Barbiturate

Barbiturates are the earliest known class of sedative-hypnotic agents. These agents were once extremely popular drugs to abuse. Benzodiazepines have largely replaced barbiturates for outpatient medical therapy. It has created a decline in barbiturate abuse and stricter guidelines dictating barbitura...
Barbiturates are the earliest known class of sedative-hypnotic agents. These agents were once extremely popular drugs to abuse. Benzodiazepines have largely replaced barbiturates for outpatient medical therapy. It has created a decline in barbiturate abuse and stricter guidelines dictating barbiturate use have led to decreased availability. Barbiturates were especially popular in the first half of the 20th century. In moderate amounts, these drugs produce a state of intoxication that is remarkably similar to alcohol intoxication.

Symptoms of intoxication include slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, and impaired judgment. Depending on the dose, frequency, or duration of use, one can rapidly develop intolerance, physical dependence, and psychological dependence on barbiturates. With the development of tolerance, the margin of safety between the effective dose and the lethal dose becomes very narrow, which is how the tolerant abuser raises his or her dose to a level that may result in coma or death. Although many individuals have taken barbiturates therapeutically without harm, the concern about the addiction potential of barbiturates and the ever-increasing number of fatalities associated with them led to the development of alternative medications called benzodiazepines. Withdrawal symptoms can include tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures. This can potentially lead to permanent disability or even death. Today, fewer than 10 percent of all sedative and hypnotic prescriptions in the United States are for barbiturates.

Barbiturate poisoning

Barbiturates are sedatives used for seizure disorders, induction of anesthesia, and management of increased intracranial pressure; they enhance the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid. Barbiturates are general depressants to nerve and muscle tissue. Mild to moderate barbiturate toxicity mimics alcohol intoxication.







Severe acute barbiturate toxicity results in CNS problems, with lethargy and coma as a common complication. Constricted pupils, confusion, hypotension, poor coordination, respiratory depression, and coma may occur. Although a barbiturate serum level may be obtained, the clinical presentation predicts the seriousness of the overdose that might happen. Attention must be given to the ABC's - airway, breathing and circulation. Gastric lavage and multiple doses of activated charcoal may be used to decontaminate the gastrointestinal system. Intra-venous fluids and forced diuresis and alkalization should be used for long acting barbiturate intoxication. In severe cases, even hemodialysis may be necessary. Early death is usually a result of shock or cardiopulmonary arrest, while later death is usually the result of pulmonary complications such as aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary edema.

Central nervous system effects

Barbiturates mainly act in the central nervous system, though they may indirectly affect other organ systems as well. Direct effects include sedation and hypnosis at lower dosages where lipophilic barbiturates, such as thiopental, cause rapid anesthesia. That happens because of their tendency to penetrate brain tissue quickly. Barbiturates all have anticonvulsant activity because they hyperpolarize cell membranes. Therefore, they are effective adjuncts in the treatment of epilepsy.

Pulmonary effects

Barbiturates can cause a depression of the medullary respiratory center and induce a respiratory depression as well. Patients with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are more susceptible to these effects. These patients are susceptible even at doses that would be considered therapeutic in healthy individuals. Barbiturate overdose fatality is usually secondary to respiratory depression so it is very important to obtain detailed information about barbiturates.

Cardiovascular effects

Cardiovascular depression may occur following depression of the medullary vasomotor centers. The fact is that patients with underlying congestive heart failure are more susceptible to these effects. At higher doses, cardiac contractility and vascular tone are compromised that may cause cardiovascular collapse.

Barbiturate abuse

Barbiturates are a group of drugs in the class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. That generally describes their sleep-inducing and anxiety-decreasing effects. In fact, barbiturates were first used in medicine in the early 1900s and became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. They were used as treatment for anxiety, insomnia or seizure disorders. With the popularity of barbiturates in the medical population, barbiturates as drugs of abuse evolved as well. Barbiturates were abused to reduce anxiety, decrease inhibitions, and treat unwanted effects of some drugs. Barbiturates can be extremely dangerous because the correct dose is difficult to predict and even a slight overdose can cause coma or death. Barbiturates are also addictive and can cause a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome for most people. Barbiturate use and abuse has declined dramatically since the 1970s. It is mainly because a safer group of sedative-hypnotics called benzodiazepines are being prescribed. Their usage has largely replaced barbiturates in the medical profession, with the exception of a few specific indications and doctors are prescribing barbiturates less. Therefore, illegal use of barbiturates has also substantially declined, although barbiturate abuse among teenagers may be on the rise compared with the early 1990s. Addiction to barbiturates, however, is uncommon these days.

Types of barbiturates

It is important to know there are many different barbiturates. The primary difference among them is how long their effects last, because effects of some of the long-acting drugs may last up to 2 days and others are very short acting with effects that last only a few minutes. Barbiturates can be injected into the veins or muscles, but they are usually taken in pill form and street names of commonly abused barbiturates describe the desired effect of the drug or the color and markings on the actual pill.

Causes of barbiturate abuse

Although the medical use of barbiturates has declined since the 1970s, and street abuse was also in decline, high school surveys suggest abuse has been rising over last 10 years with common reason to abuse barbiturates is to counteract the symptoms of other drugs. The increase in the abuse of barbiturates may be due to the popularity of stimulating drugs such as cocaine. Barbiturates or downers counteract the excitement and alertness obtained from the stimulating drugs. Today%26rsquo;s drug abusers may be too young to remember the deaths and other dangerous effects barbiturates caused in the 1970s. That is why these people underestimate the risks of using them. Barbiturates are commonly used in suicide attempts as well.

Symptoms of barbiturate abuse

In general, barbiturates can be thought of as so-called brain-relaxants; alcohol is also a brain-relaxant. The effects of barbiturates and alcohol are very similar and pain medicines, sleeping pills, and antihistamines also cause symptoms similar to those of barbiturates. People who abuse barbiturates use them to obtain a high. It is described as being similar to alcohol intoxication, or to counteract the effects of some stimulant drugs. In small doses, the person who abuses barbiturates feels drowsy, disinhibited, and intoxicated, but in higher doses, the user staggers as if drunk, develops slurred speech, and is confused. At even higher doses, the person is unable to be aroused and may stop breathing at all, so death is very possible.

The difference between the dose causing drowsiness and one causing death may be small. This difference is called a narrow therapeutic-to-toxic range. This is the reason why barbiturates are dangerous and it is also why barbiturates are not often prescribed today. In addition to having a narrow therapeutic range, barbiturates are also addictive so if taken daily for longer than a month or so, the brain develops a need for the barbiturate. It causes severe symptoms if the drug is withheld.

Symptoms of withdrawal or abstinence include tremors, difficulty sleeping, and agitation, which can become worse, resulting in life-threatening symptoms, including hallucinations, high temperature, and seizures. Pregnant women taking barbiturates can cause their baby to become addicted, and the newborn may have withdrawal symptoms as well. Since the doctor cannot prescribe the appropriate treatment for barbiturate abuse over the telephone, observation at a hospital emergency department is necessary. If you believe someone has taken barbiturates inappropriately, take him or her to a hospital emergency department for evaluation by doctor. Soon after taking barbiturates, a person may only be drowsy or seem intoxicated, but more serious symptoms can develop quickly and unpredictably so that person need fast hospitalization.

Exams and Tests

A urine test can readily identify barbiturate use, while diagnosis in a hospital emergency department, however, concentrates on diagnosing other potential reasons for the person to be drowsy. Examples for other reasons are other drugs taken, head injury, stroke, infection, or shock. These diagnostic efforts take place while the person is being treated, but in general, the person will have an IV started and blood will be drawn.

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Trisomy 18

Edwards’ syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18, which is why it is also called Trisomy 18 syndrome. The extra chromosome is lethal for most babies born with this condition and it causes major physical abnormalities and severe mental retardation. Very few children afflicted with ...
Edwards%26rsquo; syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18, which is why it is also called Trisomy 18 syndrome. The extra chromosome is lethal for most babies born with this condition and it causes major physical abnormalities and severe mental retardation. Very few children afflicted with this disease survive beyond a year. Although we do not know how many babies die we could say it is a problem we should know about.

About chromosomes

There are 23 pairs of human chromosomes, and in Trisomy 18 or Edwards syndrome, there is an extra chromosome with the 18th pair. Like Trisomy 21 known as Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 affects all systems of the body and causes distinct facial features. It is estimated to occur in 1 in 6,000-8,000 live births, where unfortunately, about 95% of fetuses die before birth. Therefore, the actual incidence of the disorder may be higher. Of those born, approximately 80% are females although Trisomy 18 affects individuals of all ethnic backgrounds and both sexes. Humans normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes and these chromosomes are numbered 1-22. The 23rd pair is composed of the sex chromosomes, X and Y. A person inherits one set of 23 chromosomes from each parent, so occasionally, a genetic error occurs during egg or sperm cell formation. A child conceived with such an egg or sperm cell may inherit an incorrect number of chromosomes.
As you already heard, in the case of Edwards' syndrome, the child inherits three, rather than two, copies of chromosome 18. Trisomy 18 occurs in approximately one in every 3,000 newborns and affects girls more often than boys, where women older than their early thirties have a greater risk of conceiving a child with Trisomy 18, but it can occur in younger women.

Symptoms of Trisomy 18

A third copy of chromosome 18 causes numerous abnormalities, where most children born with Edwards' syndrome appear weak and fragile, often underweight.





The head is unusually small and the back of the head is prominent, the ears are malformed and low-set, and the mouth and jaw are small. The baby may also have a cleft lip or cleft palate, and frequently, the hands are clenched into fists, and the index finger overlaps the other fingers. The child may have clubfeet and toes may be webbed or fused as well. Numerous problems involving the internal organs may be present with abnormalities often occurring in the lungs and diaphragm, and heart defects and blood vessel malformations are common. The child may also have malformed kidneys and abnormalities of the urogenital system as well.

Trisomy 18 severely affects all organ systems of the body, so the symptoms could be various. Symptoms may include different body systems, and are typical for each system.

* Nervous system and brain: mental retardation and delayed development 100% of individuals, high muscle tone, seizures, and physical malformations such as brain defects.
* Head and face: small head (microcephaly), small eyes, wide-set eyes, epicanthal folds, small lower jaw.
* Heart: congenital heart defects at 90% of individuals, such as ventricular septal defect and valve defects.
* Bones: severe growth retardation, clenched hands with 2nd and 5th fingers on top of the others, and other defects of the hands and feet.
* Malformations of the digestive tract, the urinary tract, and genitals of these patients is common as well.

Diagnosis

Physical abnormalities point to Edwards' syndrome, but a definitive diagnosis relies on karyotyping, which involves drawing the baby%26rsquo;s blood or bone marrow for a microscopic examination of the chromosomes. Using special stains and microscopy, individual chromosomes are identified. It is valuable that the presence of an extra chromosome 18 could be revealed. It is very good what Trisomy 18 can be detected before birth. If a pregnant woman is older than 35, has a family history of genetic abnormalities, has previously conceived a child with a genetic abnormality, or has suffered earlier miscarriages, she may undergo tests. It is important to determine whether her child carries genetic abnormalities. Potential tests include maternal serum analysis or screening, ultrasonography, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling, depending on the woman%26rsquo;s and her doctor%26rsquo;s decision.

Treatment for Trisomy 18

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Edwards%26rsquo; syndrome. Since Trisomy 18 babies frequently have major physical abnormalities, doctors and parents face difficult choices regarding treatment. Abnormalities can be treated to a certain degree with surgery, but extreme invasive procedures may not be in the best interests of an infant, since an infants%26rsquo; lifespan is commonly measured in days or weeks. Medical therapy often consists of supportive care with the goal of making the infant comfortable, rather than prolonging their life. That is why we say that medical care for individuals with Trisomy 18 is supportive.
The treatment focuses on providing nutrition, treating infections, and managing heart problems. During the first months of life, infants with Trisomy 18 require skilled medical care, due to the complex medical problems. Because of heart defects and overwhelming infections, infants have a 5% chance of surviving to the age of one. Advances in medical care over time will, in the future, help more infants with Trisomy 18 live into childhood and beyond of it.

Prognosis

Most children born with Trisomy 18 die within their first year of life, with an average lifespan of under two months for 50% of the children, and 90-95% die before their first birthday. The 5-10% of children who survive their first year are severely mentally retarded and they need support to walk, and their learning is limited as well. Verbal communication is also limited, but they can learn to recognize and interact with other people. It is also important to point out that Edwards%26rsquo; syndrome or Trisomy 18 cannot be prevented.

Tests for detecting Trisomy 18 before birth

* Aminocentesis is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through a pregnant woman%26rsquo;s abdomen and into her uterus to withdraw a small sample of amniotic fluid. This fluid can be examined for signs of disease or other problems afflicting the fetus.
* Chorionic villus sampling test is best done during weeks 10-12 of a pregnancy. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the placenta and withdrawing a small amount of the chorionic membrane for analysis of fetuses%26rsquo; gene.
* Karyotyping is a laboratory test used to study an individual%26rsquo;s chromosome make-up. Chromosomes are separated from cells, stained, and arranged in order from largest to smallest. This way their number and structure can be studied under a microscope.
* Maternal serum analyte screening is a medical procedure in which a pregnant woman%26rsquo;s blood is drawn and analyzed for the levels of certain hormones and proteins. These levels can indicate whether there may be an abnormality in the unborn child or not. This test is not a definitive indicator of a problem and it should be followed by more specific testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
* Ultrasound is a medical test also known as ultrasonography. Sound waves are directed against internal structures in mother%26rsquo;s body. As sound waves bounce off the internal structure, they create an image on a video screen and ultrasound of a fetus at weeks 16-20 of a pregnancy can be used to determine structural abnormalities. The features and problems children with Edward%26rsquo;s syndrome develop vary from child to child but typically a child will have most of these symptoms you have already hear. In addition to these characteristic features, all systems of the body may be affected.

Medical problems and complications due to Trisomy 18

The increased occurrence of infant mortality is related to a combination of factors. However, most importantly the problem is central apnea, where the brain does not give the message to breathe. Other complicating factors include difficulty feeding with aspiration with a predisposition to aspiration pneumonia, and under development of the lungs as one of important symptoms for Trisomy 18. Heart defects can play some role in this but are usually not the only cause of this increased mortality. Infection is an ongoing medical concern is one of the most common complications that occur in patients with Trisomy 18 or Edwards%26rsquo; syndrome. Infections are usually secondary to otitis media, upper respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections as well. Scoliosis secondary to hemivertebra is a common finding, as well as feeding problems, which are major management issue. Congenital heart defect with congestive heart failure is a frequent cause of death of patients diagnosed with Edwards%26rsquo; syndrome. Wilms tumor may develop in long-term survivors with Trisomy 18 as well.
It is important to provide care for these patients, such as cardiac management, which is primarily medical. Providing gastrostomy for feeding problems is also important. Outpatient care are nasogastric or gastrostomy feeding, orthopedic care of scoliosis, audiologic evaluation for hearing loss, and apnea monitoring. In and out patient meds are diuretics and digoxin. These drugs may be used to manage congestive heart failure secondary to congenital heart defect caused by Trisomy 18 or Edwards%26rsquo; syndrome.

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Green Tea for Fat Burning

Green Tea has become very popular with people wanting to lose weightover the past few years. However, many people doubt the fat burning properties of green tea. Several researches have proven that green tea is rich in a class of polyphenols known as catechins which give the plant its color. The stro...
Green Tea has become very popular with people wanting to lose weight over the past few years. However, many people doubt the fat burning properties of green tea. Several researches have proven that green tea is rich in a class of polyphenols known as catechins which give the plant its color. The strongest catechin in green tea is known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Most experts claim that EGCG increases the rate at which fat is burned, and reduces the absorption of calories from the diet. Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

History of green tea usage

Green tea has been an integral part of the Asian diet for thousands of years. It is believed that drinking several cups a day leads to a longer and healthier life. Scientists have concluded that green tea might act protectively against heart disease, liver disorders, and works as an antibacterial agent to support the immune system. The Chinese are said to be the first ones to discover tea, and the most varieties of tea are found in China. During the famous Tang Dynasty, wild tea was gathered and steamed on a bamboo tray, grinded into a fine pulp called tea mud and then placed into moulds. The tea was then pressed and left to harden.
Tea has played a significant role in Asian culture for centuries as a staple beverage, a curative and a symbol of status.

What makes green tea so special?

The secret of green tea lies in the catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This substance is a powerful anti-oxidant which means that it inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It is proven that it is at least 100 more times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA from damage believed to be linked to cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses.







Besides that it also:

%26bull; kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue
%26bull; is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels
%26bull; inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots

Specific way of preparing the tea is extremely important because green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized.

How much is enough?

Some Japanese reports claimed that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day. Other researches concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease. However, it is very difficult to answer how much is enough. Given all the evidence, it is probably safe to plan on drinking four to five cups of green tea per day. If you're a real devotee, by all means drink more.

Home preparation of Green Tea

Producing the perfect cup of green tea can be really tricky. If not handled properly, those crucial ingredients such as polyphenols that provide health benefits can ruin the flavor. It's particularly important not to overbrew.

Some general instructions are:

%26bull; Use one tea bag, or 2 - 4 grams of tea, per cup
%26bull; Fill a kettle with cold water and bring to a boil
%26bull; After this - allow it to stand for up to 3 minutes
%26bull; Pour the heated water over the tea bag or tea, and allow it to steep for up to 3 minutes
%26bull; Allow the tea to cool for three more minutes

Health benefits of green tea

Proponents of green tea note that its medicinal benefits have been described for over 1000 years. It is believed that drinking green tea can has a positive effect on the five vital organs, especially the heart. Some are saying that the green tea is helpful in easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing fatigue, and improving urinary and brain function. But how much of this is really scientifically proven?

Green tea has been claimed to be useful for:

%26bull; Cognition
%26bull; Stopping certain neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer%26rsquo;s
%26bull; Preventing or treating cancer
%26bull; Treating Arthritis
%26bull; Treating MS
%26bull; Preventing the degradation of cell membranes by neutralizing the spread of free radicals
%26bull; Increases fat oxidation and raises metabolism.
%26bull; Lowering LDL cholesterol
%26bull; Preventing lowered T-Cells due to HIV
%26bull; Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Experts are saying that, just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning; it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque

In the U.S. , Food and Drug Administration has rejected claims of health benefits for green tea. To be more precise FDA actually said that it is likelt that green tea does not reduce breast, prostate or any other type of cancer risk.

Green Tea and weigh management

Green Tea enthusiasts claim that drinking tea can actually help burn extra fat and calories. A recent scientific study really supports the green tea%26rsquo;s ability to burn fat and increase metabolism. What%26rsquo;s more, other studies show that, when combined with other sensible lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy body weight, both green and black teas can help reduce the risk of heart disease, the #1 health risk for women. Research shows that green tea contains %26quot;thermogenic%26quot; substances that help you metabolize more fat. Several studies on obesity have concluded that people who have been regular tea drinkers for more than 10 years showed lower body fat percentages compared with those who don't drink tea regularly. Drinking tea is a great life choice%26mdash;it%26rsquo;s calorie-free and can help quench your body%26rsquo;s thirst for the daily fluids it needs. Of course, just drinking tea isn't enough - everyone should support a healthy diet and exercise program with tea.

If someone drinks green tea he or she should know that it can:

%26bull; Lower cholesterol
%26bull; Increase Termogenesis -the body's rate of burning calories. Green tea contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols. These compounds work with other chemicals to intensify levels of fat oxidation and termogenesis, where heat is created in the body by burning fuels such as fat.
%26bull; Enhance fat oxidation
%26bull; Burn fat naturally and increases metabolism
%26bull; Green tea also causes carbohydrates to be released slowly, preventing sharp increases in blood-insulin levels. This promotes the burning of fat.
%26bull; Facilitate weight loss by affecting glucose. It is proven that weight is gained because of excess sugars and fats are stored in the body as fat cells. Green tea catechins can help prevent obesity by inhibiting the movement of glucose in fat cells.

Harmful Effects and contraindications

The only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia. This is reasonable due to the fact that it contains caffeine.

However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee.

There are some conditions which are contraindicated with drinking Green Tea. Avoid drinking green tea or at least talk to your doctor before taking green tea if you have:

%26bull; heart problems
%26bull; high blood pressure
%26bull; kidney disease
%26bull; hyperthyroidism
%26bull; nervous disorder
%26bull; If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant
%26bull; Green Tea interferes with absorption of alkaline medications and that%26rsquo;s why if you are taking any medicines, check with your doctor before taking Green Tea.

Green Tea and pregnancy issue

Several researches have came to the conclusion that the main active substance found in Green Tea blocks the enzyme necessary for folic acid to be utilized in the cells. This could be extremely dangerous because folic acid is needed in the process of cell division, which is especially important during the critical periods of growth and development during the first trimester of pregnancy. Without folic acid, cell division is slowed down. Inadequate intake of folic acid has been linked to an increased risk of giving birth to an infant with neural tube defects. That's why pregnant women should avoid green tea throughout their pregnancy.

Over-dosage

Doses of 300 milligrams of caffeine (about 5 cups of tea) can cause restlessness, tremors, and exaggerated reflexes. The first signs of outright poisoning are vomiting and abdominal spasms. It's impossible to drink enough tea to be fatal. However, regular daily intake of excessive doses (1,500 milligrams of caffeine, or 25 cups of tea) will result in irritability, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headache.

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Schizophrenia and Autism

Schizophrenia and Autism are two completely different neuro-psychological disorders. In popular speech term ‘schizophrenic’ is often used to describe any kind of disturbed behavior but in medicine this disorder is defined by using fairly precise diagnostic criteria. Schizophrenia rarely ...

Schizophrenia and Autism are two completely different neuro-psychological disorders. In popular speech term %26lsquo;schizophrenic%26rsquo; is often used to describe any kind of disturbed behavior but in medicine this disorder is defined by using fairly precise diagnostic criteria. Schizophrenia rarely starts before adolescence. The onset of Autism on the other hand, in almost all cases predates age three. The time of onset of a disorder is of crucial importance. Schizophrenia involves hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder and is extremely rare in children. Autism might relate to a similar process. Both involve activation of phylogenetically earlier developmental brain structures to the partial exclusion of later developmental ones. Unlike schizophrenia, autism may not be physiologically obvious. That%26rsquo;s why diagnosing autism usually requires a complete physical and neurological evaluation . Some experts even say that autism is not a single condition but a group of several distinct conditions that manifest in similar ways. Unfortunately, there is no cure for autism but the good thing is that, with intense medical therapy and schooling, most of the children diagnosed with autism can improve their social and other skills. Although they cannot completely recover, they can fully participate in mainstream education and social events.

Autism and Schizophrenia - overview

Autism is classified as a specific neuro-psychiatric disorder which is characterized by markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorders characterized by mental impairments in the perception or expression of reality and by significant social or occupational dysfunction. The specific cause of autism is unknown, but many experts suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to different environmental triggers.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Autism is one of five disorders that fall under the group of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, a category of neurological disorders characterized by severe impairment in several areas of development.







The five disorders under PDD are:

%26bull; Autistic Disorder
%26bull; Asperger's Disorder
%26bull; Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
%26bull; Rett's Disorder
%26bull; PDD-Not Otherwise Specified

Incidence of the Autism

Some experts estimate that autism occurs in as many as one in 166 of children in the USA, however some more serious studies give a more conservative estimate of one in 1000. Although autism is about 3 to 4 times more common in boys, girls with the disorder tend to have more severe symptoms and greater cognitive impairment. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child. Diagnosis is based on a list of psychiatric criteria.

Main characteristics of Autism and Schizophrenia

Every person with autism has a unique personality and combination of characteristics which can make diagnosis of this disorder really complicated. Some mildly affected individuals may exhibit only slight delays in language and greater challenges with social interactions.

Persons with autism may also exhibit some of the following traits:

%26bull; Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
%26bull; Difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures or pointing instead of words
%26bull; Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
%26bull; Laughing for no apparent reason showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
%26bull; Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
%26bull; Sustained odd play
%26bull; Spinning objects
%26bull; Preference to being alone
%26bull; Tantrums
%26bull; Difficulty in mixing with others
%26bull; Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
%26bull; Little or no eye contact
%26bull; Obsessive attachment to objects
%26bull; Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
%26bull; No real fears of danger
%26bull; Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
%26bull; Uneven fine motor skills
%26bull; Non responsive to verbal cues

Symptoms that are characteristic to schizophrenia are markedly different. They could be divided in positive and negative. The most common positive symptoms of Schizophrenia are: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behavior. Some of the more common negative signs are: Affective flattening, Alogia and Avolition!

Possible causes of autism and schizophrenia

The exact cause of autism is still unknown, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems. However no gene has yet been identified as the cause of autism. Other experts are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery, as well as environmental factors such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals. It is important to point out that this condition isn%26rsquo;t caused by bad parenting.

Risk factors for developing autism

Autism tends to occur more frequently among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including:

%26bull; fragile X syndrome
%26bull; tuberous sclerosis
%26bull; congenital rubella syndrome
%26bull; untreated phenylketonuria

Some harmful substances ingested during pregnancy have also been associated with an increased risk of autism.
There are several theories that tried to explain the cause of Schizophrenia.

Possible causes are:

1. Genetic causes
2. Abnormal brain development
3. Infection
4. Birth complications
5. Head injury
6. Psychological causes
7. Drug use

Schizophrenia and autism-differential diagnosis

Even now, experts have difficulties in making difference between these two disorders. Schizophrenia shouldn't be diagnosed separately from Autism, unless delusions and hallucinations are prominent.

The main problem with the differential diagnosis of these two disorders is that the negative symptoms of Schizophrenia and the symptoms of Autism mimic one another. So when the patient with Autism is being considered for a Schizophrenia diagnosis, the psychotic features and some negative symptoms are the the most important ones to be considered. People can avoid speaking for various reasons including language difficulties, speech difficulties, anxiety, etc. If a person does not speak, it doesn%26rsquo;t mean they are Autistic nor that they even have Autistic traits.

In the last several decades, considerable evidence has suggested that autism and schizophrenia are unrelated. However, recent reports have suggested that individuals with autism may be at greater risk for schizophrenia and that the conditions may be more closely related than generally believed.

Treatment of autism and schizophrenia

Social interactions skills

This is usually the base of a good autism treatment. Effective social programs teach a child early communication and social interaction skills. In children under 3 years of age, these interventions usually take place at home and they target specific deficits in learning, language, imitation, attention, motivation, compliance, and initiative of interaction.
Children older than 3 usually have a school-based, individualized, special education.
During middle and high school years, instruction will begin to address such practical matters as work, community living, and recreational activities. Similar thing should be used with schizophrenia. It is based on learning and using coping mechanisms to address these problems which allows people with schizophrenia to attend school, work, and socialize.
Patients who receive regular psychosocial treatment also adhere better to their medication schedule and have fewer relapses and hospitalizations.

Medications

The medications used for Autism are those that have been developed to treat similar symptoms in other disorders. Many of these medications have not been officially approved by the FDA for use in children, but the doctor may prescribe these medications if he or she feels they are appropriate for your child. Base of schizophrenia medication treatment are the medications called antipsychotic medications.

The older antipsychotic medications include:

%26bull; chlorpromazine (Thorazine%26reg;), haloperidol (Haldol%26reg;)
%26bull; perphenazine (Etrafon%26reg;, Trilafon%26reg;)
%26bull; fluphenzine (Prolixin%26reg;)
%26bull; risperidone (Risperdal%26reg;),
%26bull; olanzapine (Zyprexa%26reg;),
%26bull; quietiapine (Seroquel%26reg;),
%26bull; sertindole (Serdolect%26reg;),
%26bull; ziprasidone (Geodon%26reg;)

Dietary interventions

These interventions are based on the idea that food allergies cause symptoms of autism. Many experts believe also that an insufficiency of a specific vitamin or mineral may cause some autistic symptoms.

Prognosis

There are many different potential outcomes of schizophrenia but there is no cure. Autism is also a life long disorder. Fortunately most people with schizophrenia and autism find that their symptoms improve with medication, and some achieve substantial control of the symptoms over time. One of the big problems is that many parents of autistic children face financial difficulties as they must often pay for essential support and therapeutic services but still they are sometimes not eligible to receive financial aid.

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Overprotective parents

It seems that there are a lot of overprotective parents nowadays. When a child is born, it seems so fragile that it is only natural for parents to feel fiercely protective, but a good parent should know where to draw the line so as not to step into child's individual space. In the long run, it could...
It seems that there are a lot of overprotective parents nowadays. When a child is born, it seems so fragile that it is only natural for parents to feel fiercely protective, but a good parent should know where to draw the line so as not to step into child's individual space. In the long run, it could stifle the child's growth.
Parents need to keep in mind that children do grow up and that they cannot expect their children to hold their hand as they make their way through life. They should accept that scratches, cuts, bruises, and broken limbs are all a part of childhood. Research has shown that parents who constantly run interference between their children and the real world are actually doing more harm than good.

Perfect parents

Some experts claim that the best kind of parenting is the so-called %26quot;smother love%26rdquo;, which means that the parents allow a gradual progression of increasing independence. Of course, this doesn%26rsquo;t mean total independence and discipline, rules, standards and expectations are applied in direct ratio to age. When they are really young, children need a great deal of guidance and control in order, but as they grow in maturity and experience, they are bacoming capable of making more choices for themselves. They begin to deal with the consequences of their mistakes. Most of the experts believe that the parent who tries to protect the child from this process does the young person no favor.

Inappropriate fears %26ndash; symptoms of overactive parenting

Not all the fears felt by parents are over-exaggerated but how does a parent know if he or she is being unnecessarily fearful for his or her child%26rsquo;s safety?


Overprotective parents are those who:

%26bull; view every physical activity as being potentially dangerous
%26bull; only feel reassured when their children are under their watchful eyes
%26bull; are more anxious than their children that something will go wrong
%26bull; hover over their children constantly giving instructions
%26bull; rule out all activities that have an even remote possibility of resulting in an accident
%26bull; feel that their children cannot cross a road without being run over or go out alone without being abducted

From the Parents%26rsquo; Point of View - %26quot;We just want what is best for you%26quot;

Almost everyone has heard the phrase %26quot;We just want what is best for you%26quot; during childhood.





Most parents really mean it and are trying to accomplish it. Unfortunately the overprotective parents usually go too far and don%26rsquo;t give their children the right to make the decisions for themselves.

Goals of overprotective parenting:

%26bull; Some parents think that their children shouldn%26rsquo;t have to deal with certain things and they are afraid that their child won%26rsquo;t be able to handle it
%26bull; Other parents think that their children should be perfect so they hover over their children and make sure everything is done right
%26bull; Some parents are overprotective because their parents were and they think that that is how a child should be brought up or they don%26rsquo;t know any other way to raise kids
%26bull; Some parents may be this way because they don%26rsquo;t want their children to wind up with the wrong kind of crowd

However, it%26rsquo;s not always the parents' fault. Sometimes even if the parents aren%26rsquo;t overprotective, the child feels the need to rebel and doesn%26rsquo;t want to obey the parents in any way.

Child%26rsquo;s Point of View

Kids often view their parents as old and think that they have forgotten what it%26rsquo;s like to be young and have fun. When parents tell a child that they aren%26rsquo;t allowed to do something it usually sends a message that the parents don%26rsquo;t trust them and that they can%26rsquo;t make good decisions on their own. Parents should know that sometimes their children don%26rsquo;t realize what they are doing is really not good and that they are right in telling them that they aren%26rsquo;t allowed to it. Most psychologists say that behind all this is a child%26rsquo;s wish for their parents to trust that they are doing the right thing and they want the chance to prove that they can stand on their own.

Over-protectiveness with older children

Older children often do not see parental behavior as a product of love and concern, but they rather believe that their parents just do not trust them to be sensible and responsible. Most psychologist believe that these older children can react to their parents%26rsquo; excessive fear in one of two ways:

%26bull; Compliance - children giving up the idea or activity altogether because they too begin to doubt their capability
%26bull; Resistance - such children react with resistance because they believe that their parents perceive them as being accident-prone and having poor judgment

Are you over-protective?

Here are some questions which should help you see if you%26rsquo;ve been acting over-protective.

%26bull; You rule out activities that involve being away from your child like overnight camps.
%26bull; You rule out physical activities that could result in an accident like rock climbing or horse riding.
%26bull; You constantly worry about the well being of your child to the extent it makes you anxious.
%26bull; You feel secure only when your child is under your watchful eye.
%26bull; You are always helping your child in projects, homework or assignments because you don't want your child getting upset over mistakes or getting stressed out.
%26bull; You get obsessed with getting the right medicines and running helter-skelter for a doctor's appointment making the child feel sicker than s/he actually is.

How to overcome this problem?

Overprotective parents should definitely change their attitude if they want their children to grow up as independent and confident adults.

%26bull; First step
Parent should admit that he or she has problems with parenting. If a parent suspects that they are excessively protective, they should first consult the other parent to see if these doubts are true.
%26bull; Second step
The second step he should take is listen to his child. A normal parent should try to convey to his child that his caution stems from concern for the child%26rsquo;s safety. The child should understand that this behavior is not caused by a lack of trust in the child%26rsquo;s competence.
A parent could discuss the dangers of the activity with the child and advise him what to do in case of an emergency and make judgments based on an assessment of the child%26rsquo;s overall competence and judgment.

Tips for kids

%26bull; Be honest - tell your parents how you feel. How can they respect your opinions if you keep them all for your self?
%26bull; Always listen to their reasoning, try to understand their point of view.
%26bull; It is important to address issues one by one. If you think they're being unfair, say so, but keep it calm and sensible. Try to show them why it's unfair by giving examples or evidence.
%26bull; Always try to meet them halfway. While you live with them, they'll always have a final say, but some gentle bartering can help.
%26bull; Try to get real
%26bull; Talk to them as much as you can. Let them know that your world is okay and explain to them why you do things the way you do.
%26bull; Try to introduce them to things that you enjoy. Get them online or talk to them about your favorite band, TV-programme or film.
%26bull; Think what you really want your parents to accept about the way you want to live your life
%26bull; Try spending more time with them, even if it's just eating dinner at the table together and having a chat.
%26bull; If it gets really bad, a quiet, tactful word might help
%26bull; Act responsibly because you can't expect your parents to treat you like an adult if you still act like a kid.
%26bull; Realize that sometimes, your parents really do know best.
%26bull; Don't expect your parents' attitudes to change overnight. Slowly build their trust
%26bull; Several researches done on this subject have shown that one of the things pushy parents worry about most is that you will end up not achieving anything. Try reassuring them that whatever direction you choose in life, you'll do it to the best of your ability. If you can show them that you have ambitions for yourself and plans to make them happen, they may stop pushing and start supporting you instead.

The bottom line

Parents should understand that young people have a right to be heard, but there are effective ways to go about making points and there are ways which are counterproductive. Remeber what we said on the beginning - young people who are experiencing %26quot;smother love%26quot; should study their parents and try to understand their attitudes and motives. These kids should keep the lines of communication open and try to identify the influences which may cause parents to be uptight about some of their choices.

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Natural Viagra Alternatives

Several studies have shown that approximately 30 million men in the U.S. report suffering from ‘erectile dysfunction’ or, to put it simply, impotence. While most people attribute impotency to old age, it is actually stress, fatigue, lack of blood flow and dietary imbalance that account f...


Several studies have shown that approximately 30 million men in the U.S. report suffering from %26lsquo;erectile dysfunction%26rsquo; or, to put it simply, impotence. While most people attribute impotency to old age, it is actually stress, fatigue, lack of blood flow and dietary imbalance that account for the majority of impotency cases. Whether a person is young or old, they want a passionate, powerful, productive and purposeful life. However, impotency can even cause men to lose their sense of direction.


The popularity of Viagra has significantly raised over the last couple of years. This marvelous little blue pill has brought passion and excitement back into people's sex lives. Viagra is tremendously successful at combating this problem, and it is one of the most widely sold drugs in the history of medicine. Although it can cause some mild side effects such as headaches it has helped millions. The biggest problem with a short-term solution such as Viagra, is that it encourages people to forget about seeking treatment. Instead of visiting a doctor to correct the penile dysfunction, most men just pop a pill for instant results. Viagra is currently the best treatment, but it should be used only as a last resort and only after consulting a doctor. But is there an alternative to Viagra, something more %26quot;natural%26quot; like a herb or supplement?

Typical causes of erectile dysfunction

Interruption in blood circulation to the penis

Several studies on this subject have revealed that the main cause of erectile dysfunction is an interruption in blood circulation to the penis. The most common causes of this blood interruption are:

%26bull; poor nutrition
%26bull; caffeine
%26bull; alcohol
%26bull; tobacco
%26bull; foods that are high in carbohydrates
%26bull; consuming saturated fats
%26bull; psychological factors as well as anxiety

Erectile dysfunction can happen at any age.





However, it%26rsquo;s certainly more prevalent as age increases, as are all kinds of degenerative illness specifically related to decreased circulation.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra is the first medication that proved to be effective in helping men achieve and maintain an erection. Viagra is a drug and can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor. This medication blocks the action of the type 5 phosphodiesterase enzyme, which results in the accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a compound that causes a reduction in the amount of calcium within a muscle cell. The more cGMP inside the cell, the better the erection will be.

Bad things about Viagra

%26bull; Possible side effects
Viagra can cause some serious side effects. The fact is that over 700 men have died while using Viagra in the U.S. alone. Other side effects include a blue discoloration in front of the field of vision after taking it, digestive disturbances, headaches and other problems.
%26bull; The cost
Another problem is that Viagra is quite costly. It costs about $10 a pill but people sometimes pay a lot more for it. That could be a big problem if someone uses it regularly.
%26bull; Misuse
There are people who are using Viagra as a sex enhancer even if they don%26rsquo;t have erectile dysfunction. Although Viagra can intensify performance, it can only be effective if the erectile dysfunction is due to neurological factors rather than emotional or psychological factors. So it will not increase the response of a man who doesn%26rsquo;t have circulation problems. In other words, Viagra is not truly an aphrodisiac which might increase sexual response.
%26bull; Sustained erection
It has been reported that Viagra can sometimes cause a sustained erection. In some people that can be a problem, but it%26rsquo;s not normally considered a major side effect of Viagra.
%26bull; It doesn%26rsquo;t work for women
Women suffering for a decreased sex drive will not benefit from Viagra.

Natural alternatives to Viagra

Natural medicine differs in its approach to treatment of erectile dysfunction in the same way that it differs in its approach to treating any illness: rather than looking at the particular effected part of the body, natural or holistic medicine looks at what is wrong with the whole person. Its three-pronged approach, in a nutshell:

1. The emotional and spiritual life, which is the most important consideration in any illness.
2. Diet and lifestyle choices.
3. Exercise.

Certain herbal products have been known to increase sex drive and ones ability to sexually perform better for centuries.
Natural products contain a number of natural aphrodisiacs, which have proven effective in increasing sexual desire and improving sexual performance. Unlike Viagra, herbal aphrodisiacs are available without prescription and are cheaper than Viagra. An estimated 42% of women, who are suffering from decreased sex drive can also profit from natural alternatives. Natural substances often lead to longer, stronger erections and better control of ejaculation. In addition, users of the natural aphrodisiac herbs report much greater enjoyment of the sexual act with more pleasant climax and orgasm.
Herbal extracts also increase the blood flow, but not just to the genitals - to all parts of the body, including the brain.
Natural alternatives work well, are safe and inexpensive.

Natural Viagra alternatives can:

%26bull; Increase frequency of sexual intercourses for men
%26bull; Increase possibility to reach orgasm in women
%26bull; Boost sexual desire and sexual performance
%26bull; Improve control over ejaculation
%26bull; Increase subjective enjoyment and intensity of orgasm
%26bull; Improve erectile capacity
%26bull; Help to overcome erectile dysfunction naturally

In the last couple of years, many researches have shown that one way to improve sexual performance is by increasing concentrations of several sex hormones, which are needed to maintain sexual health. Scientists believe that some herbs are able to do this by directly stimulating the hypothalamus, a major hormone-producing gland in your brain.

Self-examination first

Because sexual dysfunction is a complex issue with many causes and manifestations, no one can really argue that popping a pill should be avoided. The first thing that every person should do before even thinking of taking Viagra or any other supplement, is review its overall health and current medications with a doctor. This is very important, because sometimes the problem might be treatable.

Most common natural Viagra alternatives

%26bull; Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a herb that is commonly taken as a memory booster. It is proven it may also provide some sexual benefits. It supposedly acts by enhancing blood flow and seems relatively free of side effects. The suggested dose is 80 mg three times a day, standardized to contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
%26bull; Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that also enhances blood flow.
The only ones who might benefit from it are men who have circulatory disorders that may be contributing to sexual problems. The suggested dose is 1 gram three times a day; sold as L-Arginine.
Remember: As with Viagra, you should avoid Arginine if you are taking the heart medication nitroglycerin because the combination may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
%26bull; DHEA
This supplement may also provide benefits for men who have low levels of testosterone. High concentrations of DHEA are naturally present in young men, whereas a progressive decline in DHEA levels in the blood occurs with age. The suggested dose is 5 mg each morning for men.
%26bull; Yohimbe
Several studies have shown that this herb may correct impotence, but it is important to remember that this herb can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects.
%26bull; Damiana
The Latin name of this herb is turnera aphrodisiaca, which tells us that it has been known for at least hundreds of years as an aphrodisiac.
%26bull; Muira puama
This is another herb that may be very helpful in this area. This is a herb from Brazil and the Amazon; it has been used there as an aphrodisiac for hundreds of years. In the few tests that have been done in a clinical setting, Muira puama had very good results.
%26bull; Kava Kava
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is well known in the US. It is a herb most often used as an anti-anxiety treatment. It possesses the added benefit of producing a very low level of side effects. It simply puts people in a good, relaxed mood.

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Natural testosterone boosters

The mention of testosterone boosters usage brings up an image of a weight lifter or body builder and usually carries negative connotations. On the other hand, physicians have been taught that testosterone should be used only in severe cases where the patient cannot function in normal society. In the...
The mention of testosterone boosters usage brings up an image of a weight lifter or body builder and usually carries negative connotations. On the other hand, physicians have been taught that testosterone should be used only in severe cases where the patient cannot function in normal society.

In the last several years, and, more specifically, with the development of testosterone in a form that simplifies administration and dosage, our understanding of low testosterone in men has changed. It is proven that raising testosterone helps gain muscle, enhance mood and increase libido. Recent estimates show that approximately 13 million men in the United States experience testosterone deficiency and less than 10% receive treatment for the condition. How exactly does the testosteron booster work? Is it healthy? Is is even legal?

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a powerful anabolic hormone that stimulates and controls the development of different organs such as muscle, bone, skin, sex organs, and most other masculine, physical features. Male testosterone is produced in the testes by a group of cells known as the Leydig cells. They begin secreting high doses of testosterone during puberty to trigger increased lean muscle mass, sex organ development, bone formation and higher energy levels. Testosterone levels peak during a man's early to mid twenties.

Testosterone effects on humans

Prenatal effects:

%26bull; Genital virilization
%26bull; Development of prostate and seminal vesicles

Early postnatal effects:

%26bull; Adult-type body odor
%26bull; Increased oiliness of skin and hair, acne
%26bull; Axillary hair
%26bull; Accelerated bone maturation

Advanced postnatal effects:

%26bull; Increased libido and erection frequency
%26bull; Pubic hair extends toward umbilicus
%26bull; Facial hair
%26bull; Chest hair
%26bull; Subcutaneous fat in face decreases
%26bull; Increased muscle strength and mass
%26bull; Deepening of voice
%26bull; Growth of the Adam%26rsquo;s apple
%26bull; Growth of spermatogenesis tissue in testes, male fertility
%26bull; Shoulders widen and rib cage expands
%26bull; Completion of bone maturation and termination of growth.







As a man ages, the amount of testosterone produced by the Leydig cells decreases. It is proven that, by the age of 60, the average man will have lost nearly 50% of his testosterone supply.

Not only age interferes with testosterone production. Other factors such as stress, lack of sleep, physical inactivity, the use of prescription medication and drinking alcohol can cause testosterone levels to significantly decline.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency include:

%26bull; depression
%26bull; fatigue
%26bull; low sex drive
%26bull; irritability
%26bull; loss of facial or body hair
%26bull; thinning or wrinkling of skin
%26bull; weight gain
%26bull; weakening of both bone and muscle tissue
%26bull; disrupted body's blood sugar metabolism
%26bull; obesity
%26bull; diabetes

Therapeutic use of testosterone

Testosterone was first isolated from a bull in 1935 and since then there have been many pharmaceutical forms and they include:

%26bull; injectable (such as testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate in oil)
%26bull; oral (Andriol)
%26bull; buccal (Striant)
%26bull; transdermal skin patches
%26bull; transdermal creams or gels (Androgel and Testim)

The original and primary use of testosterone is for the treatment of males who have too little or no natural endogenous testosterone production, in other words males with hypogonadism. Other medical conditions treated with testosteron are infertility, lack of libido or erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, penile enlargement, height growth, bone marrow stimulation and reversal of anemia, and even appetite stimulation.

To take advantage of its effects, testosterone is often administered to female-to-male transsexual and transgender people as part of the hormone replacement therapy.

How Do Natural Testosterone Boosters Work?

Since these supplements have been invented, the use of testosterone boosters has been a very controversial issue among the bodybuilding group. Although these steroid boosters were illegal in the beginning, due to technology, there are many simulated testosterone boosters, that are legal and do not have very bad side effects.
Many serious weight trainers take such supplements so that they can increase their strength and size. People don%26rsquo;t use them just for gaining muscle weight but because of the increased sex drive they experience while on them.

Many experts and doctors disagree with this type of testosterone boosters usage. They say that even though they are natural, they are not needed to boost your strength and that the same results can be achieved naturally with a little effort.

Close monitoring

If someone decides to take some testosterone boosters, they should first make sure that they visit a doctor before begin taking anything. The doctor will give them a physical and tell them what supplement if any should they use. Any type of testosterone booster is very powerful, and you will probably have to be monitored by your doctor as you are taking them. Just because they are legal it does not mean, they are completely safe.

How to naturally raise testosterone levels?

There are several ways to increase your testosterone levels naturally so that you can look and feel better.

%26bull; Specific kinds of food
Several researches on this subject have been conducted and the conclusion is that testosterone levels raising can happen if a person eats the right kinds of foods. Proteins in eggs and whey allow the adrenal glands to keep the levels of testosterone in the body steady. Fruits and vegetables can also have a positive effect on the levels of testosterone in your body. It is proven that fat contains enzymes that convert testosterone to estrogen, which means that having a lot of fat in your body increases the chances for developing low testosterone levels. Eating meat can also help you raise your testosterone levels. The protein in nuts can also be very beneficial for raising your testosterone levels. Studies have shown that nuts, particularly peanuts, can raise testosterone levels better than other foods.

%26bull; Weight bearing exercises
Most experts say that weight bearing exercises are also an excellent way increase the levels of testosterone in body. Train large muscle groups to get the maximum effect of these exercises on your testosterone levels, instead of training one or two small muscles. Instead of doing many repetitions with a low amount of weight, do five repetitions with a weight that is difficult for you to lift.

%26bull; Limiting alcohol intake
One proven method of increasing your testosterone levels is to limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
Consuming alcohol makes your body slow down its production of testosterone and other hormones because it is busy processing the alcohol to clear it out of your system. It is easy to see that cutting down on alcohol can boost testosterone levels.

%26bull; A lot of sleeping at night
Scientific research shows that people who get a good night%26rsquo;s sleep are able to maintain higher testosterone levels than those who are sleep-deprived. If your testosterone levels are low, try changing your sleeping habits to get a better night%26rsquo;s sleep.

Not so %26ldquo;natural%26rdquo; alternatives

In the last couple of years the so-called steroid %26quot;alternatives%26quot; are being heavily marketed in strength magazines for men. The ingredients of these supplements include %26quot;Glandulars%26rdquo;. What exactly are Glandulars? These are ground-up animal hearts, livers, spleens, brains, pituitary glands, adrenal tissue, and bull testicles. These substances, often mixed with who knows what, are said to boost testosterone. Doctors are strongly against these supplements.
The most famous boosters are filled with bull testicles extracts, under the explanation that they are filled with testosterone which is wrong because testicles produce but do not store, testosterone.

The majority of products advertised as 'steroid alternatives' have not been tested on man or animal, and certainly not in the doses recommended.
Some of the most famous such products are: BSN, T-bomb, Hot Stuff Super X, Alpha Male, Leukic, 6-OXO, Animal Stak 2 and many others.


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Rosacea: Symptoms & treatment

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by redness and swelling which is primarily localized on the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back. Studies show that those afflicted with rosacea may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily. This cond...
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by redness and swelling which is primarily localized on the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back. Studies show that those afflicted with rosacea may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily. This condition can occur over a long period of time and it often progresses to a persistent redness, pimples and visible blood vessels in the center of the face that can eventually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Diagnosis of rosacea presents a big problem because it is easily confused with other skin conditions, such as acne and sunburn or seborrheic dermatitis. Rosacea sufferers often report periods of depression stemming from cosmetic disfigurement, painful burning sensations, and decreases in quality of life.

Incidence

Approximately 14 million people in the United States have rosacea. It most often affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60. According to some recent studies conducted on more than 2,000 rosacea sufferers, 44 percent reported that their symptoms had first appeared in their 30s and 40s, and 43 percent first experienced rosacea after age 50. Research has also found that only 27 percent of Americans had heard of rosacea. Because of its alarming, acne-like effect on personal appearance, it can cause devastating psychological and social problems.

Types of rosacea

There are four identified rosacea subtypes and patients may have more than one subtype present.

%26bull; Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
This type of rosacea is characterized by permanent redness with a tendency to flush and blush easily. It is also common to have small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin and possibly burning or itching sensations.






This phase may sometimes be referred to as pre-rosacea.

%26bull; Papulopustular rosacea
Unlike the previous type, Papulopustular rosacea is characterized by some permanent redness with red bumps filled with pus. These skin changes typically last 1-4 days. This subtype can be easily confused with acne. Rosacea may also be accompanied by oily skin and dandruff.

%26bull; Phymatous rosacea
This subtype is most commonly associated with rhinophyma, an enlargement of the nose. Symptoms include skin thickening, irregular surface nodules, and enlargement. Phymatous rosacea appears on the nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears.

%26bull; Ocular rosacea
The most common symptoms of ocular rosacea are red, dry and irritated eyes and eyelids. Some other symptoms include foreign body sensations, itching and burning. Rosacea may cause the inner skin of the eyelids to become inflamed or appear scaly, a condition known as conjunctivitis.

Causes

The precise pathogenesis of rosacea still remains unknown.

%26bull; Blood vessels damage
Most experts believe that rosacea is a disorder where the blood vessels become damaged when repeatedly dilated. The damage causes the vessels to dilate too easily and stay dilated for longer periods of time, sometimes even permanently.
%26bull; Heredity
Research has shown that rosacea also has a hereditary component. Those that are fair-skinned have a higher genetic predisposition for developing this condition. Women are more commonly affected but when men develop rosacea it tends to be more severe.
%26bull; Infective etiology
Some experts are saying that the cause of rosacea could be a chronic bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal system caused by the Helicobacter pylori. Some other claim that it has something to do with infection with tiny mites (Demodex folliculorum) living in human hair follicles. They may play a role by clogging up sebaceous gland openings. None of these theories have been conclusively proved.
Alcohol does not cause rosacea, although it may worsen it.

Triggers of rosacea

There are several possible triggers of rosacea and some of the most common are:

%26bull; exposure to temperature extremes
%26bull; strenuous exercise
%26bull; heat from sunlight
%26bull; severe sunburn
%26bull; stress
%26bull; cold wind
%26bull; hot baths, saunas
%26bull; moving to a warm or hot environment from a cold one
%26bull; some foods and drinks such as alcohol, foods high in histamine and spicy food
%26bull; certain medications and topical irritants
%26bull; some acne and wrinkle treatments that include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, high dosages of Isotretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and Tretinoin
%26bull; use of topical or nasal steroids

Psychological Effects

Experts believe that the social and emotional effects of rosacea are worse than the physical symptoms. In fact, a controlled study on this subject has shown that:

%26bull; nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients said it lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem
%26bull; 41 percent said the condition caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements

Prognosis if left untreated

If left untreated, rosacea tends to be progressive, which means it gets worse over time. However, in most people rosacea is cyclic, which means it may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then signs and symptoms lessen for a while before rosacea flares up again. The rouble is that rosacea may advance to a third stage, in which the spread of excess facial tissue called fibroplasia may develop. It may also distort facial features enough to cause the so-called lionization.
In some cases, the eyes may also be affected by rosacea, resulting in a gritty feeling and bloodshot appearance which can even affect the vision.

Treatment of rosacea

Unfortunately, there is still no way to eliminate rosacea altogether. However, several treatments are available for relieving signs and symptoms of rosacea. The treatment most often this requires a combination of prescription medications and certain self-care measures. The key to successful management of rosacea is early diagnosis.

Medications

Doctors often prescribe topical antibiotics to treat rosacea. Although this could be confusing because no bacteria are involved, these antibiotics are being used more for their anti-inflammatory properties than to kill bacteria. The most common topical antibiotic prescribed is Metronidazole. It could be also combined with another prescription medication such as azelaic acid.

Oral antibiotics are also prescribed because they tend to work faster than topical ones.

Some of the most common prescription oral antibiotics include:

%26bull; Tetracycline
%26bull; Minocycline
%26bull; Doxycycline
%26bull; Erythromycin

Isotretinoin is a powerful medication sometimes used for more severe cases of inflammatory rosacea. Although it is usually prescribed for cystic acne because it works to inhibit the production of oil by sebaceous glands, it can be really helpful in rosacea treatment. Unfortunately Isotretinoin also has some side effects and is known to cause severe birth defects.

Surgical solutions

Enlarged blood vessels, redness and changes due to rhinophyma often become permanent. In these cases, surgical methods such as laser surgery and electro-surgery, may reduce the symptoms. Dermatological vascular laser or Intense Pulsed Light machines offer one of the best treatments for rosacea. They use light to penetrate the epidermis to target the capillaries in the dermis layer of the skin.

CO2 lasers can be used to remove excess tissue caused by Phymatous rosacea.

They reduce the visibility of blood vessels, remove tissue buildup around the nose and generally improve appearance.
Self-care
One of the most important things a patient can do if he or she has rosacea is to minimize the exposure to anything that causes a flare-up.

Suggestions for preventing flare-ups:

%26bull; Exercise in a cool environment. Don't overheat
%26bull; Use products that are labeled as non-comedogenic. These won't clog your oil and sweat gland openings as much
%26bull; When using moisturizer with a topical medication, apply the moisturizer after the medication has dried
%26bull; Patients should wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher to protect face from the sun
%26bull; Avoid irritating your facial skin by rubbing or touching it too much
%26bull; Avoid facial products that contain alcohol or other skin irritants
%26bull; Avoid overheating
%26bull; Avoid alcohol
%26bull; Avoid hot drinks, spicy foods and caffeine.

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Obesity: The disease of modern age

During the past 20 years, obesity has significantly risen in the United States. To be more precise, the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older (over 60 million people) are obese. The percentage of young people who are...
During the past 20 years, obesity has significantly risen in the United States. To be more precise, the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older (over 60 million people) are obese. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens aged 6%26ndash;19, 16 percent (over 9 million young people) are considered overweight. That%26rsquo;s why this disease could be rightly called %26ldquo;the disease of the modern age%26rdquo;. Although people are aware of the great dangers that this disease is carrying with it, current data indicate that the situation is worsening rather than improving.

Why is obesity so serious?

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:


%26bull; Hypertension
%26bull; Dyslipidemia
%26bull; Type 2 diabetes
%26bull; Coronary heart disease
%26bull; Stroke
%26bull; Gallbladder disease
%26bull; Osteoarthritis
%26bull; Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
%26bull; Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

What exactly is obesity?

The precise definition of obesity is that it represents a condition in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans and mammals is increased to a point where it is thought to be a risk factor for certain health conditions or increased mortality. There are several methods by which you can determine whether you%26rsquo;re obese: measuring BMI (Body Mass Index), waist circumference, evaluating the presence of risk factors and comorbidities.

BMI - body mass index

It is a very precise measurement which is easily calculated by dividing the subject's weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters (BMI = kg / m2).






It is considered that a person with a BMI which is:

%26bull; less than 18.5 is underweight
%26bull; between 18.5 - 24.9 is normal weight
%26bull; between 25.0 - 29.9 is overweight
%26bull; between 30.0 - 39.9 is obese
%26bull; 40.0 or higher is severely obese

BMI is a simple and widely-used method for estimating body fat. BMI as an indicator of a clinical condition is used in conjunction with other clinical assessments.

Measuring Waist circumference

The problem with BMI is that it does not take into account differing ratios of adipose to lean tissue, nor does it distinguish between differing forms of adiposity. Two different measures are being used to determine the level of obesity:

%26bull; the absolute waist circumference (%26gt;102 cm in men and %26gt;88 cm in women)
%26bull; waist-hip ratio (%26gt;0.9 for men and %26gt;0.85 for women)

Body fat measurement

Most doctors agree that men with more than 25% body fat and women with more than 30% body fat are obese. It could be extremely difficult to measure the exact percentage of body fat but the most accepted method has been to weigh a person underwater. Only problem is that underwater weighing is a procedure limited to laboratories with special equipment.

Risk factors and comorbidities

The presence of risk factors and diseases associated with obesity are also used to establish a clinical diagnosis. Possible life-threatening risk factors that would indicate clinical treatment of obesity are:

%26bull; Coronary heart disease
%26bull; Type II diabetes
%26bull; Sleep apnea
%26bull; Smoking
%26bull; Hypertension
%26bull; age and family history

What are the causes of obesity?

When food energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, fat cells take in the energy and store it as fat. Therefore, obesity is only made possible when the lifetime energy intake exceeds lifetime energy expenditure.

It is proven that in all individuals, the excess energy utilized to generate fat reserves is minute relative to the total number of calories consumed.

Risk factors that have been suggested to contribute to the development of obesity include:

%26bull; Sedentary lifestyle - it is proven that sedentary people are more likely to gain weight because they don%26rsquo;t burn calories through physical activities
%26bull; A high glycemic diet %26ndash; diet rich in sugar
%26bull; Weight cycling, caused by repeated attempts to lose weight by dieting
%26bull; Underlying illness
%26bull; Genetic disorders
%26bull; Eating disorders
%26bull; Stressful mentality
%26bull; Insufficient sleep
%26bull; Certain medications
%26bull; Smoking cessation
%26bull; Genetic factors
%26bull; During pregnancy a woman's weight necessarily increases
%26bull; Drinking alcohol adds calories to diet. Excessive drinking can stimulate appetite and make a person less likely to control portion sizes

Genetical and environmental factors

Caloric imbalance that results in obesity often develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Different imbalances in various genes controlling appetite, metabolism, and adipokine release predispose to obesity. Although various genetic abnormalities that predispose to obesity have been identified, single-locus mutations have been found in only about 5% of obese individuals.

Binge eating disorder (BED)

Several eating disorders are associated with obesity, especially binge eating disorder. In such cases eating serves to reduce the anxiety. An important additional factor is that BED patients often lack the ability to recognize hunger and satiety, something that is normally learned in childhood.

Complications of obesity

%26bull; High blood pressure
It is proven that obesity puts you at high risk for developing high blood pressure. Just like other parts of the body, fatty tissue relies on oxygen and nutrients in the blood to survive. As demand for oxygen increases, the amount of blood circulating through your body also increases. Weight gain also typically increases the level of insulin, and this increase is associated with retention of sodium and water, which increases blood volume. This is also associated with high risk for developing coronary artery disease and possibly a stroke.
%26bull; Diabetes
Obesity is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes. Excess fat makes body resistant to insulin, the hormone that helps your body maintain a proper level of a sugar in your blood. If your body is resistant to insulin, your blood sugar is high.
%26bull; Abnormal blood fats
A diet high in saturated fats can lead to obesity as well as elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Practicing this kind of diet for a long time leads to having abnormal blood fats which can contribute to atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries throughout your body.
%26bull; Osteoarthritis
It is easy to understand that obesity can affects the knees, hips and lower back contributing to development of a bone disorder called osteoarthritis.
%26bull; Sleep apnea
Several studies have proven that obesity can contribute tho the development of a condition called sleep apnea. It is characterized by pauses of breathing for short periods during sleep and heavy snoring.
%26bull; Cancer
Many types of cancer are associated with being overweight. In women, these include cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, ovaries and gallbladder. Overweight men have a particularly higher risk of cancers of the colon, rectum and the prostate.
%26bull; Fatty liver disease
When someone is obese, fats can build up in liver which usually leads to inflammation and scarring of the liver. Such scarring can cause cirrhosis of the liver.
%26bull; Gallbladder disease
Some researches have proven that overweight people produce more cholesterol which could be deposited in the gallbladder. That%26rsquo;s why the risk of gallstones is higher in obese people.

Treatment of obesity

%26bull; Dietary changes
Consuming fewer calories is an important and crucial factor for successful weight loss. The so called %26ldquo;crash diets%26rdquo; aren't recommended because they can cut too many calories and nutrients that they can lead to other health problems, such as vitamin deficiencies. Low calorie liquid diets are sometimes prescribed as an intervention for seriously obese people and they could be very helpful. Replacing one or two meals with a low-calorie shake, having vegetables and fruits for a snack and a balancef third meal that is low in fat and calories are recommended.
%26bull; Increased physical activity
Another way to lose weight is to increase physical activity. Several studies have found that people who change their posture and periodically do some physical activity burn as much as an extra 350 calories a day compared with more sedentary people. Those calories could translate to a loss of more than 30 pounds over the course of a year, which means that even a little activity throughout the day can add up and help promote a healthy weight.
%26bull; Medications for weight loss
The two main prescription weight-loss medications are Sibutramine (Meridia) and Orlistat (Xenical). These drugs inhibit the absorption of fat in the intestines.

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Bone Marrow Transplant: A Cure For AIDS?

It was reported on TIME magazine that a Berlin hematologist, Gero Huetter, has claimed that he had cured an HIV infection in a 42-year old man through bone marrow transplant he had performed at Berlin’s Charité hospital two yea...

It was reported on TIME magazine that a Berlin hematologist, Gero Huetter, has claimed that he had cured an HIV infection in a 42-year old man through bone marrow transplant he had performed at Berlin%26rsquo;s Charit%26eacute; hospital two years ago. The patient had been suffering from advance stage leukemia and HIV and, after transplant of bone marrow from a donor naturally resistant to HIV, he seemed to be %26ldquo;virus free%26rdquo;.

Read the full text of the article here.

This %26ldquo;discovery%26rdquo;, expectedly, would cause some more of the prudent scientists to be wary. There are, after all, very few known persons to be resistant to HIV infection (estimated to be 1% of the European population) and bone marrow transplants are risky procedures. To proceed with the bone marrow transplant, one has to kill all existing diseased bone marrow cells of the patient before introducing the transplant and this puts the patient at high risk because of a vulnerable immune system. However, if the claim is correct, it would be one of those celebrated moments in the history of medicine and science.

But how come there are people who%26rsquo;re resistant to the HIV like the Europeans?

The hypothesis formulated explains that the resistance to HIV infection was a result of selective pressure arising from the Black Death and Great Plague pandemics in Europe (bubonic plague). Mutation in one of the chemokine receptors, CCR5, provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague, which was said to be using same mechanism as HIV to gain entry into cells. The smallpox virus, Variola major, has also been suggested as the cause of selective pressure to develop mutation of CCR5. It was hypothesized that HIV and pox viruses both infect leukocytes resulting in dysfunction of cellular immunity, and gain entry to leukocytes by using chemokine receptors. CCR5 acts as a part of the key to letting in HIV into cell by binding with glycoprotein 120 which is located on the surface of the HIV particle. The same glycoprotein also binds with CD4 and forms a complex with the bound CCR5 to let in the HIV into the cell (helper T-cells, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, glial cells). Specifically, the mutation consists of a 32 nucleic acid deletion (a CCR5 delta 32 mutation) that in the homozygous state (if the person has two mutant copies of the CCR5), can provide almost complete resistance to HIV infection. In the heterozygous state (person has only one copy of the mutant CCR5), it allows for a slower progression of the disease, if the person gets infected with HIV. Although, according to Dr. Michael Marmor, Professor of Environmental Medicine and Medicine at New York University School of Medicine, studies found that bisexual and homosexual Caucasian men with one copy of the mutation had a 70% reduced risk of HIV infection compared with men who didn%26rsquo;t carry the mutation at all. Resistance, however, in both the homozygous and heterozygous states would not confer complete protection as there were uncommon strains of HIV that utilize other chemokine receptors aside from CCR5.

Even if, at this stage, scientists have been quite pessimistic about the idea of finding a cure for AIDS and HIV, still there may be hope in finding a solution to the cure. Perhaps, if the claim is true, this will pave the way to more studies that can find ways to re-engineer patient%26rsquo;s cells, specifically the bone marrow, to change it in such a way as what a transplant does, without having the patient undergo the risky procedure. But as scientists have predicted, this discovery, if ever there%26rsquo;ll be one, will be decades away.

It%26rsquo;s a rather discouraging prediction, considering how HIV infection is still rampant in many countries around the globe ( 39.4 million around the globe suffering from HIV as of end of 2004 and an increasing number of deaths related to AIDS in the Philippines ). But, at least, we%26rsquo;re moving forward. And hopefully, soon, the elusive cure shall be found.

References:

• Substantial resistance to HIV infection tied to genetic mutation http://www.netbiosciencenews.com/NR/2002/Jan/CCR5.htm
• HIV Protection CCR5 Chemokine Receptor Mutation by Judy Arbique. 2006 Nov 18. http://microbiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/hiv_protection
• Can a Bone Marrow Transplant Halt HIV? by Eben Harrell. 2008 Nov 13. Time. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1858843,00.html
• A Global View of HIV infection. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/hiv/facts/hiv2003/en/
• Epidemiological Fact Sheet on HIV and AIDS in Philippines: Core data on epidemiology and response July 2008 update. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/globalatlas/predefinedReports/EFS2008/full/EFS2008_PH.pdf

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