Q whenever certain people are on TV, our cat, Lilly, runs to the TV and begins to scratch at the set. This happens when certain music comes on. recently, when Justin Bieber appeared on TV, the cat went crazy. Lilly doesn’t have her claws anymore, so there’s no damage to the TV, but what is this scratching all about?

- S.U., Pasadena, Calif.

A Cats often express their excitement with a good scratch. even cats without claws go through the same motions. I can’t explain why certain music is more exciting to your cat, who apparently enjoys Bieber.

Q I’m concerned that the vaccine to protect cats against rhinotracheitis and the calici virus causes the (viral infections) and helps destroy a cat’s immune system. I know two cats whose deaths directly resulted from the feline leukemia vaccine. can you please tell people not to use these vaccines?

- A.A., Cyberspace

A I’m afraid I can’t help because you’re wrong. Feline herpes virus (rhinotracheitis) is the most common cause of upper respiratory disease in cats. Calici virus often causes inflammation in the mouth, oral ulcers and/or limping and can be very serious. both infections occur most often in kittens, cats in stressed or overcrowded environments like animal shelters and those in multicat households.

Once infected, there may be chronic flare-ups throughout a cat’s life.

Feline veterinarian Dr. Susan Little, of Ottawa, Canada, says, “The vaccine for the feline herpes virus and for the calici virus were never intended to prevent infection. Vaccination does in some cases prevent symptoms, or at least lessens their severity, so cats don’t die.”

As for your claim about the feline leukemia vaccine, it’s simply not true, says Little, a past president of the Winn Feline Foundation. Most veterinarians do agree that not all cats should be vaccinated for feline leukemia. This has nothing to do with the vaccines but instead is about the lifestyle of individual cats. For example, indoor-only cats are unlikely to be exposed to the disease and may not require the vaccine.

Certainly, here and there cats do have reactions to vaccines; the most feared of all may be vaccine-associated feline sarcoma at the vaccination site. Some researchers have suggested this aggressive cancer may be associated with some feline leukemia vaccines (those with an adjuvant), but it’s not proven and is very rare. if you’re concerned, ask about the non-adjuvanted vaccine for feline leukemia.

Q I take my dog to visit a hospice once a week. I wish I could describe what a difference this has made for the patients. For our border collie, Lucy, the emotional outlet and work has been wonderful. I was sure I’d be sad working in a hospice, but I haven’t felt that way at all. instead, I have a tremendous feeling of satisfaction. I’m writing in hopes you can convey how programs like this make a difference.

- S.C., Marietta, Ga.

A For 10 years, my wife and I were privileged to take our Lucy to visit patients at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago as a certified animal-assisted therapy dog. Therapy dogs are sometimes able to wiggle their way into hearts and minds where medical science cannot.

Science has repeatedly documented what such dogs can do. I talked with my friend David Frei, who participates in animal-assisted therapy with his dog through a program he founded called Angel on a Leash.

No one knows how these dogs are able to achieve the miracles they do. Frei and I agree that while they are patients in hospitals, rehab facilities and hospices, people are living like our dogs live – in the moment. This creates a special connection. And, of course, dogs don’t care how patients look or their diagnoses; they love everyone unconditionally.

After our beloved Lucy passed away in 2011, we set up a fund in her honor with the American Humane Association to support the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards for animal-assisted therapy: bit.ly/ieF5K9.

Write to Steve Dale at .

THE Philippine Thyroid Association (PTA) will hold its 26th Annual Convention on January 21, 2011 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, with the theme "Thyroid Diseases: Concerns in Clinical Practice".

"We urge the general public to be vigilant against thyroid disorders. these include hyperthyroidism, which if left untreated can lead to heart failure and even death, and hypothyroidism particularly in pregnant women, which can cause low IQ in babies. Early detection and treatment of thyroid disorders is very important," said PTA President Dr. Susan Yu-Gan.

Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism (process by which every cell in the body uses energy). Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland releases too much of its hormones. many diseases and conditions can cause hyperthyroidism; these include excessive iodine or thyroid hormone intake, inflammation of the thyroid due to viral infections or other causes, noncancerous growths of the thyroid or pituitary gland, and Graves disease (most common cause). "Hyperthyroidism is often hereditary. There are no known ways to prevent it," Dr. Yu-Gan said.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, palpitation (rapid, irregular heartbeat), tremors (often in the hands), heat intolerance, increased sweating, frequent bowel movement, irritability, and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). "around 6 million Filipinos have goiter," noted Dr. Yu-Gan. she cited the latest nationwide survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM) showing that 5.8% of those surveyed had thyroid function abnormality, 5% of who had subclinical hyperthyroidism (no symptoms) and less than 1% had true hyperthyroidism.

There are currently four available drugs for hyperthyroidism: methimazole, carbimazole, thiamazole and propylthiouracil. "these drugs suppress the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. Patients usually take anti-hyperthyroidism medication for 18 to 24 months," said Dr. Yu-Gan. she pointed out that surgery should only be done once the patient is already "euthyroid" or has normal thyroid function. The third treatment option for hyperthyroidism is radioactive iodine. "each treatment has benefits and risks so patients should thoroughly discuss hyperthyroid treatment options with their physician," Dr. Yu-Gan explained.

• Business Insight
• Living

more on LifeStyle

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses, medications, or toxic agents.

Hepatitis known as an inflammation of the liver , is a gastroenterological disease. Hepatitis is generally categorized as a viral or non-viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis can be considered “rapid” a position that comes on frequently with severe symptoms and for a short time or “chronic” a position that comes on slowly, may or may not have symptoms for a long time.

Viral infections are the cause of most acute Hepatitis. Hepatitis comes in 7 not so delicious flavours: Hepatitis a, B, C, D – Agent (which requires the presence of the hepatitis B virus to form), Hepatitis E, F, and G. None of these are very yummy, and should be avoided at all costs.

When most people refer to hepatitis, they are probably talking about viral hepatitis, which is classified into several types. Hepatitis a, which is very common in underdeveloped countries, is acquired from water or food sources. This type of hepatitis is usually mild and may sometimes be discovered only by blood testing. Hepatitis a never leads to chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis a is a highly infectious disease caused by Enterovirus referred to as Hepatitis a Virus(HAV) and the incubation period for this disease is about 2 – 8 weeks and the disease is called Short Incubation Hepatitis. The virus replicates in the liver of the host.

With hepatitis B, the liver also swells. Hepatitis B can be a serious infection that can cause liver damage, which may result in cancer. Some people are not able to get rid of the virus, which makes the infection chronic, or life long. Blood banks test all donated blood for hepatitis B, greatly reducing the risk for getting the virus from blood transfusions or blood products.

Hepatitis C is also passed on through contaminated blood and is similar to hepatitis B, but it is caused by a different type of virus. Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the number-one reason for liver transplant in the U.S. unlike hepatitis a and B, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.

Two other hepatitis viruses are known, hepatitis D and E. The D agent, an RNA passenger virus, cannot proliferate without the presence of hepatitis B virus, because its genome lacks certain essential genes. Hepatitis E produces a picture quite similar to hepatitis a, although it can take a fulminant course in some patients, particularly pregnant women; it is more prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). it occurs only in people who have hepatitis B. Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which can be found in the stool (bowel movements) of infected people. it is uncommon in the United States but is a risk to international travelers.

Useful Information About Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a very painful and serious health condition. If left untreated it can be potentially fatal. therefore if you care about your health and that of your loved ones it is important to have a basic knowledge of the signs, symptoms and causes of acute pancreatitis.

One of the functions of the pancreas is to secrete pancreatic juice through the pancreatic duct into the small intestine. This pancreatic juice if full of digestive enzymes which, when mixed with bile in the small intestine, digest and break down the food we eat so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and provide the cells of the body with the energy they require to function. If an individual develops acute pancreatitis the digestive enzymes do not pass through the pancreatic duct and mix with bile in the small intestine. Instead they attack the pancreas, which is the organ that produces them.

Acute pancreatitis has numerous possible causes. It can be caused by trauma or injury to the pancreas, surgery, gallstones, an obstruction to the pancreatic duct, viral infections, and certain medications. This condition can also be caused by years of heavy alcohol use. If you drink excessive amounts of alcohol or consume a high fat diet you put yourself at greater risk of developing acute pancreatitis.

People who are suffering from acute pancreatitis will experience an assortment of very unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms include heavy pain in the abdominal region, a swollen stomach area, severe vomiting, nausea, fever, a rapid pulse rate, dehydration and dangerously low blood pressure. If acute pancreatitis is not treated promptly it can lead to heart, kidney or lung failure, all of which are potentially fatal.

Fortunately acute pancreatitis is usually fairly easy to treat if the patient is diagnosed and hospitalized in time. first the patient will be given a blood test in order to verify the diagnosis. the patient will then be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids, antibiotics and narcotic pain relief. Until the pancreas has recovered sufficiently the patient will not be given anything to eat or drink, which is why the IV fluids are necessary.

If gallstones were the cause of the acute pancreatitis the patient will require surgery to remove the stones. If the condition was caused by alcoholism the patient will be given counseling and advised to enroll on a detoxification and rehabilitation program in order to help them to stop drinking.

If you have reason to believe that you or somebody you love many be suffering from acute pancreatitis a prompt visit to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital is imperative.

To learn more, check out bible study topics and youth ministry resources.

Incoming search:

Acute pancreatitis (1),affect of alcohol if suffering from pancreatis (1)

Readers who read this page, also read:  

ScienceDaily (Jan. 11, 2011) — an international team of researchers is reporting that it has uncovered new information about human papillomavirus that one day may aid in the development of drugs to eliminate the cervical-cancer-causing infection.

Led by researcher Per Jemth of Uppsala University in Sweden, the collaborators from four institutions detail in the Journal of Biological Chemistry how an offensive protein generated by the sexually transmitted virus handicaps a defensive protein made by the human body.

Co-author Neil Ferguson, a biophysicist at University College Dublin, says: "It has proved difficult to stem the proliferation of many viruses using conventional drug discovery. Inhibitors of protein-protein interactions, as in HPV’s case, are potentially potent ways to perturb viral infections."

There are almost 200 strains of HPV, dozens of which are transmitted through genital contact, and about half of sexually active people have had one or more infections.

The immune system eliminates the virus within two years in about 90 percent of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, but it lingers for many years in a minority of cases. some strains result in no visible symptoms, others cause genital warts and still others cause cancer.

"Infection by high-risk human papillomaviruses is causing as many as half a million cases of cervical cancer and more than 200,000 deaths among women per year, making it one of the most common forms of cancer," Jemth emphasized.

For the virus to replicate, it has to interfere with the body’s natural inclination to kill infected cells.

What is known as "programmed cell death," or the destruction of sick cells, ordinarily is carried out by several human proteins. however, when HPV is present, the virus sends out two of its own assassin proteins, known as E6 and E7, to stop the defensive human proteins in their tracks.

"Why is the virus causing cancer? In rare cases, the HPV infection is not cleared by the immune system and persists for decades. The virus’ release of E6 and E7 proteins then increases the risk of deterioration to cancer by causing cell proliferation and preventing programmed cell death," explains Jemth. "if the cell dies, the virus will die along with it. So, the virus sends out these gunmen to assassinate proteins made by the body — a hostile takeover, if you like."

In its study, Jemth’s team offers a detailed look at how one human protein in particular, SAP97, is targeted by HPV assassin E6.

"to develop antivirals that prevent protein-protein interactions, in this case those of E6 and human proteins, it is necessary to first understand the biomolecular interactions required for virus viability and, where relevant, exploit these insights," says Ferguson.

So, the team used different techniques to visualize the attack — or, rather, how HPV’s E6 and man’s SAP97 bind to each other.

"we studied how fast E6 is latching onto SAP97, how fast it is coming off, how strongly it holds onto SAP97, and what happens to the shape of SAP97 as E6 is attached to it," says Celestine Chi, the first author of the paper.

It turns out that there are three places on SAP97 where HPV’s E6 can latch on, he says, which bogs down the human protein so that it cannot carry out its normal function.

In fact, the team reports, three E6 molecules can attach to one SAP97 molecule simultaneously — essentially teaming up on the protein.

There currently are two vaccines that prevent HPV infection on the market, Cervarix and Gardasil, but they do nothing for those people who already are infected.

"Fundamental research on HPV is, therefore, still necessary to discover new routes to cure infection," Jemth says, which is why the team intends to continue its investigation and now has its crosshairs on HPV’s E7 protein.

Ferguson adds: "The team’s work represents an important step forward in understanding HPV biology and has important implications for therapeutic strategies. what was nice about this collaboration is that multiple laboratories worked synergistically such that the scope of the research and strength of the conclusions were significantly increased."

The team’s research, funded by the Swedish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland, was a collaboration of four universities — Uppsala University and Linköping University in Sweden, University College Dublin in Ireland and University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The resulting "Paper of the Week" was published on the Journal of Biological Chemistry’s website Nov. 27 and will appear in the Feb. 4 print issue.

Email or share this story:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Journal Reference:

1. C. N. Chi, A. Bach, A. Engstrom, K. Stromgaard, P. Lundstrom, N. Ferguson, P. Jemth. Biophysical characterization of the complex between human papillomavirus E6 protein and synapse associated protein 97. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2010; DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M110.190264

Note: if no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

PEORIA–It’s that time of year when people are prone to illness.

One local doctor says he’s been busy treating sick patients since the holidays ended.

Dr. Agarwal says more people are prone to upper respiratory infections during this time of year.

This includes a cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sinus pressure.

During peak holiday shopping times, these are highly contagious because more people are in contact with germs.

He recommends treating viral infections immediately.

If untreated, they can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia.according to Dr. Naresh Agarwal, “Taking rest, drinking enough fluids to maintain hydration, and avoiding coming into contact with others who may not be sick so you don’t transmit it to other people,” are a few tips to getting and staying healthy.

The doctor says if patients take proper care, they should start to feel improvement in about two to three days.

If symptoms get worse, contact your local doctor for further treatment.

In other words, what is the difference between how viral infections and bacterial infections affect the body? how are the symptoms between the two types of diseases different? after a doctor learns what symptoms a patient has, what further tests or examinations would he/she run to determine whether the disease is bacterial or viral?

To tell you the truth, most doctors don't take the time to figure out.

If it sounds like a viral infection, they will probably not test to see if it is bacterial and will proclaim its viral.go home and rest.

Pretty sad considering that we are paying out the *** for these people to do their job yet they don't take the time to do it.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses, medications, or toxic agents.

Hepatitis known as an inflammation of the liver , is a gastroenterological disease. Hepatitis is generally categorized as a viral or non-viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis can be considered “rapid” a position that comes on frequently with severe symptoms and for a short time or “chronic” a position that comes on slowly, may or may not have symptoms for a long time.

Viral infections are the cause of most acute Hepatitis. Hepatitis comes in 7 not so delicious flavours: Hepatitis a, B, C, D – Agent (which requires the presence of the hepatitis B virus to form), Hepatitis E, F, and G. None of these are very yummy, and should be avoided at all costs.

When most people refer to hepatitis, they are probably talking about viral hepatitis, which is classified into several types. Hepatitis a, which is very common in underdeveloped countries, is acquired from water or food sources. This type of hepatitis is usually mild and may sometimes be discovered only by blood testing. Hepatitis a never leads to chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis a is a highly infectious disease caused by Enterovirus referred to as Hepatitis a Virus(HAV) and the incubation period for this disease is about 2 – 8 weeks and the disease is called Short Incubation Hepatitis. The virus replicates in the liver of the host.

With hepatitis B, the liver also swells. Hepatitis B can be a serious infection that can cause liver damage, which may result in cancer. some people are not able to get rid of the virus, which makes the infection chronic, or life long. Blood banks test all donated blood for hepatitis B, greatly reducing the risk for getting the virus from blood transfusions or blood products.

Hepatitis C is also passed on through contaminated blood and is similar to hepatitis B, but it is caused by a different type of virus. Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the number-one reason for liver transplant in the U.S. Unlike hepatitis a and B, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.

Two other hepatitis viruses are known, hepatitis D and E. The D agent, an RNA passenger virus, cannot proliferate without the presence of hepatitis B virus, because its genome lacks certain essential genes. Hepatitis E produces a picture quite similar to hepatitis a, although it can take a fulminant course in some patients, particularly pregnant women; it is more prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). it occurs only in people who have hepatitis B. Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which can be found in the stool (bowel movements) of infected people. it is uncommon in the United States but is a risk to international travelers.

peterhutch – About the Author:

Read about Rencare

Share and enjoy:

Is it jaunidice?

Jaundice is a later stage. Your first signs will be fever and sometimes nausea.

"Initial features are of nonspecific flu-like symptoms, common to almost all acute viral infections and may include: malaise, muscle and joint aches, fever, feeling sick or vomiting, diarrhea and headache…."

~ M.R.D

The initial symptoms of liver failure are often ones that can be due to any number or conditions. because of this, liver failure may be initially difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include:

Nausea
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Diarrhea
However, as liver failure progresses, the symptoms become more serious, requiring urgent care. These symptoms include:

Jaundice
Bleeding easily
Swollen abdomen
Mental disorientation or confusion (known as hepatic encephalopathy)
Sleepiness
Coma

Hi- there are different types of hepatitis. are you talking about a baby, or an adult? None the less, here are some sites below to help aide you in ur answer. Hope this helps. Good Luck & take Care- PS- GO TO THE DOCTOR! Ask him/her about the Hepatitis shots available to help a person from getting this diagnosis. I had to have 3 injections when I worked in Surgery, due to the blood exposure.

Acute infection with hepatitis B virus is associated with acute viral hepatitis – an illness that begins with general ill-health, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, bodyaches, mild fever, dark urine, and then progresses to development of jaundice. it has also been noted that itchy skin all over the body, has been an indication as a possible symptom of all hepatitis virus types. the illness lasts for a few weeks and then gradually improves in most of the affected people. A few patients may have more severe liver disease (fulminant hepatic failure), and may die as a result of it. the infection may also be entirely asymptomatic and may go unrecognized.

Hepatitis A, B, And C are almost identical in their symptoms however the means of transmission differ.
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a common infection in many parts of the world. it is possible to become infected through eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
It is found in feces. it can be passed on if even a tiny amount of feces from a person with hepatitis A comes into contact with another person's mouth.
This means the virus can also be passed on sexually through practices such as rimming. Personal hygiene, with careful hand washing, can minimise the risk of the virus being passed on.

Hepatitis B is contracted by blood to blood contact and body fluids so it is more likely to be spread via unprotected sex than Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is contracted via blood to blood contact.

Symptoms for all three are very much the same.
fatique
a short, mild, flu-like illness
nausea and vomiting
diarrhea
loss of appetite
weight loss
jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine
and pale faeces)
itchy skin
Liver Enzyme levels (AST, ALT, Bilirubin, etc) are usually increased.

Editor’s Note: this is a contribution from USA’s Student Health Center Medical Director, Dr. Heather Cannon. The Vanguard readily accepts health questions of all kinds for Dr. Cannon via e-mail at usavanguard.editor@Gmail.com.

STDs are divided into two broad categories, those caused by viruses and those caused by bacteria. Viral infections include Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Genital Herpes, and HIV.

Bacterial and protozoa infections include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and Syphillis.

Bacterial and protozoal infections are much easier to treat than viral infections.

In most cases, your health care provider will give you a prescription for an antibiotic or an antibiotic injection. in general, there is no cure for viral STDs, but medications and other treatments are available to control symptoms.

STDs are spread by sexual activity, including vaginal, anal and oral sex and can cause infection in not only the sex organs but also in the anus and the mouth.

Some infections, such as HPV and herpes, are even spread through skin-to-skin contact without any sort of penetration.

You can’t always tell by looking at someone that they have an STD. Overall, 80 percent of people with an STD have no symptoms or don’t recognize their symptoms but can infect their sexual partner.

Twenty-five percent of college students will contract an STD.

HPV is the most common STD in America, with at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women becoming infected in their lifetime. this virus may cause not only genital warts, but also cancer of the vagina, penis, anus, or mouth.

Chlamydia is the second most common STD in America, and over half of those infected have no symptoms. Left untreated, chlamydia infection can result in permanent infertility.

One in five Americans have genital herpes, but up to 90 percent of people don’t recognize the symptoms.

Alabama is ranked in the top five states in rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections.

How to protect yourself?

Every sexually active person not in a mutually monogamous relationship should be tested annually for STDs or when starting a new sexual relationship.

If you’ve tested positive for an STD it’s your responsibility to tell everyone you’ve recently had any sexual contact with that they may also be infected.

Once you are treated for an STD, make sure your sexual partner is tested and treated also or you will become re-infected. three weeks after treatment you should return to your health care provider to confirm that the infection has cleared.

Ideally, you should not resume sexual activity until the results of the testing.

Condoms are the best way to prevent the spread of STDs, but even consistent condom use doesn’t eliminate a person’s risk of becoming infected. Consistent condom use only reduces the risk of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections by 60 to 80 percent and reduces the risk of trichomoniasis by only 30 percent. Condoms provide even less protection against those infections spread by skin-to-skin contact.

A vaccine is available for the HPV virus, which can reduce your risk of developing genital warts and even cervical cancer.

The Student Health Center provides information, testing and treatment for STDs, free condoms, and the HPV vaccine.