Cerebral Palsy Stem Cell Therapy

cerebral palsy stem cell therapy 

As we have discussed in the former article (click here), cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that caused by brain damage during pregnancy, delivery, or rapidly after birth. Many scientists around the world have been looking for its therapy. The trend of cerebral palsy therapy is now stem cell therapy. 

CT scan of children with cerebral palsy shows many hypoperfusion areas (hypoperfusion = lack of blood flow). Stem cell therapy has benefits to help repair this condition by:

• Repairing white matters area to produce more glial cells
• Repairing grey matters by stimulating the growth factors and nerve cells.
• Stimulating the formation of blood vessels (angiogenesis) to the damaged areas.
• Stimulating more new neurons to get more oxygen and nutrient supply.
• Muscle tissue strengthening.
• Increasing immunity system.
• Improving neuroprotection.

Several studies conclude that cerebral palsy is the best responder to stem cells. In a study of 20 participants, about 85% showed mild to significant improvement after 5 months therapy. Symptoms and signs of improvements are: muscle tone, increased vocabulary, increased comprehension and socialization. Good respond is caused by the cells differentiate predominantly into glial progenitors that promote brain cells repair. After that, it must be followed by physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy.

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Chronic Knee Pain

chronic knee pain

Chronic knee pain is caused by diseases or conditions that occurs in knee joint, the soft tissue and bones around the knee, and also nerves fiber in the knee area. Knee joint is the most common organ involved in rheumatic disease, immune disease, and also joint inflammation or known as arthritis.

Chronic knee pain: Risk factors

There are some risk factors for people to develop chronic knee pain, such as:

• Aging. The risk of chronic pain increases with age.
• Sex. Women have a higher risk although the mechanism is still unknown.
• Obesity. 
• Sedentary lifestyle and less exercise.
• Trauma/injuries. Pain caused by injuries can be worse by bending the knee, putting weight on the knee, or walking. A single traumatic event can caused one or more injured area.
• Athletic/sport activities.

Treatment of chronic knee pain

• If the problem is arthritis, the treatment is according to the nature of type of arthritis. If analgetics do not  give any response, it may require a total knee joint replacement by surgery.
• If the cause is infection, treatments are antibiotics and sometimes it needs joint surgery.
• Tumor should need a surgery.
• Bursitis. It can be treated with ice packs, immobilization, and antiinflamatory drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin, and for severe cases, it needs corticosteroid injections as well as physical therapies.

The outlook and prevention of chronic knee pain

The outlook (prognosis) for persons with chronic knee pain depends on the exact cause of pain. Knee pain caused by degenerative or auto immune disease can be chronic and cannot completely recovered, while chronic knee pain from injuries can be resolved with appropriate management. Only knee pain caused by injuries that can be treated such as enough warming up before having exercise, etc.

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Insulin Resistance Diet

insulin resistance diet

Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreas to control our blood glucose level. The main effects of insulin are to increase glucose uptake by cells and promote glucose using and storage in liver and muscle tissue. Insulin resistance is a condition which the body cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. So the body need higher levels of insulin to have optimal effects.

There are some conditions that have contribution to develop insulin resistance:

• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Severe illness and infection
• Long term steroid use
• Stress

However, preventing is better than curing. We have some tips about insulin resistance diet:

1. Carbohydrate diet guidelines
• Good carbohydrates are the non-refined and non-starchy ones.
• Reduce sugar, simple sugar, and sweetener, such as Stevia, common table sugar, fructose, ice cream, pastries, honey, soda, candy.
• No grain products, such as pop corn, breads, pasta, corn tortilla chips.
• Whole grain limitations, such as wheat, barley, buckwheat. 
• Limit butter
2. Fruits diet guidelines
• Eat it with protein meals and not alone
• Berries are the best ones.
• No dried fruit, no canned fruits (except tomato sauce)
3. Protein diet guidelines
• Animals that eat grass are unhealthy for the person eating the animal
• No hydrogenated margarine
• Dairy products are okay, especially unsweetened yoghurt.
• Consume moderate amounts of leaner meats, fish, and seafood. The more omega-3, the better.
4. Fat diet guideline
• Low diet fat is unhealthy, eat fat moderately.
• Limit fried foods
• Use healthy oil (olive, canola), coconut oil is okay
• Limit cheese
5. Other
• Drink lots of water
• Organic fruits and vegetables are the best (if available)
• This is important: exercise more!

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How to Get Rid of a Hemorrhoid Fast

how to get rid of a hemorrhoid fast

Hemorrhoid is quite irritating, especially for you who is physically active. When doctor has diagnosed you with hemorrhoid, there are lots of therapy alternatives. Some of them do not go far enough because they are basically insufficient to cure the basic problem of hemorrhoids. Here are some therapeutic options you should know and try about how to get rid of a hemorrhoid fast, before you spend money on a more expensive treatment.

Home remedies for getting rid of a hemorrhoid fast:

1. No more irritations
• Do not scratch
• Choose a better paper toilet
• Soak in a tub of warm water to cure the swollen veins
2. Dietary changes
• Eat more fibers: oatmeal, papaya, nuts, raisins, prunes. 
• Drink more
• Beer, soda, junk food, and coffee are strictly prohibited
• Reduce salt intake
3. Try not to strain
4. Try OTC remedies, such as painkillers. But you can only use them temporarily.
5. See a doctor. If your hemorrhoids still persist after 1-2 weeks, you should visit a physician. Some type of hemorrhoids need surgery to be cured.

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Laser Cataract Surgery Procedure

laser cataract surgery procedure

Cataract is a clouding on the eye lens. When you have cataract, it seems like looking through a fogged up window. People with cataract are difficult to read, drive at night, etc. Cataracts usually develop slowly, so they may not show any symptoms, but with time, cataracts will progressively interfere with your vision. Eyeglasses cannot help people with cataracts. Impaired vision need cataract surgery, because if cataracts are not well treated, they may cause vision loss. Cataract surgery is a safe and quick procedure, and it is very effective. Now, there is a more efficient surgical option: laser cataract surgery. 

How is laser cataract surgery procedure?

Laser cataract surgery uses a special device named a femtosecond laser. Its function is making incision into the eye, opening the lens, then dividing the lens into small parts. What makes difference between standard cataract surgery procedure with laser cataract surgery procedure is that cataract laser surgery can be performed on secondary cataracts. Secondary cataracts are cataracts that occur on posterior capsule. It is a minor procedure, doesn't need hospitalization (one day care), and can be performed without anesthesia. Primary cataract surgery is when lenses are totally removed and replaced with intraocular lens made of plastic or silicone. 

Laser cataract surgery procedure is different from Lasik procedure although Lasik procedure also uses a laser. In Lasik, a laser reshapes the cornea in order to correct the eyesight so you don't need to wear thick glasses again.

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How To Lose Weight Without Exercise Or Diet

how to lose weight without exercise or diet

See that title, it seems like it is impossible to lose weight without exercise or diet, but basically we can lose weight without significant exercise or minimal exercise, especially if you are a very busy person. Some people have proven that this efforts work for them. Why don't you try?

Here are some tips.

1. No carbs diet. Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for humans to maintain the stability of blood sugar level. But basically our body has a mechanism to obtain energy from non-carbohydrates sources: fat (free fatty acid and glycerol) and proteins (amino acid). With no-carbohydrate diet, the body will use glycogen storage in muscle and adipose tissue as energy source. It may be difficult to have purely no-carbs diet, but you can minimize it.
2. Add more protein in your diet. Protein is an important nutrient that works to repair cells and tissues. Increase protein in your diet to replace the carbohydrate portion. Please consider to make sure that your kidney is well-functioned, because excess protein will aggravate the unhealthy kidney. Examples of high protein meals are chicken breast, seafood, etc.
3. More fibers and vegetables. With large portions of vegetables twice a day, you will feel full longer. In addition, bowel movements also become more fluent. For a good diet program, you should train yourself to defecate everyday!
4. Half what you eat. When you do enough exercise, you need one portion of meal, but if you do not do exercise, you only need a half portion. Replace the entire portion with fibers and vegetables.

There are other ways I don't discuss here yet, but you can share with us. Remember to weigh yourself every morning, or before bedtime, so you will always be aware of the weight progress. Keep yourself motivated and never give up. Ideal body weight is not only good for your performance and make you look sexier, but it will be protective from any diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart attack, and so on.

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Uterus Cancer Symptoms And Signs

uterus cancer symptoms and signs

The most common uterus cancer symtoms and signs such as abnormal vaginal bleeding which may begin with bloody-streaked flow which contains more blood. Related to that  symtoms and signs, another  uterus cancer symptoms may arise feeling pain :
1. In the bladder or difficulty emptying the bladder.
2. In the pelvic region.
3. When having sex.
By consulting to doctor as early, can reduce risk of developing cervical cancer from become more severe. Examination by a doctor include the examination of the uterus, vagina and surrounding tissue is mainly related to physical characteristics.
Medical device which is used to identify uterine cancer is ultrasound. In principle, ultrasound emits sound waves. Wave reflection creates the impression of the uterus as a basis for further analysis.
In addition, to ensure the presence of cancer cells that may do a biopsy tissue sampling of cancer cells through a thin tube is inserted in the vagina or uterus. The pathologist then examined the tissue under a microscope to examine the cancer cells.

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Endometrial Cancer Symptoms And Signs

endometrial cancer symptoms and signs

Endometrial cancer is a cancer that is originated from endometrium, the lining of the womb (uterus). The exact cause of endometrial cancer is still unclear, but it is proven that there is a genetic mutation in endometrial cells. Endometrial cancer is different from cervical cancer, that is mostly detected in advanced stages, in endometrial cancer, early stages are more often detected because the cancer produces abnormal vaginal bleeding. When detected, total removal of the uterus will completely eliminate cancer cells. 

Endometrial cancer symptoms and signs

• Pelvic pain or cramping, sometimes abdominal pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal menstrual period, with abnormal menstrual bleeding
• For menopause women: bleeding between usual periods, spotting, vaginal bleeding, heavy and frequent vaginal bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal discharge after menopause (watery, blood-tinged discharge)
• Signs/diagnostics:
• Endometrial biopsy, then examine it microscopically by a pathologist.
• D and C (dilation and curettage)

Treatment

Generally, there are 4 treatment options for endometrial cancer:

1. Surgery
2. Radiation
3. Chemotherapy
4. Hormonal therapy

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iPad Applications For Kids With Autism

ipad applications for kids with autism

Technology was created to facilitate human life. Although technology also has negative impact on human life, still we can't hardly live without the help of technology, in all life parts. Technology and education are close things. Apple iPad is so amazing that education experts are raving over it, but not for its ability to help children with their homework, but in the spotlight today is the iPad applications are revolutionizing the way we train kids with autism.

There are five basic skills which kids with autism learn by playing games and other iPad applications.

1. Social skills
2. Fine motor skills
3. Language and communication skills
4. Sensory skills
5. Stress reduction

Here are recommended iPad applications for kids with autism, followed by their customer reviews

Angry Octopus. ($7.99)

Children relate to the Angry Octopus in this story as the sea child shows him how to take a deep breath, calm down, and manage his anger. An effective stress and anger management technique known as progressive muscular relaxation focuses awareness on various muscle groups to create a complete resting of the mind and body. This engaging story quiets the mind and relaxes the body so your child can let go of anger and fall asleep peacefully.

First Then Visual Schedule. ($9.99)

Designed for caregivers to provide positive behavior support. For individuals with communication needs, developmental delays, Autism or those who benefit from a structured environment; visual schedules serve to increase independence and lower anxiety during transitions through different activities.

AutismXpress (Free)
The ‘Autism Xpress’ has been created to help promote greater awareness about autism spectrum disorders. It is designed to encourage people with autism to recognizes and express their emotions through its fun and easy to use interface.

Model Me Going Places 2 (Free)
It is a great visual teaching tool for helping your child learn to navigate challenging locations in the community. Each location contains a photo slideshow of children modeling appropriate behavior.


Social Skills ($3.99)
It offers parents and educators the ability to interact with six social narratives (broken into 2 levels which give a total possible of 12 social narratives) designed to help individuals improve their social ability. With Social Skills (S2L), the stories contain targeted instruction in the following core areas: Joint Attention; Non-Verbal Communication; Greetings; Structured game play; Turn Taking; Classroom rules; and Imitation.


Look2Learn ($14.99)
Look2Learn was developed by an educational team consisting of teachers, a speech therapist, and a school psychologist specializing in educating individuals with communication challenges. L2L addresses the communication needs of multiple populations including: early development communication enhancement (e.g., a two year old whose cognitive skills currently exceed his or her expressive communication); individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder; individuals who have short or long-term communication challenges due to medical needs; as well as others who have a speech and language disorder.


Stories2Learn ($13.99)
It is an affordable and powerful way to promote social messages to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.


Look in My Eyes ($2.99)
Eye contact is an important social skill that some children find challenging. “Look in My Eyes” helps them practice this skill - while earning fun rewards and playing creatively. It was designed for children on the autism spectrum - especially those with Asperger’s Syndrome - but any child who has difficulties with eye contact may benefit from playing. The game rewards players for quickly focusing in on a person’s eyes. Through repeated practice we attempt to develop a habit that families can transfer to real life settings as they remind children to use the skills they have practiced in the game.


Eye Contact ($2.99)
This game helps them practice the skill while earning fun rewards. The game is similar to those in our "Look in My Eyes" series - but the reward is easier and more immediate. We developed this easy reward because of parent feedback on our previous games. Some parents who loved the eye contact practice in our "Look in My Eyes" series expressed the desire for a reward that was simpler.


Sources: 

• Apple's Application Store
• Huffington Post
• Bookroom Reviews
• B12 Patch
• Youtube

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What Is EHEC Bacteria

what is ehec bacteria

EHEC stands for enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli. This bacteria can casue severe food borne disease. EHEC bacteria often causes outbreaks that are mainly caused by raw milk, undercooked ground meat products, fruit and vegetables that are contaminated by feces. Actually, the EHEC bacteria infection is spontaneously cured, but in bad immune system, it may lead to a life-threatening condition such as haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) that mostly happen in children and elderly. The recent big outbreak of EHEC infection was in Europe, primarily in Germany, 4,000 people was infected with more of 700 cases of HUS and 46 deaths. This HUS incidence was higher than usual and it was identified that the organism involved is E coli O104. 

What is EHEC bacteria?

• Strain O157 of E coli is a member of EHEC pathotype.
• Most clinical microbiology laboratories do not routinely test for this bacteria. Sorbitol MacConkey media is commonly used to identify EHEC, which is based on EHEC's instability to ferment sorbitol.
• EHEC can also be detected from its Shiga toxins via PCR from diarrhea specimen.
• Examples of food that can promote EHEC outbreaks: undercooked hamburger, sprouts and lettuce, unpasteurized milk, and other dairy products that are contaminated by livestock excretion (bovine).

Symptoms of EHEC infection

• Diarrhea, can be bloody (haemorrhagic enteritis) in day 2-3 
• Significant abdominal pain
• Mild fever
• Vomiting
• Symptoms and signs of HUS:
• Haemolytic anemia
• Acute renal failure
• Thrombocytopenia
• Neurological complications: coma, seizure

 Treatment of EHEC infection

• Currently the treatment is supportive only
• It is important to know that the use of empiric antibiotics that are usually given to treat bacterial gastroenteritis will increase the risk of haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
• Hospitalization is needed because the patients should receive proper fluid replacement 
• In HUS, the treatments are hemodialysis, blood transfusion, and possibly plasmaphoresis.

How to prevent EHEC infection?

• Cook meat and milk products thoroughly because actually EHEC is heat-sensitive.
• Follow the "Five Keys to Safer Food", a guidance by WHO. It is about how to prevent infections from food borne microorganisms such as EHEC.
• Regular hand washing, especially before food preparation and after toilet contact

Sources:

• World Health Organization
• Consultant Live

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