Author Archives: kkcolich

Feb
26
2014

“Contact Lens Capable of Correcting Hyperopia Without Surgery”

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One vision problem that people suffer from is hyperopia, in which a person can see things at a distance clearly but not when the objects are up close. The correction of eyesight is done by orthokeratology or ortho-K; which is the reshaping of the cornea. The technique is done with the use of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses over night that will reshape the cornea. The contact lens can also help correct myopia and stigmatism.

In the research Jaume Paume used ten test subjects all suffering from vision problems. With the use of the patient in the trial Jaume Paune developed a lens that was worn at nighttime that corrected the patients with hyperopia. The lens actively applies pressure on the outside of the cornea; which works by reshaping the cornea. Unfortunately the effect is only temporary. The lens must be worn every night to reshape the cornea. The correction to the cornea however will not have lasting affects. The treatment shows promise as an ongoing therapy and an alternative to corrective laser surgery.

The research that Mr. Paune discovered is amazing. It offers patients suffering from vision problems another alternative option then having surgery. The risk with the contact lens is less risky then the patients who undergo surgery. With using the contact lens there is no recovery period or missed work. The lens however is not very cost effective especially since they must be worn every night and replaced from time to time. Personally I feel that this lens still gives patients more options other then surgery.

Kethanne K. Colich

Tortora, Gerard J and Derrickson, Bryan. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th. 2011.Print.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100420161224.htm

Feb
26
2014

Kleine Levin Syndrome “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome”

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Kleine Levin Syndrome “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome”

Kleine Levin Syndrome also called “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome” is a very rare disorder. The disorder is common in young adolescents, especially in males. The disorder is said to be a malfunction occurring in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is in the brain that controls many of the body functions such as appetite, thirst, sleep and also a role in controlling emotions. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke have done much research on trying to understand the disorder an come up with treatment plans.

Kleine Levin Syndrome is rare sleeping disorder that effects approximately 70 percent of male adolescents. With this disorder one will need excessive amounts of sleep up to 20 hours a day, have excessive food intake and behavioral changes such as abnormally uninhibited sexual drive. Those effected by this condition usually have very childlike behavior. The episode of sleep may last for days or even weeks. A person will awake an may have no reelection of what occurred during the episode. A person with this disorder may see a decrease in episode after about 8 to 12 years. There is no cure for this rare condition yet. There was a report on ABC News that did coverage on this rare condition. ABC News reported that there had only been 1,000 reported case in the whole world.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are still trying to find a treatment for those effected by the condition of Kleine Levin Syndrome. WIth the syndrome being so rare there is not a big testing group. This condition would be horrible to live with knowing there is no treatment out there yet for it and no way of controlling when an episode will occur. Those effected by this loose a great deal of time in their life  spending most of it sleeping an in a trance like state.

Kethanne K. Colich

Tortora, Gerard J and Derrickson, Bryan. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th. 2011.Print.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/kleine_levin/kleine_levin.htm

Oct
24
2013

“Human Skin Wound Dressings”

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“Human Skin Wound Dressings”

The skin is a very complex organ, consisting of several layers the epidermis, dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. The skin maintains our body temperature, protects and provides sensory information. The researchers in Canada have been working on vitro skin culture, used as a biological wound dressing. This study will help many patients suffering from bad ulcers in their legs; which are slow to heal especially in patients with diabetes.

The research that they have been working on, creating the skin wound dressing, is a very complex and takes many steps to grow. And is a last recourse when other treatments are not working. First thing they do is remove about 1cm of the patients’ skin, and after isolating the appropriate cells, grow them in vitro. This process creates skin substitute for the dermis an epidermis layer of skin, which takes about 8 weeks to grow. This then can be used on the patients wound. Also helping speed up the skin’s healing process. The study has been successful in treating 14 ulcers in 5 patients.

With this newly found treatment for wound healing, the researches are going to work toward ways to help even patients suffering from serious burns. It’s good that there are researchers working on other ways to heal skin wounds that won’t heal on their own.

Kethanne K. Colich

Universite Laval. “Human skin wound dressing to treat cutaneous ulcers.” ScienceDaily, 2 Oct. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2013

Tortora,Gerard J and Derrickson, B. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th. 2011.Print.

Oct
01
2013

“Four Common Genetic Variants Associated With Blood Pressure”

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Experts have investigated new discoveries involving genes and their associations with blood pressure. Genes are found within the nucleus of a cell and are the hereditary units that control cellular structure and direct cellular activity. The study was performed by the “Continental Origins and Genetic Epidemiology Network”, where they took a closer look into the ancestry of African-Americans. Most studies have been performed on humans of European ancestry.

Through reading the science article, I learned that scientist have discovered four novel gene variations.  Our genetic make-up influences many conditions of the human body such as hypertension. Hypertension is a medical condition of high blood pressure The 19-site meta-analysis is using nearly 30,000 African Americans in order to learn more about the gene mutation an its link to blood pressure.  The studies are ongoing and using human blood samples to help give scientist a better understanding of the gene functions and how the gene mutations are linked to hypertension Hypertension is a dangerous health problem that affects many people of all races and it can lead to other more fatal and complicated health problems. Still in its early trials of discovery not much was said to what all they had found, but hopeful that it will lead to further break threw on blood pressure issues among different nationalities.

Even though the studies are not completed yet, the hope is that scientists can target the gene mutations that cause high blood pressure. They could also discover new drugs that would better treat the condition. This study helps give an understanding not only to hypertension in African-Americans but may help find the gene in other nationalities where new treatments and better drugs can produce more efficient results.

Kethanne K. Colich

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130910112819.htm

Tortora, Gerard J and Derrickson, Bryan. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th. 2011.Print.