drunken drivers are responsible for many a mishap and several unnecessary deaths. Unfortunately many lives are lost day to day due to drivers who have had one too many drinks and yet think they are fit to drive.

If you have had a few drinks it is best to call for a cab or ask some one who is sober to drive you home. You may not only save your own life but also avoid risking the lives of innocent strangers.

In India the "pub city" Bangalore has the highest incidence of road accidents related to drunken driving and the maximum number of deaths occur on Saturday nights.

According to the reports from US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:
"In the US in 1995, alcohol-related costs in areas such as crime, health-care, policing and losses in industrial productivity amounted to $167 billion dollars."

Alcohol abuse/Alcohol dependence/Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse - Overview

Alcohol is a depressant drug that acts on the central nervous system, and slows down the functions of the brain, reduces social inhibitions and helps to relax. It is the most abused drug in the world.

Alcohol dependence was earlier referred to as ‘Alcoholism’. Alcohol dependence is more common among males.

It usually sets in during the latter part of the second decade or during the early part of the third decade of life.

The term ‘Alcohol dependence’ is usually used in reference to the mental, physical, or social damage that results from an excessive consumption of alcohol. Alcohol dependence is characterized by an increased preoccupation with the drug and reduced control over its intake.

Alcohol dependence is often a chronic, progressive disease, which, if left untreated, can prove to be fatal.

Alcohol dependence may also be contributed by genetic, psychological, and social factors.

Alcohol abuse is generally considered when a person engages in excessive drinking, resulting in health or social problems, but is not dependent on alcohol on a regular basis.

Excess of alcohol affects the central nervous system and the functions of the brain.

It generally affects the perception, thinking, and coordination, impairing judgment, reducing inhibitions, and increasing the person’s aggressiveness.

Alcohol abusers are often more likely to be associated with high-risk, reckless, or violent behaviours than non-abusers.

Alcohol dependence is seen more commonly associated in males, usually starting in their late twenties, or early thirties of life.

Albinism / Hypopigmentation / Albinos

Albinism - Overview

Albinism results in the partial or complete absence of pigment (color) in the skin, hair, and eyes. Commonly the individuals with the condition are called Albinos.

Albino individuals suffer from an inherited disorder of melanin production called Albinism. In this condition there is lack of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and hair. It is also known as hypopigmentation, oculocutaneous albinism or ocular albinism.

The natural pigment, melanin, is responsible for the color of our skin, hair and eyes. If the gene, encrypting this pigment is defective, our body will be pale and white. The tan a person gets is due to the increase in the pigment distribution when exposed to the ultra-violet rays of the sun. Melanin is a pigment that protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV light. The people in the tropics are darker for this reason, as they are more exposed to the sun, in comparison to the people who live in temperate climates.The less the sun, the more the paleness of the skin, hair and the eyes.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

AIDS/HIV - Worldwide distribution and Risk of Transmission

AIDS Distribution Pattern

Worldwide AIDS surveillance is coordinated by GPA at WHO in Geneva. Reports are received from collaborating centers, including CDC in the United States, the WHO Collaborating Centre in Paris, and WHO regional offices and ministries of health. Accuracy and completeness of AIDS reporting vary in different areas of the world.

Epidemiologic studies indicate three broad yet distinct geographic patterns of transmission
.

Pattern I is typical of industrialized countries with large numbers of reported AIDS cases, such as North America, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Latin America. In these areas, most cases occur among homosexual or bisexual males and urban IV drug
users. Heterosexual transmission is responsible for only a small percentage of cases but is increasing.

Pattern II is observed in areas of central, eastern, and southern Africa and in some Caribbean countries. In these areas, most cases occur among heterosexuals; the male to female ratio is approximately 1:1 and perinatal transmission is relatively more common than in other areas. IV drug use and homosexual transmission either do not occur or occur at a very low level.

Pattern III is found in areas of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and most of the Pacific. HIV appears to have been introduced into these areas in the early to mid-1980s, and only small numbers of cases have been reported. Homosexual and heterosexual transmission has only recently been documented. Generally, cases have occurred among persons who have traveled to endemic areas or who have had sexual contact with individuals from endemic areas, such as homosexual men and female prostitutes.

AIDS / HIV - Treatment

About AIDS/HIV Treatment



Introduction


Human Immunodeficiency Virus
attacks the CD4 immune cells, which are the immune system cells. CD4 cells trigger the immune system to create antibodies in order to fight off infection. As HIV destroys the CD4 cells, the function of immune system is suppressed and the affected person is not able to defend infection. As HIV reduces the CD4 cells, in your body, the person is unable to defend from infection. The immunosuppressed patient develops illness, infection and ultimately, AIDS.

Treatment for AIDS

Treatment strategy for AIDS virus involves the following principles:

1. To have an effective drug that kills the HIV virus once it enters the body.

2. To create a vaccine that would prevent the disease.

3. To educate people world wide about the dangers of AIDS and how to prevent the HIV infection.

AIDS/HIV - Prevention And Transmission

Introduction

HIV virus is transmitted by exchange of body fluids from infected person to the uninfected. Sexual activities can transmit the virus when direct contact occurs between the HIV infected persons body fluid and mucous membranes
of another. This spread can be prevented by avoiding these behaviors or by use of preventive condoms. Use of disposable syringes can avoid transmission
of the virus by needle. Routine testing for HIV
can prevent transmission through blood transfusions.

AIDS/HIV- LAB TESTS and FAQs

Introduction

HIV test
is a simple blood test to detect the presence of HIV antibodies. For accurate test results, you have to test your blood 3-4 months for the presence of antibodies.

AIDS - Initial Theories and Disease Progression

Early History of AIDS

AIDS was first detected in early 1980s, among gays, Haitians and black Africans


The origin of AIDS has always been a puzzle to the scientific world. It first came to light in the US in the early 1980s. In the history of AIDS there are three periods. The first is the clinical manifestations in the early 80s, when AIDS
began in gays, followed by Haitians, people in Africa, and then hemophiliacs resulting in various opportunistic diseases such as pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
(PCP), unexplained persistent lymphadenopathy, taxoplasmosis and Kaposi's sarcoma. These people showed increased susceptibility to rare opportunistic infection. Following which it was identified that these infections were highly resistant to treatment.

When AIDS became prevalent in US individuals suffered a complete collapse of the immune system. The second is the molecular diagnosis period, when scientists discovered the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It was found that the virus caused impairment of the cell-mediated immunity (CMI). This was due to the loss or destruction of a large number of T-helper cells, which bear the CD4 marker on the surface. The third is the political period which dates to 2000.

AIDS/HIV - Health Education



Introduction


Preventing the spread of HIV requires a comprehensive strategy that includes effective, sustained health education and health promotion programs. The goal of these programs is to reduce the risk of individuals becoming infected with HIV or, if already infected, infecting others.

AIDS/HIV - Epidemiology

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

"AIDS is an epidemic disease, a potentially preventable, deadly infection for which there is no cure, no vaccine, and it is not under control."
-National Commission on AIDS, 1993

More than 40 million people worldwide, are infected with HIV/AIDS and more than 3.1 million AIDS-related deaths occurred worldwide each year. Women are more affected by the virus than men. The Incidence of AIDS is higher in South Africa and the World AIDS Day campaign (December 1st) is aimed to raise awareness about AIDS. AIDS is the clinical manifestations or disease symptoms occurring due to HIV infection. Immune compromised stage of the infected person manifests this end stage.

AIDS/HIV- CLINICAL FEATURES

Introduction

HIV infected persons are asymptomatic (without symptoms) early after the infection. The infected persons show symptoms after 2 to 15 years after initial infection. The time interval between development of AIDS symptoms may range from to 15 years (Infected to full blown AIDS development).When the CD4-T cell count is less than 200 (Normal: 500 to 1500), then the patient is considered to have AIDS. AIDS Related Complex (ARC) is a less serious condition than AIDS. In ARC, the patient test positive for AIDS infection and often has less sever symptoms than classical AIDS.

AIDS/HIV - Common Opportunistic Infections

Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma develops below the skin surfaces or in mucous membranes of mouth, nose or anus and appears as lumps


Kaposi sarcoma (KS) was named for Dr. Moritz Kaposi who first described it in 1872. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) was a rare form of relatively benign cancer that usually occured in older people who are of Mediterranean origin or cancer or transplant patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Most KS cases have developed in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), especially among homosexual men. This is called AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma. This disease typically causes tumors to develop in the tissues below the skin surface, or in the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or anus. These lesions (abnormal tissue areas) appear as raised blotches or lumps that may be purple, brown, or red. Sometimes the disease causes painful swelling, especially in the legs, groin area, or skin around the eyes. Extensive lung involvement by KS can be fatal. In 40% or more of patients with AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma, the Kaposi lesions will shrink upon first starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Oral Health: The First Reflector of AIDS

About Oral Health And AIDS

AIDS has taken on massive proportions in modern times. It is estimated that over 15 million people are suffering from the disease and many more are harboring the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Besides creating havoc on the body's immune

system, the AIDS virus also causes serious damage to the mouth and the surrounding structures. The mouth as we know is a hotbed of all kinds of microorganisms, some of which are quite normal to the area. But under immunocompromised conditions, these 'normal' microorganisms start to cause irreparable damage to the area. Besides, the teeth themselves, lips, tongue, gums and cheeks are affected by AIDS.