Neurological Conditions: Bell’s Palsy to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Bell’s Palsy Etiology
Idiopathic; commonly associated with HSV-1, VZV. Autoimmune inflammation or ischemia is suspected. Sporadic outbreaks are reported.
Clinical Features
- Mastoid/ear pain precedes weakness by 1–2 days.
- Rapid onset facial weakness within 48 hours.
- Loss of forehead wrinkling and eye closure.
- Impaired taste (anterior 2/3 of the tongue).
- Hyperacusis (stapedius paralysis).
- Decreased salivation; lacrimation is usually preserved.
- Bell’s phenomenon (upward/outward eye movement on attempted
Key Obstetric and Gynecological Conditions: Diagnosis and Management
Analgesia for Labour
Labour pain in the first stage is visceral, arising from cervical dilatation and uterine contractions, transmitted via T10–L1. In the second stage, it becomes somatic due to stretching of the vagina and perineum, transmitted via S2–S4.
Methods for pain relief include:
- Non-pharmacological: Reassurance, breathing techniques, massage, warm baths, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).
- Pharmacological (Systemic): Opioids such as pethidine or fentanyl, which may
Intracranial Pathology: Brain Tumors, ICP, and Abscess Management
Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
The skull is a rigid compartment. Any added volume (tumor, blood, edema, or CSF) raises the Intracranial Pressure (ICP). ICP is considered elevated when it is greater than 20 mmHg (normal is typically less than 15 mmHg).
The relationship between ICP and Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP) is critical: CPP = MAP − ICP. A rising ICP reduces CPP, leading to cerebral ischemia.
Causes of Elevated ICP
- Intracranial mass (tumor, hematoma, large infarct)
- Cerebral edema
- Hydrocephalus
Stem Cell Regulation, Cancer Therapy, and Genetic Modification Techniques
Cancer Stem Cells and Therapeutic Strategies
Normal Stem Cells Versus Cancer Stem Cells
Normal stem cells self-renew in a controlled way to maintain tissues, while cancer stem cells (CSCs) self-renew uncontrollably and form tumors. CSCs resist therapy and can regenerate the tumor, unlike normal stem cells whose growth is tightly regulated.
Characteristics of Cancer Stem Cells
CSCs can self-renew, differentiate into different tumor cell types, and initiate new tumors. They express markers like CD44,
Read MoreStem Cell Niches, Activation, Therapies & Risks
Drosophila Ovary — Germarium
Female (Ovary — Germarium)
Female (Ovary – Germarium):
In the Drosophila ovary, 2–3 germline stem cells (GSCs) are located at the anterior tip of the germarium. They physically attach to cap cells using E-cadherin–mediated adhesion. Cap cells act as the niche, producing key signals such as Dpp, Gbb, Hedgehog, and Piwi to maintain GSC self-renewal.
When a GSC divides, it undergoes asymmetric division: one daughter remains attached to cap cells and stays a stem cell,
Read MoreClinical Shock: Diagnosis, Physiology, and Treatment
Understanding Clinical Shock
Shock is one of the most frequently diagnosed and most complex clinical conditions encountered in the critically ill patient. Ongoing investigations have identified the mechanisms of various shock states to be complicated, yet based within the cellular foundation of normal, everyday existence. Although mortality from shock states remains high, the focus on early, aggressive resuscitation to defined endpoints has significantly enhanced a clinician’s ability to improve
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