Category Archives: Blog Assignment 2

Aug
06
2013

Aortic Valve Replacement

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The Aortic Valve is located in between the heart and aorta (Tortora. Gerard ). The Aorta is main artery from the heart that distributes a rich oxygen supply of blood throughout the body. But, what happens when the aorta has problems with its valve? Thanks to advances in the medical field, patients have not only one option but actually several options to extend the patient lives.

According to the University of Southern California, the aortic valve can have stenosis, regurgitation, a birth defect (which is known as Bicuspid aortic valve), or damage that  can be acquired with age (which is known as Aortic Valve Replacement).  People with a malfunctioning valve can chose the best option for them after speaking with their doctor.  The most common replacement is bioprosthesis valves which is a replacement that can be made from tissues and include artificial parts to help with support (Cleveland Clinic).  The others choices can be Biological valves which can be made from pig tissue (porcine), cow tissue pericardial (bovine), or pericardial tissue from other species, by a donor, or a mechanical made from man-made materials (Cleveland Clinic).

Even though the valve replacement surgery helps improve the quality of life, there are risks in and after surgery. People have the risk of clotting around the sight especially if the mechanical valve is chosen, tearing the stitches or dislodging the piece with being to active right after surgery (Cleveland Clinic).  People must go on a anticoagulants (blood thinning medicine) for the rest of their lives and also must watch their vitamin A intake because this also makes the blood viscosity.  Thanks to modern medicine, people are able to live longer.

 

Citations :

 

Aortic Valve Replacement. University of Southern California. Http://www.cts.usc.edu./aorticvalvereplacement.html.07-2013.

Aortic Valve Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. http://wwwMy.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/valve/aorticvalvereplacement. 07-          2013.

Tortora. Gerard J., Derrickson, Bryan. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th John Wiley &sons, INC. 2011. 757-784.

Aug
05
2013

Listening to Blood Cells

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Given today’s excelling technology and the never-ending advances, it is no surprise that medical findings and research have come up with new ways to detect diseases that are related to blood.

Researchers and studies have shown that simple blood conditions can be detected by sound waves. These waves are produced within the body when they are struck by laser lights. With this advancement there is now a way to find out the shapes and also the sizes of blood cells. This new finding could be carried out by healthcare professionals to diagnosis patients with conditions in the blood because this new way takes only seconds for feedback.

Researchers in the article stated that their plan is to produce instruments that will allow these detections and make fast diagnosis and therefore provide faster treatment. Studies and results shown in the article concluded that shapes other than that bi-concave shape has a list of reasons why the abnormal shape occurs.

Researchers that carried out the study used the instrument called a photoacoustic microscope to detect sound. They carried out this experiment using a minimal amount of blood cells of about 20. This was just enough to give back readings that they were expecting—different sounds!

In closing, they leave with saying that their next big technological advancement is to eventually use a microfluidic device. They will continue to use the current ways of lasers, but will now incorporate the use of probes. With this simple incorporation, healthcare providers can test thousands instead of testing just blood samples. Their hope is to eventually get this method working effectively and then broaden this and check individual’s white blood cells.

Cell Press. “Listening to blood cells: Simple test could use sound waves for diagnosing blood-related diseases.” ScienceDaily, 2 Jul. 2013. Web. 18 Jul. 2013.

“Listening to Blood Cells.” Photonics. 18 Jul. 2013. <http://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?AID=54334>.

Jun
28
2013

Human Epidermal Cell Growth In Lab Proves to be Answer to Diabetic Integumentary Ulcers

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Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the United States.  The complications from this chronic illness include a decrease in peripheral circulation and healing is slow, therefore there is increased risk for infection.  The legs and feet are usually areas diabetic ulcers can occur.  In many cases amputation results because of non-healing, infected wounds.

Apligraf, a product made by Organogenesis, is a bi-layered, living cell based product and the only FDA approved product to heal leg and foot ulcers suffered by diabetics.  It contains living cells and structural proteins that mimic the epidermis and dermis.  This small, pink specimen is applied directly to a freshly debrided, medication free, cleaned wound.  It does not overlap the healed skin of the patient and if large enough wound, may need more than one application.  Once applied the first wound dressing remains on for 5-7 days.  As the application takes hold and starts a healthy healing process, it will change in color too.

Today’s scientific technology of cell reproduction in the lab has evolved the combination of bovine fibroblasts, and infant foreskins to produce a solution to limb loss because of infection and chronic illness.  Although this product doesn’t completely replicate the true human skin because it doesn’t contain sweat glands, blood vessels, hair follicles, melanocytes, macrophages, or lymphocytes,  it does help people speed up recovery from diabetic ulcers.  Ultimately this is a “fix” and not a desireable predicament to have to incur.  Many preventative measures can be taken by the aging diabetic to care for blood sugar levels, proper foot and skin care, and regular consultation with a health care team.  Apligraf was an amazing and exciting treatment I have personally witnessed in a clinical setting with wound care professionals at a local public hospital.  I was amazed at the technology we have used resourcefully to produce.  It makes you wonder how close we are to making this a new part of bionics.

www. organogenesis.com

“Wound Facts & Prevention”Apligraf: add life to healing.  26 Jun 2013 1:00pm. www. apligraf.com/professional/wound_facts_and_prevention/index.html

 

Apr
25
2013

Vitiligo

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Arial Donnell

Vitiligo is a skin disease, which causes loss of color and white patches on the skin. The development of vitiligo occurs when the partial or complete loss of melanocytes produce irregular white spots (1). In the United States alone, the disease affects 1 in 200 people, and is much more noticeable among individuals with a darker complexion. As of now, no cure exists for vitiligo, but it is treated and managed by light therapy, creams, tropical medications, and skin transplants (2).

A new study has revealed skin transplant surgery is effective in treating vitiligo. Henry Ford Hospital was the first in America to try the surgery known as, melanocyte-keratinocyte transplant, or MKPT. The surgery places patients under anesthesia while taken skin cells from normally pigmented areas and replacing them to the damaged area of skin (2). Researches tested a group of men and women and checked their progress for up to six months. Drastic changes had taken place in the six-month span. More than half of the affected area was covered with their natural skin color.

The new study will have a great impact on people who are affected by the disease. Although the results did not show that the surgery was a hundred percent in replacing the white patches with ones natural skin tone, I think people who suffer from the disease will be satisfied for the amount that does. To me, this is a big confidence booster and will raise the self-esteem of the patient.

 

 

Tortora, Gerard J., and Bryan Derrickson. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2010. Print.

Henry Ford Health System. “Skin transplant offers new hope to vitiligo patients.” ScienceDaily, 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

 

 

Apr
25
2013

The Star-nosed Mole and Sensory Receptors

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The most sensitive area to touch in a human is located at the fingertips. Touch receptors are densely packed with about one hundred per square centimeter. Pain receptors (nocireceptors) occur at lower ratio. The neurons can respond to these two possible stimuli at the same time. What keeps these signals from mixing?

A look at the star-nosed mole (which is not only the fastest eating mammal, but also the animal with the most touch and pain sensitive organ of any mammal) may help. The most sensitive area is not in its fingers (because it has claws) but on its nose. The star shaped portion of its nose has the highest density of nerve endings with over one hundred thousand fibers per square centimeter of skin. Neurons are packed into these nerve endings. More of these neurons respond to touch rather than pain. This translates into several other mammals as well.

This news is important new research because these same types of receptors have been found in the sensory receptors of humans and mice. The sense of touch and pain are closely related, but knowing how these are sensed simultaneously and differentiated in the cells is still being researched. The goal of these studies is to pinpoint certain genes that distinguish which sensation should reported, touch or pain. Further findings in this field may lead to treatments of chronic pain through new medications or types of therapy.

 

References:

Kimball, John W. “Mechanoreceptors.” Mechanoreceptors. Kimball’s Biology Pages, 19 Feb. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.     http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/M/Mechanoreceptors.html

Public Library of Science. “Leading by the nose: Star-nosed mole reveals how mammals perceive touch, pain.” ScienceDaily, 30 Jan. 2013. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.             http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130130184156.htm

 

Mar
30
2013

Living Without a Pulse

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The heart is essentially the engine of the human body. The chambers of the heart contract and relax in order to move blood throughout the body (1).  The number of times the heart contracts and relaxes in a period of time is known one’s heart rate (1).  We associate the heart rate or contractions and a person’s pulse with life. If you have a pulse, then you are alive.

Until recently, if an individual had heart failure or heart disease their only options were to receive a heart transplant or die from the disease. Now, there are many researchers attempting to develop long-term artificial hearts. Many of which have made significant breakthroughs in their efforts

In 2011, Dr. Bud Frazier and Dr. Billy Cohn successfully implanted an artificial heart that creates a continuous flow of blood (2). As a result of the continuous flow the patient had no pulse (2).  Dr. Frazier’s studies also found that although the heart was not beating, the organs and tissues were not affected at all and worked properly with the alternate blood flow. The pair of doctors are continuing research and believe that the future will include life without a pulse.

(1) Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons

(2) “News and Publications.” Texas Heart Institute. Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, 23 Mar 2011. Web. 28 Feb 2013. <http://texasheart.org/AboutUs/News/2011-03-23news_tah.cfm

Mar
23
2013

A New Look at Blood Transfusions

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A New Look at Blood Transfusions

There are many reasons why people sometimes need blood transfusions. Blood transfusion is a process where blood from a person is transferred into another person (1). The most common reason why people require a blood transfusion is because they have lost too much blood, whether the blood loss was from a trauma accident or surgery (1). However, blood transfusions can also be done if a person suffers from severe anemia (1). Although blood transfusions can potentially save a person’s life, there are several risks that can occur. For example, after a blood transfusion, a person may develop what is known as a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a fever that resolves on its own (1).

Recently, the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow developed a way to reduce the blood lose in patients during surgery by using a devise known as the HemoSep devise (2). The HemoSep devise collects the blood lost during surgery by using a blood bag which employs a chemical sponge technology and using a mechanical agitator to concentrate the blood collected (2). Once the cells are separated, they are put back into the patient by intravenous transfusion (2). In the 100 open-heart surgery clinical trials operation carried out, not only did the HemoSep devise drastically reduced the need for blood transfusions, it also reduced inflammation, something normally seen after a surgery procedure (2). Furthermore, there are still many clinical trials planned (2).With the CE mark, the device will now be sold in all European territories and any other regions that recognize the CE mark, as well as Canada (2).

I believe this new technology device will impact society in a positive way. Thanks to this new device, people will not have to risk their lives by getting a blood transfusion.  The less transfusions people have, the safer they will be from getting infections, viruses, or other risk factors that come from blood transfusions. Furthermore, with less blood transfusions needed people will not have to donate as much blood as before.  In my opinion, it is a win-win situation.

 

1.)    “What is a Blood Transfusion?” News-Medical.Net . (2013): n. page. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.

2.)    “New technology to transform blood processing.” strath.ac.uk. (2012): n. page. Web. 22         Feb. 2013.

 

Mar
23
2013

Heart Condition: Arrhythmia Culprit Caught in Action

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For the heart to contract several steps have to occur, but one main component used to make the heart contract is calcium. Calcium binding allows for actin and myosin to develop tension which influences the strength of the heart contraction (Tortorra and Derrickson). However, substances can alter a change of calcium flowing through the calcium channels leading the heart to beat too fast or too slow in a condition called arrhythmia (Tortorra and Derrickson). Many diseases and conditions are associated with arrhythmia, such as sudden heart attacks in healthy people, which has researchers wondering what causes this.

With the utilization of powerful X-rays, University of British Columbia researches have managed to create an animated model that shows how gene mutations can affect the beating of the heart (ScienceDaily).  After calcium enters the muscle cells of the heart a special protein is in charge of opening the calcium channels that allow for calcium to be released and consequently make the heart contract (ScienceDaily). A gene mutation in the special protein controlling calcium release has been linked to arrhythmia, and other cardiac problems (ScienceDaily). With the construction of a 3D animated model of how the gene mutation of the special protein affects heart contraction, researchers can now better understand how this mutation can be corrected, and therefore possibly save lives (ScienceDaily).

Our hearts beat to the sound of calcium, but gene mutations such as the one that affects the special protein of the calcium channels can lead to serious health risks, and that is why the creation of a 3D model is so important. With a 3D model of the gene mutation researchers are allowed to visibly see such a mutation and watch it in action as it would occur in real life. Therefore, from this model, possible treatments can be made that would prevent or diminish heart related conditions caused by the gene mutation in the special protein. Arrhythmia, at its worst, can cause death, but further research and the utilization of this 3D model can help lower arrhythmia related conditions of the heart (ScienceDaily).

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons

University of British Columbia (2013, February 17). Heart condition: Arrhythmia culprit caught   in action. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130217134214.htm

Mar
23
2013

Osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis affects many elderly women every year. Women over 65, postmenopausal and menopausal are at the highest risk and is the age group that is effected by it. Osteoperosis is a condition that effects the bone density. Dense bones can be porus and spongelike which results  in many fractures. Normal bones which are harder to break and aren’t compresssible are made up of proteins, collagen and  calcium. The spine, hips, ribs and wrist are normal areas to get fractured when osteoporosis has effected the bones.

 

Osteoporosis can be treated the best by early detection. Treatment is the preventment of loss of density. There is no complete cure for osteporosis but building bone strength is a good treatment. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising reguarly and eating a balanced diet are treatments that have showed improvement in women with osteoporosis. Medications like  alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), raloxifene (Evista), help build bone and prevent further damage.

 

All in all osteoporosis is a condition that makes elderly womens bones dense. It does not mean the end of thier lives but it does mean that they have to change thier lives for the better. And eat right, exercise and stop bad habits like smoking and drinking. Osteoporosis does not have a cure but there are many medicines and methods to treat it that helps rebuild bone density. Once a bone has been fractured no matter if it has osteoporosis or was normal it will never be exactly the same.

 

Sources: J. Tortora, Gerald, and Bryan Derrickson. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken NJ, USA  2012.

“Osteoporosis”. www.medicinenet.com. Catherine Burt Driver, MD on 6/6/2012

Oct
24
2012

Osteoporosis Blog # 2

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Osteoporosis is a condition of the bones in which calcium is lost and the bones become weak or brittle, often leading to fracture or breakage. (2) The condition usually occurs with age, and women are especially prone to the disease. According to statistics, osteoporosis affects more than forty-four million Americans and contributes to an estimated two million bone fractures per year (1). The most common occurrence of fractures takes place in hips, arms, legs, and wrists. Even a simple fall can cause a fracture if osteoporosis has taken over the bones.

In the early stages of osteoporosis, there are usually no symptoms. Doctors use a bone mineral density test to determine the amount of bone lost. They also use this test to predict whether someone is at risk for osteoporosis in the future, or they can see if the treatments are working as they should (1). Hip fractures are the most serious of the fractures. They can lead to a lifetime of assisted care, and typically patients are always required to use a walking cane. Women are especially prone because estrogen levels drop during menopause, putting them at an even greater risk (2).

Preventing osteoporosis is important in preventing injuries in individuals as they age. The three factors involved in preventing bone loss are calcium, Vitamin D, and daily exercise. First of all, taking in the proper amounts of calcium will build bones and help in maintaining healthy bones. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all excellent sources of calcium. Secondly, Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium in the body. Lastly, exercise is always an important factor in building bone and muscle strength (1).

Works Cited

1.) Osteoporosis Orthroinfo. American Academy of Orthropaedic Surgeons. 11 October 2012 http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00232>

2.) Overview of Osteoporosis.　 New York Times, October 11, 2012 issue. 11 October 2012 http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/osteoporosis/overview.html>